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Go to Bhutan Fall Festivals Tour

Paro Festival with Sikkim and Darjeeling
April 1-14, 2009

Dowload Detailed Itinerary

Extension to Tibet: April 15-24, 2009

Authentic Festivals
Easy-Moderate Walks
Mountain Beauty

This adventurous journey takes us through the Himalayan cultures of Sikkim India, Bhutan and Tibet. After a relaxing adjustment in beautiful Darjeeling, we will experience the colorful and sacred tsechus (festivals) of Bhutan. For those who wish to continue on with us, we then visit the ancient temples of Tibet.

Detailed Itinerary

Calcutta - Day 1
Arrival in Calcutta. Tranfer to Landmark hotel, near airport.

Gangtok - Day 2
Transfer to airport for flt to Bagdogra, 9w 617 dep 1210 arr 1310. On arrival drive to Gangtok (4hrs) packed lunch for picnic enroute. An interesting drive where you can stop for momos (steamed dumplings) and beer at almost every shack along the wild and turbulent Teesta. There are rafting camps at Chitrey; beer factory at Malli. On a clear day one can see the Kanchandzonga and the rest of the eastern Himalayan range. (B, L, D)

Gangtok - Day 3
Morning sight seeing includes: Enchey Monastery, Government Institute of Cottage Industries, Research Institute of Tibetology, Do-drul Chorten and the Rumtke Monastery. Afternoon drive to Rumtek - About 45 minutes drive from Gangtok, 24 kms. away, is the Rumtek Dharma Chakra Center, the seat of the Kagyu order, one of the 4 major Tibetan Buddhist sects. Since the late 1960's, after the arrival of His Holiness the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa, the center houses some of the world's most unique religious scriptures and religious art objects. Traditional in design, it is almost a replica of the original Kagyu headquarters in Tibet. Rumtek monastery, a must for every visitor, where one can find some of the worlds most unique art objects , this place is the seat of the Kagyu order -- a close replica of the original Kagyu in Tibet.. About 2 kms. away from Dharma Chakra Center is the rebuilt 300 year old Rumtek monastery which was originally built by the fourth Chogyal. His Holiness late Gyalwa Karmapa lived in this monastery till the completion of the Rumtek Dharma Chakra Center. (B,L,D)

Gangtok - Day 4
Early morning drive to Pemayangtse ( 6-7 hrs). Pemayangtse is situated in West Sikkim at Gyalshing (140 Kms. from Gangtok) and commands an impressive view of Mt. Kanchendzonga. It was originally a small Lhekhang build by Lhatsun Chenpo in the 17th century. Later during the rule of the third Chogyal Chakdor Namgyal, Lhatsun Chenpo's third reincarnate jigme Pawo extended it and rebuild the structure. This monastery belongs to the Nyigma order and all other Nyigma order monasteries in Sikkim are subordinate to it. The monks of Pemayangtse are usually from the leading Bhutia families in Sikkim. There are 108 monks in this monastery. The monastery houses numerous religious idols and other objects of worship, most of which are precious because of their antiquity. On the top floor of the monastery there is a wooden sculpture depicting the Maha Gurus Heavenly Palace "Sanghthokpalri". This master piece was completed by the late Dungzin Rimpoche, who took five years to craft it single handed.

Darjeeling - Day 5 (75 km/3 hrs)
Morning visit the Pemayangtse Momastery. Afterwards, drive to Darjeeling. It is a stunning drive through forests of oak, pine and orchids with the rapturous beauty of the Kangchendzonga range in the background, this queen of the hills, 'Dorje Ling'-Place of the thunderbolt- now called 'Darjeeling' still rules with its little villages, tiny waterfalls and even tinier toy train track. The tranquil environs of the surrounding hills is a perfect setting for the tea estates and monasteries. Afternoon visit the monastery at Ghoom, Aloobari Monastery (30 mins walk from town). Stroll the town or hike to nearby peaks. (B,L,D)

Darjeeling-Phuntsholing (Bhutanese border) (181km/6 hrs) - Day 6
Sunrise visit to Tiger Hill; afterwards drive to Phuntsholing. Overnight in Phuntsholing at Hotel Druk or Lhaki.

Paro- Day 7 (4-5 hrs)
Our Bhutanese driver will bring us to Paro (4-5 hrs). It is an interesting drive through forests of blue pine, oak, cypress and rhododendron. The mountain slopes offer stunning views of plains, jungles and tea plantations. The deeper recesses of the forest are dotted with cascading waterfalls and along the river there are terraced fields with beautifully designed Bhutanese farm houses. Arrive in Paro (7478') afternoon.

