Bhutan Tourism Corporation LTD a LENS to BUDDHISM (11 DAYS)

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Bhutan Tourism Corporation LTD a LENS to BUDDHISM (11 DAYS) Bhutan Tourism Corporation LTD ITINERARY ITINERARY A LENS TO BUDDHISM (11 DAYS) All Seasons all Year, 2021 HIS TRIP OFFERS a relaxed holiday be confirmed 100 days prior to WESTERN BHUTAN covering western Bhutan. Western arrival and are subject to any hotel Day One (Arrive Paro–Thimphu) T Bhutan is known for its stunning supplement levied by the hotel Arriving at Paro International airport scenery, with rice paddies, apple orchards, for that particular festival. and upon clearing immigration and rivers flowing down the mountain valleys. Recommended for non-festival and customs, you will meet with Most of the houses are painted with traditional period: Thursday to Tuesday, or your guide and driver. Drive about designs and offer the visitor the opportunity Friday to Wednesday program. 1 hour 30 minutes to Thimphu to discover arts, architecture, and the day- • Paro Festival: March 23–28, 2021 (2,286m), the capital of Bhutan. to-day activities of the Bhutanese. The trip • Thimphu Festival: September After lunch at the hotel, visit the covers spectacular dzongs (fortresses) and 16–21, 2021 Memorial Chorten, built in 1974 monasteries in Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha. • October 17–27, 2021 in loving memory of the Third Programs during a festival period must Jambey Lhakhang Festival King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji T I B E T children learning and practicing the Bhutan’s most enchanting views. If weather T e r i Z o n g p h u G a n g M a s a n g G a n g ( 7 1 6 5 m ) G a n g ( T a b l e M o u n t a i n ) ancient arts and crafts of Bhutan. permits, from this pass, the breathtaking peaks G a n g c h h e n t a ( 6 8 4 0 m ) ( 7 3 0 0 m ) ( 7 5 5 4 m ) K u l h a K a n g p h u G a n g r i T s e j a G a n g ( 6 8 3 3 m ) G a n g G a n g h a r ( 7 5 5 4 m ) Zorig Chusum literally means the of Bhutan’s northern border can be viewed. G i e u G a n g ( 7 2 0 0 m ) • Laya ( 7 2 1 2 m ) P u e n s u m ( 7 5 4 1 m ) K u n g P h u ( 6 5 3 2 m ) G A S A thirteen traditional arts and crafts. At Dochula, you will also see a unique cluster T s e r i m K a n g ( 6 7 8 9 m ) K a n g r i ( 7 2 3 9 m ) M e l u n g h i J i c h u D r a k e G a n g Visit the Royal Textile Academy, of 108 Namgyel Khangzang Chortens that spiral ( 6 9 8 9 m ) K a n g Gasa W A N G D U E ( 7 0 0 0 m ) B u m • Gasa J h o m o l h a r i Tsachhu P H O D R A N G which provides an excellent up to the main Chorten known as the “Druk ( 7 3 1 4 m ) ( 6 5 2 6 m ) P A R O T r e m o Tango Goemba introduction about the techniques, Wangyal Khangzang Chortens”. Her Majesty The L a Chari Goemba P U N A K H A S I K K I M PUNAKHA Z e l e Drukgyel Dzong P e l e L a CHAMKHAR style of various textiles woven in Queen Mother, Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, L a D o c h u L a (Jakar) Taktshang ( 3 3 0 0 m ) THIMPHU ( 3 0 5 0 m ) WANGDUE Nobding Y o t a n g L a Kyichu • the country along with exhibition dedicated these chortens as a tribute and G o m PHODRANG ( 3 4 0 0 m ) PARO Simtokha Dzong TRONGSA L a C h e l i L a Gangte Goemba Kuenga Tanchhog Lhakhang Rabten of the national dress ‘gho’ for monument to the selfless service and visionary H A A ( 3 9 8 8 m ) Isuna • HAA • Phobjikha • Chhuzom T H I M P H U Zhemgang men and ‘kira’ for women. leadership of our Fourth King, His Majesty S i n c h e • Genekha L a Dobji Dzong Tingtibi • Visit the Handicraft Emporium Jigme Singye Wangchuck. The Chortens are D o k a • Chapcha • Sankosh also a celebration of the stability and progress L a T S I R A N G which offers a wide range of S A M T S E • Bunakha Dagana Damphu colorful, hand woven textiles that His Majesty the King brought to the Dungna • • Chimakha • Lamidranga Chhukha • Sibsu C H H U K H A and other products. nation. These chortens are a new landmark • Chengmari Gedu • Sarphang • • Gelephu • Jumja • Samtse • Tala D A G A N A for travelers as they cross Dochula, the first Phuentsholing • • Rinchending I N D I A (THIMPHU