PROFESSIONALLY ESCORTED TOUR LAND ONLY PRIVATE TOUR TRIP NAME: CENTRAL BHUTAN WITH PUNAKHA FESTIVAL TRIP DURATION: 12 NOGHTS 13 DAYS BEST SEASON: MARCH FESTIVAL DATE: 11th -13th MARCH 2014

Punakha Dzongkhag has been inextricably linked with momentous occasions in Bhutanese history. It served as the capital of the country from 1637 to 1907 and the first national assembly was hosted here in 1953. It is the second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan and one of the most majestic structures in the country. On October 13, 2011, the wedding of the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, and his fiancé, Jetsun Pema, was held at the Punakha Dzong. Punakha valley has a pleasant climate with warm winters and hot summers. It is located at an average elevation of 1200 meters above sea level. Owing to the favorable climatic conditions, rice grows very well in this region and is the main cash crop cultivated here. Two major rivers in Bhutan the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu converge in this valley. Punakha Dzong is built at the confluence of these two rivers and is an especially beautiful sight on sunny days with sunlight reflecting off the water onto its white-washed walls. In addition to its structural beauty, Punakha Dzong is notable for containing the preserved remains of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the unifer of Bhutan as well as a sacred relic known as the Ranjung Karsapani. This relic is a self-created image of Avalokiteswara that miraculously emerged from the vertebrae of Tsangpa Gyarey the founder of the Drukpa School when he was cremated PUNAKHA TSHECHU AND DRUBCHEN During 17th century Bhutan was invaded several times by Tibetan forces seeking to seize a very precious relic, the Ranjung Kharsapani. Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal led the

Bhutanese to victory over the Tibetans and to commemorate the triumph he introduced the Punakha Drubchen. Since then Punakha Drubchen (also known as Puna Drubchen) became the annual festival of Punakha Dzongkhag. It is a unique festival because it hosts a dramatic recreation of the scene from the 17th century battle with Tibetan army. The ‘pazaps’ or local militia men, dress in traditional battle gear and reenact the ancient battle scene. This reenactment harkens back to the time when in the absence of a standing army, men from the eight Tshogchens or great village blocks of Thimphu came forward and managed to expel the invading forces from the country. Their victory ushered in a period of new-found internal peace and stability. These festivals not only play an important role in preserving Bhutan’s rich culture and traditions but also provide devout Buddhists with an opportunity for prayer and pilgrimage. They reflect the richness of the Bhutanese cultural heritage and are very special in the eyes and hearts of both Bhutanese and tourists who visit Bhutan.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Sightseeing seeing as per the itinerary All meals during the tour Accommodation in 3-5 star and Luxury hotels Private Luxury vehicle Visa Fees Experience tour executive Camping Equipment & Haulage for Trekking Tour All Entry fees for Museum & Parks

COMPLEMENTARY

One time refreshment on Arrival One time cultural program for a group exceeding 8 and above One mineral water bottle each a day

CANCELLATION POLICY

Tour Programmes booked and subsequently cancelled shall be subject to cancellation charges as follows: within 30 days of start of programmed ~ no charges within 21 days ~ 10% of rate within 14 days ~ 15% of rate within 7 days ~ 30% of rate less than 7 days or without notice ~ 50% of rate after arrival in Bhutan ~ 100%

DAY 01: ARRIVAL IN PARO - THIMPHU Arrival at Paro International Airport and drive to Thimphu, capital of Bhutan, which is a one hour drive and located at 2,300m above the sea level. Work off the lunch by visiting the GONGZOK CHOTEN or MEMORIAL CHOTEN , or include it on your arrival. The Chorten has great significance in the religious life of the town people and symbolizes, as do all such monuments, the different level of the Buddha’s mind and teaching. When ritually circumambulated clockwise, one gains merit for the next life and atones for present sins. If you are in Thimphu during week days, visit the TRADITIONAL BHUTANESE MEDICINE, a blend of Indian ayurvedic and Chinese herbal practices, is carried out at the indigenous Hospital. Visit Painting School, children study a course in religious drawing and painting. There are also course in woodcarving and mask making. Further along the same road is the

NATIONAL LIBRARY, built in 1969 and located in a new Bhutanese style building. The museum contain an important collection of foreign books on Bhutan, the Himalaya and the Buddhism, and a unique series of Bhutanese and Tibetan books and manuscripts imprinted with woodblocks. In the evening, stroll through town and peep into the shops where you will find typical samples of the town-folk’s basic needs.

