11D 10N the Beauty & Essence of Bhutan

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

11D 10N the Beauty & Essence of Bhutan Travel Code: FIT-PBH11D10N 11D 10N THE BEAUTY & ESSENCE OF Min 2 to go Valid Until 31stDecember 2015 BHUTAN DAY 01 Paro To Thimpu. After the spectacular early morning Drukair flight, drive to Thimpu the capital city of Bhutan. The smallest city has a unique distinction of being the only capital in the world without traffic lights. It is the seats of the government, religion and commerce. The Tashi Chhoe Dzong or the fortress of glorious Religion which was built in 1641, and the memorial Chorten are some of the old seats worth visiting. Notable among the modern attractions are the school of arts and crafts. The National Institute of Medicine, the weekend market and the flock heritage museum. Duration of drive: 1--‐ 1.5 hours. Overnight: Namgay heritage. (Thimphu) DAY 02 Thimphu Sightseeing, Dochu La and Chime Lhakhang. Before heading towers Punakha valley you have great another opportunities to look around Thimphu. Drive to the Druk Wangyel Lhakhang on top of the hillock overlooking Druk wangyel Chorten at Dochula pass (3140m) on a clear day you can see panorama view of Himalaya Mountain. Amazingly built 108 memorial Chorten and thousands fluttering of prayer flags. Drive down along the switchback roads with harping turns enjoying your way through the mountain ranges, beautiful different kinds of flower, wonderful traditional farm house and scenery for almost 64km. it is a great walk after the long drive, across the small village and rice field dawn to the Chime Lhakhang. It is dedicated to Lam Drukpa Kinley, who in the late 15th century, widely believed that childless couples who pray at this temple are usually blessed with children. Duration of drive: 3 to 4 hours. Overnight: Meri Puensum Hotel DAY 03 Punakha Dzong, Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, Pele La and Chendebji Chorten to Trongsa. An early morning start for further explores Heading down along the riverside the massive architectural edifice of the 17th--‐century Punakha Dzong soon looms into view. The fortress was built in 1637 by Shabdung Nawang Namgyal in a commanding position at the confluence of the Po Chhu and Mo Chhu. It once served as the ancient capital of Bhutan and continues to be the winter home of Je Khempo, the head abbot of Bhutan, along with a retinue of 1,000 monks. After a stroll through the quaint bazaar at Wangdue Phodrang to visit its dzong it is time to leave for Trongsa. Winding again through forest, there is a good chance to see monkeys before reaching a spectacular viewpoint across a gorge to Trongsa Dzong. Our hotel for the night can be seen to the left of the town and though you can almost touch it, the road teases you and takes another detour (14km) before reaching Trongsa. Duration of drive: 5 --‐ 6 hours (135km). Overnight: Yangkhil Hotel (or similar), Trongsa. DAY 04 Trongsa Dzong, Ta Dzong, Weaving Villages, Bumthang. Built in 1648, Trongsa Dzong was the ancestral home of the ruling dynasty its labyrinth of temples, corridors, offices and living quarters for the monks. Backing on to the mountain and built on several levels, the Dzong fits narrowly on a spur that sticks out into the gorge of the Mangde River and overlooks the routes south and west. The view from the Dzong extends for many kilometres and in former times nothing could escape the vigilance of its watchmen. Furthermore, the Dzong is built in such a way that in the old days, no matter what direction a traveller came from, he/she was obliged to pass by the Dzong. The Ta--‐Dzong, an ancient Watch Tower of the Trongsa Dzong, is located on top of a steep hill overlooking the town and is worth the climb. Duration of drive: 2.5 � 3 hours (68km). Overnight: Yu--‐Gharling Resort (or similar) Bumthang. DAY 05 Jakar Dzong, Wangdichholing Palace, Lamey Goemba, Kurjey Lhakhang, Tamshing Lhakhang. Bumthang is the name for a region of 4 valleys in the east of Bhutan centered on the town of Jakar, which is the largest between Thimpu and Tashigang in the country’s east. The area is of great spiritual significance in Bhutan, being strongly associated with myth and legend as well as more corporeal manifestations, such as the great Buddhist preacher, Pema Lingpa. The area is truly unspoilt. It is also famous for the production of honey, as well as cheese, apples, apricots and Red Panda beer. There are numerous day walks and places to visit including Jakar Dzong, Wangdichholing Palace, Lamey Goemba and the impressive Kurjey Lhakhang (temple) on the western side of Bumthang Chhu (river). Tamshing temple - the most important Nyingma Buddhist temple in Bhutan. Jakar Dzong (Casle Of The White Bird) was built by Minjur Tenpa, the 3rd Druk Desi (Temporal ruler) in 1646 A.D, is probably one of the biggest Dzongs in Bhutan with the surrounding walls about a kilometre in circumference. Overnight: Yu--‐Gharling Resort (or similar) Bumthang DAY 06 Ura Valley. Explore the Chokhor Valley before driving out to the easternmost valley in Bumthang, to Ura Village (1.5 hours). This is said to be home to some of the earliest inhabitants of Bhutan. A traditional, picturesque medieval village, it has cobbled walkways and villagers who still wear sheepskins on their backs. There may still be time to visit Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake). Overnight: Yu--‐Gharling Resort DAY 07 Bumthang, Phobjikha Valley, Gangtey Goemba, Carpet Weaving, Nature Study Centre. After 3 nights in the idyllic apple orchard setting of the Bumthang Valley it is finally time to start back west to explore magical valley of Phobjikha, home to the rare Black Necked Crane that has made Phobjikha its winter home for centuries. The bird flies in from Tibet in October and November and leave just before spring. The sweeping views from the restaurant and rooms of the Dewachen Hotel take the eye across the wetlands. This valley also boasts a carpet weaving concern and the 16th century Gangtey Goemba in a commanding position; it is a monastery which includes a school, meditation facilities and quarters for monks, and is home to the mind reincarnation of Pema Lingpa, one of the region's historically important Buddhist treasure discoverers. Duration of drive: 5 � 6 hours (130km). Overnight: Dewachen, Phobjikha. DAY 08 Phobjikha, Paro. Today drive is the longest of the tour but with the great views backwards to the western Bhutan. Again its time to step bak over Dochu la for a second chance to see the wonderful view of the Himalayan range. Duration of drive: 5.5 � 6 hours (150km) Overnight: Tashi Namgyel resort DAY 09 National Museum, Rinpung Dzong, Paro town, Kyichu Lhakhang and Drugyel Dzong. National museum was built in 1649 by the governor of Paro and used as watch tower. Later by third king changed into national museum. It is with magnificent views over Paro valley. And down to Paro Dzong This fortress of the heap of jewels was built in 1646 to protect Paro valley, presently used for the monk body and administration of Paro. Walk down into Paro town via traditional bridge. Kychu Lhakhang it is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan with its magical orange tree that bear fruit all year around. Drive further up to end of the road to Drugyel Dzong which was built in 1649 by Zhabdrung to control the Tibetan route to Bhutan. Duration of drive: 2-•3 hours. Overnight: Tashi Namgyel resort. DAY 10 Taktshang Day Walk. Highlight of the Paro valley. Tiger nest is a beautiful day hike with amazing and important pieces of architecture in Bhutan. It is perched on the side of a cliff at a height of 3100m above sea level. The hike up to the monastery takes about 4 to 5 hours or makes a splendid day excursion. It is the one of the place to visit for the tourist and as well as local people. Since it is consider to be as pilgrimage place, which was found out by Guru Rinpoche landed on the back of a flying tigress. It is believed that a Bhutanese should visit the monastery at least once in their lifetime. Duration of drive: 2-•3 hours. Overnight: Tashi namgyel resort DAY 11 Departure Finally visiting beautiful place, scenery and spiritual land of Bhutan. Hope you satisfied reached to your destination to Paro airport carrying all the beautiful memories during the stay in Bhutan. Hope all wishes and prayer comes true in all of your life. So do make best effort to visit heavenly country again. Package Includes: HOTEL & TOURS TWIN A minimum of 3 star accommodation (4 & 5 star may require an additional Package Excludes: (Jan– Feb/ Jun – Aug / Dec) Fr. B$ 3180 premium). × Return International Economy Class Ticket (Mar - May / Sept – Nov) Fr. B$ 3955 All meals × Airport Taxes & Fees A licensed Bhutanese tour guide for the extent of your stay × Travel Insurance, Travel Visa, Tipping All internal transport (excluding internal flights) TERMS & CONDITIONS APPLY: Camping equipment and haulage for trekking tours Rates & Tour information are updated at All internal taxes and charges the time of publishing/printing and are A sustainable tourism Royalty of $65. subject to change. This Royalty goes towards free education, free healthcare, poverty alleviation, along with the building of infrastructure .
