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Inter-Cultural Arts Exchange

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Fall Festivals & Traditional Arts Tour
October 6-19, 2008
September 25-October 8, 2009

Dowload Detailed Itinerary

Pre-Tour: Sikkim-Darjeeling: September 19-25

Dowload Detailed Itinerary

Tibet Extension Following

Attend Thimphu and Bumthang Festivals (Tsechus)
(Thimphu Drupchen, Thimphu Tsechu and Tangbi Mani)

Tsechus depict Buddhist teachings.
For example, one common dance, called "the judgement of the dead," illustrates the concept of afterlife.

Each festival lasts for three days and the performances differ on each day.
Thimphu Tsechu is one of the grandest tsechus in Bhutan. Tamshing Tsechu and Tangbi Mani tsechus are smaller festivals which take place in Bumthang. The Bumthang tsechus have a Nyingmapa lineage, which is slightly different from the Drukpa Kagyupa Buddhism generally followed in Bhutan.

Tsechu performances are in the mornings which leaves afternoons free for sightseeing.

Hotels used are all government approved. We prefer the ambience of smaller, Bhutanese style hotels run by Tibetan or Bhutanese families. All rooms have private bath.

Bhutan has followed a policy of strict isolation and within itself developed a unique cultural identity. The principles of Buddhism play an important role in all aspects of Bhutanese life. This is apparent in the artistic tradition within the country. Art techniques are based on principles given in the scriptures which have been handed down over the ages from master to student.

Our Arts & Festival Tour of Bhutan will focus on this aspect of life in Bhutan. On the first part of the tour you will enjoy both the breathtaking scenery of the country as well as participate in the various cultural aspects of the country. As we near the middle of our tour we will have gained insights into the artistic traditions of Bhutan and the influences of the culture on the art of Bhutan. We will begin our traditional classes, which will be tailored to suit the needs of the tour. You can use the insights you have gained during the first part of the tour to develop arts skills, which will be taught by a traditional art teacher. By the end of the tour you will have experienced the true artistic tradition of Bhutan.

Although we will visit all the usual highlights including experiencing the tradtional dance festival in Thimphu, there will be emphasis on the artistic part of the tour vis-ˆ-vis art in everyday life. We have arranged special permission to attend classes at the School of Traditional Arts and Crafts in Thimphu as well as meetings with other artists and artisans in Bhutan.

There are 13 traditional arts of Bhutan which are taught in the School of Arts and Crafts. These are: painting, carpentry, carving, sculpture, casting, blacksmith, bamboo works, gold smithing & silver smithing, weaving, embroidery, masonry, leather works and paper works.

Traditionally, the art courses are quite long and in depth. We have contracted with Asha (which means Uncle) Kama, an art master from VAST (Voluntary Artists Studio Thimphu), to teach our group customized classes. VAST promotes art among Bhutanese and helps youth in Bhutan as well. This studio is a mix of modern and traditional art. When you sign up for this tour, we would like you to indicate which art form--painting or pottery, you would most like to study. These two arts lend themselves best to short study.

Participation in the art classes are completely optional and if you do not have an interest in joining there will be alternate activities for you each afternoon.

Detailed Itinerary

Paro - Day 1
Arrive into Paro via Druk Air, 1045 am from Delhi or Kathmandu. (if you prefer arriving via Bangkok, will have to be on Sep 18, 1010 am.) Met and transfer to hotel.

Note: You may elect to arrive overland via Sikim and Darjeeling on our pre-tour extension.

Paro lies at an altitude of 2280m above sea level. Before the construction of roads most of Bhutan's trade came through Paro either from Tibet via Tremo la or from the south via Haa. Paro valley extends from Jumolhari on the Tibetan border to Chuzom which is the confluence of the Thimphu and Punakha rivers.

Afternoon visit Choeten Lhakhang, a monastery situated in the center of the town, built in the traditional Bhutanese style. Dumtse Lhakhang is believed to have flown from Tibet and is hence held by chains to the ground. Also visit Paro Dzong: The correct name of the Dzong is Rinchen Pung Dzong, which means fortress on a heap of jewels. The Dzong was built in 1646 by Shabdung Ngawang Namgyel. The Dzong was formerly the meeting hall for the National Assembly. The Dzong is located on a vantage point on the hillside and has two Lhakhangs (monasteries) and a Central Utse (Central tower). As with all Dzongs the local administrative and monk body are housed on the premises.

In the evening a stroll around Paro town to gain first insights into life in Bhutan. The town is situated below the Dzong (fortress cum monastery, which overlooks the valley) which is accessible via a traditional cantilever bridge. Near the bridge are chortens (or prayer shrines) situated alongside the Ugyen Pelri palace.

Paro, Taktsang Monastery - Day 2
Morning 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. (if you do not wish to do this hike, there will be optional activities offered.)

Afternoon visit National Museum which is located above the Dzong in the ancient circular watchtower. The museum consists of six floors dealing with different aspects of Bhutanese culture. The museum also houses a great collection of Thangkhas (embroidered or painted religious hangings). The Tshogshing Lhakhang (the temple of the tree of wisdom) is also located in the museum.