DAY 02: THIMPHU – TRONGSA Early breakfast in hotel and drive to Trongsa en route Dochula pass, Shar valley and Chelela

pass. At a far distance from DOCHU-LA PASS, one can see the eastern Himalayan mountain ranges including the highest mountain peak of Bhutan. The pass is garlanded by 108 Druk Wangyel (or victory) stupas and multi-coloured fluttering prayer flags. Then drive to the

valley of Shar including the Chendibji valley of historical significance. CHENDEBJI CHORTEN, en route to Trongsa is the Chendebji Chorten, patterned on Katmandu’s Swayambhunath Stupa, with eyes painted on the four cardinal point. It was built in the 18th century by Lama Zhida, to cover the remains of an evil spirit that was subdued at this spot. Legends says that the evil spirit manifested as a gigantic snake. DAY 03: TRONGSA – BUMTHANG After your breakfast check out from the hotel visit TRONGSA DZONG, built in 1648, it was the seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan. Both the first and the second Kings of Bhutan ruled the country from this ancient seat. All 5 Kings were invested as Trongsa Penlop “governor” prior to ascending the throne. The dzong is the massive structure with many levels, sloping down the contours of the ridge on which it is built. Because of the dzong’s highly strategic position, on the only connecting route between east and west, the Trongsa Penlop was able to control effectively the whole of the Eastern and Central regions of the

country. TA DZONG, this watchtower, which once guarded Trongsa Dzong from internal rebellion, stands on a promontory above the town. It was built by Chhoje Minjur Tempa, the first governor of Trongsa in 1652. It has four observation pints resembling Tiger, Lion, Garuda, and Dragon. Climb up the path to visit Ta Dzong which now houses a shrine dedicated to the epic hero, King Gesar of Ling. A visit to this former watchtower provides visitors with an insight into the significant of Trongsa in Bhutan’s history. As of date the Ta Dzong of Trongsa is the most fascinating museum of the country. After lunch, drive to Bumthang en route Youtongla pass. On the way to Chamkhar, visit CHUMMY YATHRA CENTRE where one can observe the process of yathra production, from pure wool of sheep and yaks.

DAY 04: BUMTHANG SIGHTSEEING Breakfast in hotel visit JAKAR DZONG or “Castle of the White Bird” dominates the Chamkhar valley and overlooks the town. Constructed in 1549, by the Tibetan lama Nagi Wangchuk . The dzong plays an important role as the fortress of defense of the whole eastern districts. It also became the seat of the first King of Bhutan. A special feature of the dzong is the approximately fifty meter high Utse or Central Tower, which is distinct from all the dzongs in Bhutan. The other unique feature of the dzong is that of a sheltered passage, with two parallel walls, interconnected by fortified towers, which gave the population of the fortress access to water in the case of a siege. The protected water supply is still intact to this day. JAMBAY

LHAKHANG, this monastery was built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King, Songtsen Gompo. It is one of 108 monasteries which he built to subdue the giant ogress who tried to demolish Buddhism in Tibet. Its present architectural appearance dates from the early 20th century. KURJE LAKHANG, located further along the valley, Kurje Lhakhang compresses three temples. The one on the right was built in 1652 against the rock face, where Guru Rinpochhe meditated in the 8th century. The middle temple was built on the site of a cave containing with the rock imprint of Gurus body, and is therefore, considered to be the most holy . The temple on the left was built by the Queen Mother, Ashi Kesang Choden in 1990. This three temples are surrounded by 108 chorten walls. TAMSHING LAKHANG, located across the river from Kurje Lhakhang, this temple was founded in 1501, a Terton(treasure revealer) Pema Lingpa, who was the re-incarnation of Guru Rinpochhe There are very old religious painting around the inner wall, which was restored at the end of the 19th century. This temple can be approached from Kurji Lhakhang with a short walk crossing through the suspension bridge. THANGBI GOMPA, this temple can be approached with 30 minute walk from Kurje Lhakhang, situated in the middle of a wide fertile plateau overlooking the river. Founded in 1470, by Shamar Rinpochhe of the Karma Kagupa religious school. The building compresses two sanctuary and a temple of terrifying deity. The sanctuary on the ground floor contains the statue of the past , present , and the future Buddha and three clay statues probably dating to the end of the 15th century. On the upper floor, the vestibule contains two remarkable paintings of Guru Rinpochhe’s heaven and the Buddha Amitabha’s heaven. DAY 05: BUMTHANG – PHOBJIKHA VALLEY Early breakfast in hotel and drive back to Phobjikha, the winter home of Black Necked Cranes flying in from Tibet and Siberia. On arrival, visit the famous GANGTAY MONASTRY established in 17th century. After finish visiting the monastery hike across the wide valley called TONGPHUSHING TRAIL, this is a beautiful leisurely walk through the pine forest, farmland and the villages. The hike starts from Gangtay and continues through Tokha village

all the way to the Phobjikha valley. The walk provides insight into village life, farming and also offers great views of the Phobjikha valley.

