Nimalung Festival Tour
At different times of the year, the annual festivals known as "Tshechus" take place in different parts of the country. Tshechus are festivals extolling the great deeds of the Saint Padmasambhava also known as "Guru Rinpoche," in Bhutan. These great deeds are all believed to have taken place on the 10th day of the month which is the meaning of the word 'Tshechu.' Even though all Tshechus do not, in practice, take place on 10th days. All the districts, dzongs and a large number of villages in the east, have an annual Tshechu which attact people from various places.
Tshechus are celebrated for several days, between three to five days according to their location, and are the occasion for dances that are clearly defined in religious content. They can be performed by monks, laymen or gomchens and the repertoire is the same practically everywhere.
For the Bhutanese, religious festivals offer an opportunity to become immersed in the meaning of their religion and gain much merit. They are also occasions for seeing people, and for being seen, for social exchanges, and for flaunting success. People bring out their finest clothes, their most beautiful jewelleries, and go for picnic with abundant food, Men and women joke and flirt. An atmosphere of convivial, slightly ribald good humour prevails.
Nimalung Tshechu
DATES:
6th June 2008
25th June 2009
12 days – 11 nights
Day 1: BKK-PBH
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular of all mountain flights. The first three gifts you will receive from Bhutan will be the cool, clean fresh air you feel as you step out of the plane. The second will be the warm welcome you will receive from our local team. The third - the enchanting Paro valley itself. Check in and lunch at the hotel. After lunch you will visit the National Museum of Bhutan where you will have time to admire the museum’s collections of rare Bhutanese artefacts and art, traditional weaving and other eclectic pieces. After the museum you will visit Paro Dzong which now houses the offices of the district administration and the district monk body. In the evening, explore Paro town before a welcome dinner and overnight at hotel Gangtey Palace or similar. - L/D
Day 2: Paro
Celebrate your first full day with a visit to Taktshang, literally known as Tiger’s Nest. This is one of Bhutan’s most sacred places and an important pilgrimage destination. You will walk along a trail that slowly rises above the valley to a ridge where prayer flags rustle in the wind next to a massive prayer wheel. Just beyond is the Taktshang Cafeteria at 9200 ft., where you will stop to enjoy hot drink and the striking views of the Monastery across the valley.
Depending on your energy level, you can choose to relax in the pleasant atmosphere of the cafeteria until lunch or continue on for a mile of steep climbing to another dramatic viewpoint. Return to the cafeteria for a delicious buffet of typical Bhutanese food where you may like to try Emadatsi (a chilli cheese dish), vegetables with cheese sauce and other traditional dishes. In the evening visit the Drukgyel Dzong which was built in 1649 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate the victory of the Bhutanese armies over the Tibetan intruders. On route you will also visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang. Overnight at hotel Gangtey Palace/Hotel Holiday. - B/L/D
Day 3: Paro-Punakha
Drive to Punakha across the Dochula pass (3100m). If you’re lucky with the weather, you will get to enjoy the magnificent views of the eastern Himalayas. The pass is marked by a massive Choeten, 108 smaller choetens (Druk Wangyal Choetens) and prayer flags. Check in and lunch at your hotel. After lunch you will make an excursion to Chimi Lhakhang - a Buddhist temple dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenlay who is also known as “Divine Madman” in the west. It is an easy hike through the village of Yuwakha and rice fields.
In the evening you will visit the farmhouse belonging to our local partners which is located about 10 minutes from your hotel. A visit to the farmhouse will offer you a closer look at the Kingdom’s unique culture, which dictates simple hospitality extended to any and all guests, even to perfect strangers. Overnight at hotel Y.T or similar. - B/L/D
Day 4: Punakha-Gangtey/Phobjikha-Trongsa
Early breakfast and start your journey to Trongsa. On route you will visit the Wangduephodrang Dzong built in 1638 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The location of the Dzong is remarkable as it completely covers the spur and commands an impressive view over both the north-south and east-west. The approach to Phobjikha valley is through a forest of oak and rhododendron. Phobjikha valley is one of the few glacial valleys in Bhutan and chosen home of black necked cranes which migrate from the Tibetan plateau to escape the harsh winters. Explore the valley and relax over lunch before continuing your journey to Trongsa. Overnight at Yangkhil Resort or similar. - B/L/D
Day 5: Trongsa-Bumthang(Jakar)
After breakfast you will visit the majestic Trongsa Dzong - built in 1644 by Choegyal Minjur Tempa. It’s the most impressive Dzong in the country - most aesthetic and magnificent works of the Bhutanese architecture. Then drive to Jakar ascending to the Yutongla (3400m). As you descend from the pass, your first stop will be at Chumey village. Here you will have time to admire the village weavers weaving woollen fabric popularly known as “Yathra”, a speciality of the Bumthang valley. Upon arrival in Jakar, enjoy lunch at the hotel before heading out to explore the town. In the evening, visit Jakar Dzong the “Fortress of the White bird.” It now houses the administration office of the Jakar district and the district monk body. Overnight at Kaila Guest House or similar. - B/L/D
Day 6: Bumthang (Nimalung Tshechu)
Begin your day with a visit to Jambay Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in a day across the Himalayas by King Songtsen Goenpo who was believed to be the reincarnation Buddha of compassion. According to legend, the temples were built to pin down an ogress who was causing hindrance to the spread of Buddhism in the Himalayas.