Recommended publications
  • Consecration of New Ka-Gong-Phur-Sum Lhakhang in Kurjey, Bumthang by His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche*
    CONSECRATION OF NEW KA-GONG-PHUR-SUM LHAKHANG IN KURJEY, BUMTHANG BY HIS HOLINESS DILGO KHYENTSE RINPOCHE* Anonymous First Consecration in 1990 The main consecration of the new Kurjey Temple was held on the 15 Day of the Fourth Month of the Wood Horse Year in the 17th Rabjung corresponding to June 8, 1990, which coincided with the anniversary of Lord Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and Mahaparnirvana. The consecration ceremony was performed by His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, Trulkus and monks of Tongsa, Tharpaling, Nyimalung and Shechan Tennyi Dargyeling Monastery of His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche at Boudhnath, Nepal. His Majesty The King, Her Majesty The Queen Mother, Their Majesties The Queens, Their Royal Highnesses The Princes and Princesses, senior monks from the Central Monastic Body and officials of the Royal Government attended the consecration and offered prayers. The first Drubchen (Mahasadhana) at this newly built temple started on the 5th Day of the Fourth Month and concluded on the 16th Day with Ngodrub Langchog (Ceremony of Receiving the Supreme Consummation) in the early hours of the morning. In the afternoon of the same day, the three-day long consecration ceremony was concluded with benedictions of Yondag Ngasoel (Installation of Patron) with offering of the Eight Auspicious Emblems and the Eight Lucky Offerings to His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Mother by His Holiness Khyentse Rinpoche to the accompaniment of prayers by the monks. This was followed by presentation of scarves, images and zongs by Their Majesties The Queens, Their Royal Highnesses The Princes and Princesses, senior monastic representatives and government officials on behalf * Translated from Dzongkha of the monastic bodies and the Royal Government.
    [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]
  • 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]
  • Tentative Festival Dates for 2016
    TENTATIVE FESTIVAL DATES FOR 2016 SL# FESTIVAL PLACE DATES 1. NOMAD FESTIVAL BUMTHANG 23rd February 2. BHUTAN INTERNATIONAL (Annual event organized by Bhutan 5th March MARATHON Olympic Committee) 3. PUNAKHA DRUBCHEN Punakha Dzong, PUNAKHA 14th -16th February 4. PUNAKHA TSHECHU Punakha Dzong, PUNAKHA 17th -19th February 5. THARPALING THONGDROL Tharpaling Lhakhang, Chhumi, 22nd February BUMTHANG 6. CHHORTEN KORA Chorten Kora, 22nd February & 9th March TRASHIYANGTSHE 7. GOMPHU KORA Gom Kora Lhakhang, 17th -18th March TRASHIGANG 8. TALO TSHECHU Talo Gonpo, PUNAKHA 16th -18th March 9. GASA TSHECHU Gasa Dzong, 14th -17th March GASA 10. ZHEMGANG TSHECHU Zhemgang Dzong, ZHEMGANG 16th -18th March 11. PARO TSHECHU Rinpung Dzong, 20th – 24rd March PARO 12. RHODODENDRON Lamperi Botanical Garden, 18th -20th April FESTIVAL Dochula, THIMPHU 13. DOMKHAR TSHECHU Domkhar, Chummi, BUMTHANG 16th -18th April 14. URA YAKCHOE Ura Lhakhang, 18th -23rd April BUMTHANG 15. SAKTANG FESTIVAL Saktang Khakhang, 12th -16th June TRASHIGANG 16. NIMALUNG TSHECHU Nimalung Dratshang, 13th -15th June Chummi, BUMTHANG 17. TRELDA TSHECHU Drametse, MONGAR 12th -24th June 18. KURJEY TSHECHU Kurjey Lhakhang, Choekhor 15th June 19. HAA SUMMER Town Festival Ground, HAA 5th–6th July FESTIVAL 20. MERAK TSHECHU Merak Lhakhang, 2nd -3rd August TRASHIGANG 21. MASUTAKE Ura, BUMTHANG 22nd – 23rd August MUSHROOM FESTIVAL [email protected] www.tibetantrekking.com 22. CHHA FESTIVAL Tagmochhu,LHUENTSE 15th -19th August 23. TOUR OF THE DRAGON Bumthang to Thimphu 5th September (BICYCLE RACE) 24. THIMPHU DRUBCHEN Tashi Chhodzong, 7th September THIMPHU 25. WANGDUE TSHECHU Tencholing Army Ground, 9th – 11th September WANGDUEPHODRANG 26. THIMPHU TSHECHU Tashi Chhodzong, 11th – 13th September THIMPHU 27. GANGTEY TSHECHU Gangtey Gonpa, Phobjikha, 9th -11th October WANDUEPHODRANG 28.
