The best time of the year to trek in Bhutan is during March-May and September-to mid November.
ITINERARY
DAY1 ARRIVAL – PARO [-/L/D]
Arrival at Paro. Welcome by the representative of Asian Trails/Pristine Druk-Yul Tours & Treks at the Airport. Transfer to hotel and check-in at Kichu Resort.
After lunch, visit National Museum, Paro Dzong, Kichu Lhakhang, Dungtse Lhakhang and the town of Paro.
Dinner and overnight at the Kichu Resort.
DAY2 PARO – SHARNA [B/L/D]
Breakfast
The trek starts at the north end of the valley PARO-SHARNA.
Following the river gently uphill through a narrowing agricultural valley. Village houses, kids and farm land on either side can be seen on the trail. The trail is gently uphill for a distance of 15kms. taking about 6 hours at slow pace. The camp is on a meadow for a half an hour walk above the army check post at an altitude of 2,800 metres.
Overnight camping.
DAY3 SHARNA – SOITHANGKHA [B/L/D]
Breakfast
Continue uphill through the valley. The path narrows and closes in and the trail winds up and down along the drainage. Today is quite a long walk so, one has to start early to have enough rest on the way. Pack lunch will be served enroute. Camp in a meadow under a stone shelter.
Distance today is 21 kms. and takes about 9 hours. at slow pace (altitude 3640 metres.)
Overnight camping.
DAY4 SOITHANGKHA – JANGOTHANG (Base Camp) [B/L/D]
Breakfast
Up the Paro River, pass a small army post where the valley begins to widen again. Now the views of high ridges and snow capped peaks are all around. You begin to see yak herders in their tents. Hot lunch will be served on arrival at the base camp.
Camp beneath a ruined fortress at the base of Jomolhari. Distance today is 14 kms. and takes 5 hours. (altitude 4120 metres).
Overnight camping
DAY5 JANGOTHANG – YAKSHA [B/L/D]
Breakfast
Continue uphill passing the Tsophu (Lakes) and Bhontela pass at 4500 metres. Then descend steeply downhill till you reach the camp site. If fortunate you can see herds of blue sheep grazing on an open pasture. The camp will be in a meadow at alt. 4100 metres. Distance today is 16 kms and takes about 6 hours.
Overnight camping.
DAY6 YAKSHA – THONGBU [B/L/D]
Breakfast
Cross the Tagulinla pass at 4520 metres and descend down to the campsite at Thongbu (alt. 4100 metres). Distance today is 15 kms. and takes about 6 hours.
Overnight in a tent (alt. 4160 metres)
DAY7 THONGBU – SHARNA [B/L/D]
Breakfast
Cross a small pass during a 50 minutes walk and then descend all the way downhill till you reach the camp at Sharna. Distance today is 16 kms. and takes 5/6 hours.
Overnight camping.
DAY8 SHARNA – DRUKGYEL DZONG - PARO – THIMPHU [B/L/D]
Breakfast
Start the trekking downhill to Paro. The trail is all the way gently downhill. After arrival at Paro, have lunch at the hotel and continue by car to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan’ s mainroad a two-hour drive. Transfer to the Druk Hotel.
Evening at leisure, wander along the town’s mainroad and do shopping as you like.
Dinner at local restaurant.
Overnight at the Druk Hotel.
DAY9 THIMPHU – PARO [B/L/D]
Breakfast
Sightseeing of Thimphu Valley. Visit Tashichho Dzong, the biggest fortress and the administrative centre of Bhutan.
10:30 Drive to Paro. After lunch drive to north of the valley for about 10 kilometers and hike up through the pine trees for 1 1/2 hours at slow pace till the tourist Cafe’ offering close views of the Taktsang Monastery hanging on a cliff above the valley. Those who are energetic can walk up to the monastery, wheras entering inside is restricted. The main temple was burnt down in 1997 and the renovation project is going on. Enjoy the stunning view of the monastery. After a break and refreshment at the Cafe’, walk down where you will be picked and transferred to the hotel. Check-in at Kichu Resort.
Dinner and overnight at the Kichu Resort
DAY10 PARO – DEPARTURE [B/-/-]
Breakfast
Pick up from hotel and transfer to airport for your departure flight.
END OF SERVICE
PRICING
The total costing for the above itinerary is found below. Prices are per person based on adults sharing. Prices are in US Dollar.
US$ 4,780.00 Per person minimum 4 people required
VALIDITY: 01 November, 2010 – 31 October, 2011
Prices are nett per person in twin sharing basis
INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PRICES ARE :
• Accommodation in shared twin room
• Meals as specified in the programme (fullboard)
• Tours and transfers by private car/van with English speaking guide
• Tourism Development Fund
• Visa fee
NOT INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PRICES ARE :
• Airticket to/from Paro
• Expenditure of a personal nature, such as drinks, souvenirs and laundry etc.,
Minor changes to the programme are sometimes necessary, we will endeavour to minimise these changes which are sometimes out of our control.
Monday, December 13, 2010
7 Days Trails of Bhutan Tour
ITINERARY
DAY1 BANGKOK - PARO [-/L/D]
Arrival at Paro. Welcome by the representative of Asian Trails/Pristine Druk-Yul Tours & Treks at the Airport. The drive from airport to the Kichu Resort is enchanting.
After lunch, do the sightseeing of Paro valley. Visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and the most sacred temples in Bhutan built in 7th Century and sightseeing of Paro town.
Dinner and overnight at the Kichu Resort.
DAY2 PARO - THIMPHU [B/L/D]
Breakfast
After breakfast, two hours drive to Thimphu following the winding road beside the Pachhu River downstream to its confluence with the Wangchu River, then up valley to Thimphu.
After lunch at the Druk Hotel, sightseeing of Thimphu valley. Visit the vegetable market (Saturday & Sunday), Tashichho Dzong, the biggest fortress and the administrative centre of Bhutan.
Rest of the day at leisure. Wander in the town, do shopping, visit private handicrafts where you can bargain for the price and get better deals at the Government emporium.
Dinner and overnight at the Druk Hotel.
