Religious festivals are important events throughout the Tibetan Buddhist world - commemorating the deeds of Buddha, or those of the great masters of the past associated with one Buddhist tradition or another.

In Bhutan, in addition to the standard Buddhist festivals, there are yearly festivals celebrated with great fanfare in each district. The most renowned of these are the Tsechu (10th day) festivals, commemorating the deeds of Padmasambhava. Locally referred to as 'Guru Rimpoche' or, simply as 'Guru,' this eighth century master, introduced the Nyingma school of Buddhism into Tibet and Bhutan. Each 10th day of the lunar calendar is said to commemorate a special event in the life of Padmasambhava; and some of these are dramatized in the context of a religious festival. Most festival lasts from three to five days - one of which, usually, falls on the 10th day of the lunar calendar.

The regional Dzong and remote village communities hold their distinct annual Tsechu festival, providing the local populace with a wonderful occasion to dress up, gather together, and enjoy, in a light-hearted atmosphere. It is also an occasion to renew their faith and receive blessings by watching the sacred dances, or receiving 'empowerment' from a lama or Buddhist monk.

The dances, each aspect of which has a symbolic meaning, are performed by trained monks and laymen wearing ornate costumes, and, in some cases, impressive masks. At Paro, Wangdu, Mongar and Tashigang, among other places, a large 'thanka' scroll known as a Tongdrol is exhibited for a few hours, at day break of the final day of the festival, enabling the people to obtain its blessing, since such scrolls 'confer liberation by the mere sight of it' (tongdrol in Bhutanese).

Of these festivals the Paro Tsechu, in the spring, and the Wangue and Thimphu Tsechus, in the fall, are the most impressive. These festivals are very popular with western tourists. The festivals in Bumthang and East Bhutan attract fewer tourists and those who want to get a more authentic flavor of Bhutan's cultural and religious extravaganza will be well rewarded.

These festivals attract many western tourist and hotels and flights are sold out months in advance to organized tourist group. Anyone who wishes to visit Bhutan during these festivals should plan and make their tour arrangements well in advance.

Below are a list of popular festivals that are held throughout Bhutan. Please contact us for Itineraries and details, which we will prepare for you based on your time availability and flight connections.

THIMPHU FESTIVAL TOUR

(21-23 September 2007)

DAY01. 18.SEP. ARRIVAL AT PARO FROM BANGKOK.

Your journey into Bhutan begins and ends at Paro valley, where the only airport is located. This is a spectular mountain flight as one nears Paro. Weather permitting you have great views of Mt. Jhomolhari and other Bhutanese peaks above 7000m. On reaching Paro our staff will be there at the airport to receive you and take you to your hotel. Be at leisure to explore the small Paro town with its many curio shops.

DAY02. 19.SEP. PARO SIGHTSEEING.

Visit the Taktsang monastery; a visit to Bhutan is not complete without the famous Taktsang Monastery hike. The Monastery clings on the granite cliff and is regarded as a power place because Guru Rimpoche the founder of the Tibetain form of Buddhism is said to have done his meditation in one of the caves on this cliff and after that a Monastery was built.

The hike takes about 4 hrs excursion, and if you are not confident about making it to the monastery, we arrange a pony or mule and you can ride it as and when you pass out!.

After the hike enroute visit Kichu Monastery, which is one of the oldest Monasteries built in Bhutan by the great Tibetain King Songsten Genpo in the 8^th century.

DAY03. 20.SEP. PARO SIGHTSEEING.

After breakfast visit the national museum, which holds a vast collection of artifacts. The museum used to be the watchtower of the Paro Rinpung Dzong built in the 16^th century. Visit the Paro Dzong which also serves as the Administrative headquarters of Paro district. If the weather is clear drive to Chelila pass at near 4000m, which is also the highest motorable road in Bhutan, there are great views of Mt. Jhomolhari and the Haa valley.

DAY04. 21.SEP. PARO TO THIMPHU.

Drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. It takes appx 2hrs to Thimphu. The drive is through the villages and huge farmhouses of Paro aligned with willow trees. All along you drive parallel to the Paro river and later from the confluence you meet the Thimphu river or Wang chu.

