This cultural tour through Bhutan is highlighted by two days at a colorful festival, mingling with locals and soaking up the ancient traditions of this rich Himalayan Kingdom.

A trip to Bhutan is like a step back in time, for a glimpse of customs and traditions that are fast disappearing from the rest of the Himalayan world. Our cultural tour of Bhutan combines the important villages and historic sites of western Bhutan, such as Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha, with a visit to the colorful annual festivals known as tsechus. Few travelers ever have the privilege of witnessing these traditional festivals, where elaborately costumed dancers perform dramas before hundreds of onlookers. Spending time with locals during these joyous celebrations is a unique privilege shared by only a few visitors each year. With optional day hikes along local paths, visits to impressive whitewashed dzongs, and an immersion in Bhutanese culture, our trip into this magical kingdom is the complete cultural odyssey.

Days 1-9: The exact itinerary will vary by departure, and is designed to follow a route to coincide with one of the festivals in the towns of Paro, Punakha, or Thimphu. We attend a festival along with locals, who come attired in their finest clothing and jewelry, to witness special performances that few outsiders ever see. In addition to the festival, we tour Paro, and hike to Taktsang Monastery. Along the way to Punakha, we'll view 20,000' snowcapped mountains. Explore the Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan's most beautiful fortress monasteries. Finally, we return west, to the capital city of Thimphu, and explore its many interesting sites on foot.

EARLY BOOKING RECOMMENDED

It is important to reserve your trip early, as the Bhutanese national airline has a new ticketing policy and will only accept reservations with the full payment of the ticket. Therefore we are unable to hold group seats in advance of reservations.

• A passion for travel. Simply put, we love to travel, and that is woven into every one of our journeys.
• Unique, award-winning itineraries. Our flexible, hand-crafted journeys have received accolades from the world’s most revered travel publications.
• Insider connections. There is simply no substitute for traveling with a knowledgeable insider.
• Small groups. We tread softly, and our average group size is just 6-8 guests.
• Flexibility to suit your travel style. We offer both small-group departures and Private Collection trips.
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• Sustainability. We are committed to traveling responsibly.

Most Convenient Airport:
Bangkok International Airport, Bangkok, Thailand (airport code BKK)

Meeting Place and Time:
Your Boundless Journeys guide will meet you at the Paro, Bhutan airport upon the arrival of your flight from Bangkok. Please be sure to be at the Druk Air (national airline of Bhutan) check-in counter at the Bangkok International Airport two hours before your scheduled flight on Day 1 of our trip. The airline tickets for your flight from Bangkok to Bhutan will be purchased for you in advance by Boundless Journeys.

Departure Place and Time:
Paro, Bhutan; in time for the departure of your flight to Bangkok.

What to Expect

Trip Rating
Boundless Journeys’ trips are designed for energetic and flexible individuals who like to be active and have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. Festivals of Bhutan is rated 2, easy to moderate, on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being the most strenuous). The optional walks and hikes on this trip are easy to moderate day hikes. Hikes generally are from 2-5 hours in length with minimal vehicle support. The hike to Tiger’s Nest will be the most strenuous day, with a few steep ascends and descends. A few days involve long drives on narrow, winding roads.

Preparing for this Trip
It is very important that you assess your physical condition with regard to the demands of this trip. The more prepared you are for the activities on this trip, the more you will enjoy yourself! Please engage in moderate aerobic activities (hiking, jogging, or cycling) for at least 30-45 minutes several times a week for 4-6 weeks before the trip. If you live in a flat area, try to incorporate some stairs into your workout, or use a treadmill with varying incline capability. Consult your doctor before undertaking any new fitness programs.

The Altitude
Our trip begins and ends in Paro, which is situated at 7,300 feet, in the foothills of the Himalayas. After our first two nights here we move to the Punakha valley which offers a relatively low elevation of approximately 4,300 feet. Our third hotel in Thimphu is at approximately 7,500 feet. Our walks and hikes will take place at elevations from 4,300 feet to 9,000 feet. There is time to move at a comfortable pace, allowing ourselves to adjust to the mountain air. Keeping hydrated, avoiding excessive alcohol, eating frequent, light meals, and getting plenty of rest will help with any effects of altitude that you may feel.

Weather
The mountainous areas of Bhutan have pronounced rainy and dry seasons. The dry season lasts from October through May. Days tend to be warm, with nighttime temperatures dropping significantly. Any time of year, dressing in layers is a good strategy, so that you can shed or add clothing as the day heats and cools.

The following are average temperatures in Paro (highest elevation):

                        high     low

February:           56°F    34°F
March:               58°F    33°F
September:        74°F     53°F

When to Go
Bhutan is generally delightful for hiking in the spring and fall. The driest weather and clearest skies are typically in October and November. In the months of March and April, beautiful flowers are in bloom, and you will encounter fewer travelers in these months. As the temperatures are lower in winter months, there are very few visitors at this time of year.