DAY3 THIMPHU [B/L/D]
Breakfast
After breakfast, visit memorial chorten, Changangkha Lhakhang, drive up to Sangay Gang from where the view of Thimphu town is superb. After lunch at one of the hotels in the town, visit the Hand made paper factory, National Library, art and craft school and other places of interest.
Dinner at local restaurant.
Overnight at the Druk Hotel.
DAY4 THIMPHU – PUNAKHA [B/L/D]
Breakfast
Depart Thimphu and drive 3 hours to Punakha (72 kms), the old palace and winter residence of Chief Abbot (Je-Khempo). Stop at Dochula pass (alt. 3050 metres.) for tea break. If you are lucky with the weather, you can have spectacular views of the Eastern Himalayas. To name few, Mt. Masagang, Mt. Gangkher Puensum, Kangphu Gang etc. Continue drive to Punakha through the temperate forest where rhododendrons and magnolias bloom in spring (mid March to mid May). Check in at Zangtopelri Hotel.
After lunch, sightseeing of Punakha Dzong, Chime Lhakhang, Wangdi Dzong and other places of interests.
Dinner and overnight at the Zangtopelri hotel.
DAY5 PUNAKHA – PARO [B/L/D]
Breakfast
After breakfast, return to Paro via Thimphu. Enroute, visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest Dzong of Bhutan first built by Shabdrung Ngwang Namgyel in 1627. Check in at Kichu Resort in Paro.
After lunch, visit the National Museum, Paro Dzong, Kichu Lhakhang, Dungtse Lhakhang and the town of Paro.
Dinner and overnight at the Kichu Resort.
DAY6 PARO [B/L/D]
Breakfast
After early breakfast, drive to the north end of the valley to view the peak of Mt. Jomolhari and the ruin of Drukgyel Dzong, the victorious fortress. Drive back for about 5 kms. and ride on mules up through the meadows of pine trees for 1 1/2 hours. Rest at the tourism cafe offering close views of the burnt Taktsang Monastery hanging on a cliff above the valley.
Those who are energetic can walk up to the monastery, whereas entering inside is restricted. Lunch will be served at the cafe. After lunch, walk all the way downhill till you reach starting point where you will be picked and transferred to the hotel.
Dinner and overnight at the Kichu Resort.
DAY7 PARO – DEPARTURE [B/-/-]
Breakfast
Pick up from hotel and transfer to airport for your departure flight ....
END OF SERVICE
PRICING
The total costing for the above itinerary is found below. Prices are per person based on adults sharing. Prices are in US Dollar.
US$ 2,450.00 Per person minimum 2 people required
VALIDITY: 01 November, 2010 – 31 October, 2011
INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PRICES ARE :
• Accommodation in shared twin room
• Meals as specified in the programme (fullboard)
• Tours and transfers by private car/van with English speaking guide
• Tourism Development Fund
• Visa fee
NOT INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PRICES ARE :
• Airticket to/from Paro
• Expenditure of a personal nature, such as drinks, souvenirs and laundry etc.,
Minor changes to the programme are sometimes necessary, we will endeavour to minimise these changes which are sometimes out of our control.
DAY1 BANGKOK - PARO [-/L/D]
Arrival at Paro. Welcome by the representative of Asian Trails/Pristine Druk-Yul Tours & Treks at the Airport. The drive from airport to the Kichu Resort is enchanting.
After lunch, do the sightseeing of Paro valley. Visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and the most sacred temples in Bhutan built in 7th Century and sightseeing of Paro town.
Dinner and overnight at the Kichu Resort.
DAY2 PARO - THIMPHU [B/L/D]
Breakfast
After breakfast, two hours drive to Thimphu following the winding road beside the Pachhu River downstream to its confluence with the Wangchu River, then up valley to Thimphu.
After lunch at the Druk Hotel, sightseeing of Thimphu valley. Visit the vegetable market (Saturday & Sunday), Tashichho Dzong, the biggest fortress and the administrative centre of Bhutan.
Rest of the day at leisure. Wander in the town, do shopping, visit private handicrafts where you can bargain for the price and get better deals at the Government emporium.
Dinner and overnight at the Druk Hotel.
DAY3 THIMPHU [B/L/D]
Breakfast
After breakfast, visit memorial chorten, Changangkha Lhakhang, drive up to Sangay Gang from where the view of Thimphu town is superb. After lunch at one of the hotels in the town, visit the Hand made paper factory, National Library, art and craft school and other places of interest.
Dinner at local restaurant.
Overnight at the Druk Hotel.
DAY4 THIMPHU – PUNAKHA [B/L/D]
Breakfast
Depart Thimphu and drive 3 hours to Punakha (72 kms), the old palace and winter residence of Chief Abbot (Je-Khempo). Stop at Dochula pass (alt. 3050 metres.) for tea break. If you are lucky with the weather, you can have spectacular views of the Eastern Himalayas. To name few, Mt. Masagang, Mt. Gangkher Puensum, Kangphu Gang etc. Continue drive to Punakha through the temperate forest where rhododendrons and magnolias bloom in spring (mid March to mid May). Check in at Zangtopelri Hotel.
After lunch, sightseeing of Punakha Dzong, Chime Lhakhang, Wangdi Dzong and other places of interests.
Dinner and overnight at the Zangtopelri hotel.
DAY5 PUNAKHA – PARO [B/L/D]
Breakfast
After breakfast, return to Paro via Thimphu. Enroute, visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest Dzong of Bhutan first built by Shabdrung Ngwang Namgyel in 1627. Check in at Kichu Resort in Paro.
After lunch, visit the National Museum, Paro Dzong, Kichu Lhakhang, Dungtse Lhakhang and the town of Paro.
Dinner and overnight at the Kichu Resort.
DAY6 PARO [B/L/D]
Breakfast
After early breakfast, drive to the north end of the valley to view the peak of Mt. Jomolhari and the ruin of Drukgyel Dzong, the victorious fortress. Drive back for about 5 kms. and ride on mules up through the meadows of pine trees for 1 1/2 hours. Rest at the tourism cafe offering close views of the burnt Taktsang Monastery hanging on a cliff above the valley.