On arrival at Thimphu can be at leisure to explore the Thimphu city with its many handicraft shops visit the Thimphu Dzong, which also houses the Kings office and the Golden Throne. The Dzong today will be bustling with people as the Thimphu Tsechu/Festival begins today.

DAY05. 22.SEP. THIMPHU FESTIVAL.

Attend the Thimphu festival.

DAY06. 23.SEP. THIMPHU.

Attend the Thimphu Festival, today is also the last day of the Festival and you can visit the unfurling of the Thongdrol, which is the highlight of this Festival. Later you can do some sightseeing around Thimphu. Visit Sangay gang the highest point in Thimphu, can see the National animal of Bhutan, the Takin, which has a head of a goat and the body of a bull. Visit the folk heritage museum.

DAY07. 24.SEP. THIMPHU TO PUNAKHA.

Today you go further west of Bhutan to the regions of Punakha, Wangdue region. The drive is 3 hrs and you go over the Dochula pass at 3000m. Weather permitting there are great views of the entire eastern Himalayan range, there are also 108 stupas built for the peace and security of the country. As you descend towards the fertile valley of Punakha enroute you can visit the Chimey Lhakhang/temple. Chimey Lhakhang is the temple of the ‘Devine mad man’ who is a greatly loved saint in Bhutan of the 14^th century. All the phallus painting on the walls of homes and flying phallus are his! He had an unconventional way of dispensing the Dharma through wine and women.

DAY08. 25.SEP. PUNAKHA AND WANGDUE SIGHTSEEING.

Be at leisure to explore the Punakha valley, start with a trip to the Punakha Dzong, which is built on the confluence of two rivers. Punakha Dzong used to be the old capital of Bhutan. It is still used as the winter capital by the monastic body. In this Dzong there is a lavish display of Bhutanese art and architecture.

Later you can visit the Crown Prince’s monastery or just be at leisure to walk around some villages.

DAY09. 26.SEP. PUNAKHA TO PARO.

Drives to Wangdue valley, visit the town and the Wangdue Dzong, which is built on the counters of the Hill overlooking the Wangdue valley and the river. Later drive back to Paro complete sightseeing enroute.

DAY10. 27.SEP. DEPARTURE.

TARIFF:

Group size	USD per person.	Free of Cost (FOC)
01	2190
02	2100
03-10	1830	11^th person gets 50% off on ground arrangements and Druk air flights
10-15	1830	16^th person gets 100% off on ground and Druk air flights.

Tour Price includes.

A grade Accommodation and Resort Hotels on Full Board basis.
Mineral water on transfers.
Cultural show and cocktail party for groups above 6 people.
All Transfers in Toyota coaster bus or Toyota Hiace commuter van.
One night fashion show displaying the rich Textile heritage of Bhutan.
Visa Fees, Permits and Entry fees to all monuments and sights where applicable.

What is not included.

Druk air flights in and out of Paro/ international flights.
Use of bar and beverages in Hotels.
Use of Telephone, Internet, spa.
Tips and Gratuities to guide, driver.
Personal shopping, souvenirs.

Options.

While at Paro, guests have the option to stay at some luxury and Heritage hotel like the Zhiwaling Hotel or Uma Hotel. For this an additional surcharge is applicable based on room type and season.

Note:

The above Itinerary is susceptible to change with flight schedule and connections. On confirmation of flights and visa final programme will be advised.

Please contact us for new pricing if you wish to use other sectors other than Bangkok while coming in and going out of Paro. Programmes can also be customized based on your time schedule and international flight connections. Please contact us if you have specific enquiries.

TRONGSA FESTIVAL TOUR

(Trongsa Festival 18-20 December 2007)

DAY01. 12.DEC. ARRIVAL AT PARO FROM BANGKOK.

DAY02. 13.DEC. PARO SIGHTSEEING.

Start your tour to the National Museum, the National museum is housed in the watchtower of the Paro dzong, there is a vast collection of artifacts. Later visit the Paro Dzong. The Paro dzong is also the Religious and administrative house of Paro district. Later visit the Taktsang Monastery, this is the landmark of Bhutan, Taktsang Monastery is of great importance to the Buddhists around the world, as in this Monastery the great saint Guru Padma Sambhava or Guru Rimpoche is said to have done his meditation and in the very cave the Monastery is built.

DAY03.14.DEC. PARO-THIMPHU.