Drive to Drugyel Dzong in the evening. A pleasant 14-km drive from Paro town takes us to the site of the ruins of Drugyel Dzong. Drugyel Dzong was built to commemorate a Bhutanese victory over Tibetan invaders in the seventeenth century. It is situated at the point where the trail from Tibet enters Paro. The Dzong was destroyed by fire in this century. On a clear day there is a magnificent view of Mount Jumolhari from the site.

Thimphu - Day 3
Drive to Thimphu (two hours). Enroute visit Simtokha. We pass the Tamchog Lhakhang built by Thangtong Gyalpo (iron bridge builder/saint from the 14th /15th century who introduced the art of building suspension bridges with iron chains). There's an orange tree in the courtyard which bears fruit due to the blessings of the saint and monastery (oranges are not native to that region). We pass Chuzom (meeting of the rivers or confluence). Bhutanese believe that evil influences gather at such places and hence three shrines have been built on this spot. The shrines have been built in three different styles- Nepali, Tibetan and Bhutanese. Vehicles need to register at check point here. Afterwards, a 15 minute drive to the capital town of Thimphu where we will be staying for the next four nights.

After check-in, you can visit the bustling weekend market where all Bhutanese buy their groceries etc; it also houses a handicraft section.

Thimphu: Lying at an elevation of 2320m above sea level the capital of Bhutan is a blend of the traditional and the modern. It is the only capital in the world without streetlights relying instead on the elegant gestures of the traffic policemen. The population of Thimphu stands at around 40,000. Geographically, the capital lies in a valley with the Thimphu River running through it.

Each day's schedule will consist of optional hiking in the early morning, festival viewing in the mornings and sightseeing in the afternoon. Sightseeing in Thimphu will include: the Folk Heritage Museum and the School of Arts and Crafts which will give us one of our first insights into the artistic tradition in Bhutan. We will be able to see the students master the 13 traditional crafts. 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. This will give us a good basis of understanding the development of arts and its relation to everyday life in Bhutan. An art master will give us a brief introduction to the development of art in Bhutan and it's relevance in everyday life. The students sell the works in a shop nearby to supplement their income. Special arrangements can be made to attend a class at the School of Arts and Crafts, with advance notice, for those interested. Please sign up for the tour a minimum 6 months prior and indicate your interest at time of booking. Additional costs will be applicable.

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.

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

Thimphu -Attend Thimphu Drupchen - Day 4
During the Drupchen, the deities are prayed to and dances are performed only by monks in costume while in the tsechu the dances are performed by monks and secular people. We will attend a few dances of religious significance during the Drupchen.

Attend Thimphu Tsechu - Day 5-6
Attend Thimphu Tsechu in the mornings; sightseeing in the afternoons. In the evenings, you can visit the bustling weekend market where all Bhutanese buy their groceries etc; it also houses a handicraft section.

Drive to Punakha - Day 7
On the final morning of the festival, if the unfurling of the throngdrel is to take place (this cannot be confirmed in advance), we have a very early morning rise to view the ceremony ( 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 is supposed to help accumulate great merit. The thongdrel is unfurled before dawn and at the first rays of sun shine it is packed away.

Return to hotel for breakfast and then drive to Punakha, (approx 3 hrs). The drive is in three phases. After reaching Simtokha we climb from Simtokha to Dochula Pass. En route we pass the Simtokha Dzong which is the oldest dzong in Bhutan and which now houses the Institute for language and Culture. At Hongtso there is an immigration checkpoint where we need to register. We cross Dochula Pass (3150m) where on a clear day we can see views of the Himalayas. Lunch can be packed from the hotel in Paro or can be eaten at the Dochula cafeteria. The last phase of the journey is downhill to Punakha valley. En route we pass prayer wheels which are run by flowing water.

Punakha - Day 8
Punakha was the old capital of Bhutan and the magnificent dzong is situated on an island in the middle of the river. It is also the winter residence of the central monastic body. It is a climatically a warmer valley than Paro and Thimphu. We visit the Punakha dzong and short hike to Chimi Lhakhang where many go to pray for progeny. We will also visit a traditional Bhutanese village to view life in rural Bhutan. For those desiring more energetic pursuits - hiking to nearby villages can be arranged.

Trongsa - Bumthang - Day 9

After breakfast we depart Punakha to Trongsa (4 to 5 hours). A magnificent drive with many waterfalls alongside the climbing road. Trongsa, which is the ancestral home of the royal family, is 4 hours away form Punakha. The route crosses Pelela (3400m) and passes by the village of Rukubji, which is unusual, as the houses cluster together. The village is surrounded by fields of wheat and barley. Trongsa dzong is a magnificent example of Bhutanese architecture and is visible at least 14 km away.

After lunch in Trongsa we depart for a pleasant two hour drive to Bumthang which is often referred to as the cultural heartland of Bhutan. The drive first climbs but then mellows into pleasantly winding roads. We pass Chume village, known for its yathra weaving- exotically embroidered woollen cloth which can be stitched into jackets and covers. Bumthang abounds with beautiful sites to visit. Once again mornings will be spent viewing the festivals and afternoons visiting various sites in Bumthang.