Paro - Day 8
Attend the festival* (9:30 am-2pm). After lunch, we visit the museum which is housed in an ancient watch -tower overlooking Paro Valley. The museum displays an excellent collection of Thangkhas. Evening free to explore town.

Paro-Punaka - Day 9
Very early morning rise to view the unfurling of the throngdrel ( 3-6:30am). [A thongdrel is like a giant thangkha.] Most dzongs have one of their own which they exhibit only once a year or once in three years. Viewing it i ssupposed to help accumulate great merit as well as liberate the viewer from the world of samsara - which is what Thondrel means. The thongdrel is unfurled before dawn and at the first rays of sun shine it is packed away. Afterwards, some dances and prayers. Return to hotel for breakfast.

Afterwards, drive to Punakha , (4100', (4.5 hrs). En route we cross Dochula Pass where on a clear day we can see magnificent views of the Himalayas. Punakha is the old capital of Bhutan and is also presently the winter residence for the Central Monastic Body. Punakha Dzong is located in the middle of the river. Afternoon sightseeingin Punakha includes a visit the Chimi Lhakhang where many women go to pray for progeny and also visit a small nearby village. May also visit Wangdiphodrang village which is close by. Hotel Meri Phuensum or Dragon Nest Resort by the Puna Tsangchu River.

Punaka-Bumthang- Day 10 (8 hrs)
Morning, a pleasant though long 8 hour drive takes us to Bumthang, often referred to as the cultural heartland of Bhutan. We pass Chume village which is known for its yathra weaving and is delightfully woven embroidered cloth.

Bumthang - Day 11
Places to visit in Bumthang include Mebartso (the burning lake where the treasure revealer Pema Lingpa discovered Buddhist treasures), Tamshing Monastery - one of the most sacred Nyingmapa monasteries, Kurjey Lhakhang - built on the site of Guru Rimpoche? meditation site, Jambay Lhakhang, etc. Optional short day hike can also be scheduled. Late afternoon drive to Trongsa (2 hrs) En route a picnic of snacks and tea at the site of Chendibji Stupa built in the Nepalese style. Trongsa is the ancestral home of the Bhutanese Royal Family and the dzong is a magnificent example of Bhutanese architecture.

Bumthang-Thimphu - (8 hrs) Day 12
Morning drive to Thimpu (8 hrs).

Thimphu Day 13
Thimphu is an enchanting blend of the old and new. Full day tour. Evening free to explore the town, which boasts of many handicrafts shops. Also stroll the bbustling weekend market.

The following places will be visited during our time in Thimphu:
Tashicho Dzong Dzongs are traditionally built without nails or written plans. The dzong houses the monk body in summer and is the seat of government, the king's offices are in this dzong. There is a picturesque cantilever bridge below the dzong.

Memorial Chorten Tibetan style Chorten built in memory of the third king -father of modern Bhutan. Throughout the day people come to walk around the Chorten in prayer and worship.

National Library Houses ancient Dzongkha and Tibetan texts in a huge traditional building. Each floor has an altar with statue of Bhutan's most important historical /religious figures. People sometimes go around the building in prayer because the building houses many holy books.

School of Arts and Crafts Traditionally there are 13 arts and crafts in Bhutan. The students sell the works in a shop nearby to supplement their income. The 13 arts and crafts are painting, carpentry, carving, sculpture, casting, blacksmith, bamboo works, gold smithing & silver smithing, weaving, embroidery, masonry, leather works and paper works. Guests can visit the school to see the students master the crafts.

National Institute of Traditional Medicine Diagnosis of diseases is done mainly by feeling the pulse. Bhutan has a rich array of herbs which are used for the treatment of diseases. The traditional system of medicine is incorporated into the National Health System.

Changangkha Monastery

Weekend Market The bustling week end market where all Bhutanese buy their groceries etc. also houses a handicraft section--opens on Friday evening and is in full swing on Saturday.

Drive to Paro. (2 hours) - Day 14
Hike to Taktsang Monastery, one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in the Himalayan kingdom. Also known as Tiger's Nest Monastery, it is perched on a rock face and is revered by Bhutanese as Guru Padmasambhava (who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan) is said to have flown on the back of a tiger to the site to meditate. The climb to Taktsang takes about two hours. Every Bhutanese inspires to make at least one pilgrimage here in his life time. The well-maintained path passes through blue pines, oaks and rhododendrons. From a number of places during the climb you can get glimpses of the monastery clinging to the cliff with no visable approach. Near a cluster of prayer flags, to the right of the path, is Taktsang Cafe which offers a magnificent view of the 3000 feet high cliff supporting the monastery. Before the final approach, a bend in the road goes down to a small bridge. A few paces ahead is a hermit's hut carved inside a rock. From here, a short but steep climb takes us to the door of Taktsang. Near the entrance is the cave in which the well-known Guru Padmasambhava meditated for three months in the 18th centuy and converted the people to Buddhism.