On arrival at Thimphu can be at leisure to explore the Thimphu city with its many handicraft shops.

DAY04. 15.DEC. THIMPHU SIGHTSEEING.

Explore Thimphu city, start with a drive to the highest view point of Thimphu also called the BBS tower. Check out the Takin, national animal of Bhutan, has a head of a goat and the body of a bull. Visit the Zilukha nunnery, the nuns there will most probably be involved in a Buddhist ritual. Have a tour of the folk heritage museum and the handicraft school of 13 arts and crafts of Bhutan. You can also be at leisure to look around the city.

DAY05. 16.DEC.THIMPHU TO PUNAKHA.

DAY06. 17.DEC. PUNAKHA SIGHTSEEING.

Be at leisure to explore the Punakha valley, start with a trip to the Punakha Dzong which is built on the confluence of two rivers. Punakha Dzong used to be the old capital of Bhutan. It is still used as the winter capital by the monastic body. In this Dzong there is a lavish display of Bhutanese art and architecture.

Later you can visit the Crown Prince’s monastery or just be at leisure to walk around some villages.

DAY07. 18.DEC. PUNAKHA TO TRONGSA.

Drive towards Central Bhutan through the Pelila pass at 3000m, you might encounter yak herders at the Pelila pass. You drive through great sights as we drive parallel to the Black Mountain range and through the villages of Mangde and Sha in Wangdue. The drive is about 5 hrs from Punakha to Trongsa. Once at Trongsa you can visit the Dzong to attend the Festival or just be at leisure at your Hotel.

DAY08. 19.DEC. TRONGSA FESTIVAL.

Attend the Festival at Trongsa, the Trongsa Dzong is also the biggest Dzong in the country. This Dzong is of historical importance to the Royalty in Bhutan because it is from this Dzong that the father of the First King started his career.

Trongsa will be busting with people today as its at the peak of the Trongsa Festival.

DAY09. 20.DEC. TRONGSA TO GANGTEY.

After attending the Festival in the morning, drive to Gangtey or the Phobjikha valley, the valley of the Black neck cranes. The Cranes would be here during this time, every year these endangered birds visit Bhutan from Tibet. Can also visit the Gangtey Monastery which is 450 years old and this is the only monastery from the Pelling sect in Bhutan which is under massive renovation at present.

DAY10. 21.DEC. GANGTEY TO THIMPHU.

We will now return back to Paro visiting places and sights which were not visited earlier. Be at leisure in Thimphu to complete shopping and exploring the city.

DAY11. 22.DEC. THIMPHU TO PARO.

Visit Tango and Cherry Monastery north of Thimphu, the only Buddhist education for higher studies in Bhutan. This is in the north of Thimphu. After lunch transfer to Paro.

DAY12. 23.DEC. DEPARTURE.

Pls. contact us for prices.

PARO FESTIVAL TOUR 08N/09D

(Paro Festival 29March-02April 2007)

DAY01. 29^TH MARCH. 07. THU. ARRIVAL AT PARO FROM BANGKOK

Upon arrival our representatives will be there at the airport to receive you. Paro is already at a festive mood, all Government offices are closed these days. There is also a little fair that takes place in Paro at this point of the year. Be at leisure to explore the Paro town.

DAY02. 30^TH MARCH. 07. FRI. FESTIVAL AT PARO.

Visit the Dzong where the colorful Paro Festival is in progress, locals from far and wide come out in their best silk attire ‘gho’ and ‘kiras’ to attend the festival, people gather watch the colourful mask dances, have picnic lunches and just catch up with friends and families. Whole day attend the festival.

DAY03. 31^ST MARCH. 07. SAT. PARO FESTIVAL AND SIGHTSEEING.

Visit the National Muesuem and the Dungtse Monastery, attend festival.

DAY04. 01^STAPRIL 07.SUN. PARO.

Attend the Festival as there will be many mask dances in progress, your guide can inform you about some very impressive mask dances that are in schedule. Later can visit the Famous Taktsang Monastery. This is a hiking programme which takes about 2 hrs hike, the Taktsang monastery is a very Religious site for Buddhists all over the world as Gur Rimpoche is said to have done his meditation in a cave where the present Monastery is built. Later visit the ruined Drugyal Dzong and the Kichu Monastery which is the oldest monastery in Bhutan built in the 8^th century by the Tibetain King Songsten Genpo.