Those who are energetic can walk up to the monastery, whereas entering inside is restricted. Lunch will be served at the cafe. After lunch, walk all the way downhill till you reach starting point where you will be picked and transferred to the hotel.
Dinner and overnight at the Kichu Resort.
DAY7 PARO – DEPARTURE [B/-/-]
Breakfast
Pick up from hotel and transfer to airport for your departure flight ....
END OF SERVICE
PRICING
The total costing for the above itinerary is found below. Prices are per person based on adults sharing. Prices are in US Dollar.
US$ 2,450.00 Per person minimum 2 people required
VALIDITY: 01 November, 2010 – 31 October, 2011
INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PRICES ARE :
• Accommodation in shared twin room
• Meals as specified in the programme (fullboard)
• Tours and transfers by private car/van with English speaking guide
• Tourism Development Fund
• Visa fee
NOT INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PRICES ARE :
• Airticket to/from Paro
• Expenditure of a personal nature, such as drinks, souvenirs and laundry etc.,
Minor changes to the programme are sometimes necessary, we will endeavour to minimise these changes which are sometimes out of our control.
13 Days Bhutan Lifestyle Tour
ITINERARY
DAY 01 ARRIVAL – PARO [-/L/D]
Arrival at Paro in Druk Air, Bhutan National Airline: The flight takes you over the great Himalayas, offering the most beautiful scenery of the world’s highest glacial peaks. As you enter Paro valley, you will see the Rinpung Dzong (Spiritual and Temporal seat), the national museum and the Paro town.
DAY 01 ARRIVAL – PARO [-/L/D]
Arrival at Paro in Druk Air, Bhutan National Airline: The flight takes you over the great Himalayas, offering the most beautiful scenery of the world’s highest glacial peaks. As you enter Paro valley, you will see the Rinpung Dzong (Spiritual and Temporal seat), the national museum and the Paro town.
Your representative will welcome you at the airport and drive you through the fascinating valley of Paro . En route, client will visit the Ta-Dzong or National Museum: It houses a fine collection of art, relics, thankas, paintings, armoury & exquisite postage stamps. In the ancient days, it served as a watch tower, & later converted into a museum in 1968. Returning from the museum stop to visit the Dungsti Lhagang, built by a saint in the 14th century.
After a lunch, guests will be escorted to see the historical ruins of Drugyal Dzong,built in 1647 by Zhabdrung:It was built to commemorate the victory over repeated Tibetan invasions. The Fort was gutted by fire in 1951 and now stands as a monument for foreign visitors.
On a clear day, the snowy caps of Mt. Jomolhari can be seen.
Dinner and overnight at Gangtey Palace Hotel (standard hotel)
DAY 02 PARO [B/L/D]
After breakfast, guests will drive to the base of Ramthangkha for the rejuvinating hike to Taksthang monastery: which sits on the edge of a granite cliff at 9000ft above the valley floor: The hike takes aprrox: 4 hours up/down along trails of wooded bluepine & fluttering prayer flags.
For this day trip, we will have picnic lunch, which you can enjoy on a scenic spot:
When you have had your fill of Taksthang, hike down the mountain to your waiting vehicle & drive back to your hotel for a hot bath & rest.
After a good rest, your guide will escort you to visit the 7th century Kichu Lhagang and further down the valley to see the Paro Dzong, built in 1646, & is one of Bhutans most sacred places of worship.The Dzong houses both the administrative center & monastic bodies: It is also the venue for the popular Paro Festival: Rest of the day can be spent shopping for souvenirs in town.
Dinner and overnight at Gangtey Palace Hotel (standard hotel)
DAY3 PARO – WANGDUE PHODRANG - GANGTEY (car 6.5 hours) [B/L/D]
After breakfast, start your drive down the fertile Paro
view that they offer. Stop for a while for view & pictures ! Group will then walk down 10 minutes to the Dochula cafeteria to enjoy TEA/COFFEE.
After this brief respite, continue journey:
The road then descends a long way to Punakha & Wangdue through temperate forest of rhododendron & magnolia bloom in mid-March till May.
Then you will enter into a semi-tropical zone where orange trees, banana trees and cactuses are found in abundance.
From a distance you will see the awesome Wangdi Dzong. stratigically built on the spur of a hill between 2 flowing rivers: This Dzong was built in 1638 by Zhabdrung & still serves as the administrative center for both Wangdi district & monk body: Stop to visit the inner courtyard of the Wangdi Dzong & meet monks running about in their scarlet robes.
The continue drive to Gangteygompa which will be apprx: 3 hours drive along the same higheway, till it biforcates & continues for another 18/19km upto the peak of the Phobjikha valley & the Gangety monastery in full view, as it sits with a commanding view of the entire valley. The monatsery was built in the early 15 century & is an important center of learning for the Ngingmapa sect. There are about well over 200 monks living and studying the scriptrues. The valley is about 3000m & the winter resting ground for the Black necked cranes that arrive in November from Siberia, China & Tibet.
If guests are upto it, the open valley provides ample opportunities for energetic walks.
Dinner and overnight at Standard hotel in Gangtey
DAY4 GANGTEY - CHENDEBJI CHORTEN – TRONGSA DZONG – TRONGSA WATCH
TOWER - BUMTHANG (car 4 hrs) [B/L/D]
After breakfast, start journey to Trongsa: The drive to Trongsa is apprx:80kms, 3 hours in car.
On the way, you will cross the Pilela Pass (alt. 3.300m). After the pass, the road descends gradually till you reach Trongsa. En-route, you will stop at Chendebji Chhoeten built in Nepalese style by Lama Sidha in the 18th century. The next halt is 16 kms away from Trongsa from where you can have a close and spectacular view of Trongsa Dzong. Stop in Trongsa for lunch at YANGKHIL & then for a visit to the historical Dzong: The Dzong was built in 1648 : Then visit the Ta -Dzong ,or watch tower which has been converted to a museum of great interest. After this client will return to vehicle and continue 3 hours drive to Bumthang, one of the most magnificent valleys in Bhutan and also the heartland of Buddhism. 29kms away from Trongsa, you will cross Yotongla Pass (alt, 3,400m).