FESTIVAL) mountain pass into the interior of the country. WESTERN BHUTAN Sinchula • If you are traveling during the • Kalikhola Reaching the village of Sopsokha, you can period of the Thimphu festival, our walk about 20 minutes across the rice fields up compelling program showcases to the monastery, Chimi Lhakhang. It was built Wangchuck, where a multi-storied Stupa and some of the most sacred and spectacular by Lama Drukpa Kuenley (also known as the numerous paintings are exhibited providing dances performed by monks and laity, Divine Madman by the West). It is believed that an insight into Buddhist philosophy. invoking the deities of Tantric Buddhism. childless women who visit the monastery will Visit Changangkha Lhakhang, an ancient The Black Hat Dance, the Lord of Cremation conceive after receiving the ‘wang’ (blessing). temple built in the thirteen century by Lam Phajo Dance, and the Drametse Drum Dance are Blessed with a temperate climate and Dugom Zhigpo, situated on a ridge above the city. just a few of the main dances you could drained by the Phochu and Mochu rivers, is Visit the Takin Preserve, where you can see witness. The order of the sightseeing will the fertile valley of Punakha. The District has the national animal of Bhutan (Takin). be changed as government institutions will hosted several historical events such as: It In the evening, you will visit Tashichho Dzong be closed such as the National Library. was the Capital of Bhutan since 1651 till 1956. (the fortress of the glorious religion). Tashichho If your visit falls from Friday till Sunday, The First King, Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck Dzong houses His Majesty’s Secretariat and then visit the weekend vegetable market held was enthroned in 1907 and the first session the Central Monk Body. You can see the at the Centenary Farmers Market. The market of the National Assembly was held in 1955. It National Assembly building across the river. provides an opportunity to mingle with the is still the winter residence of His Holiness Day Two (Thimphu Tour) Visit the National local people and sample local organic produce. the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan) and Library, established in the 1960s, which Local arts and crafts are also available. Zhung Dratshang (the Central Monk Body). holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist Day Three (Thimphu–Punakha Sightseeing) manuscripts and a small collection of books. The first stop after leaving Thimphu isDochula CENTRAL BHUTAN Institute of Zorig Chusum (commonly known pass at 10,007 ft. (23km from Thimphu–45 Day Four (Punakha–Bumthang) Proceed as the Painting School) where you can see young minutes’ drive), where you can see one of to Trongsa, via Wangduephodrang, which is located on a ridge that plunges into the K h a r c h u n g Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Bumthang (2,800m) is one of the most G A S A C h i s a n g a n g R i ( 6 0 5 0 m ) L a Thanza • T I B E T Park, which divides western spectacular valleys in Bhutan and also the G a n g h a r L h o b r a k • Laya • Bhutan from central Bhutan. heartland of Buddhism. Here, the great teachers Thega P u e n s u m M e l u n g h i L a G a n g C h u r a G a n g ( 7 5 4 1 m ) GASA ( 7 0 0 0 m ) ( 6 5 0 0 m ) Cross Nikka Chu Bridge to enter meditated and left in their wake many sacred W A N G D U E L H U E N T S E the heavily cultivated Trongsa grounds. Guru Rimpoche and his lineage of Tashithang • P H O D R A N G Lhuentse B U M T H A N G Tangmachu • regions in central Bhutan. Beside Tertons, the treasure discoverers, have laid to P U N A K H A Khaine Toktu Zampa • Tamshing Rinchhu • • Dawakha Goemba Lhakhang the stream, is the white stupa– the sprouting of many temples in the valley. Kurje Lhakhang R o d a n g L a • Dodna • Tseshinang Jakar ( 4 1 6 0 m ) PUNAKHA P e l e L a (Chamkhar) Chenebji Chendebji Chorten–built in the ( 3 3 0 0 m ) Y o t a n g L a Day Five (Bumthang Tour) Start the tour • Membartsho ( 3 4 0 0 m ) Gangte S h e r t a n g L a 19th century and designed similar WANGDUE Goemba TRONGSA • of the valley with a visit to Jambay Lhakhang.