Next you will visit the Kurjey Lhakhang, which consists of three temples. The first one is built on the site of a cave containing a rock with the body imprint of Guru Rinpoche and is considered the most holy. The first king of Bhutan, His Late Majesty Ugyen Wangchuck, built the second one. The third temple is the newest of the three and was built by the present Royal Queen Mother, Her Majesty Azhi Kesang Choeden Wangchuck. These temples are surrounded by 108 small choetens (Buddhist Stupas) forming a retaining wall, and symbolic of each joint of the human body.
End your day with a visit to the Swiss farm where you may like to enjoy the soft Gouda cheese. Overnight at Kaila Guest House or similar. - B/L/D
Day 7: Bumthang-Punakha
After breakfast you will say good-bye to Jakar and head to Wangduephodrang. On route you will visit the Ta Dzong (Watch Tower) in Trongsa, which once guarded the Trongsa Dzong from internal rebellions. The Ta Dzong stands impressive and provides an insight into the historical significance of Trongsa in the country’s history. Resume your journey to Wangduephodrang stopping to enjoy a picnic lunch at Chendebji Choeten along the way. Overnight at hotel Y.T. or similar. - B/L/D
Day 8: Punakha
In the morning visit the Punakha Dzong built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and is still the winter residence for the central Monk Body. Hike to Khamsum Yuelay Namgyal Choeten built by Her Majesty Queen Azhi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck in 1994. It’s a moderate hike through the rice paddies and the view of the surrounding valley is magnificent. After lunch you will explore Nobgang village including a visit to the Nobgang Lhakhang. Evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel Y.T. or similar. - B/L/D
Day 9: Punakha-Thimphu
After breakfast you will say good bye to Punakha valley to go to Thimphu - the capital of Bhutan. Upon arrival in Thimphu you will visit the Textile Museum, Fork Heritage Museum and the Traditional Paper Factory. Check in and lunch at the hotel. After lunch you will visit the Memorial Choeten, a stupa built in in 1974 to honour the memory of the 3rd King, His Late Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck who is known in Bhutan’s history as the “Father of Modern Bhutan” in recognition of the many modern developments initiated during his reign. Then you will visit the Changangkha Lhakhang, which is also a focus of daily worship for many Thimphu residents before driving to Sangaygang - the view point. It is also known as “Lover’s Point” where young couples come to enjoy the bird’s eye view of the Thimphu valley. Next you will visit the Dupthob Lhakhang built by Dupthob Thangthong Gyalpo, also known as “Iron Bridge Builder.” It is now a nunnery and it has more than 70 practicing nuns. In the evening there will be time to browse the Government Handicrafts Emporium for souvenirs. Overnight at hotel River View or similar. - B/L/D
Day 10: Thimphu
This morning head to the National Library - a tall stately building constructed in the traditional Bhutanese style and a repository of precious historical and religious manuscripts written in gold. Next you will visit the Institute for Zorig Chusum - a painting school where the traditional style of Thangka painting is passed on from one generation to the next.
Enjoy lunch in town before driving north of Thimphu to visit the Tango Monastery which is now a college for learning higher Buddhist Philosophy. Founded by Lama Gyalwa Lhanampa in the 12th century, it is now home to about 200 practicing monks. The journey takes about an hour and the trail takes you on a gradual ascent. You will have time to enjoy the beautiful paintings inside the temple before returning to Thimphu. Overnight at Hotel River View or similar. B/L/D
Day 11: Thimphu-Paro
After breakfast, visit the weekend market, which is in a permanent set of stalls, with vendors from throughout the region arriving on Friday afternoon and remaining selling their goods until Sunday evening. Next you will visit the Bhutan Post, where you will have time to admire and buy some stamps. Bhutan is well known among the philatelists and stamps constitute one of its delightful exports.
Lunch at a restaurant in town. After lunch you will drive to Paro for your final night in the country. Evening at leisure. Farewell dinner and overnight at hotel Gangtey Palace or similar. - B/L/D
Day 12: Paro-BKK
After breakfast your local host will transfer to Paro International
Airport for your onward journey.
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