When to Reserve
It is important to reserve your trip early, as festival times are busy and the Bhutanese national airline has a ticketing policy and will only accept reservations with full payment for the ticket. Therefore we are unable to hold group seats in advance of reservations. At this time seats are available, but they can only be confirmed upon receipt of your deposit, as well as the payment of $900 for these flights. Please contact our office with any questions regarding these important policies.

Traveler’s Responsibility
Trip participants have certain responsibilities to both Boundless Journeys and your fellow travelers. This includes understanding the conditions described in the trip itinerary and making sure it is appropriate for your interests and abilities, based on a review of the trip ratings, consultation with Boundless Journeys’ staff, and perhaps your doctor. In addition, trip participants are responsible for preparing for a trip by undertaking the proper fitness training. At the guide’s discretion, a participant may be asked to leave the trip if the guide feels that the person’s further participation may be detrimental to the individual or to other trip participants. If you have any questions about the difficulty level of the trip you have chosen, please contact Boundless Journeys to speak with one of our Destination Managers.

Small group travel affords us the opportunity to seek out the most remote and exotic destinations on the planet. Often we are exploring these locales with just 6-12 guests. The nature of active group travel is such that not all participants have the same ability level or interests. Traveling at a pace that is comfortable for the entire group, with a spirit of flexibility and adventure are all part of this intimate experience.

Overview:  Accommodations in Bhutan are somewhat rustic but charming, and we’ve chosen some of the country’s most comfortable and beautifully situated hotels for this journey. All rooms have private bath.

Nights 1 & 2:  Janka Resort
Paro, Bhutan

Nights 3 & 4:  Hotel Punatsangchu
Wangduephodrang, Bhutan

Nights 5, 6 & 7:  Hotel Migmar
Thimphu, Bhutan

Night 8:  Janka Resort
Paro, Bhutan

(see night one)

Punakha Festival, February 28-March 7, 2012

DAY 1: Tuesday, February 28th
Arrive in Paro, Bhutan. Visit Bhutan’s National Museum, Paro Dzong, and Kyichu Lhakhang.

Walk – easy to moderate, 2-3 hours.

Our flight from Bangkok to Paro, Bhutan affords spectacular mountain views of the serrated Himalayan peaks and their forested mountain foothills, hemming in the green bowl of the Paro Valley. Wide rivers and medieval fortresses add texture to the stunning landscape. As we disembark the plane, we notice the absence of noise and the pervasive sense of peacefulness that is so rarely found in cities. The bucolic Paro Valley is one of Bhutan’s most scenic, and its houses are considered among the most beautiful. As a historic trade center, Paro maintains close cultural connections with neighboring Tibet. Upon arrival, and a warm Bhutanese welcome reception, we transfer to our hotel for a light lunch and afternoon tea.

Following lunch we visit the National Museum housed in the round, multistory Ta Dzong, built in 1775. Bhutan’s dzongs are perhaps the most visibly striking aspect of the kingdom, and these imposing citadels dominate the landscape in major towns, as well as house the administrative headquarters for each respective region. This dzong was once the watchtower for the massive Paro Dzong, built in the 17th century by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, Bhutan’s founder. The museum features ancient artifacts, weapons, textiles, stamps, and a collection of antique thangkhas – painted or embroidered religious images on silk.

From the museum an easy walk leads us to the magnificent Rinpung Dzong. If we are fortunate we may get the opportunity to explore within the dzong’s mighty walls; however, if the Administrative Body is in session, we must admire from the outside.

We continue through the Paro countryside, and by farms and fields of rice, mustard, buckwheat, eggplant, and, of course, chilis, before arriving at Kyichu Lhakhang. Kyichu Lhakhang, meaning “twin temples,” is believed to have been built in 659 AD by King Songtsen of Tibet, and reflects the introduction of Buddhism to Bhutan. The temple is one of 108 that were built throughout the Himalayas in one day in an effort to subdue a mighty ogress; it is still believed to hold her left foot in place today.

Later this afternoon, we return to our lodge for time to relax before an orientation and welcome dinner.
Janka Resort, Paro

DAY 2: Wednesday, February 29th
Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery.

Hike – moderate, 3-4 hours on hiking trails; approximate elevation gain of 1,650 feet.

After breakfast, we hike to the legendary hermitage of Taktsang, the “Tiger’s Nest.” Clinging to a sheer cliff at 10,200 feet, this monastic retreat was built to honor the Tibetan Buddhist saint Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) who is said to have flown across the Himalayas on the back of a female tiger, landing in this spot to bring Buddhism to Bhutan. We can explore some of the seven temples, many of which have been restored following damaging fires. A visit to this sacred site is an honor that few Westerners have the privilege to experience.

Before descending, we enjoy a trailside picnic lunch, with stupendous views of the Paro valley below. Tonight we enjoy the quiet streets and interesting shops in town if there is time.
Janka Resort, Paro

DAY 3: Thursday, March 1st  
Transfer to Punakha (approximately 5 hrs.); Temple of the Divine Madman

Walk – easy, 1-2 hours on local paths.