Paro-Calcutta or Kathmandu - Day 15
Morning flight. Remain at airport for flt home or if continuing to Tibet transfer to hotel.

OR Day 16 Fly to Calcutta to connect to intl flt home or join our Assam/Arunachal tour. NOTE: if you are not joining the extension to Tibet and have no interest in visiting Nepal, the flt to Calcutta continues to Bangkok. Depart Paro 1115 am, arr Calcutta 1145; dep Calcutta 1225, Bangkok 410 pm (M, T, Th, Fr, Sa only). Itinerary sequence may change due to Druk Air flight schedule changes.

Tibet Extention

Arrival in Kathmandu - Day 1
Met at airport and transfer to Summit Hotel, just outside Patan/Garden Wing Rooms.

Kathmandu - Day 2
This morning we will be arranging the Tibet permits.
Morning tour of Patan. Originally known as Lalitpur, Patan is situated on the southern bank of the Bagmati River and is 5 Km southeast of Kathmandu. Its’ Durbar Square is an enchanting melange of palace buildings, artistic courtyards and graceful pagoda temples. Listed as a World Heritage Site, the former royal palace complex is the center of Patan's religious and social life, and houses a museum containing an array of bronze statues and religious objects. One remarkable monument here is a 17th-century temple dedicated to the Hindu god Krishna, built entirely of stone instead of the usual brick and wood used for temples in Nepal. We’ll also visit the Golden Temple, the Mahabouddha Temple (also known as the temple of the thousand Buddhas due to the carving of Buddha on each brick), Uku and Kwa Bahal.

Afternoon walking tour of Kathmandu City’s Durbar Square with it’s array of temples centralized around the Hanuman Dhoka Palace, the ancient seat of royalty. Visit the Jagannath Temple with it’s erotic carvings, the Kal and Seto Bhairav temples, the Temple of the Living Goddess, the big bell and the Kasthamandap Pavilion, said to have been built out of timber of a single celestial tree and from which the city of Kathmandu derives it’s name.

Culminate with a visit to Swayambunath, one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal. Swayambhunath, the oldest Buddhist stupa, said to be 2000 years old. The stupa which forms the main structure is composed of a solid hemisphere of brick and earth supporting a lofty conical spire capped by a pinnacle of copper gilt. Painted on the four sided base of the spire are the all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. This hill is a mosaic of small Chaityas and Pagoda temples.

Fly to Lhasa, Tour Jokhang Temple -Day 3 (3800 M/4 hrs)
Fly to Lhasa. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to hotel, about 100km,1hour 40minutes drive. Independent time to rest and aclimatize to the altitude. Hotel in Old City, Keichu hotel or Dhood Gu hotel.

Lhasa- means holy land in Tibetan. On the northern bank of Lhasa River, a tributary of Yarlungtsanpo River, it is 3,650 meters above sea level. It is the capital city of the Tibet Autonomous Region and is a political, economic and cultural center of the region. It boasts many historical sites and scenic spots both in its urban areas and outskirts.

Afternoon: Tour of Jokhang Temple & Barkhor Street
Jokhang Temple is in the heart of old Lhasa, most sacred temples in Tibet established in 7th century by King Songtsen Gampo, the King who brought Buddhism to Tibet. Barkhor Temple and Barkhor Bazaar is the market place where everything is available, also good for people watching. Tibetans spin prayer wheels and shop as they circumambulate. Good for shopping everything from trinkets to tantaric ritual objects.

Lhasa: Tour Portola Palace, Kangyur Stupa, Norbulingka - Day 4
Potala Palace is the cardinal landmark and a structure of massive proportion. This symbol of Tibet, an architectural gem built in the colossal monastic style of Central Tibet by Gyelwa Ngapa, the fifth Dalai Lama, in the 17th century, stands 300m above the valley atop the hill called Marpo Ri. The thousand rooms in Potala date from 1645 when the fifth Dalai Lama began erecting a palace that would serve as a sacred and administrative center. It served many succeeding Dalai Lamas and as one of Tibet‚s most impressive and enduring monuments, the Chinese Army of Red Guards protected it during the Cultural Revolution. As a result many of its chapels and treasures are intact, virtually unchanged since the 17th century Norbulingka Palace.

