DOCSLIB.ORG

Nepal & Bhutan

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Nepal & Bhutan Nepal & Bhutan Nepal & Bhutan 10 days | Kathmandu to Kathmandu PRIVATE TOUR: Combine two What's Included Day 1 : Kathmandu Welcome to Nepal and the start of your beautiful Himalayan Kingdoms • 9 breakfasts, 5 lunches & 6 dinners holiday! Pick up and complete a landing card in one magical tour. Enter the including dinner at a Nepali cultural on the plane or in the airport before you go serene and spiritual lands of Nepal evening through customs. Upon arrival you will be met and Bhutan, and experience the • 4 nights standard hotel in Kathmandu, 5 by our representatives and transferred to your nights standard hotel/lodges in Bhutan countries' rich histories and unique hotel where you will receive a welcome drink • Airport arrival and departure transfers cultural heritages. From the brightly and a briefing about your trip. Overnight - • Return economy class return flight Kathmandu coloured fluttering prayer flags of Kathmandu - Paro - Kathmandu Nepal to the elaborate traditional • Guided sightseeing of Kathmandu and Day 2 : Pashupatinath Temple dress of the Bhutanese, these Bhutan as detailed in the itinerary captivating lands cannot fail to • Services of local English speaking tour enchant. guides • All entrance fees to included sites and monuments HIGHLIGHTS AND INCLUSIONS • Services of licensed Nepalese & Bhutanese English speaking tour guides Trip Highlights • All relevant transfers and transportation in • Kathmandu and the Kathmandu Valley - private vehicles Patan Durbar Square, Swayambhunath • Bhutan Visa fee and travel Permit Pagoda, Bodhnath Buddhist stupa and (excludes visa admin fee of USD$20 pp, Enjoy a full day of sightseeing in the various other temples and shrines payable upon arrival) Kathmandu Valley. Our first port of call • Bhaktapur Durbar Square • All Bhutan government royalties and is Swayambhunath - believed to be 25 • Paro - Paro Rinpung Dzong, Kyichu taxes centuries old it is one of the world’s oldest Lhakhang, The National Museum at Ta What's Not Included Buddhist Chaityas and a World Heritage site. Dzong, local farmhouse and Paro market It is a sacred shrine and worshipped by • Thimphu - Market, Chorten’s memorial, • International flights, Nepal visa, Bhutan all the Buddhists around the world. From Hand Made Paper Unit, Handicrafts visa administration fee payable upon Swayambhunath we drive to Kathmandu Emporium arrival USD$20 Durbar Square - the Royal Palace complex • Punakha - Punakha Dzong • Tipping - an entirely personal gesture built during the 17th century. We may also visit • Chimi Lhakhang - beautiful temple the special living Goddess “Kumari”. Many • Panoramic views of the Bhutanese ITINERARY local festivals take place in this area, you may Himalayas and incredible scenery be lucky enough to witness one! Nepal & Bhutan - 10 days updated on 27-09-2021 01:24:45 www.onthegotours.com This information has been compiled with care and good faith. They give an accurate illustration of the proposed arrangements for this holiday. Circumstances beyond our control such as changes in local conditions, inclement weather or other reasons could force us to make changes to UK 020 7371 1113 [email protected] this itinerary. Any costs shown are subject to change, though are an accurate reflection of costs at time of writing. Please also note that visa AUS 1300 855 684 [email protected] requirements are subject to change and are the responsibility of the traveller and not that of On The Go Tours. NZ 0800 44 77 69 CAN 1 866 890 7038 - 1 - USA 1 866 606 2960 SA 0800 990 311 Nepal & Bhutan Nepal & Bhutan Paro - Thimphu. After an early breakfast, drive Day 7 : Evening tea with a After lunch drive to Pashupatinath, on the for approx 1.5 hours to Thimphu, capital of local family banks of The Bagmati River. Pashupatinath Bhutan. Thimphu is one of the fastest growing Temple is one of the most sacred Hindu cities in the world, located in a narrower valley shrines and is also a World Heritage site. than Paro and more crowded. It is a modern city but still preserves traditional architecture After exploring the area drive northeast and traditions. to Bodhnath stupa, another World Heritage site. You can see many artistic monasteries This afternoon visit the Memorial Chorten built here which provide an excellent insight into in memory of