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]
  • On Bhutanese and Tibetan Dzongs **
    ON BHUTANESE AND TIBETAN DZONGS ** Ingun Bruskeland Amundsen** “Seen from without, it´s a rocky escarpment! Seen from within, it´s all gold and treasure!”1 There used to be impressive dzong complexes in Tibet and areas of the Himalayas with Tibetan influence. Today most of them are lost or in ruins, a few are restored as museums, and it is only in Bhutan that we find the dzongs still alive today as administration centers and monasteries. This paper reviews some of what is known about the historical developments of the dzong type of buildings in Tibet and Bhutan, and I shall thus discuss towers, khars (mkhar) and dzongs (rdzong). The first two are included in this context as they are important in the broad picture of understanding the historical background and typological developments of the later dzongs. The etymological background for the term dzong is also to be elaborated. Backdrop What we call dzongs today have a long history of development through centuries of varying religious and socio-economic conditions. Bhutanese and Tibetan histories describe periods verging on civil and religious war while others were more peaceful. The living conditions were tough, even in peaceful times. Whatever wealth one possessed had to be very well protected, whether one was a layman or a lama, since warfare and strife appear to have been endemic. Security measures * Paper presented at the workshop "The Lhasa valley: History, Conservation and Modernisation of Tibetan Architecture" at CNRS in Paris Nov. 1997, and submitted for publication in 1999. ** Ingun B. Amundsen, architect MNAL, lived and worked in Bhutan from 1987 until 1998.
    [Show full text]
  • Enchanting Bhutan Tour – 12 Nights 17 – 29 OCT 2021
    Enchanting Bhutan Tour – 12 nights 17 – 29 OCT 2021 ____________________________________________ Introduction: After the awesome flight into Paro be amazed by the colour & spectacle of the Jambay Lhakhang Drup & Prakhar Duchhoed (festivals) in central Bhutan. This small group tour, catering to a maximum of 8 persons, also features the most important temples & scenery of the central Bumthang region; the remote beauty of the Phobjikha Valley; the splendour of the magnificent Punakha Dzong and culminates with a pilgrimage hike to the majestic Taktsang Monastery (Tigers Nest) in Paro valley. This tour combines the very best the Kingdom of Bhutan has to offer in the west & central regions. Tour Itinerary Overview. • 2 nights Thimphu with exploring, hiking and shopping options. • 2 nights Phobjikha valley for hiking and exploring. • 3 nights Bumthang valleys, festivals, hiking, exploring • 1 night Trongsa with museum & Dzong visits. • 2 nights Punakha valley with monastery & Dzong visits. • 2 nights Paro valley with Taktsang Monastery hike, shopping & exploring. Reasons To Book This Small Group Tour • This all-inclusive 12 night tour is a guaranteed departure. • We only take a max of 8 persons on our tours. • Witness the Jambay Lhakhang Drup & Prakhar Duchhoed (festivals) in Bumthang. • We tailor our tours for less driving & more sightseeing! • 17 years experience, service & knowledge. • Competitive pricing & well constructed itineraries. • We provide a comprehensive pre-departure planning kit. • Experts at combining Bhutan with India & Nepal. • ATAS Accredited via our parent company MTA Travel. OR CALL THE BHUTAN TRAVEL EXPERTS ON AUS toll free, James – 0412 416 111, Nicola – 0413 598 669 Bhutan 13 Day/12 Night Land Tour Costs & Inclusions Tour Dates – 17 – 29 OCT 2021 All inclusive Bhutan land tour cost @US$3481.00 per person twin/dbl share.
