12D Chojam Rabney Festival; Dec 10-21, 2008
Kingdom of Bhutan
On this short cultural tour, we catch a glimpse of this beautiful Himalayan kingdom still holding onto her traditions and customs.
Guarded by towering mountains and covered with thick primeval forests, Bhutan will enchant you with her natural beauty and the spiritual generosity of her people will astound you. As you visit the country’s impressive dzongs (fortress-monasteries that are thriving centres of worship and culture) and meet the people, you’ll see how the past remains an integral part of the very vibrant present.
A highlight is the rural Chojam Rabney Tsechu or religious festival, an exuberant and earthy affair featuring fancifully costumed dancers performing masked dance-dramas before hundreds of onlookers. Mingling with the locals in this joyous celebration - a highlight of their social calendar - is a unique honour, bestowed to only a limited number of visitors each year.
Day 01 / Dec 10 / Bangkok - Paro - Thimphu
During the flight one will experience breathtaking views of Himalayan peaks including the sacred Chomolhari and Jitchu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival our tour representative will meet and escorted us to the hotel for lunch and check-in.
After lunch we visit the National Museum (Ta Dzong). Once the watchtower for the Rinpung Dzong, it was converted into the National Museum in 1968. The museum stands in all its glory on a promontory overlooking the Paro valley. We next visit the Paro Rinpung Pong Dzong. A flagstone path rises gradually from a beautiful wooden bridge with shingle roofing and abutted by two guardhouses, to the dzong. Today the dzong is the seat of the Paro district administration as well as the home for the monastic school. The central tower (Utse) of the Dzong, is one of the most beautiful in Bhutan with its superb woodwork.
In the afternoon we drive to Thimphu (the capital of Bhutan). This 2-hour drive snakes along the Paro and Thimphu rivers offering gorgeous scenic views at every turn. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 02 / Dec 11 / Thimphu sightseeing
After breakfast we visit the Memorial Chorten (a huge stupa) built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who ruled the Kingdom from 1952-1972.
We also visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved, the Painting School where traditional art is still kept alive through instructions in the art of painting Thankas (sacred Buddhist scrolls) and the Handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts and crafts are displayed and can be purchased.
After lunch at the hotel, we drive to Simtokha Dzong, one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan. This dzong built in 1629 AD also houses the largest monastic schools in the country.
Next we visit Tashichho Dzong - the main Secretariat Building. This massive structure houses part of the Ministries, the office of the King and the Throne Room. It also houses the State Monastic Body and the living quarters of the Chief Abbot.
We visit Pangri Zampa Monastery which is situated just beyond Dechencholing (5km from Thimphu ). This Lhakhang was the residence of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel when he arrived in Bhutan in 1616 AD. The Monastery was built during the first quarter of the 16th century by Ngawang Chogyel, the great-great- grandfather of the Shabdrung and the 14th hierarchy of the Drukpas.
In the evening, dinner with cultural entertainment. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 03 / Dec 12 / Thimphu - Punakha/Wangdiphodrang - Gangtey
After an early breakfast, we drive to Punakha and Wangdi (77 km, about 3-hour drive). On the way we stop at the Dochula Pass (3050m) for a hot cup of tea or coffee where on a clear morning, spectacular views of the Eastern Himalayan mountain ranges can be enjoyed.
Punakha was the former capital of Bhutan. We visit the Punakha Dzong which houses the district administration offices. It is also the winter residence of the State Monastic Body and its Chief Abbot. The Dzong (or fortress built in 1637 AD) lies between two rivers known as Pochu and Mochu which means “Male River and Female River.”
After Punakha Dzong we drive to Gangtey in the Phobjikha valley . This is a scenic 60km drive through dense forests of oak trees and rhododendrons. Bhutan is the least deforested county in the world; 70 % of Bhutan is covered with virgin Blue Pine forest. Overnight: Hotel in Phobjikha
Day 04 / Dec 13 / Gangtey - Trongsa - Bumthang
This morning we visit the Gangtey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan and the Information Centre of for the Black-Necked Cranes. The Information Centre overlooks the roosting marsh of the cranes in their Phobjikha Valley home and is maintained by the the Royal Society for the Protection Nature.
Once covered by glacial waters this beautiful and remote valley now is the winter home of the beautiful Black- Necked Cranes. These endangered birds fly south from Siberia each fall to winter in the marshlands of Phobjikha. The calls of the Black-Necked Crane locally known as Thrung Thrung Karm have inspired folklore for generations.
We then leave for Trongsa. The drive from Phobjikha to Trongsa takes about two and half hours with ample opportunities for breaks, walks, and sightseeing. Our route crosses Pele La (3380m), which is marked by a chorten and descend through rhododendrons and ferns to reach Chendebji village. This was a night halt for mule caravans travelling from Trongsa during the reign of the 2nd King of Bhutan. Just below Chendebji village is the Chendebji chorten, a large white structure beside a stream. This chorten is modeled after Swayambhunath in Kathmandu and was built in the 19th century.