Beyond the pass, the landscape looks different as dense conifer forest stretches far and wide. You will also cross a small pass before descending to the valley of Chamkhar.
Dinner and overnight Standard guest house/lodge
DAY 05 BUMTHANG – NGANGLHAKHANG (Distance: 20 km, time: about 5 hours walk) [B/L/D]
The hike route follows the Chamkhar Chhu (river). Lunch stop at Thangbi Lhakhang before entering ‘Swan Land’ (Ngang Yul) with its centre ‘Swan Temple’ (Nganglhakhang). This part of the valley was first inhabited only by swans (ngang) from where the name of the place.
Overnight at Ancestral Family mansio, Bumthang
DAY 06 NGANGLHAKHANG [B/L/D]
A day of walking to nearby villages /monasteries.
Your host will pack lunch for your excursion around nearby villages and experience pure villagae daily lives.
Return from field trip, pack and drive to Jagar:
Overnight at Guest house-Jagar, Bumthang
DAY7 BUMTHANG [B/L/D]
Today visit all places of interest in the valley
Overnight at Guest House
DAY8 BUMTHANG – URA – SHINGKHAR (2hrs drive) [B/L/D]
After breakfast drive to URA/ Shangkhar village: Visit Ura village ,& monastery: experience the close community life of the people of both Shingkhar & Ura village:
Dinner and overnight at Shinkhar Nagsthang
DAY9 BUMTHANG – TRONGSA [B/L/D]
After breakfast drive to Trongsa and visit Trongsa Dzong & Museum
Overnight at Trongsa.
DAY 10 TRONGSA – PUNAKHA [B/L/D]
After breakfast drive directly to Punakha
Viist the Punakha Dzong and then check into your hotel for lunch.
Dinner and overnight in Punakha.
DAY 11 PUNAKHA – THIMPHU [B/L/D]
After breakfast and drive to Lobisa villgae for your hike to Chimmi Lhagang:
Return and drive to Thimphu, visit the Memorial Chorten in Thimphu
Dinner and overnight at Jomolhari Hotel
DAY 12 THIMPHU [B/L/D]
After breakfast visit all places of interest within the valley; Changangkha monastery/ Simtokha Dzong/ Takin Zoo/ or take a short hike to Tangu with picnic lunch.
Dinner and overnight at Jomolhari Hotel
DAY 13 THIMPHU – DEPARTURE [B/-/-]
Departure flight to your onward destination
END OF SERVICE
PRICING
After breakfast, start journey to Trongsa: The drive to Trongsa is apprx:80kms, 3 hours in car.
On the way, you will cross the Pilela Pass (alt. 3.300m). After the pass, the road descends gradually till you reach Trongsa. En-route, you will stop at Chendebji Chhoeten built in Nepalese style by Lama Sidha in the 18th century. The next halt is 16 kms away from Trongsa from where you can have a close and spectacular view of Trongsa Dzong. Stop in Trongsa for lunch at YANGKHIL & then for a visit to the historical Dzong: The Dzong was built in 1648 : Then visit the Ta -Dzong ,or watch tower which has been converted to a museum of great interest. After this client will return to vehicle and continue 3 hours drive to Bumthang, one of the most magnificent valleys in Bhutan and also the heartland of Buddhism. 29kms away from Trongsa, you will cross Yotongla Pass (alt, 3,400m).
Beyond the pass, the landscape looks different as dense conifer forest stretches far and wide. You will also cross a small pass before descending to the valley of Chamkhar.
Dinner and overnight Standard guest house/lodge
DAY 05 BUMTHANG – NGANGLHAKHANG (Distance: 20 km, time: about 5 hours walk) [B/L/D]
The hike route follows the Chamkhar Chhu (river). Lunch stop at Thangbi Lhakhang before entering ‘Swan Land’ (Ngang Yul) with its centre ‘Swan Temple’ (Nganglhakhang). This part of the valley was first inhabited only by swans (ngang) from where the name of the place.
Overnight at Ancestral Family mansio, Bumthang
DAY 06 NGANGLHAKHANG [B/L/D]
A day of walking to nearby villages /monasteries.
Your host will pack lunch for your excursion around nearby villages and experience pure villagae daily lives.
Return from field trip, pack and drive to Jagar:
Overnight at Guest house-Jagar, Bumthang
DAY7 BUMTHANG [B/L/D]
Today visit all places of interest in the valley
Overnight at Guest House
DAY8 BUMTHANG – URA – SHINGKHAR (2hrs drive) [B/L/D]
After breakfast drive to URA/ Shangkhar village: Visit Ura village ,& monastery: experience the close community life of the people of both Shingkhar & Ura village:
Dinner and overnight at Shinkhar Nagsthang
DAY9 BUMTHANG – TRONGSA [B/L/D]
After breakfast drive to Trongsa and visit Trongsa Dzong & Museum
Overnight at Trongsa.
DAY 10 TRONGSA – PUNAKHA [B/L/D]
After breakfast drive directly to Punakha
Viist the Punakha Dzong and then check into your hotel for lunch.
Dinner and overnight in Punakha.
DAY 11 PUNAKHA – THIMPHU [B/L/D]
After breakfast and drive to Lobisa villgae for your hike to Chimmi Lhagang:
Return and drive to Thimphu, visit the Memorial Chorten in Thimphu
Dinner and overnight at Jomolhari Hotel
DAY 12 THIMPHU [B/L/D]
After breakfast visit all places of interest within the valley; Changangkha monastery/ Simtokha Dzong/ Takin Zoo/ or take a short hike to Tangu with picnic lunch.
Dinner and overnight at Jomolhari Hotel
DAY 13 THIMPHU – DEPARTURE [B/-/-]
Departure flight to your onward destination
END OF SERVICE
PRICING
The total costing for the above itinerary is found below. Prices are per person based on adults sharing. Prices are in US Dollar.