    [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]
  • A Historical Background of the Chhoetse Penlop∗ Dorji Wangdi+
    A Historical Background of the Chhoetse Penlop∗ Dorji Wangdi+ The institution of the Chhoetse Penlop (later called Trongsa Penlop) is more than 350 years. It was started by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1647 after he appointed Chhogyel Minjur Tenpa as his representative in Trongsa. This royal institution with a unique blend of mythology and history represents Bhutan’s past. The Trongsa Dzong was founded by Yongzin Ngagi Wangchuk (1517-1554), the son of Lam Ngawang Chhoejay. According to the legend, Ngagi Wangchuk was guided in a vision by Palden Lhamo, the guardian deity of the Dragon Kingdom, to go to a place in central Bhutan which resembled a bow and which was abundant in food grains (mang-dru). The name Mangdey has its origin in this word. Accordingly, Pal Ngagi Wangchuk arrived at Trongsa in 1541 where he took residence in the village of Yueli which was located on the northern hill-slopes overlooking the then bare hillock upon which the Trongsa Dzong is presently located. One night when Pal Ngagi Wangchuk was meditating in Yueli, his attention was drawn by a flicker of light, resembling that of a butter-lamp burning in the open air, at the spot where the present day Goenkhang in the Trongsa Dzong is located. Upon visiting the spot, he was deeply overwhelmed by discovery of Lhamoi Latsho (a sacred lake of Palden Lhamo) and the hoof prints of Palden Lhamo’s steed. In 1543, Pal Ngagi Wangchuk established a small tshamkhang (meditation quarter) in the sacred spot brought ∗ This is a longer version of the paper printed in Kuensel, Vol XIX No.
    [Show full text]
  • 7 DAYS WESTERN BHUTAN TRANQUILITY BT7WBG 13/Jan/2020 to 30/Sep/2021
    7 DAYS WESTERN BHUTAN TRANQUILITY BT7WBG 13/Jan/2020 to 30/Sep/2021 TOUR HIGHLIGHTS Highlights Thimphu Kuenselphodrang Nature Park Buddha Dordenma Statue National Memorial Chorten Centenary Farmers Market Tashichho Dzong Post office Weaving centre Simply Bhutan visit with local rice wine and archery Changangkha Lhakhang Afternoon tea with handmade cookies at Amankora Resort Bhutanese craft bazaar Norzin Lam Punakha Dochula Pass Druk Wangyal Chortens The Himalayas Sopsokha Village Chimi Lhakhang Punakha Dzong Punakha Suspension Bridge Paro Bhutanese heritage farmhouse Kyichu Lhakhang Drugyel Dzong Chelela Pass Paro and Haa Valleys Ta Dzong Rinpung Dzong Taktsang Lhakhang D1 SINGAPORE – PARO – THIMPHU Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for your flight to Paro. Upon arrival, proceed to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Proceed to Kuenselphodrang Nature Park, where you can catch a panoramic view of Thimphu Valley and admire the 169-foot-tall bronze Buddha Dordenma Statue, the largest statue in the country. Proceed to the National Memorial Chorten, a stupa built to honour the late 3rd King Dorji Wangchuck. Visit the Centenary Farmer’s Market, a weekend market famous for its agricultural products. Next, visit Tashichho Dzong, which houses the throne of the King of Bhutan. Meals on board/Lunch/Dinner D2 THIMPHU In the morning, stop at the local post office, where you can get personalised stamps at your own expense. Continue to a weaving centre that produces handwoven textiles and watch skilled weavers at work. Next, visit Simply Bhutan, a living museum whose primary aim is to conserve the culture and customs of traditional Bhutanese life. Visitors get to taste a local rice wine, or ara, and try out archery, Bhutan’s National Sport, during their visit.