    [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]
  • The Punakha Dzong and Dzongs in General
    Pro Bhutan e.V. philanthropischer Verein zur aktiven Entwicklungshilfe im Himalaja Königreich Bhutan The Punakha Dzong and Dzongs in General is the most important Dzong of Bhutan, built 1637-38 by Shab- Why did the Shabdrung choose this place for the Punakha Dzong drung Ngawang Namgyal, the founder of Bhutan as one nation. In a where he lived and ruled until his death in 1651? It is attributed secret temple, embalmed, he lies in state and has been venerated as to a prophesy by Guru Padmasambhava: at a place resembling a living god until today. the head of an elephant, the Shabdrung should build his strong- hold. The mountain above the confluence of the two rivers Mo He was born 1594 at Ralung, Tibet, descendant from the forefather Chhu (mother river) and Po Chhu (father river) can be seen as the of the Monastic Drukpa Lineage of Mahayana Buddhism. He was head, the narrow flat area between the two rivers as the trunk of the legitimate abbot at Ralung Monastery, the traditional seat of the the elephant on which the Dzong was built. Drukpa Kagyu School. Ousted by a rival and facing arrest, 1616 he left Tibet for Bhutan. He followed a vision that Mahakala did send During winter, this Dzong is the Residence of His Holiness, the him to Bhutan to strengthen Buddhism there. Being a striking Je Khenpo, the Supreme Abbot of the Kingdom, with more than personality, he overcame the division of the warring rulers and soon 500 monks. philanthropischer Verein zur aktiven Entwicklungshilfe Verein philanthropischer im Himalaja Königreich Bhutan was the supreme worldly and religious leader of Bhutan.
    [Show full text]
  • Visit Bhutan: Land of the Thunder Dragon
    VISIT BHUTAN: LAND OF THE THUNDER DRAGON October 1 – 12, 2017 This trip is a benefit for: with Larry Robinson Board Member, Center for Climate Protection This very special tour of Bhutan, the last Buddhist kingdom in the Himalayas and the world’s only carbon negative country and, will provide insight into: » The people and their livelihoods— some lodged in the 16th century and some as current as today » Geography— from the temperate midlands into the foothills of the Himalayas, across rivers and through forests Itinerary: » An amazing culture— the unique aspects of Tibetan Buddhism and its manifestations in all Bhutanese life Day 1: OCT 1 Bangkok - Paro - » Stunning arts and architecture— from exquisite mandalas on walls and thankas to the arrangement of Thimphu buildings in an ancient monastery, the beauty of Bhutan will astound you Flight to Paro over the Himalayas. Meet our » The emerging government— how does this small constitutional monarchy focus on Gross Domestic guide and drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhu- Happiness, balancing the needs for modernization and economic growth with the urgency of tan. Overnight in Thimphu. environmental protection, while hovering between political and economic giants China on the north and India to the south? Day 2: OCT 2 Thimphu We will join the celebrations at the third and Join us to learn the answers first hand. last day of Thimphu Tsechu, the main religious “This trip to Bhutan was pure delight! Our festival of the year. Enjoy a picnic lunch; spend knowledgeable guides covered the cultural, the whole day at the festival grounds.
    [Show full text]
  • Birding and Cultural Tour in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan
    BIRDING AND CULTURAL TOUR IN THE HIMALAYAN KINGDOM OF BHUTAN Trip date: November 4 – 16, 2019 Cultural and Annual Black-necked Crane Festival in the Himalayan Kingdom of BHUTAN 4th – 19th November 2019 Tour Fact Sheet Duration: 14 nights in Bhutan Guide: Mongolia Quest tour manager and a Bhutanese national guide Group Size: Maximum 12 people Accommodation: 14 nights in good standard hotels Altitudes: 150m/492ft – 3,822m/12,539ft. Tour Pace and Walking: Moderate Expected Climate: From warm tropical to temperate and colder at higher altitudes. Attractions: The Crane Festival, the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, architectural gems of Punakha and Trongsa Dzongs and the heritage museums of Paro, Thimphu and Trongsa. The amazing wildlife, flora and fauna in an ancient, pristine landscape set against a backdrop of the snow-capped Himalayan Peaks, a chance to spend time with the people, to travel through Bhutan where few visitors have ventured with photographic excellence throughout the journey. Synopsis Bhutan’s culture and heritage is full of mystic, shrouded in the mist of time. This itinerary offers a unique opportunity to glimpse the past and see how it remains entwined in every day life. We will walk in the beautiful landscape, hike to monasteries clinging to the cliff-face, explore the pristine forests looking for rare and endangered birds and mammal, visit dzong’s and be amazed how such buildings still stand without mortar or nails, understand a little of the history of Bhutan in the Ta Dzongs and museums and witness the heritage of this magical kingdom where ‘Gross National Happiness’ is ever present! ©All rights reserved.
    [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]