After an early breakfast, we take a drive to Punakha, our home for the next three nights. The road ascends the Dochu La (“la” is a mountain pass) at 10,230 feet and offers an unmatched vista of the eastern Himalayas. On the other side of the pass, the road descends through magnificent pine and rhododendron forest, meandering through some of Bhutan’s most picturesque countryside. The climate here makes a dramatic change from alpine to semi-tropical, where cacti, banana trees, and orange groves thrive.

En route, we stop at a small village and take a short walk to Chime Lhakang, a temple dedicated to the Lama Drukpa Kunley, also known as the “Divine Madman” and one of Bhutan’s favorite saints. Lama Kunley traveled throughout Bhutan and Tibet performing songs, using humor, and engaging in outrageous behavior to dramatize his teachings. He believed social conventions and strict clergymen kept people from learning the heart of Buddhist teachings. This site is believed to hold fertility powers for women wanting to conceive.
Hotel Punatsangchu, Wangduephodrang

DAY 4: Friday, March 2nd &
DAY 5: Saturday, March 3rd
Punakha Festival.

The highlight of this trip is the Punakha festival, one of the most important ceremonies of Bhutan’s religious calendar and an event that is witnessed each year by only a handful of outside visitors. The Punakha Festival will provide unique possibilities and a taste of Bhutan at its most authentic. As we enter the impressive courtyard of the Punakha Dzong each morning, our senses awaken among the costumed Bhutanese people who have gathered from across the region to pay respect and be blessed. Dressed in their finest clothes and jewelry, the people come not only for religious merit but to join in joyful celebration and feasting. This magical celebration unfolds as we witness the dances, marvel at the elaborate masks and costumes, and immerse ourselves in the intense color and festive atmosphere amid horns, drums, and mystical dancers. We enjoy picnic lunches on the festival grounds during our two days here, and mingle with some of the celebrants to learn more about this fascinating aspect of their culture.
Hotel Punatsangchu, Wangduephodrang

DAY 6: Sunday, March 4th
Transfer to Thimphu (approximately 3 hrs.)

Walk – easy, 2-4 hours.

Retracing our route back over the Dochu La, we drive to the capital city of Thimphu, home to Bhutan’s royal family, the Wangchucks. Before becoming Bhutan’s official capital in 1961, Thimphu was a valley of farmers. Today it is Bhutan’s largest city, though unlike any other world capital. The city is quiet, with few streets, no stoplights, and none of the traffic problems common to other Asian cities.

Thimphu is a city ideally explored on foot, and this afternoon our walking tour takes us between its many interesting sites. Before the day is through, we may visit the newly built Textile Museum, the Thimphu Dzong, the School of Traditional Arts and Crafts, the Heritage Museum, and the Handicrafts Emporium, displaying the rich traditional crafts of the kingdom.
Hotel Migmar, Thimphu

DAY 7: Monday, March 5th
Cheri Goemba and the Choki School of Arts.

Hike – Easy to moderate, 2-4 hours on dirt roads and trails.

This morning a short drive through the countryside surrounding Thimphu brings us to the Jigme Dorji Wildlife Sanctuary, the largest protected area in the country. The park is home to several endangered species including the takin, snow leopard, blue sheep, tiger, red panda, Himalayan black bear, and more than 300 species of birds. Our walk begins from the small village of Dodena, where we cross a covered bridge over the Wang Chhu River and climb steadily to Cheri Goemba, a small monastery perched on the hill with a view over the Thimphu Valley. Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal built this monastery in 1620, and this is where the first community of monks in Bhutan was established. The monastery is considered very sacred as it contains the ashes of Tempi Nima, the father of the first Shabdrung of Bhutan, and beautiful frescoes of Buddhist saints.

After our visit to the monastery, we descend back the way we came, keeping our eyes open for the goral (wild goat) that are often spotted on the cliffs nearby. Back at the village of Dodena, we follow a riverside trail via Begana to Cabesa, home to the Choki School of Arts. The Choki School is private and provides free skills-related education in the traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan to Bhutanese children who are unable to attend or complete their formal education. After visiting the school we continue along the riverside trail and pass through small rural villages before returning to Thimphu.
Hotel Migmar, Thimphu

DAY 8: Tuesday, March 6th   
Morning at leisure in Thimphu; Transfer to Paro (approximately 1-2 hrs.)

This morning is free for independent explorations before our afternoon return to Paro. We’ll have time to go walking, relax, or explore the markets. Beautiful textiles woven in wool, silk, and cotton, along with basketry, silver jewelry, thangkas, and other traditional crafts of the kingdom are available in various shops.
Janka Resort, Paro

DAY 9: Wednesday, March 7th
Departure from Paro.

An early morning departure from Paro returns us to Bangkok where we say farewell and journey home or to other exciting destinations.

Please note that this is a typical itinerary, and actual activities may vary to take advantage of weather conditions, local events, and to allow serendipity to play a hand in your experience. Accommodations are as outlined in the itinerary, although we reserve the right to change these should the need arise.

$4,195 per person

• All accommodations
• All meals
• All transportation during the tour
• Expert local guides
• All activities as noted in the itinerary
• Bhutanese visa fees and departure taxes