US$ 4,520.00 Per person minimum 4 people required
US$ 4,520.00 Per person minimum 4 people required
VALIDITY: 01 November, 2010 – 31 October, 2011
INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PRICES ARE :
• Accommodation in shared twin room
• Meals as specified in the programme (fullboard)
• Tours and transfers by private van with English speaking guide
• Tourism Development Fund
• Visa fee
NOT INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PRICES ARE :
• Airticket to/from Paro
• Expenditure of a personal nature, such as drinks, souvenirs and laundry etc.,
Minor changes to the programme are sometimes necessary, we will endeavour to minimise these changes which are sometimes out of our control. WX
INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PRICES ARE :
• Accommodation in shared twin room
• Meals as specified in the programme (fullboard)
• Tours and transfers by private van with English speaking guide
• Tourism Development Fund
• Visa fee
NOT INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PRICES ARE :
• Airticket to/from Paro
• Expenditure of a personal nature, such as drinks, souvenirs and laundry etc.,
Minor changes to the programme are sometimes necessary, we will endeavour to minimise these changes which are sometimes out of our control. WX
History of Bhutan
Bhutan’s early history is steeped in Buddhist folklore and mythology; it features tremendous deeds and beings with supernatural powers. It’s said that a saint who had the ability to appear in eight different forms, one of them being Guru Rinpoche, visited Bhutan on a flying tiger and left the imprint of his body and his hat on rocks. School texts describe demons that threatened villages and destroyed temples until captured through magic and converted to Buddhism. Tales abound of ghosts who destroyed temples, and angels who rebuilt them.
Stone tools, weapons, elephants, and remnants of large stone structures provide evidence that Bhutan was inhabited as early as 2000 BC, although there are no existing records from that time. Historians have theorized that the state of Lhomon (literally, "southern darkness", a reference to the indigenous Mon religion), or Monyul ("Dark Land", a reference to the Monpa, the aboriginal peoples of Bhutan) may have existed between 500 BC and AD 600. The names Lhomon Tsendenjong (Sandalwood Country), and Lhomon Khashi, or Southern Mon (country of four approaches), have been found in ancient Bhutanese and Tibetan chronicles.
The earliest transcribed event in Bhutan was the passage of the Buddhist saint Padma Sambhava (also known as Guru Rinpoche) in 747. Bhutan's early history is unclear, because most of the records were destroyed after fire ravaged the ancient capital, Punakha, in 1827. By the 10th century, Bhutan's political development was heavily influenced by its religious history. Various sub-sects of Buddhism emerged which were patronized by the various Mongol warlords. After the decline of the Mongols in the 14th century, these sub-sects vied with each other for supremacy in the political and religious landscape, eventually leading to the ascendancy of the Drukpa sub-sect by the 16th century.
Until the early 17th century, Bhutan existed as a patchwork of minor warring fiefdoms, when the area was unified by the Tibetan lama and military leader Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal who fled religious persecution in Tibet. To defend the country against intermittent Tibetan forays, Namgyal built a network of impregnable dzong (fortresses), and promulgated a code of law that helped to bring local lords under centralized control. Many such dzong still exist and are active centers of religion and district administration. Portuguese Jesuit Estêvão Cacella and another priest were the first recorded Europeans to visit Bhutan on their way to Tibet. They met with Ngawang Namgyal, presented him with firearms, gunpowder and a telescope, and offered him their services in the war against Tibet, but the Shabdrung declined the offer. After a stay of nearly eight months Cacella wrote a long letter from the Chagri Monastery reporting on his travels. This is a rare extant report of the Shabdrung.
After Namgyal's death in 1651, Bhutan fell into civil war. Taking advantage of the chaos, the Tibetans attacked Bhutan in 1710, and again in 1730 with the help of the Mongols. Both assaults were successfully thwarted, and an armistice was signed in 1759.
Throne covers were placed atop the temple cushions used by high lamas. The central circular swirling quadrune is the Gankyil in its mode as the "Four Joys".In the 18th century, the Bhutanese invaded and occupied the kingdom of Cooch Behar to the south. In 1772, Cooch Behar appealed to the British East India Company which assisted them in ousting the Bhutanese, and later in attacking Bhutan itself in 1774. A peace treaty was signed in which Bhutan agreed to retreat to its pre-1730 borders. However, the peace was tenuous, and border skirmishes with the British were to continue for the next 100 years. The skirmishes eventually led to the Duar War (1864–1865), a confrontation for control of the Bengal Duars. After Bhutan lost the war, the Treaty of Sinchula was signed between British India and Bhutan. As part of the war reparations, the Duars were ceded to the United Kingdom in exchange for a rent of Rs. 50,000. The treaty ended all hostilities between British India and Bhutan.
During the 1870s, power struggles between the rival valleys of Paro and Tongsa led to civil war in Bhutan, eventually leading to the ascendancy of Ugyen Wangchuck, the ponlop (governor) of Tongsa. From his power base in central Bhutan, Ugyen Wangchuck defeated his political enemies and united the country following several civil wars and rebellions in the period 1882–1885.
In 1907, an epochal year for the country, Ugyen Wangchuck was unanimously chosen as the hereditary king of the country by an assembly of leading Buddhist monks, government officials, and heads of important families. The British government promptly recognized the new monarchy, and in 1910 Bhutan signed a treaty which "let" Great Britain "guide" Bhutan's foreign affairs. In reality, this did not mean much given Bhutan's historical reticence. It also did not seem to apply to Bhutan's traditional relations with Tibet.
After India gained independence from the United Kingdom on 15 August 1947, Bhutan became one of the first countries to recognize India's independence. A treaty similar to that of 1910 in which Britain gained power with respect to Bhutan's foreign relations was signed 8 August 1949 with the newly independent India.
The Trongsa Dzong.In 1953, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck established the country's legislature – a 130-member National Assembly – to promote a more democratic form of governance. In 1965, he set up a Royal Advisory Council, and in 1968 he formed a Cabinet. In 1971, Bhutan was admitted to the United Nations, having held observer status for three years. In July 1972, Jigme Singye Wangchuck ascended to the throne at the age of 16 after the death of his father, Dorji Wangchuck.
