Bhutan - The Land of the Thunder Dragon

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Inter-Cultural Arts Exchange

Experience ancient culture as it has existed for thousands of years and enjoy exquiste and dramatic beauty

Explore Bhutan During the Colorful Festival Season

The people of Bhutan refer to their kingdom as Druk-yul or The Land of the Thunder Dragon. For visitors, this small protected kingdom is referred to as the mountain lotus of the world.

Its magnificent pristine landscape, ancient traditional culture and Buddhist values are unique in the Himalayas. The world-famous Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Lair) clinging to the edge of the cliff at 10,000 feet is a wonderous destination in itself.

Dzongs in Bhutan are combination administration/monastic centers. The Paro Dzong has played an important role in the history of Bhutan. Some scenes from Bernardo Bertalucci's Little Buddha were shot here in 1992.

Above the Dzong is Ta Dzong, a seven-story watchtower built for the protectiopn of the main Dzong below. The Ta Dzong has now been converted to a National Museum. It houses a rich collection of sacred scrolls, art and ancient weapons.

Tsechus, (religious festivals) that depict Buddhist teachings, are held every year in all districts. Masked dances are performed to instruct the onlookers in the ways of dharma. Each festival lasts three days with performances differing each day. Tsechu performances are in the mornings which leaves afternoons free for sightseeing.

Thimphu & Bumthang Festivals with Traditional Arts: September 25-October 8, 2009
Sikkim-Darjeeling Pre-tour : Sep 19-25, 2009
Tibet Extension : October 8-17, 2009

Click Here for a Detailed Itinerary of Fall Festival Tour

Click Here for a Detailed Itinerary of pre-tour Sikkim-Darjeeling Overland to Paro

Thimphu Tsechu is one of the grandest tsechus in Bhutan. We arrive in Paro via Druk Air and exit at the eastern border to Assam India. This offers an opportunity to explore the most remote villages of Bhutan.

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. We will explore Bhutanese culture through the arts, traveling to Punakha, Bumthang, Trongsa, and culminating in Thimphu where we spend five afternoons studying either pottery or painting with a master teacher at the famed school of traditional arts.

Paro Festival: March 22-April 6, 2010
Extension to Tibet : April 6-15, 2010

Click Here for a Detailed Itinerary of Paro Festival with Tibet Extension

The tour starts with arrival in Calcutta. If you have never been to Calcutta, arrive a day or two early if interested in sightseeing here. A short flight takes us to the ancient Buddhist town of Gangtok. From here we travel overland to Darjeeling and Bhutan, offering an opportunity to experience a non-touristed tsechu in a small village enroute to Paro. The land route to the Paro Valley is an interesting drive from the border town of Phuntshling to Paro through forests of blue pine, oak, cypress and rhododendron. The mountain slopes afford stunning views of plains, jungles and tea gardens. The deeper recesses of the forest are punctuated by cascading waterfalls, and finally along the meandering paro River there are terraced fields dotted with beautifully designed Bhutanese farm houses. The forested ridges lead to snow capped peaks in the distance, the Paro Dzong with a watch tower overlooking it and two valleys. After the Paro Festival, we visit the villages Punakha and Thimpu. The tour culminates with a flight to Calcutta. An extension to Tibet departs for Kathmandu the following morning.

Click Here for a Detailed Itinerary of Tibet Post-Tour Extension

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