Bhutan Festival Tour

HIGHLIGHTS

Visit Bhutan’s exotic and exciting Thimpu and Bumthang Festivals
Explore the countryside visiting monasteries, markets, shrines and small villages
Learn about Bhutanese culture at the famed School of Arts and Crafts in Thimphu
Visit Drugyel Dzong for a magnificent view of sacred Mt. Jumolhari

Attend the Thimphu Tsechu – one of the grandest in Bhutan – and Bumthang’s Tangbi Mani Festival. This Bhutan festival tour travels across the country exiting in eastern Bhutan at the border with Assam, India. Eastern Bhutan is less developed, offering an opportunity to visit remote villages that few visitors have seen. The principles of Buddhism play an important role in the artistic tradition within the country. By special permission, our clients may elect to participate in art classes at the famed School of Traditional Arts & Crafts in Thimphu. Art techniques are based on principles in the scriptures which have been handed down over the ages from master to student. This is an exciting opportunity to really become a part of the culture during your visit. No art experience required, just have fun!

Monks meditating during the Thimpu Festival

ITINERARY

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Day 1-2: Arrival in Paro
Visit revered monasteries and chortens, the dzong and National Museum. Optional hike to Taktsang Monastery.

Day 3-5: Thimphu
Attend Thimphu Drupchen, where deities are prayed to and dances are performed only by monks, and the Tsechu, where dances are performed by monks and secular people. Visit the dzong, Memorial Chorten, National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Folk Heritage Museum and the School of Arts and Crafts as well as the bustling bazaar.

Day 6-8: Punakha - Trongsa
Enroute to Punakha we pass the Simtokha Dzong, the oldest dzong in Bhutan, which now houses the Institute for Language and Culture. Visit the magnificent dzong and traditional villages.

Day 9-11: Trongsa - Bumthang
A spectacular drive to Trongsa with many waterfalls alongside the climbing road. The route crosses Pelela (11,150 feet) and passes the village of Rukubji, surrounded by fields of wheat and barley. Trongsa dzong is a fine example of Bhutanese architecture and is visible at least 9 miles away. Attend attend Tangbi Mani festival and visit the many rich cultural sites of Bumthang.

Day 12-13: Mongar - Trashiyangtse - Trashigang
The drive to Mongar is the best in the country, with dense forests, waterfalls, wildlife and beautifully built traditional villages. In Trashigang, visit Rigney Institute, a traditional learning center, and Gom Kora, Guru Rimpoche's meditation site.

Day 14-15: Guwahati - Calcutta - Home
We cross the border into Assam, India, and drive to Guwahati. Here you'll find gorgeous hand-woven and embroidered shawls at fantastic prices. Bring home a gift!