Kangyur Stupa: This unique site is a favorite pilgrimage site for Tibetans today. The entire Kangyur (Translated Buddhist Cannon) is carved onto slate rocks, and the slates then used to build the stupa.

Norbulingka is the summer palace of His Holiness Dalai Lama. The 8th Dalai Lama designated it as a summer retreat but the majority of the buildings were not erected until the reigns of 13th and 14th Dalai Lamas. Every year as the chill air warmed, the Dalai Lama would leave Potala in a grand procession for six months residence in the Norbulingkha. It is worth a visit and the park is a great place to be at festival times and public Holidays.

Tour of Drepung & Sera Monastery.- Day 5
About 8km to the west of central Lhasa, Drepung, one of the world's largest monastery was built in 1416 by Jamyang Choje a pupil of Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelugpa Sect. Drepung literally means “Rice Mountain,” after the famous and very large Danayakataka Stupa in South India where Buddha originally taught the Kalachakra Tantra. Prior to 1959 Drepung ranked as Tibet's largest monastery, sometimes with a population exceeding 10,000 monks. It also served as the residence of the early Dalai Lamas, until the Potala Palace was constructed in 1645. The second and third and the fourth Dalai Lama lived and were entombed here. Suffering only minor damage during the Cultural Revolution Drepung has plenty of historical relics, Buddhist scriptures and arts. We will walk down to Nechung Monastery and drive to Lhasa for lunch.

In the afternoon, drive to Sera monastery, the 15th century sprawl of golden roofs and whitewashed walls is situated on a mountain slope, few miles north of Lhasa city. This monastery belongs to the Gelugpa sect and is one of the three great monasteries of Tibet, the other two being Drepung & Ganden. Sera was hard hit during the cultural revolution owing to its resident's active participation in the 1959 uprising. The highlight of the visit to Sera would be to witness the monks debating out in the courtyard.

Drive Lhasa/Samye/Tsetang.- Day 6
After breakfast, depart for Yarlung river and board the ferry for an hour across the river followed by a 20 minutes drive in a bus or truck to Samye monastery. Built in the mid-8th century; Samye is first formal Buddhist Monastery for the monks in Tibet. The magnificent and unique Central Hall is three-stories high. The first floor is of the Tibetan architectural style, the second the Han style and the third the Indian style. The halls in the monastery house many statues and murals. The monastery has bronze bells, carved marble lions and tablets marking the development of Buddhism. All these are valuable cultural relics. As described in historical books, this monastery is considered "an unimaginable construction and incomparable monastery." Return the same route and drive to Tsetang ( 200 kms. 5 hours drive & 2 hours on ferry).

Tsetang has had many "firsts", for instance, the first king Nyatri Tsenpo, the first palace Yumbu Lhakang, the first temple Tradruk, the first cropland Syarisotang, the first Tibetan Opera Pakhapu and the first Buddhist scripture Pangkong Chagya are all credited to Shannan. Here is also the place where King Songtsan Gampo united Tibet and once lived with Princess Wencheng. The Tangka made and embroidered by Princess Wencheng herself is still kept in Tradruk Temple, which is a great treasure house of culture and art. Overnight in Yarlung Hotel in Tsetang.

Drive to Yamdrok Lake (approx 3 hrs); and continue to /Gyantse (41/2 hr)- Day 7
Morning drive to Mindroling monastery then climb to Kampa La Pass 4793m to view the Yamdrok Tso (lake).
Yamdrok Tso (lake) also known as Turquoise lake is situated in the Lhoka area, covers 621 square km at elevation of 4441M and is one of the three largest lakes in Tibet. Enjoy the beautiful views of the lake; time for photo opportunity and short walk.

There is a road to Gyantse which go via lake, but now the road is under construction. So we have to take the main highway (friendship highway) which goes near Shigatse, then take a short cut to Gyantse. It doesn't actually go to main Shigatse town. It gets near Shigatse, then takes short cut. Overnight in Jing Zhang Hotel in Gyantse.

Mindroling Monastery is one of the two major Nyingmapa centers in Central Tibet. The monastery is large and impressive. Most of the vast complex has been destroyed in the 1960s. Despite the damage, its handsome building constructed of beauitfully dressed stones are among the finest in the country. The monastery dates back to the 1othe century. Overnight in Jing Zhang Hotel in Gyantse.

