Bhutan-Ura Festival( Tsechu) Tour 9Nights/10 Days
( 18 APRIL - 27 APRIL 2005) This is an extraordinary
journey into Bhutan, the fabled land of the Thunder
Dragon. You will experience week-end bazaars and Bhutanese
hospitality at its finest. The highlight of this trip
is the Ura Valley Tsechu. Tsechus are local festival
dances that are medieval in nature, spiritual in content
and laced with an exotic array of color too breathtaking
to behold.
Trip
Details:
Duration:
8 days
Group
Size: minimum 3 pax, individuals also accepted,
Access:
Fly from Kathmandu,Delhi,Bangkok,Dhaka,Rongoon
Day 01 : Arrive Paro from KTM, Drive to Thimphu
Fly onboard Druk Air to Paro, Bhutan. On a clear day
the panoramic views of the Himalaya are sensational,
including Everest, but particularly exciting is the
approach through the Bhutanese foothills and the landing,
including a few steep turns to land at the tiny airstrip
of Paro. On arrival, after completing formalities,
you will be met by windhorse representative and transferred
to Thimphu (2 hrs). Hotel Wangchuk
Day 02 : Thimphu sightseeing
There are a good many things to see in the capital
which has a very relaxed, laid-back feel about it.
Thimphu is relatively small, no traffic lights and
the streets are wide and tree lined. The most important
sights include; the national library, thangkha painting
school, traditional medicine hospital, nunnery at
Zilukha, Memorial stupa, gold and silver smith's workshop,
handicraft centers. Try also a cup of coffee in the
Swiss Bakery ! Hotel Wangchuk
Day 03 : Drive to Jakar (Bumthang)
This is a long day's drive of 9-10 hours but it is
a journey you are not likely to forget. The road winds
over high mountain passes and the scenery is certainly
stunning. We make occasional stops in the course of
the journey to take incursion into the roadside villages,
temples, weaving centers and any special events that
may be taking place. Mountain Lodge
Day 04 : Jakar - URA FESTIVAL Mountain Lodge
Bumthang valley is one of the most sacred in the Kingdom
and innumerable legends surround the area. It is here
that the kings are cremated and the present royal
family trace their ancestry back to the famous saint,
Pemalingpa. Visits to; Jambay, Kurjey, Tamshing temples,
castle of the "White Bird". Also worth seeing
are the woodcraft workshop, homopaethic hospital,
and the cheese factory. Mountain Lodge
Day 05 : Jakar ( Bumthang ) sightseeing.
Leaving Jakar, we return west for some 7-8 hours,
stopping to visit the Chendebje Chorten, a large white
monument said to conceal the remnants of an evil spirit
vanquished here. Continuing across the spectacular
Pele La pass we come to Wangdue where we take a short
break for tea and snacks. From Wangdue, it's a short
drive to your hotel hotel (approx. 25 mins). Meri
Phuensum Resort
Day 06 : Drive to Punakha.
In the morning, we will walk to Chimi Lhakhang, the
temple of Lama Drukpa Kunley, otherwise known as the
divine mad monk who is one of Bhutan's favourite saints.
It is a beautiful walk across paddy fields and pass
a small village. The temple can be visited and there
is a tree outside which is said to have sprouted up
after Drukpa Kunley sent a thunderbolt from an adjoining
valley to kill some evil spirits who had gathered
at the site. You may also be able to visit Punakha
Dzong, depending whether or not the monks are in residence,
and if they permit you to enter their monastery. Situated
at the confluence of the Mo (female) and Pho (male)
rivers, the large fortress with its temples, courtyards,
hall and towers overlooks the town and provides excellent
views. Built in 1637 it served as the seat of the
government until the mid 20th century. Over the centuries
it has suffered damage from several fires and flooding
but still remains one of the most impressive dzongs
in Bhutan. Permission to enter the dzong is not usually
granted to tourist when the monk body moves here from
Thimphu in winter, but it is still worth viewing from
the courtyard. Evening drive to Thimphu (3 hours).
Hotel Wangchuk
Day 07 : Punakha sightseeing, drive to Thimphu
In the morning drive to Paro (2hrs). Hike to the site
of the famous Tiger's Nest, the Taktsang Monastery
where the legendary Guru Padmasambhava is believed
to have flown from Tibet on the back of a tiger to
defeat the demons who were opposing the spread of
Buddhism in Bhutan. The walk is long, and can be steep
in places, but the views are stunning. Hotel Holiday
Home
Day 08 : Drive to Paro, excursion to Tiger's Nest
Monastery (4hours)
Sightseeing in Paro; includes tour of Bhutan's national
museum, a fascinating place housed in an old watchtower
above the huge Paro Dzong (monastery/fortress). The
museum holds a fantastic collection of Bhutanese national
treasures ranging from ancient armour to textiles
and thangkha paintings Then, we drive to the head
of the valley and visit Drukgyel Dzong built in a
location that was chosen for its control over the
route to Tibet. A spectacular view of Mount. Jumolhari
(23,996ft /7314m) can be seen. Hotel Holiday Home
Day 09 : Paro Departure
Early morning transfer to airport in Paro for departure
flight
Tour
Cost & Inquiry
askinfo@enet.com.np or
info@nepaltravels.com
COST INCLUDES :
The above package tariff includes excellent services
within Bhutan
- All Land transports (Toyota luxury coach, ac/non
ac cars)
- Ponies, Riding horses and yaks( on request) for
Trekking
- Twin Sharing Accommodation in the best available
mode(Hotels or Tourist Cottage) with Full board
meals (catered to Personal orders and tastes)
- English Speaking guide
- Temple and Monasteries Entrance fees and Permit,
- During Trek accommodation in tents with therm
rest mattresses with freshly cooked full board Meals,
required porters, Cook, Kitchen Boy, Sherpa Staff
, Dinning Tent, First Aid Kid
- Hot drinks; Like Tea, Coffee, Hot Chocolate,
Kitchen Tent, Toilet Tent, Chair and Table, Cutlery
Set, twin sharing basis,
COST EXCLUDES :
- Flight Ticket: Delhi/Bangkok/Kathmandu-Paro via
Versa flight ticket costs,
- visa fees (US$ 20),
- airport departure tax (US$ 10),
- Bar drinks, personal expenses, laundry and Tipping