DAY 06: PHOBJIKHA VALLEY – PUNAKHA Breakfast in hotel and go around the heavenly valley of Phobjikha to observe the Black Necked Cranes in its roosting place till lunch. Visit the BLACK NECKED CRANE

INFORMATION CENTRE, you will get a loads of information about the crane, even a short 3-4 minute documentary will be available regarding the Black Necked CraneThe lunch will be served at hotel in Phobjikha. Visit the Wangdue Dzong on the way to Punakha for night, the old capital of Bhutan till 1955. DAY 07: PUNAKHA SIGHTSEEING Today you drive to Kabje Sirigang about 30 minutes and then hike about 2 hours to

CHORTEN NINGPO SHEDRA. This is a beautiful walk, visiting a lovely villages, there are orange groves and a temple which dates Back to ‘The Devine Madman’ Drukpa Kuenley. The temple can be visited and it is now a winter residence of the incarnated Desi Tenzin Rabgay, which now had be restored. Way back take the trail of the Sinchula trek route for an hour until tongchena village. After lunch hike to CHIMI LHAKHANG, it is a pleasant 30-40 minute walk from the road head, through cultivated fields and up a gentle slop. This lhakhang dates back to 1499 and was built by Lama Drukpa Kinley, when he visited this valley. Lama Drukpa Kinley is believed to have subdued the demoness residing at Dochu La with his ‘magic thunderbolt of wisdom’ and a wooden effigy of this is preserved within. DAY 08: PUNAKHA FESTIVAL Today, after your breakfast in the hotel drive to Punaka Dzong to witness the 3rd day colorful festival. The whole day you will be in the festival and in the evening walk around the market around the dzong.

DAY 09: PUNAKHA FESTIVAL (OPTIONAL SIGHTSEEING AFTER LUNCH) The 4th day festival and after lunch drive further north of Punakha Dzong to visit KHAMSUM

YUELI NAMGYEL CHORTEN, there is no temple in Bhutan built elaborately as this. This fascinating temple was built by the queen mother of the 5th Kingto bring universal peace in this world. The best of the spiritual art was painted on the inner walls. There are also paintings of Buddhist teacher and tutelary deities of the country. This is the great temple to study the symbolic meaning from frescoes and sculptures. In the evening if time permits drive to visit NALANDRA MONASTERY, Nalandra Monastery was founded by Gyelwa Shakya Rinchen while he was 40 years of age. The place was called Nalandra because Gyelwa Shakya Rinchen had a pure vision of the clarifiers of the teaching of Buddha known as the Six Ornaments and the Two Supreme Ones of India, conducting religious discussions at this place. So, when the monastery was established, it was named Nalandra after the great Buddhist Monastic University in Ancient India.

DAY 10: PUNAKHA FESTIVAL (OPTIONAL RAFTING/KAYAKING AFTER LUNCH) Today enjoy the last day festival of Punakha and after lunch if interested you can have a wonderful white river rafting through the Mo Chu (female) river that flows through the Punakha Dzong.

DAY 11: PUNAKHA – PARO After the breakfast make a short drive to Wangduephodrang to visit WANGDUEPHODRANG

DZONG, founded by Zhandrung in 1639. Situated on a hill commanding a breath-taking view of the valley, it is believed that Bhutan's protective deity, Yeshey Gonpo told Zhabdrug Rimpoche that if he constructs a dzong on this ridge, he would be able to command the entire country. The literal meaning of Wangdue is to bring under one's power'. Drive to Paro and after reaching Paro visit is the WATCH TOWER (NAMSEL BANGDZE) of Paro Dzong, which is now the National Museum. The museum preserves rare Bhutanese artefacts, remnants of the rich culture and history. After this, continue to RINPUNG DZONG (or Paro Dzong), which means "fortress of the heap of jewels." This particular complex has the administrative and religious headquarters for the Paro district. A short scene of Bernardo Bertolucci's famous movie, "Little Buddha," was shot inside this Dzong. From here, you can take a leisurely walk to the Pa-chu river and cross over a traditional cantilever (wooden covered) bridge to the other side. Post lunch; take a short drive to DRUKGYAL DZONG, a dilapidated fortress located around 16 km away from Paro. Although in ruins, this Dzong is a significant historical landmark. It was at this fort that the Bhutanese decimated the invading Tibetans and drove them back to their wilderness. From this place, the majestic peak of Jumolhari, the 'Mountain of the Goddess' can be admired on a sunny day (Alt. 7,329 m /24,029 ft.). In the evening stroll around the town. DAY 12: HIKE TO THE FAMOUS TIGER’S NEST This part of your journey takes you to TAKTSANG MONASTRY (the Tiger's lair). The trail to