Drive to Shigatse - Day 8
After breakfast visit Pelkor Choede Monastery. Its' remarkable feature accommodates the three sects of Tibetan Buddhism in one monastery coexisting in peace with each other. The three sects are: the Sakya, the Kagyu and the Gelug. The full name of the Palcho Monastery is "The Auspicious Wheel Joy Monastery." According to the historical records, this monastery was built in 14th or 15th century. It consists of the Assembly Hall, the 100000-Buddha pagoda, dratsangs and an enclosure wall as its construction units. Also visit the justifiably famous Kumbum monastery with its extraordinary architecture. The Stupa was designed by Newari architects from Nepal and is one the unique stupas in Tibet.

After lunch, drive 90 kms, 2 hours to Shigatse, an ancient city on the Plateau of which its history can be traced back to more than 500 years. With its altitude of 3800m, Shigatse covers a total area of 182000sq.km in 18 counties and is the second largest city after Lhasa. With population of 635200 under its jurisdiction, Shigatse is historically named 'Nyangme' which means -the lower reaches of the Nyangchu River- in Tibetan.

Before reaching Shigatse we will visit Shalu Monastery which is a detour from the main road. Shalu is the only monastery in Tibet known to possess a significant collection of 14th century Newari style murals, moderated and enhanced by the artistic sensibilities of the Yuan Dynasty of China. Arniko, master painter from Kathmandu valley, pioneered this unique art that later came to full flower in the Chinese capital. The architecture of Shalu is a rare combination of Chinese and traditional Tibetan elements. Overnight in Hotel Shigatse or Manasarovar in Shigatse.

Return to Lhasa-Day 9
After breakfast, visit the great Tashilhunpo Monastery , the seat of the Panchen Lama, second only in importance to the Dalai Lama. Located on the south slope of the Nyimari hill in the west of the city of Xigatse, the Tashilunpo Monastery , known as one of the six major monasteries of the Gelug Sect, was originally built in 1447. It is the largest monastery in the Tsang area of 300000-sq.m. Tsongkhapa's 8th disciple, Gendun Drupa,the 1st Dalai Lama, built it with the financial aid from the Pakdru regime. Its numeroushalls contain a 21.6-meter wooden statue of Maitreya, the future Buddha and elaborate, jewel encrusted reliquary chorten. The monastery was expanded and renovated by the 4th, 5th and 6th Panchens. Thereafter, the Tashilunpo Monastery stands at an impressive scale today and becomes the residence for each successive Panchen Lama. Drive back to Lhasa (4 hours). Enroute, visit carpet weavers.

Tibetan carpets have a history of over 600 years. Situated to the west of Tibet University Lhasa Carpet Factory is one of the remarkable enterprises in Tibet Autonomous Region. Hundreds of experienced weavers use old-styled vertical looms to weave carpets of incredible complexity. Learn about the process of natural dying, preparation of wool, technique of weaving and symbolism in patterns.

Fly to Kathmandu Day 10
Early morning flight to Kathmandu. This is one of the most spectacular aerial views of the Himalan range including Mt. Everest. Remain at international airport for flight home.

Price Main Tour (Calcutta-Darjeeling-Bhutan-Kathmandu): $3796 per person, dble occ based on min 4 people
single room supplement $475. Ends at Kathmandu or Delhi airport.

Plus Airfares (subject to change): Calcutta - Bagdogra , Paro-Kathmandu

Tibet Extension: $TBA, single room supplement TBA + China Visa $65 (pay direct in Kathmandu)

Plus Air : Kathmandu-Lhasa-Kathmandu $ (includes Lhasa airport tax)

(all air prices subject to change)

Group Size: Minimum of 4-Maximum of 12 people

Includes:

airport transfers
all land transport
accomodations, dbl oc, best available in Bhutan & Tibet; heritage in Calcutta, KTM; top hotel in Darjeeling.
daily breakfast
all meals (not including drinks) in Bhutan; all meals as indicated in Sikkim, Darjeeling/India
fully escorted throughout the journey
entrance fees to monuments, monasteries etc
Bhutan visa

Does Not Include

International Flight
Departure Taxes
India Visa
Nepal Visa (multple entry required)
China visa-must be obtained in Kathmandu
Tibet permit (for Tibet travelers)
Tips
Photography fees
Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls

NOTES: For Tibet Tour-you must get your China visa in Katahmandu on the day you arrive and you will pay for it directly. Our manager in Kathmandu will get the Tibet visa for you.

All hotels have running hot water + private shower/bath, and radiators/heaters - no central heating. Rooms - we will insist on the best available but at the same time guests should keep in mind that standards here should not be compared to standards in the West.

Average Temperature in April (Max/Min)

Paro Thimphu Punaka Wangdi Trongsa Bumthang

64/40 68/45 76/53 79/54 68/44 66/39

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