In late 2003, the Bhutanese army successfully launched a large-scale operation to flush out anti-India insurgents who were operating training camps in southern Bhutan. It is called Operation: All Clear and the Royal Bhutan Army drove out the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB), and Kamtapur Liberation Organization (KLO) insurgent groups hiding in Bhutan's jungles.
King Jigme Singye Wangchuck introduced significant political reforms, transferring most of his administrative powers to the Council of Cabinet Ministers and allowing for impeachment of the King by a two-thirds majority of the National Assembly.[14]
In 1999, the government lifted a ban on television and the Internet, making Bhutan one of the last countries to introduce television. In his speech, the King said that television was a critical step to the modernisation of Bhutan as well as a major contributor to the country's Gross National Happiness (Bhutan is the only country to measure happiness), but warned that the "misuse" of television could erode traditional Bhutanese values.
A new constitution was presented in early 2005. In December 2005, Jigme Singye Wangchuck announced that he would abdicate the throne in his son's favor in 2008. On 14 December 2006, he announced that he would be abdicating immediately. This was followed with the first national parliamentary elections in December 2007 and March 2008.
On November 6, 2008, 28-year old Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, eldest son of King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, was crowned King.[17]
Prehistory
Stone tools, weapons, elephants, and remnants of large stone structures provide evidence that Bhutan was inhabited as early as 2000 BC, although there are no existing records from that time. Historians have theorized that the state of Lhomon (literally, "southern darkness", a reference to the indigenous Mon religion), or Monyul ("Dark Land", a reference to the Monpa, the aboriginal peoples of Bhutan) may have existed between 500 BC and AD 600. The names Lhomon Tsendenjong (Sandalwood Country), and Lhomon Khashi, or Southern Mon (country of four approaches), have been found in ancient Bhutanese and Tibetan chronicles.
Recorded History
The earliest transcribed event in Bhutan was the passage of the Buddhist saint Padma Sambhava (also known as Guru Rinpoche) in 747. Bhutan's early history is unclear, because most of the records were destroyed after fire ravaged the ancient capital, Punakha, in 1827. By the 10th century, Bhutan's political development was heavily influenced by its religious history. Various sub-sects of Buddhism emerged which were patronized by the various Mongol warlords. After the decline of the Mongols in the 14th century, these sub-sects vied with each other for supremacy in the political and religious landscape, eventually leading to the ascendancy of the Drukpa sub-sect by the 16th century.
Until the early 17th century, Bhutan existed as a patchwork of minor warring fiefdoms, when the area was unified by the Tibetan lama and military leader Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal who fled religious persecution in Tibet. To defend the country against intermittent Tibetan forays, Namgyal built a network of impregnable dzong (fortresses), and promulgated a code of law that helped to bring local lords under centralized control. Many such dzong still exist and are active centers of religion and district administration. Portuguese Jesuit Estêvão Cacella and another priest were the first recorded Europeans to visit Bhutan on their way to Tibet. They met with Ngawang Namgyal, presented him with firearms, gunpowder and a telescope, and offered him their services in the war against Tibet, but the Shabdrung declined the offer. After a stay of nearly eight months Cacella wrote a long letter from the Chagri Monastery reporting on his travels. This is a rare extant report of the Shabdrung.
After Namgyal's death in 1651, Bhutan fell into civil war. Taking advantage of the chaos, the Tibetans attacked Bhutan in 1710, and again in 1730 with the help of the Mongols. Both assaults were successfully thwarted, and an armistice was signed in 1759.
Throne covers were placed atop the temple cushions used by high lamas. The central circular swirling quadrune is the Gankyil in its mode as the "Four Joys".In the 18th century, the Bhutanese invaded and occupied the kingdom of Cooch Behar to the south. In 1772, Cooch Behar appealed to the British East India Company which assisted them in ousting the Bhutanese, and later in attacking Bhutan itself in 1774. A peace treaty was signed in which Bhutan agreed to retreat to its pre-1730 borders. However, the peace was tenuous, and border skirmishes with the British were to continue for the next 100 years. The skirmishes eventually led to the Duar War (1864–1865), a confrontation for control of the Bengal Duars. After Bhutan lost the war, the Treaty of Sinchula was signed between British India and Bhutan. As part of the war reparations, the Duars were ceded to the United Kingdom in exchange for a rent of Rs. 50,000. The treaty ended all hostilities between British India and Bhutan.During the 1870s, power struggles between the rival valleys of Paro and Tongsa led to civil war in Bhutan, eventually leading to the ascendancy of Ugyen Wangchuck, the ponlop (governor) of Tongsa. From his power base in central Bhutan, Ugyen Wangchuck defeated his political enemies and united the country following several civil wars and rebellions in the period 1882–1885.
In 1907, an epochal year for the country, Ugyen Wangchuck was unanimously chosen as the hereditary king of the country by an assembly of leading Buddhist monks, government officials, and heads of important families. The British government promptly recognized the new monarchy, and in 1910 Bhutan signed a treaty which "let" Great Britain "guide" Bhutan's foreign affairs. In reality, this did not mean much given Bhutan's historical reticence. It also did not seem to apply to Bhutan's traditional relations with Tibet.
After India gained independence from the United Kingdom on 15 August 1947, Bhutan became one of the first countries to recognize India's independence. A treaty similar to that of 1910 in which Britain gained power with respect to Bhutan's foreign relations was signed 8 August 1949 with the newly independent India.
The Trongsa Dzong.In 1953, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck established the country's legislature – a 130-member National Assembly – to promote a more democratic form of governance. In 1965, he set up a Royal Advisory Council, and in 1968 he formed a Cabinet. In 1971, Bhutan was admitted to the United Nations, having held observer status for three years. In July 1972, Jigme Singye Wangchuck ascended to the throne at the age of 16 after the death of his father, Dorji Wangchuck.
In late 2003, the Bhutanese army successfully launched a large-scale operation to flush out anti-India insurgents who were operating training camps in southern Bhutan. It is called Operation: All Clear and the Royal Bhutan Army drove out the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB), and Kamtapur Liberation Organization (KLO) insurgent groups hiding in Bhutan's jungles.