Late His Majesty, the 3rd King Tibetan culture. In the evening, Buddhists of Bhutan. Also visit a weaving centre that walk around the stupa with prayer wheels, provides cloth for Bhutanese royals where praying, or prostrating as they pray to Buddha. you can watch the weavers at work. The tour After breakfast continue your tour with a hike Many butter lamps provide a unique feeling of ends with an evening visit to the Weekend up one of Bhutan’s most revered monuments, Nirvana. We drive back to the hotel to freshen market for some souvenirs. the Taktshang Goemba or more commonly up. In the evening enjoy an authentic Nepali known as “Tigers Nest “ until you reach the meal with unique cultural dances depicting The rest of the afternoon is free for you sacred monastery perched on a cliff 900m the various religions of Nepal at a typical to explore the Thimphu market. Overnight - above the valley floor. In the evening enjoy a Nepali restaurant. Overnight - Kathmandu (B, Thimphu (B, L, D) traditional butter tea with a Bhutanese family D) in the farm house. Overnight - Paro (B, L, D) Day 5 : Punakha Day 3 : Paro Thimphu - Punakha. After breakfast drive Days 8-9 : Kathmandu & Kathmandu – Paro. This morning transfer to on to Punakha. Stop for lunch at Docho Bhaktapur the airport for your flight to Bhutan. Upon la, where if the weather permits you’ll be Paro - Kathmandu. On day 8 fly back to arrival at Bhutan/Paro airport you will be met treated to an incredible panoramic view of the Kathmandu where you will be transferred to by our local representative and transfered Bhutanese Himalayas. Punakha is a 2.5 hour your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to your hotel. Check in to the hotel and drive from Thimphu. After crossing Docho la in Nepal's colourful capital. The following day freshen up. After lunch, enjoy a visit to the the vegetation changes from predominantly visit Bhaktapur and enjoy a guided tour of Paro Rinpung Dzong “the Fort of the heap Blue Pine forest to a greater variety of plants the Durbar square, ancient Royal Palace and of Jewels” which houses the Paro Monastic and trees. In spring, it is colorful with all the local town, which is very cultural and body, Paro District Civil Administration and the the Rhododendrons and Magnolias in bloom. traditional. Overnight - Kathmandu (B:2) Paro District Court. A smaller Dzong was first Upon arrival in Punakha check into hotel, built sometime in the 15th century and rebuilt refresh and then drive up the valley to visit the Day 10 : Kathmandu by the Shabdrung in 1645. It caught fire in Dzong in all its splendor. Overnight - Punakha 1905 but was immediately rebuilt to its original (B, L, D) splendor by the Paro Penlop Dawa Penjor. On way back to the hotel visit Kyichu Lhakhang, Day 6 : Chimi Lhakhang built in 638 AD under the order of the Tibetan Punakha - Chimi Lhakhang - Paro. After King Songtsengampo, it is one of the oldest an early breakfast visit Wangde Dzong temples in Bhutan. Overnight - Paro (B, L, D) en route to Chimi Lhakhang. A beautiful temple standing all alone on a small hill Day 4 : Thimphu overlooking the Puna Tshangchu river belt, Chimi Lhakhang is the Holy place of Lama Drukpa Kuenley, also known as Divine Mad Arrangements end after breakfast today with man. The temple is very sacred for the an included transfer to Kathmandu Airport Bhutanese and thousands of people who visit for your flight home. Alternatively consider Chimi Lhakhang do so to pray for children - extending your stay and take a spectacular either people with no children seeking fertility scenic flight over Everest and the majestic or those who have children, seek protection Himalayas! (B) for them. Return to your hotel for lunch before driving back to Paro. Overnight - Paro (B, L, D) PRICES / DATES INFO Nepal & Bhutan - 10 days updated on 27-09-2021 01:24:45 www.onthegotours.com This information has been compiled with care and good faith. They give an accurate illustration of the proposed arrangements for this holiday. Circumstances beyond our control such as changes in local conditions, inclement weather or other reasons could force us to make changes to UK 020 7371 1113 [email protected] this itinerary. Any costs shown are subject to change, though are an accurate reflection of costs at time of writing. Please also note that visa AUS 1300 855 684 [email protected] requirements are subject