    [Show full text]
  • Sl.No Name of Religious and Cultural Sites
    Travelling guide to religious and cultural sites in Bumthang Dzongkhag Gewog : Choekhor Sl.No Name of religious and cultural sites Description of sites Nearest road Distance from Distance to Contact person Contact Remarks point Chamkhar town the site number from the 1 Tashi Gatshel Dungtsho Lhakhang The main nangten of the Lhakhang are statues of Lusibi 20 Km 5 Mins Walk Tashi Tshering, 17699859 Guru Nangsi , Tempa, Chana Dorji. Caretaker 2 Sanga Choling Lhakhang The main relice of the Lhakhang is Guru Tshengye statuDhur toe 20 Km 5 Mins Walk Kezang Dorji, 17778709 Caretaker 3 Dhurm Mey Dungkhor Lhakhang The main nangten of the lhakhang are painiting of Dhurmey 19 Km 15 Mins Yeshi Pema, 17554125 Guru Rinpoche and Tshepamey. Caretaker 4 Dhur Dungkhor Lhakhang The main relices of lhakhang are statues of Chenrizey Dhurmey 19 Km 10 mins Ngawang 17577992 and Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. walk 5 Dhendup Choling Lhakhang The main relices of Lhakhang are Desum Sangay and Dhurmey 19 Km 15 mins Lam Kinley 17603534 Guru Sangay 6 Barsel Lamsel/Dawathang Lhakhang The main relices of Lhakhang is Statues of Guru Dawathang 7 Km 1 min walk Kezang Dawa, Car 77661214 Rinpoche and a small, grey image of Thangtong Gyalpo. 7 Lhamoi Nyekhang The main relice of the Lhakhang is Guru Tshengye statuDawathang 7.5 Km 10 mins Choney Dorji, Lam 17668141 walk 8 Kurjey Guru Lhakang Status of Guru Rimpoche and Guru mediated in one Kurjey 7 Km 1 min walk Kinley, Caretaker 77113811 caves and left body imprint. 9 Kurjey Sampalhendup Lhakhang The main nangten is status of Guru Rinpoche.
    [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]
  • A Cultural and Historical Adventure: Hiking in Vietnam and Bhutan October 8-22, 2018
    In Partnership with Asia Academic Experience, LLC A CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL ADVENTURE: HIKING IN VIETNAM AND BHUTAN OCTOBER 8-22, 2018 Ann Highum and Jerry Freund are ready to travel again with a group of adventuresome and curious people, in 2018. They are anxious to share their love for SE Asia and its people, culture, history and natural beauty. Bhutan and Vietnam are fascinating countries--safe for travel, culturally fascinating, and historically important. Bhutan, famous for its “happiness index” has been open for tourism for many years, but not so welcoming. They are working to change that, and since their tourism industry is now highly regulated and well managed, our colleague Lana has negotiated a fascinating tour. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to offer this tour to hardy souls who want a unique adventure in both the northern part of Vietnam and then in Bhutan. There will, of course, be a focus on learning on this tour, with local guest speakers and excellent local guides who will share their knowledge about each country with the group. The tour is also based on taking hikes in remarkable areas, interacting with different ethnic tribes to learn about their customs and cultures, staying in guesthouses in small villages, and experiencing each country more fully than is possible in other tours. It is important to note that many of the hiking experiences will involve uneven terrain, long uphill climbs and up to 7 miles per hike. Altitude is also a factor, although the highest areas we would visit are in the range of 7-8000 feet.
    [Show 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.
    [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]