The last village before we reach Trongsa is Tangsibji, which affords us a full view of Trongsa Dzong and its distinctive yellow roof. Built in 1648 AD it is presently the administrative seat of the district and the home of the monastic school. Built at split-levels on a narrow spur, the Dzong is an architectural wonder. The view from here extends for many miles and in the old days, it was a vigilance point for both the eastern and western routes thus the strategic importance of this Dzong. Also visit the Watch Tower, located directly above the Dzong, which has on display many interesting armors and other implements of war used by ancient warriors.
Continue onwards to central Bhutan. Tonight we overnight at a local Lodge in Jakar valley of Bumthang where we experience Bhutanese family hospitality at its finest!
Day 05 / Dec 14 / Jakar - Tang
Drive to the road head in Tang Valley (1 hour) and walk about 40 minutes to attend Chojam Rabney Festival, a unique local festival presided over by Chojam Lam, a Tibetan re-incarnate lama. Masked dancers whirl in medieval religious purification dance and evoke blessings on all who attend. We also will visit a local schoolhouse and delight in Bhutanese children at study. English is mandatory in all of Bhutan’s schools. Overnight stay in guest house.
Day 06 / Dec 15 / Tang - Jakar
In the morning we visit the family museum at Ugyenchholing Dzong, a very unique “Family Museum” not to be missed. We then return to attend the festival. Besides the regular mask and folk dancers, the local people also do a special yak dance symbolizing the local deity. Drive back to Bumthang village. Overnight at Lodge.
Day 07 / Dec 16 / Jakar
Enjoy breakfast and get ready to explore Bumthang village. Meet with textile weavers at their looms as they weave their Bhutanese fabric and textile on toe strap looms with hand spun and dyed threads. Here is the best place for purchasing textiles. Tour historical Jakar Dzong, Palace of the White Bird, as well as Jambay and Kurjey Lhakhang. A short walk to Flamming Lake to visit this religious and holy pilgrimage spot. If tome permits visit a Stone flour water mill and a beer and cheese factory. Return to lodge for relaxation and dinner.
Day 08 / Dec 17 / Bumthang
Enjoy breakfast and get ready to explore Bumthang village. Meet with textile weavers at looms as they weave their Bhutanese fabric and textile on toe strap looms with hand spun and dyed threads. Here is the best place for purchase of textile. Tour historical Jakar Dzong, Palace of the White Bird, as well as Jambay and Kurjey Lhakhang. We enjoy a short walk to Flaming Lake to visit this religious and holy pilgrimage spot; photo stops along the way. Visit a Stone flour grist water mill and a beer and cheese factory. Return to lodge for relaxation and dinner. Enjoy local homemade beverage; Arak!
Day 09 / Dec 18 / Bumthang - Wangdi
We leave Bumthang proceeding west towards Wandgi. Today we will visit the courtyard of the impressive Wangdi Dzong perched high on a hilltop overlooking the rivers and valley below. Overnight in Wangdi.
Day 10 / Dec 19 / Wangdi - Thimphu - Paro
Early morning drive to Paro via Thimphu. Enroute visit the Simtokha Dzong. Visit Paro town and enjoy dinner at a cozy local restaurant. Overnight in Paro.
Day 11 / Dec 20 / Paro sightseeing
After an early breakfast, we embark on a short trek to Taktsang or Tiger’s Nest Monastery. The monastery is perched on a rocky ledge with a sheer drop of nearly 800m and overlooks the Paro Valley and river. It is believed during the second half of the 8th century Guru Padma Sambhava known as the second Buddha in Bhutan, meditated at the spot where the monastery is situated having alighted there on the back of a flying tigress.
After lunch, we have a free afternoon to explore the quaint and charming Paro town for more sightseeing or sovernier shopping, etc. Overnight in Paro.
Day 12 / Dec 21 / Paro - Bangkok
Depart Bhutan with fond memories of this magical Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon.
Tour Cost Per Person Ex-Bangkok
- USD $2980 for group size of minimun 3 persons
- USD $3310 for group size of 2 persons
- USD $3420 for the single traveller
Tour Cost Includes
- Return international flights on Druk Air to Paro
- Entry Visa into Bhutan
- All transfers and sightseeing as per the itinerary
- Accommodation on twin-share basis
- All meals including beverages
- Services of an English-speaking guide
- Entrance fees to sights
Tour Cost Excludes
- Travel insurance
- Soft/hard drinks and mineral water
- Photographic equipment fees
- Personal expenditure like laundry and telephone calls, etc.
- Tips & gratuities for guide, drivers, etc.
- Emergency transfers
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