to change and are the responsibility of the traveller and not that of On The Go Tours. NZ 0800 44 77 69 CAN 1 866 890 7038 - 2 - USA 1 866 606 2960 SA 0800 990 311 Nepal & Bhutan Nepal & Bhutan The 'Twin Share' price is per person when there are 2 persons sharing a room. The 'Solo Room' price is applicable when a single room is required. Prices are based on a travelling party of at least 2 adults. If travelling solo, an additional ‘1-person’ supplement will apply. PRICES / DATES 2021 Date Twin Share Single 26 Feb USD 3,695 USD 4,395 Nepal & Bhutan - 10 days updated on 27-09-2021 01:24:45 www.onthegotours.com This information has been compiled with care and good faith. They give an accurate illustration of the proposed arrangements for this holiday. Circumstances beyond our control such as changes in local conditions, inclement weather or other reasons could force us to make changes to UK 020 7371 1113 [email protected] this itinerary.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • OVERVIEW: - 12 Nights 13 Days Bhutan Tour
    BHUTAN TOUR 13 Days & 12 Nights OVERVIEW: - 12 Nights 13 Days Bhutan Tour DAY PLACE DATE ALTITUDE 1 Land Paro - Sightseeing 2000 m 2 Excursion to Tiger’s Nest 3120 m 3 Excursion to Chelela Pass 4000 m 4 Fly to Bumthang by domestic flight 2800 m 5 Bumthang local sightseeing 2800 m 6 Short hike and drive to Trongsa 2200 m 7 Trongsa - Phobjikha 3000 m 8 Phobjikha - Punakha 1242 m 9 Excursion in and around Punakha 1242 m 10 Punakha - Thimphu 2334 m 11 Thimphu sightseeing 2334 m 12 Excursion to Tango Cheri Monastery 2334 13 Depart from Paro 2200 m Email: [email protected] Website: www.bhutantourpackages.travel Ph: +97517126248 /77126248 DETAIL ITINERARY LAND PARO – LOCAL SIGHTSEEING Fly into Paro by Drukair / Bhutan. Our representative who will be your tour guide Day throughout your tour. Then drive to hotel after refreshment visit the following: 1 Rinpung Dzong Built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal , the first National Museum Parospiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan, the Dzong houses the monastic body of Paro, the office of the Dzongda (district administrative head) and Thrimpon (judge) of Paro district. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge called Nemi Zam. A walk through the bridge, over a stone inlaid path, offers a good view of the architectural wonder of the Dzong as well as life around it. It is also the venue of Paro Tshechu, held once a year in the spring. Ta Dzong One time watch tower built to defend Rinpung Dozng during inter-valley wars of the 17th century, since 1967 Ta Dzong is serving as the National Museum of the country.
    [Show full text]
  • 6 Dzongs of Bhutan - Architecture and Significance of These Fortresses
    6 Dzongs of Bhutan - Architecture and Significance of These Fortresses Nestled in the great Himalayas, Bhutan has long been the significance of happiness and peace. The first things that come to one's mind when talking about Bhutan are probably the architectures, the closeness to nature and its strong association with the Buddhist culture. And it is just to say that a huge part of the country's architecture has a strong Buddhist influence. One such distinctive architecture that you will see all around Bhutan are the Dzongs, they are beautiful and hold a very important religious position in the country. Let's talk more about the Dzongs in Bhutan. What are the Bhutanese Dzongs? Wangdue Phodrang Dzong in Bhutan (Source) Dzongs can be literally translated to fortress and they represent the majestic fortresses that adorn every corner of Bhutan. Dzong are generally a representation of victory and power when they were built in ancient times to represent the stronghold of Buddhism. They also represent the principal seat for Buddhist school responsible for propagating the ideas of the religion. Importance of Dzongs in Bhutan Rinpung Dzong in Paro, home to the government administrative offices and monastic body of the district (Source) The dzongs in Bhutan serve several purposes. The two main purposes that these dzongs serve are administrative and religious purposes. A part of the building is dedicated for the administrative purposes and a part of the building to the monks for religious purposes. Generally, this distinction is made within the same room from where both administrative and religious activities are conducted.
