JAMBAY LHAKHANG AND PRAKHAR FESTIVALS

30 Jul, 2015

Monday, November 2, 2015

11N & 12D

Tour Day Information:

Day 1

Arrival: Paro

- Arrive Paro International Airport.

On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received and escorted to your hotel by a representative of Rainbow Tours and Treks.

- After an early lunch visit the National Museum (Ta-Dzong). Once the watch tower for the Rinpung Dzong, it was converted into the National Museum in 1968. The museum stands on a promontory overlooking the Paro valley in all its glory. Also visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong. A flagstone path rises gradually from a beautiful wooden bridge with shingle roofing and abutted by two guard houses, to the dzong. Today, the Dzong is the seat of the district administration as well as the home for the monastic school.

Dinner and overnight: Hotel

Day 2

Paro - Hike to Tiger's Nest

- The name Taktsang means "Tiger's Nest". The monastery is perched on a rocky ledge with a sheer drop of nearly 800 m. It is said that in the second half of the 8th century, Guru Padma Sambbava alighted here upon the back of a tigress. Lunch at Taktsang cafeteria. En-route visit the Drugyel Dzong - ruined fortress. The dzong, although in ruins, holds great historical significance. It was from this fortress that the Bhutanese repelled many Tibetan invasions. On a clear day this On a clear day this spot offers a magnificent vista of Mount Chomolhari, "Mountain of Goddess" (Alt. 7329 m).

- Also visit Kyichu Lhakhang (Lhakhang means Monastery). Kyichu Lhakhang was built in 659 AD by the King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet as one of the 108 such Monasteries which he built in various places to spread Buddhism. It is located between Paro Town and Drugyal Dzong. It is one of the holiest places in Bhutan as it marks the advent of Buddhism in the country.

- In the evening walk around Paro town.

Overnight :Hotel

Day 3

Paro -Thimphu

After breakfast transfer to Thimphu. (distance 65 Km /about 2 hours drive) Enroute visit Takchu Monastery. Check into Hotel Pedling on arrival at Thimphu.

After lunch:

- Visit the National Memorial Chorten which was built in 1974 in memory of the third king

- Visit the Textile Museum

- Visit Folk Heritage Museum,

- Visit the Arts and Crafts School

- Visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved

- Visit the Zilukha Nunnery

Overnight: Hotel

Day 4

Thimphu

- Morning drive 12 Km north of Thimphu and hike to Tango monastery. Tango Monastery is the residence of the Druk Desi Gyaltsen Tenzin Rabgye, an eight-year-old spectacled boy who is the reincarnate of the 16th-century monk who built Tango. Be prepared for a vigorous 45-minute climb into the clouds. From the top of Tango-which means horse's head , for the horse-head-like rock formation on the side of the mountain—you canl photograph the interior courtyard of the monastery and distant monasteries through a forest of colorful prayer flags. Picnic lunch will be served at Tango.

- While returning to Thimphhu have a look at Dechenchholing Palace. On arriving Thimphu visit Trashichodzong.

Dinner and overnight: Hotel

Day 5

Thimphu - Punakha

- Morning Drive to Punakha (3 hours drive) over the Dochula Pass Alt. 3150m. from where the snow-capped eastern Himalayan ranges can be seen on a clear day.

- After lunch visit the Punakha Dzong, the Winter Residence of the Je Khempo (Chief Abbot)

- Evening: Hike to Chimed Lhakhang, the Fertility Temple of Saint Drukpa Kuenley known popularly as ‘the Divine Madman.’

Dinner and overnight: Hotel

Day 6

Punakha - Trongsa

- After breakfast transfer to Trongsa (8 hours drive) In the evening visit Trongsa Dzong and its imposing watch tower. Trongsa Dzong is the ancestral home of the royal family. Built in 1648 A.D. it is presently the administrative seat of the district and the home of the monastic school. Built at split levels on a narrow spur, the Dzong is an architectural wonder. The watch tower, located directly above the Dzong, has on display many interesting armours and other weapons of war used by ancient warriors.

Dinner and overnight: Hotel

Day 7

Trongsa - Bumthang

- Transfer to Bumthang (3 hrs drive) crossing Yotungla Pass (3425 m) and get the first glimpse of the Black Mountains. En – route visit Yathra (textile) weaving cottage industry at Chumi Valley.

- Afternoon: Visit the historical Jakar Dzong, built in 1646 A.D. by MinjurTenpa, the third Druk Desi (Temporal Ruler). In 1683 A.D. it was extended by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgay, the fourth Desi.

Dinner and overnight: Hotel

Day 8

Bumthang

- Morning visit Chakhar - and Kurjey Lhakang

- Afternoon and evening JAMBAY LHAKANG Festival

- The festival will be held in the court yard of Jambay Lhakhang Temple located in the heart of Chokor Valley. This is one of the oldest temples in the country built around the 7th century by a Tibetan King, Songtsen Geombo. The festival dances symbolize the fight between good and evil and this is also a thank offering time for harvest to the local deities.

Overnight: Hotel

Day 9

Bumthang

Full day PRAKHAR Festival

This is a unique village festival celebrated every year in honour of Lama Thukse Dawa, son of the Treasure Discoverer, Pema Lingpa who lived in Bumthang Valley in the 15th century.

Overnight: Hotel

Day 10

Bumthang - Wangdue

Drive to Wangdue. If time permits visit the Wangduephodrang township.

Dinner and overnight: Hotel

Day 11

Wangdue - Paro

Drive to Paro, lunch in Thimphu.

Evening: explore Paro town.

Dinner and overnight: Hotel.

Day 12

Departure

Transfer to airport for departure