DAY05. 02^NDAPRIL MON. ATTEND THE THONGDROL CERMONY.

Today is the last day of the Paro Festival. The highlight of the festival is the unfurling of the very big Thanka or huge scroll of the Guru, this is also called the Thongdrol- liberation by sight. The mere sight of this beautiful thongdrol is believed to bring about good karma and blessings. This ceremony takes place before the dawn, so you have to get up very early to attend this ceremony. Many local people from far and wide some to witness this sacred event and to pray with devotion.

Later visit the Chelila pass at near 4000m which is a 1hr drive from Paro valley, there are great views of Mt. Jhomolhari and other peaks from this pass. The Haa valley below is also visible from Chelila with other rugged Himalayan landscape.

DAY06. 03^RD APRIL. TUE. THIMPHU TO PARO.

Today we will head for Thimphu the capital city of Bhutan with an inhabitant of about 40,000 people. The drive to Thimphu is 2hrs through the rich farmlands of Paro amidst willow trees and meandering river. On reaching Thimphu be at leisure to explore the city with its many curio shops and handicraft stores. Thimphu is also a good place to buy souvenirs and handicrafts as there is a wide range. Visit the National memorial Chorten/stupa of the Late King His majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.

DAY07. 04^TH APRIL WED. THIMPHU TO PUNAKHA.

We will now go further west of Bhutan to the regions of Punakha and Wangdue . The drive is 3 hrs and you go over the Dochula pass at 3000m. Weather permitting there are great views of the entire eastern Himalayan range, there are also 108 stupas built for the peace and security of the country. As you descend towards the fertile valley of Punakha enroute you can visit the Chimey Lhakhang/temple. Chimey Lhakhang is the temple of the ‘Devine mad man’ who is a greatly loved saint in Bhutan of the 14^th century. All the phallus painting on the walls of homes and flying phallus are his! He had an unconventional way of dispensing the Dharma through wine and women.

DAY08. 05^THAPRIL THU. PUNAKHA SIGHTSEEING AND TO PARO.

Visit the Punakha Dzong which is built on the confluence of two rivers. Punakha Dzong used to be the old capital of Bhutan. It is still used as the winter capital by the monastic body. In this Dzong there is a lavish display of Bhutanese art and architecture. Drive to Wangduephodrang town, visit the Wangdu Dzong and the lively Wangdue town.

Later transfer to Paro.

DAY09. 06^TH APRIL FRI. DEPARTURE FOR BANGKOK.

Tariff:

Group size	USD per person.	Free of Cost (FOC)
01	1950
02	1870
03-10	1630	11^th person gets 50% off on ground arrangements and Druk air flights
10-15	1630	16^th person gets 100% off on ground and Druk air flights.

Tour Price includes.

A grade Accommodation and Resort Hotels on Full Board basis.
Mineral water on transfers.
Cultural show and cocktail party for groups above 6 people.
All Transfers in Toyota coaster bus or Toyota Hiace commuter van.
One night fashion show displaying the rich Textile heritage of Bhutan.
Visa Fees, Permits and Entry fees to all monuments and sights where applicable.

What is not included.

Druk air flights in and out of Paro/international flights.
Use of bar and beverages in Hotels.
Use of Telephone, Internet, spa.
Tips and Gratuities to guide, driver.
Personal shopping, souvenirs.

Options.

While at Paro, guests have the option to stay at some luxury and Heritage hotel like the Zhiwaling Hotel or Uma Hotel. For this an additional surcharge is applicable based on room type and season.

Note:

The above Itinerary is susceptible to change with flight schedule and connections. On confirmation of flights and visa final programme will be advised.

PUNAKHA FESTIVAL TOUR

(Punakha Festival Feb 21 – 25, 2007)

DAY01. 16.FEB. ARRIVAL AT PARO FROM BANGKOK.

DAY02. 17.FEB. PARO SIGHTSEEING.

Start your tour to the National Museum, the National museum is housed in the watchtower of the Paro dzong, there is a vast collection of artifacts. Later visit the Paro Dzong. The Paro dzong is also the Religious and administrative house of Paro district. Later visit the Taktsang Monastery, this is the landmark of Bhutan, Taktsang Monastery is of great importance to the Buddhists around the world, as in this Monastery the great saint Guru Padmasambhava or Guru Rimpoche is said to have done his meditation and in the very cave the Monastery is built.