    [Show full text]
  • Survey Report on the Protection of Cultural Heritage in the Kingdom of Bhutan
    Japan Consortium for International Cooperation in Cultural Heritage 2009 International Cooperation Survey Survey Report on the Protection of Cultural Heritage in the Kingdom of Bhutan March 2011 Japan Consortium for International Cooperation in Cultural Heritage 報告書(英文）110701最終版_島田.indd 0001 2011/07/25 15:46:01 Contents Introduction 1 Forward 2 Preface 1.Overview of the Survey 5 （1）Purpose and members of the Survey 6 （2）Reasons for survey in Bhutan 7 （3）Cultural Heritage in Bhutan ① Uniqueness of Bhutan from the Viewpoint of Cultural Heritage ② Types of Cultural Heritage in Bhutan 10 （4）Survey Method 2.Overview of the Cultural Heritages Sites Visited 12 （1） Temples 16 （2） Dzongs 28 （3） Other Structures 28 （4） A Bhutanese Festival (Intangible Cultural Heritage) 3.Discussion 37 （1） Summary of Field Survey 45 （2） Potential for Cooperation in the Field of Cultural Heritage Protection 49 （3） Conclusion 4.Survey Records 53 （1） List of Interviewees 54 （2） Record of Action 59 （3） Notes from Interviews 76 （4） Survey Photos 報告書(英文）110701最終版_島田.indd 001 2011/07/25 15:46:01 Introduction Forward The present report is the result of a survey conducted in Bhutan by the Japan Consortium for International Cooperation in Cultural Heritage (hereinafter referred to as “the JCIC”) as part of its research on partner countries for international cooperation. The surveys, which are among the primary activities of the JCIC, are for the purpose of collecting basic data in order to determine potential fi elds of cooperation, and their feasibility, in partner countries, thus contributing to the promotion of international cooperation.
    [Show full text]
  • Itinerary Land of the Thunder Dragon Paro – Thimpu – Punakha – Paro Tour Code – CT SPDY 6 Nights – 07 Days
    Itinerary Land of the Thunder Dragon Paro – Thimpu – Punakha – Paro Tour Code – CT SPDY 6 nights – 07 days The work of J. R. R. Tolkiens is world famous as a fictional account of magical lands, mystical black mountains, dragons & Kings. Very few know that there is a land where such things are very much real and a part of everyday life. A land whose people call it “Druk – yul” or Land of the Thunder Dragon, a kingdom ruled by a Dragon King, who wears a raven crown. A land of mystical valleys resounding with magic, tranquility and happiness, complete with black mountains and sacred peaks which touch the skies. We invite you to a magical experience in this land, where even in this modern world happiness is given more importance, a world which moves with its own unique pace towards a better and more serene existence. We invite you to visit the Kingdom of Bhutan Creative Travel | [email protected] | page 1 Day 1: Arrive Paro – Thimpu Arrive at Paro International Airport. Welcome on arrival & Transfer to Thimpu. Afternoon visit King’s memorial Chorten and Trashichhoedzong Stay Overnight at the hotel Arrive at Paro International Airport. Our representative will introduce to the vehicle for an interesting 1 ½ hrs drive through scenic Himalayan countryside to your hotel in Thimphu, the modern capital of the Kingdom. Welcome to the Kingdom of Bhutan! Many eastern classics and books of wisdom have referred to the Himalayas as the abode of gods and home to the immortals, resulting in visits to this country by a great many saints, mystics, scholars and pilgrimswho blessed this land and its people with an invaluable spiritual and cultural legacy that has shaped every facet of Bhutanese lives.