Democratic reform and modernization
King Jigme Singye Wangchuck introduced significant political reforms, transferring most of his administrative powers to the Council of Cabinet Ministers and allowing for impeachment of the King by a two-thirds majority of the National Assembly.[14]
In 1999, the government lifted a ban on television and the Internet, making Bhutan one of the last countries to introduce television. In his speech, the King said that television was a critical step to the modernisation of Bhutan as well as a major contributor to the country's Gross National Happiness (Bhutan is the only country to measure happiness), but warned that the "misuse" of television could erode traditional Bhutanese values.
A new constitution was presented in early 2005. In December 2005, Jigme Singye Wangchuck announced that he would abdicate the throne in his son's favor in 2008. On 14 December 2006, he announced that he would be abdicating immediately. This was followed with the first national parliamentary elections in December 2007 and March 2008.
On November 6, 2008, 28-year old Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, eldest son of King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, was crowned King.[17]
Culture of Bhutan
Bhutan has a rich and unique cultural heritage that has largely remained intact because of its isolation from the rest of the world until the early 1960s. One of the main attractions for tourists is the country's culture and traditions. Bhutanese tradition is deeply steeped in its Buddhist heritage. Hinduism is the second dominant religion in Bhutan, being most prevalent in the southern regions. Both religions co-exist peacefully and receive support from the government, and enjoy royal patronage. The government is increasingly making efforts to preserve and sustain the current culture and traditions of the country. Because of its largely unspoiled natural environment and cultural heritage, Bhutan has been referred to as The Last Shangri-la.While Bhutanese citizens are free to travel abroad, Bhutan is viewed as inaccessible by many foreigners. There is a widespread misconception that Bhutan has set limits on tourist visas.[citation needed] Another reason for it being an unpopular destination is the cost, which is high for tourists on tighter budgets. Entry is free for citizens of India and Bangladesh, but all other foreigners are required to sign up with a Bhutanese tour operator and pay around $200 per day that they stay in the country.
The National Dress for Bhutanese men is the gho, a knee-length robe tied at the waist by a cloth belt known as the kera. Women wear an ankle-length dress, the kira, which is clipped at one shoulder and tied at the waist. An accompaniment to the kira is a long-sleeved blouse, the toego, which is worn underneath the outer layer. Social status and class determine the texture, colours, and decorations that embellish the garments. Differently coloured scarves and shawls are important indicators of social standing, as Bhutan has traditionally been a feudal society. Jewellery is mostly worn by women, especially during religious festivals and public gatherings. To strengthen Bhutan's identity as an independent country, Bhutanese law requires all Bhutanese citizens to wear the national dress in public areas and as formal wear.Rice, buckwheat, and increasingly maize, are the staple foods of the country. The local diet also includes pork, beef, yak meat, chicken, and mutton. Soups and stews of meat and dried vegetables spiced with chillies and cheese are prepared. Ema datshi, made very spicy with cheese and chilies, might be called the national dish for its ubiquity and the pride that Bhutanese have for it. Dairy foods, particularly butter and cheese from yaks and cows, are also popular, and indeed almost all milk is turned to butter and cheese. Popular beverages include butter tea, tea, locally brewed rice wine and beer. Bhutan is the only country in the world to have banned the sale of tobacco.
Chaam, sacred masked dances, are annually performed during religious festivals.Bhutan's national sport is archery, and competitions are held regularly in most villages. It differs from Olympic standards in technical details such as the placement of the targets and atmosphere. There are two targets placed over 100 meters apart and teams shoot from one end of the field to the other. Each member of the team shoots two arrows per round. Traditional Bhutanese archery is a social event and competitions are organized between villages, towns, and amateur teams. There are usually plenty of food and drink complete with singing and dancing. Attempts to distract an opponent include standing around the target and making fun of the shooter's ability. Darts (khuru) is an equally popular outdoor team sport, in which heavy wooden darts pointed with a 10 cm nail are thrown at a paperback-sized target 10 to 20 meters away.Another traditional sport is the Digor, which resembles the shot put and horseshoe throwing. Cricket has gained popularity in Bhutan, particularly since the introduction of television channels from India. The Bhutan national cricket team is one of the more successful affiliate nations in the region. Football is also an increasingly popular sport. In 2002, Bhutan's national football team played Montserrat, in what was billed as The Other Final; the match took place on the same day Brazil played Germany in the World Cup final, but at the time Bhutan and Montserrat were the world's two lowest ranked teams. The match was held in Thimphu's Changlimithang National Stadium, and Bhutan won 4–0. A documentary of the match was made by the Dutch filmmaker Johan Kramer.
Rigsar is an emerging style of popular music in Bhutan, played on a mix of traditional instruments and electronic keyboards, and dates back to the early 1990s; it shows the influence of Indian popular music, a hybrid form of traditional and Western popular influences. Traditional genres include the zhungdra and boedra.
Characteristic of the region is a type of castle fortress known as the dzong. Since ancient times, the dzongs have served as the religious and secular administration centres for their respective districts.
Bhutan has numerous public holidays, most of which centre around traditional seasonal, secular and religious festivals. They include the winter solstice (around January 1, depending on the lunar calendar), the lunar New Year (February or March), the King's birthday and the anniversary of his coronation, the official start of monsoon season (September 22), National Day (December 17), and various Buddhist and Hindu celebrations.
Masked dances and dance dramas are common traditional features at festivals, usually accompanied by traditional music. Energetic dancers, wearing colourful wooden or composition face masks and stylized costumes, depict heroes, demons, dæmons, death heads, animals, gods, and caricatures of common people. The dancers enjoy royal patronage, and preserve ancient folk and religious customs and perpetuate the ancient lore and art of mask-making.
Inheritance in Bhutan generally goes in the female rather than the male line. Daughters will inherit their parents' house. A man is expected to make his own way in the world and often moves to his wife's home. Love marriages are common in urban areas, but the tradition of arranged marriages is still common in the villages. Although uncommon, polygamy is accepted, often being a device to keep property in a contained family unit rather than dispersing it.[citation needed] The previous King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, who abdicated in 2006, has 4 Queens, all of whom are sisters.
