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.

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• Small groups. We tread softly, and our average group size is just 6-8 guests.
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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 $810 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)

Thimphu Festival, September 13-21, 2010

DAY 1
Arrival in Paro, Bhutan; visit Kyichu Lhakhang and the Paro Dzong

Walking – easy to moderate, 1-3 hours.

Our flight from Bangkok, Thailand into Bhutan provides spectacular views of Bhutan’s landscape as we approach the airport in the Paro Valley. The valley is a green bowl surrounded by jagged Himalayan mountains and forested hillsides, crossed by beautiful rivers, and dotted with medieval fortresses. The first thing that we notice as we disembark in Bhutan is the absence of noise and a feeling of peacefulness that is rare in most other Asian cities. The Paro Valley has kept its bucolic nature and is one of the most scenic valleys in Bhutan. The houses are considered to be among the most beautiful in the country, and Paro is believed to be one of the first valleys to have received the imprint of Buddhism.

We are greeted with a warm Bhutanese reception and transferred to our first hotel where we enjoy a light lunch and afternoon tea. A short drive through town then takes us to 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. From here an easy walk leads us through Paro countryside and to farm fields of rice, mustard, buckwheat, eggplant, and, of course, chilies. We cross the Paro River on our way to the valley’s 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 return to our lodge and relax with an orientation meeting and welcome dinner of Bhutanese cuisine.
Janka Resort, Paro, Bhutan

DAY 2
Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery; visit Bhutan’s National Museum

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

This morning we enjoy a hike to the famous cliff-hermitage called Taktsang, the “Tiger’s Nest.” This monastic retreat is built into a sheer cliff face high above the Paro valley. Legend has it that the Tibetan Buddhist saint Padmasambhava flew across the Himalayas on the back of a tiger and landed here, bringing Buddhism to Bhutan. Entry into the monastery is now permitted, and we may be allowed to visit this sacred site. We enjoy lunch and the views of the valley below at the Taktsang teahouse before descending to the valley floor.

From here, a short drive brings us to the National Museum, housed in the round multi-storied Ta Dzong, built in 1775. The Ta Dzong was once the watch tower for the massive Paro Dzong, built in the 17th century by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The museum’s collection includes ancient artifacts, weapons, a collection of antique thangkha (painted or embroidered religious pictures), textiles, and stamps.
Janka Resort, Paro, Bhutan

DAY 3
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 five-hour drive to Punakha, our home for the next two nights. The road ascends the Dochu La ("la" is a mountain pass) at 10,230 feet and offers an unmatched vista of the eastern Himalaya Range. 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, Wangdue Phodrang

DAY 4
Khamsung Yueley Namgyel Chorten to Punakha Dzong

Hike – easy to moderate, 3-4 hours on dirt roads and trails.

This morning we drive through the Punakha valley and begin our walk by ascending a series of switchbacks through rice paddies on our way to the Namgyel Khamsum Yueley Chorten. The chorten's (a type of temple) unique style was drawn from Buddhist scriptures and is believed to promote health and happiness. From the viewpoint at this modern temple, we witness the grand sight of the Mo Chhu valley below ("chhu" means river).

Descending again to the valley through rice fields and small villages, we stop for a picnic lunch alongside the river before continuing our walk to the Punakha Dzong. Constructed in 1637, the dzong was the second one to be built in Bhutan, and for many years served as the seat of government. Today it is the winter home of Bhutan's spiritual leader, the chief abbot Je Khempo, who resides here with 1,000 monks. From this spectacular dzong, look back to see the Namgyel Khamsum Yueley Chorten perched on the hillside far in the distance. Later, return to our hotel for the evening.
Hotel Punatsangchu, Wangduephodrang

DAY 5
Transfer to Thimphu (approximately 3 hours); Thimphu Festival

Retracing our route back over the Dochu La, we drive to the capital city of Thimphu, home to Bhutan's royal family, the Wangchuks. Before becoming Bhutan's official capitol 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 capitals. The afternoon is free for you to explore this small city on your own, or if time permits we may get our first introduction to the Thimphu festival. Dinner this evening will feature Asian-Bhutanese cuisine at one of our favorite city restaurants.
Hotel Migmar, Thimphu

DAY 6
Thimphu Festival

Today we attend the Thimphu Tsechu, which is held in the courtyard of the Tashichoe Dzong, situated along the Wang Chhu (river) below forested mountains. This fortress monastery of Bhutan's capital city houses the government ministries, the office of His Majesty the King, the throne room, and the living quarters of the monk body and its chief abbot. Like many of the country's more famous dzongs, this one was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in the mid-17th century and has been the seat of Bhutan's government since 1952. As we enter its impressive courtyard, our senses awaken to be 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. Watch this magical celebration unfold 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. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the festival grounds and mingle with some of the celebrants to learn more about this fascinating aspect of their culture.
Hotel Migmar, Thimphu

DAY 7
Thimphu Festival

We rise very early to visit the festival again and witness the thongdrel ceremony and procession of monks before the sun rises. On the last day of this festival, we’ll take in more masked dances as the costumed monks perform their chams to the clang of cymbals and the deep, resonating tones of brass horns.
Hotel Migmar, Thimphu

DAY 8
Morning at leisure in Thimphu; Transfer to Paro

This morning is free for independent explorations before our afternoon return to Paro. We 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. Tonight, we share one last dinner together, celebrating our journey through the magical Kingdom of Bhutan.
Janka Resort, Paro

DAY 9
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.

$4,095 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