    [Show full text]
  • Exploring the Dragon Kingdom
    EXPLORING THE DRAGON KINGDOM The Essence of Bhutan 13 Nights and 14 Days No treks but plenty of good day hikes Day 1 BANGKOK TO PARO (8000 feet) Today is your flight to Bhutan. As we near Bhutan (and if the weather is clear), we can see the massive peaks of the eastern Himalaya, including Kanchenchunga (third highest mountain in the world) and Bhutan's holy mountain, Chomolhari. Once we’ve completed visa formalities we proceed through customs and immigration and meet our Bhutanese tour leader and drivers in the arrival gate. We drive for about 20 minutes to Zhiwaling Hotel where will be received with a Chipdrel Ceremony (an elaborate Traditional welcome procession). After settling into our comfortable hotel, we’ll drive a short distance up the valley to Drukyel Dzong, the ruined fortress that protected the Paro Valley from Tibetan armies during the 18th century. If the weather is clear, we might have a glimpse of the white pyramid of Chomolhari, rising over the end of the valley. Today being our first day, we will undergo this gentle 30 minutes hike around the ruined Dzong to acclimatize before we return to our hotel. By early evening we return to our hotel for a welcome dinner and a brief trip orientation session. Zhiwaling Hotel Day 2 PARO We have a full day to explore the Paro Valley. Our first stop in Paro is the Ta Dzong (National Museum), a circular fortress that once protected this valley from Tibetan invasion. The impressive watchtower can be seen above Paro Rimpung Dzong, and it commands sweeping views of the valley below.
    [Show full text]
  • 10-Day Thimphu Tshechu Festival Experience
    10-Day Thimphu Tshechu Festival Experience Downloaded on: 8 Oct 2021 Tour code: TTFE10 Tour type Tour Level: High level Tour Comfort: Standard Tour Period: 10 Days highlights tour details Watch locals dressed in fine ghos and kiras celebrating the On this 10-day tour, visit many of the historically significant chortens Thimphu Tshechu Festival and dzongs, some of which are architectural masterpieces or home to Visit Punakha Dzong, home to the sacred Rangjung Kharsapani priceless relics across Bhutan. The highlight of this trip is experiencing relic the Thimphu Tshechu, one of Bhutan's grandest festivals, which Drive through the Dochula Mountain Pass with stunning views of honours Guru Rimpoche, the saint who brought Buddhism to the the snowcapped Himalayas country. Immerse yourself in the ancient culture that's still alive and See Bhutan's national animal at the Takin Preserve well with two days of festivities watching dances performed by Soak in a traditional stone bath that is believed to heal the mind, elaborately costumed monks and laymen. body and soul Contact [email protected] www.diethelmtravel.com Copyright © Diethelm Travel Management Limited. All right reserved. 10-Day Thimphu Tshechu Festival Experience tour description Day 1 : PARO – ARRIVAL ( -/-/D) After arriving at the Paro International Airport, your guide will wait for you at the arrival terminal and traditionally welcome you by offering a ‘khadar’ or greeting scarf. After that, you will be escorted to your hotel, allowed to freshen up, and then taken for a short sightseeing tour around Paro. First, drive to see Rinpung Dzong, which was built in 1645 to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders.
    [Show full text]
  • Mar 21, 2018 Departure
    Mar 21, 2018 Departure FULL ITINERARY: Day 1: Depart USA Your exotic journey to Bhutan begins this evening as you check in for your flight to Bangkok, via Taipei. Day 2: En route Cross the International Dateline and lose a day en route to Thailand. You will recover this day on the return portion of your trip Day 3: Bangkok Accommodations: 1 night Chatrium Riverside, Bangkok. Included meals: Dinner. Late morning arrival in Bangkok, the bustling, captivating and fascinating capital of Thailand, situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River Our representatives will meet you upon arrival, assist with passport and customs formalities, and transfer you to your hotel Later, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant Day 4: Bangkok, Paro & Thimphu Accommodations: 2 nights Osel Hotel, Thimphu, Bhutan. Included meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner. Transfer to the airport to continue your journey to Paro, Bhutan via Druk Air After customs formalities, board your vehicle for the scenic drive to Thimphu Full Day Itinerary: Transfer to the airport to continue your journey to Paro, Bhutan via Druk Air. On a clear day, you may experience breathtaking aerial views of the Himalayas. A representative will greet you upon arrival at Paro International Airport. After customs formalities, board your vehicle for the scenic drive to Thimphu, Bhutan's capital city, passing through a bucolic landscape dotted with rice paddy fields, apple orchards, and quaint villages. Time permitting, enjoy a panoramic tour of Thimphu Valley upon arrival. Thimphu is situation at an elevation of 8,200 feet. On your way to Thimphu, make a stop at the Tachogang Temple, built in the 15th century by Thangtong Gyalpo, builder of many iron bridges in Bhutan.