DAY03. 18.FEB. PARO-THIMPHU.

On arrival at Thimphu can be at leisure to explore the Thimphu city with its many handicraft shops.

DAY04. 19.FEB. THIMPHU SIGHTSEEING.

DAY05. 20.FEB. THIMPHU TO PUNAKHA.

DAY06. 21.FEB. PUNAKHA FESTIVAL.

Visit the Punakha Dzong which is one of the most beautiful Dzongs in the country. The Festival is held in the courtyard of the Dzong. There will be many people from far and wide, farmers taking a break from their monotonous life come and attend the Festival. All will be in their best attires, this is also an event to meet friends, socialize and have tiffin lunches. Witness the mask dances and entertainment by the people of Punakha district.

DAY07. 22.FEB. PUNAKHA FESTIVAL.

Attend the Punakha Festival or can visit some nearby villages and monasteries.

DAY08. 23.FEB. PUNAKHA –WANGDUE SIGHTSEEING.

You can either witness the Festival and the nearby fair or drive to Wangdue town and visit the Wangdue Dzong. This is about 20 minutes drive from Punakha Dzong.

DAY09. 24.FEB. PUNAKHA- PARO.

Return back to Paro via Thimphu, complete shopping sightseeing etc.

DAY10. 25.FEB. DEPARTURE FOR BANGKOK.

TARIFF:

Group size

USD per person.

Free of Cost (FOC)

01

2190

02

2100

03-10

1830

11^th person gets 50% off on ground arrangements and Druk air flights

10-15

1830

16^th person gets 100% off on ground and Druk air flights.

Tour Price includes.

A grade Accommodation and Resort Hotels on Full Board basis.
Mineral water on transfers.
Cultural show and cocktail party for groups above 6 people.
All Transfers in Toyota coaster bus or Toyota Hiace commuter van.
One night fashion show displaying the rich Textile heritage of Bhutan.
Visa Fees, Permits and Entry fees to all monuments and sights where applicable.

What is not included.

Druk air flights in and out of Paro/ international flights.
Use of bar and beverages in Hotels.
Use of Telephone, Internet, spa.
Tips and Gratuities to guide, driver.
Personal shopping, souvenirs.

Options.

While at Paro, guests have the option to stay at some luxury and Heritage hotel like the Zhiwaling Hotel or Uma Hotel. For this an additional surcharge is applicable based on room type and season.

Note:

The above Itinerary is susceptible to change with flight schedule and connections. On confirmation of flights and visa final programme will be advised.

________________________________________________

Tentative Festival Dates 2006.

Wangdue Festival Sep30-Oct02. West Bhutan
Bumthang Tamshing Festival. Oct01-Oct03. Central Bhutan
Thimphu Festival. Sep 27 to Oct 04. West Bhutan
Tangbi Mani, Bumthang Oct 06-08. Central Bhutan
Jambay Lhakhang Festival Bumthang Nov.05-09. Central Bhutan
Nalakhar Festival Bumthang Dec04-06. Central Bhutan
Mongar Festival Nov 27-28. Eastern Bhutan
Trongsa Festival Dec28-30. Central Bhutan
Lhuentse Festival Dec28-30 Eastern Bhutan

Festival Dates 2007.

Punakha Festival Feb21-25.
Chorten Kora Festival East Bhutan March03 & March19.
Gom Kora Festival, East Bhutan. March 26-28.
Paro Festival March29-April02.
Ura Festival Bumthang. April22 to May01.
Nimalung Festival Bumthang. June23 to 25.
Thimphu Drupchen Festival Sep16-20.
Wangdue Festival Sep20-22.
Thimphu Festival Sep21-23.
Tangbi Mani Festival Bumthang. Sep25 –27
Jambay Lhakhang Festival Bumthang Oct25 –29
Mongar Festival East Bhutan. Nov16-19
Trongsa Festival Dec 18-20.

If you plan to attend one of the Festivals combined with Cultural Touring, please indicate your interest and time availability. We can identify many of the festivals that are held in various places and custom design an Itinerary that suits your purpose and interests.