the monastery passes through patches of a lush pine forest. You will stop at the nearby

cafeteria for rest and refreshments and continue the hike till you see what remains of the

ancient Taktsang monastery. Built in 1600s, this great monastery literally hangs from the

edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. Legend has it that

Guru Padmasambhava, the Tantric mystic, who brought Buddhism to the land, came to

Bhutan flying on a tiger. On the way back, don't miss the 'KYICHU LHAKHANG', the oldest

and the most sacred shrine of Bhutan built in 8th century by Tibetan Monarch Songtsen

Gampo.

DAY 13: BOARD YOUR FLIGHT BACK HOME A sensational take off..

INFORMATION ABOUT BHUTAN:

Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon, is no ordinary destination. This is a country where buying cigarettes is illegal, where the rice is red and where chilies aren’t just a seasoning but the entire dish. It is also a deeply Buddhist Land, where men wear a tunic to work, where giant protective penises are painted on the walls of most houses, and where Gross national happiness is deemed more important than Gross national Product. Tourism is in Bhutan is also unique. Bhutan opened their doors to world after 1974. Government set a special rate for tourist to pay to travel companies and gets part of that amount. You will not find a backpacker traveling in Bhutan. There is an undisturbed traditional Tibetan-style culture and that

sets Bhutan aside as the last remaining great Himalayan Kingdom. There are textiles, outrageous

trekking town as well as stunning flora and fauna. It is also a country of surprises. This is not a

nation of saintly, other-worldly hermits. Bhutan is straddling the ancient and modern world and

these days you’ll find monks transcribing ancient Buddhist texts into computers as traditionally

dressed noblemen chat on their mobile phones.

When you visit Bhutan, you will become one of the few who have experiences the charm and

magic of one of the world’s most enigmatic countries-the “Last Shangri La”- and you will be

playing your part in this medieval Kingdom’s efforts to join the modern world, while steadfastly

maintaining its distinct and amazing cultural identity.

WEATHER IN BHUTAN

Bhutan is at the same latitude as Miami. The climate varies widely depending on the elevation. In the southern border areas it is tropical; in the high Himalayan regions, there is perpetual snow. Temperatures in the far south range from 15 degree C in winter (DEC to FEB) to 30 degree C in summer (JUN to AUG). The ideal time for trekking and for travelling throughout the country is autumn, from September to late November. When skies are generally clear and the high mountain peaks rise to a vivid blue sky. At the same time you still need your umbrella all the time. WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

1. Request permission before taking photographs of people, events, or objects 2. Inside the premises of temples, dzongs or monastery, taking photographs is not

permitted 3. Taking photograph is only permitted in the court yard area

RELIGIOUS ARTEFACT/ANTIQUE

1. Please do not touch any religious artifact or antique 2. Purchase of religious items especially antiques is prohibited 3. Please do not climb on or do anything that would show lack of respect to all Buddhist

Artifacts or antiques, large or small, ruined or not, they are regarded as sacred

DRESS CODE

1. Please wear shirts with collars, preferably with long sleeves 2. Please take off hats while entering dzongs, temple or monastery 3. Shorts or half paints are not permitted while entering the dzongs, temples or

monastery 4. In some religious sites, sneakers are not permitted 5. It is safer to dress up in “smart casual”

COMMUNICATION

1. Before entering a dzong, temple or monastery, please switch off all mobile phones or keep in the silent/vibration mode

2. Please speak softly within the religious premises

THE BHUTANESE WAY!

1. Please remember not to point with a single finger but use an upturned flat extended hand especially to indicate a sacred objects or place

2. Please do not walk over any cloths, books, hearth or materials left open in religious sites

3. Please do not encourage begging by giving alms, candies, etc. If you wish you may leave

small donations for genuine purposes at designated areas 4. Please refrain from smoking or drinking alcohol while visiting religious places or

objects like temples, monasteries, stupas, prayer flags etc. 5. Please throw rubbish only in designated areas 6. Please refrain from touching any ritual objects or mural paintings

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