    [Show full text]
  • Bhutan Yoga Journey
    Bhutan Yoga Journey 15th October – 24th October 2018 Beyond The Clouds has created this Yoga Journey for you to experience yoga in a variety of stunning locations across beautiful western Bhutan. On this ten night journey you will discover the well-preserved unique traditions of a country where Gross National Happiness is more important than economic growth! Step into this magical land with us whilst furthering your yoga practice. Our carefully planned tours show you Bhutan’s stunning natural environment, ancient Buddhist temples and friendly and hospitable local people. 9 night tour Departs: London, UK Price: US$ 4,995 (twin share) Single room supplement US$45 per night, subject to availability. Inclusions: ✓ International flights from London, UK to Bhutan ✓ 9 nights’ hotel accommodation (more luxurious in Paro and comfortable elsewhere) ✓ Transport by private luxury bus ✓ Bhutan visa, Bhutan government tourism royalties and local taxes ✓ All meals, mineral water, tea and coffee ✓ English speaking Bhutanese guide ✓ All entrance fees at monasteries and museums ✓ Internationally qualified yoga instructor and use of yoga mats Exclusions: Connecting flights/transport to London Heathrow All rights reserved - Beyond The Clouds Email: [email protected] www.beyondtheclouds.org.nz Stopover accommodation (in Kathmandu or Delhi, if required) Transit visa (if required) Comprehensive travel insurance (Visit our website to get a quote) Alcoholic or soft drinks Additional extra activities e.g. massage, hot stone baths Laundry Tips for guide and driver About this trip: Your Yoga Journey begins in Paro, home to Bhutan’s only international airport. Spend your first night in the stunning Paro Valley at a Bhutanese-style resort on the edge of a forest just outside the town.
    [Show full text]
  • Experience Bhutan: the Last Shangri – La Kathmandu - Paro - Thimpu - Punakha - Paro Trip Details
    Experience Bhutan: The Last Shangri – La Kathmandu - Paro - Thimpu - Punakha - Paro Trip Details Dates: November 5-November 10, 2021 (6 days 5 nights) Accommodations & Meals: As below Group Size: 15 Traveler Limit Difficulty: Moderate >>> 5 November – Arrive at Paro/Thimphu, Bhutan After breakfast in Kathmandu, transfer to the Airport to connect flight to Paro (1-hour flight). On arrival in Paro drive to Thimphu (1.5-hour drive). The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in entire Himalayas. Upon arrival you will be met by our representative, and afterwards drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan with en-route stop at Chuzom, the confluence of Thimphu and Paro rivers. On arrival in Thimphu, check into the hotel (7611 ft / 2320 m). In the afternoon drive to visit Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). Located at a short drive from Thimphu city center, visitors can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from the Buddha point (Kuensel Phodrang). Accommodation: Hotel Kisa / Phuntsho Pelri / Similar Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner 6 November – Explore Thimphu Enjoy visit of Thimpu including following: National Library, Institute for Zorig Chusum, Textile Museum, and the Folk Heritage Museum. Lunch is followed by a city tour that includes: Memorial Chorten, and colorful handicrafts shops. Conclude the tour of the day with a visit of Trashichhoe Dzong, “fortress of the glorious religion”. This is the center of government and religion, site of monarch’s throne room and seat of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Accommodation: Hotel Kisa / Phuntsho Pelri / Similar Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner 7 November - Thimpu to Punakha Drive to Punakha (3.5-hour drive) with a short stop at Dochula pass (10,105 ft / 3,080m) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road.
    [Show full text]
  • Download Brochure
    1 Culture Bhutan has a profound cultural diversity. With more than 80 percent of the country being Buddhists, the ways of the Buddhist practice has had a huge impact on the Bhutanese culture. The influence of Buddhism is very visible in the everyday life of the Bhutanese people. The country boasts of thousands of monasteries and the landscape is dotted with stupas, prayer wheels, prayer flags and many other insignias celebrating the Buddhist religion. The preservation of culture has always been accorded the highest of priorities and it was outlined as one of the four main pillars of the country’s unique development philosophy of Gross National Happiness. 2 © Ricardo Viana © Ricardo 3 is a religious festival that begins on the 10th day of the Tshechu Bhutanese calendar. During the festival, monks and laymen dances, folk dances, receive blessings and perform mask dances over a stretch socialize. Besides the religious dances and of three to five days in a temple or songs, atsaras are a major attraction during the monastery. The mask dances are tshechu. Atsaras usually don hilarious looking performed to commemorate the life of masks with large protruding noses and often Guru Padmasambhava and other great with a phallus dangling from the head. They Buddhist masters. signify enlightened wisdom and their acts are intended to cleanse the collective sin of Tshechus customarily conclude with the people gathered to witness the religious the unfurling of a Thongdrel (large dances. scroll painting) of Lord Buddha, Guru Rinpoche, Zhabdrung and other The festival is also an occasion for people to enlightened beings.