The University of Texas at El Paso in the United States has adopted Bhutanese architecture for its buildings on campus, as have the nearby Hilton Garden Inn and other buildings in the city of El Paso
Understanding Bhutan
In terms of average wage, Bhutan is a poor country, however the Bhutan's land is fertile & the population is still small, so the people are well fed, and beggars and homeless are nonexistent. In addition, the current generation receives free education, and all citizens have access to free medical care. If a patient's ailment cannot be treated in the country, then the government refers the patients to reputable hospitals abroad. The sale of tobacco products is banned (foreign tourists and NGOs are exempt, though it is illegal for them to sell tobacco to locals), and smoking in public areas is a fineable offense. A unique aspect of Bhutan is that progress is not purely defined by economic achievements as in most countries, but also based on the level of cultural and environmental preservation and development.
This ideology was the brain child of King Jigme Singye Wangchuck who, having gained a modern education in India and the UK, realized that mere economic success did not necessarily translate into a content and happy society. Consequently, soon after his coronation in 1974, the young king began to float the idea of developing a new set of guidelines by which to govern the country. Slowly these ideas took shape, and in 1998 the GNH indicator was established. GNH stands for "Gross National Happiness" and is defined by the following four objectives: to increase economic growth and development, preserve and promote the cultural heritage, encourage sustainable use of the environment, and establish good governance. Currently, work is in progress on converting the GNH from being a mere guiding principle for the country's development into a workable set of standard indicators. As a result of this more humane style of governance, Bhutan has developed high environmental protection standards (the use of plastic bags, for example, is completely banned) and a peaceful and harmonious society that actively protects its rich culture and profound Buddhist traditions. Major sources of income for the kingdom are agriculture, tourism and hydroelectric power.Still, while Bhutan is often painted as a modern-day Shangri-La in the Western press, the country remains poor, with average life expectancy around 66 and a 7.2 per mil infant mortality rate. The kingdom became a parliamentary democracy in March 2008 upon the command of the Fourth King.
Culturally, Bhutan is predominantly Buddhist with a national language (although there are regional variations - such as Sharchopkha, the predominant language in Eastern Bhutan), and a common dress code and architectural style. Bhutanese people primarily consist of the Ngalops and Sharchops, called the Western Bhutanese and Eastern Bhutanese respectively. The Ngalops primarily consist of Bhutanese living in the western part of the country. Their culture is closely related to that of their neighbor to the north, Tibet.
The official name for the country is Druk Yul - Land of the Thunder Dragon - but due to the harmonious nature of the society, it has acquired the additional nickname of Deki Druk (Yul) - (Land of) the Peaceful Thunder Dragon.
Welcome To Bhutan
Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon, is no ordinary place. It is probably the only country where buying cigarettes is illegal, where the rice is red color, and you do not get the food with some hot chilies but curry is made up of. Bhutan is a Buddhist land, where men wear a tunic to work, where giant protective falic symbols are painted on the walls of most houses, and where Gross National Happiness is deemed more important than Gross National Product.
Tourism in Bhutan is also unique. Tourists have to pay a minimum of US$200 per day, making it one of the world’s most expensive countries to visit, but this fee is all-inclusive, you don’t have to travel in a group and you can arrange your own itinerary.
Bhutan is located at the eastern end of the Himalayas and bordered to the south, east and west by the Republic of India and to the north by the People's Republic of China. Bhutan is separated from the nearby country of Nepal to the west by the Indian state of Sikkim, and from Bangladesh to the south by West Bengal.
Bhutan existed as a patchwork of minor warring fiefdoms until the early 17th century, when the area was unified by the Tibetan lama and military leader Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, who fled religious persecution in Tibet and cultivated a separate Bhutanese identity. In the early 20th century, Bhutan came under the influence of the British Empire, followed by Indian influence upon Indian independence. In 2006, Business Week magazine rated Bhutan the happiest country in Asia and the eighth-happiest in the world based on a global survey.[7]
Bhutan's landscape ranges from subtropical plains in the south to the Sub-alpine Himalayan heights in the north, with some peaks exceeding 7,000 metres (23,000 ft). The state religion is Vajrayana Buddhism, and the population of 691,141 is predominantly Buddhist, with Hinduism the second-largest religion. The capital and largest city is Thimphu. After centuries of absolute monarchy, Bhutan held its first democratic elections in March 2008. Bhutan is a member of the United Nations and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC); it hosted the sixteenth SAARC summit in April 2010. The total area of the country is currently 38,816 square kilometres (14,987 sq mi)
Tourism in Bhutan is also unique. Tourists have to pay a minimum of US$200 per day, making it one of the world’s most expensive countries to visit, but this fee is all-inclusive, you don’t have to travel in a group and you can arrange your own itinerary.
Bhutan is located at the eastern end of the Himalayas and bordered to the south, east and west by the Republic of India and to the north by the People's Republic of China. Bhutan is separated from the nearby country of Nepal to the west by the Indian state of Sikkim, and from Bangladesh to the south by West Bengal.Bhutan existed as a patchwork of minor warring fiefdoms until the early 17th century, when the area was unified by the Tibetan lama and military leader Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, who fled religious persecution in Tibet and cultivated a separate Bhutanese identity. In the early 20th century, Bhutan came under the influence of the British Empire, followed by Indian influence upon Indian independence. In 2006, Business Week magazine rated Bhutan the happiest country in Asia and the eighth-happiest in the world based on a global survey.[7]
Bhutan's landscape ranges from subtropical plains in the south to the Sub-alpine Himalayan heights in the north, with some peaks exceeding 7,000 metres (23,000 ft). The state religion is Vajrayana Buddhism, and the population of 691,141 is predominantly Buddhist, with Hinduism the second-largest religion. The capital and largest city is Thimphu. After centuries of absolute monarchy, Bhutan held its first democratic elections in March 2008. Bhutan is a member of the United Nations and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC); it hosted the sixteenth SAARC summit in April 2010. The total area of the country is currently 38,816 square kilometres (14,987 sq mi)
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