Bumthang - attend Tangbi Mani- Day 10-11
Mornings attend Tangbi Mani. Afternoons sightseeing. As Buddhism was first introduced in Bhutan via Bumthang this place abounds with religious sites.

One afternoon: A walk past a suspension bridge beyond a carved Buddha on a rock to Thankabi Monastery. Thankabi Goemba is located amongst fields of buckwheat. The trail continues though meadows and forests (blue pine and scrub bamboo) to Ngang Lhakhang (Swan Temple). The valley was originally inhabited by swans which gave the valley its name. A renowned lama (Lama Namkha Samdrup) had a vision of a monastery in that area. He shot an arrow and the monastery was built at the spot the arrow landed. Black-necked cranes winter in the area. Picnic lunch en route.

Other places to visit in Bumthang include: Mebartso (the Burning Lke 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's meditation site, Jambay Lhakhang, Sey Lhakhang and Chakkar Lhakhang. Optional short day hikes can also be scheduled in Bumthang to visit historical sites and local villages. Visits can also be arranged to the village of Ura which lies 2 hours away from Bumthang.

Bumthang to Mongar (6 hrs) - Day 12
The drive from Bumthang to Mongar is the best in the country, with dense forest, waterfalls, sometimes encountering wildlife and beautifully built traditional villages. The drive can include breaks to allow for excursions into the forested areas where a wide variety of flora and fauna flourish. The difference in altitude changes (from Thrumsingla Pass at over 3000 m above sea level to around 600m) provides us with a rapid and interesting change in flora and fauna. Moist ridges, cloud forest and cliff vegetation can also be viewed along the drive. Hotel Druk Zhongar

Drive Mongar to Trashiyangtse (2 hrs) and Continue to Trashigang (2 hrs) - Day 13
In Trashigang there are several sights to see besides viewing the Dzong and the traditional village houses. There is a Rigney Institute - a traditional learning center. The curriculum here encompasses both religious learning as well as arts such as woodcarving, painting etc. Chorten Kora is a temple/stupa, which is styled after Boudanath in Nepal. It was constructed in the late 18th century. Legend has it that the people of the region had deeply desired to visit Boudanath in Nepal as they were deeply religious. Lama Ngawang Loday visited Nepal and brought back a copy of the temple carved into a radish to be used as a model to construct a copy of the temple in Bhutan. As the radish had shrunk slightly, the temple ended up being of different proportions from the temple in Nepal. For nature lovers the Bomdeling Sanctuary is located one hours walk from Chorten Kora. It is the roosting home of the endangered black necked crane.

Trashigang Dzong dominates the town and a drive of one hour will take us to Gom Kora. This site is the site of Guru Rimpoche's meditation. There is a body imprint which is attributed to Guru Rimpoche. There are also many treasures which were revealed by the Guru including a dragon egg. Hotel Dejung.

Assam India border Day 14
Drive Trashigang to Samdrup Jongkhar (6 hour drive) crossing the village of Khaling which is renowned for its weaving and its school for the blind. This is the exit point. You will be picked up at the border by your Indian driver. Samdrup Jongkhar is on the Assam border, it is 120km from the border to Guwahati (nearest airport). On arrival transfer to hotel Brahamputra Ashok 4*.

Fly to Calcutta or Delhi. - Home - Day 15
Late night transfer to intl airport for flt home. Or fly to Kathmandu to join our Tibet extension.

Master Art Teacher: Kama Wangdi
We have contracted with Asha (which means Uncle) Kama, an art master from VAST (Voluntary Artists Studio Thimphu), to teach our group customized classes. VAST promotes art among Bhutanese and helps youth in Bhutan as well. Kama has over 20 years experience in Bhutanese arts. He studied at the National Fine Arts Center, National Handicrafts Design Center; illustrated books incuding The Natural World of Bhutan and The Way of the Dragon, and was art director/manager of many large scale exhibitions for clients such as UNICEF, Bhutan Pavillion at Expo 2000 in Germany, Nature As Artwork Exhibition in Holland. In addition, he has been a volunteer art teacher in the public schools and started a weekend art program for youth. We are so honored to have Kama's participation in our tour.

Price 2008: $3390 per person, based on a minimum of 4 people; Single Supplement $550
Price 2009: $3965 per person, based on a minimum of 4 people; Single Supplement $575

Plus Airfare on Druk Air: Kathmandu-Paro, Delhi-Paro, Calcutta-Paro or Bangkok-Paro (your choice/please discuss) and Guwahati-Calcutta or Guwahati-Delhi.  airfares subject to change.

Extra Costs to be paid in Bhutan: approxiamtely $30 for art supplies to be paid at the arts school if you elect to attend.

Group Size:  Minimum of 4-Maximum of 16 people

Includes:

• Bhutan visa
• airport transfers
• all land transport
• accomodations dble occ
• all meals in Bhutan
• professional accompanying escort throughout
• all entrance fees
• $10 per person paid to the Department of Tourism as contribution to tourism development fund.

Does Not Include

• International Flt
• Departure Tax
• Tips
• India Visa
• travel/trip cancellation insurance
• Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls
• art supplies
• beverages except tea/coffee