    [Show full text]
  • An Intimate Journey Through Bhutan, the Last Remaining Himalayan Kingdom
    An Intimate Journey Through Bhutan, the Last Remaining Himalayan Kingdom October 17 - 28, 2019 Paro • Thimpu • Punakha • Trongsa • Bumthang • Taktsang Faculty Leader Erika Hoffmann-Dilloway Erika Hoffmann-Dilloway is an associate professor and chair of Anthropology. She has taught a range of classes including Linguistic Anthropology, Language and the Body, and Literacies in Social Context. Convinced of the deep value of experiential learning, in all her courses she strives to create opportunities for students to bring theories to life through interactions outside the classroom. Erika’s research focuses on sign languages, exploring the flexible, multi-modal nature of communicative practices. She has over twenty years of experience conducting fieldwork with Nepali deaf communities, culminating in a recent, award-winning book, titled, Signing and Belonging in Nepal. One of the highlights of her teaching career was bringing a team of Oberlin students to Kathmandu to collaborate in her research there. She has also had the pleasure of co-leading a winter term trip to Indonesia. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, running, and playing music. A Journey Through Bhutan Dear Oberlin Travelers, High in the majestic eastern Himalaya, nestled between Tibet and India, is the small Kingdom of Bhutan, increasingly renowned as one of the Earth’s last precious unspoiled spots. Here, an intact Buddhist culture is integrated into every aspect of daily life. The breathtaking landscape is dotted with fluttering prayer flags, and colorful farmhouses set into terraced fields. Thick forests are alive with bird calls, and panoramic views of the Himalaya unfold. On this ten-day trip you’ll interact with the architects of Bhutan’s national policy of “Gross National Happiness;” will participate in Buddhist rituals explained by learned lamas; will try your hand at making indigenous crafts; and will enjoy a meal with a farming family.
    [Show full text]
  • Bhutan. a Cultural Encounter
    Bhutan. A cultural encounter. Tour designer: Ugyen Dorji Telephone:+975-2-332959 Email: [email protected] DURATION: 7 days / 6 nights China 3 2 1 Bhutan India Start & finish destination 1. Paro Destinations 2. Thimphu 3. Punakha TOUR OVERVIEW High in the mysterious and majestic eastern Himalayas, nestled between the Tibetan autonomous region of China and India, lies the small Kingdom of Bhutan, increasingly renowned for one of the Earth’s most precious unspoiled spots. This tour explores ancient monasteries and shrines of historical and archaeological interests in the heartland of three major towns of the Dragon Kingdom. The guests will discover a magical place that speaks of a Buddhist culture in the daily lives of its people. They will see the spectacular mountain scenery that provides a backdrop to pristine forests and picturesque valleys. This breathtaking landscape is dotted with fluttering prayer flags, colourful farmhouses amidst terraced fields and impressive monasteries clinging to impossible cliffs. Guests will have the chance to see Taktsang Lakhang, one of the most famous and sacred of Bhutan’s monasteries as well as the National Library of Bhutan in Thimphu, the capital. Visits of Punakha Valley and Punakha Dzong, known as The Palace of Happiness, are all organized. This memorable trip will be kept in the hearts of the adventurer for a lifetime. DAY 1 | ARRIVAL PARO - THIMPHU DAY 2 | THIMPHU The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in entire Himalayas. After breakfast there will be sightseeing in Thimphu valley Flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu, the journey offers including a visit to the National Library of Bhutan, the Institute fascinating views and an exciting descent into the Kingdom.
    [Show full text]