Tsechu Festival Bumthang Tour

Package Overview

One of the 108 temples built by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo on the same day as Paro Kichu Lhakhang, this temple hosts guru Joyo Jampa, the future Buddha as its main statue. One of the most sacred festivals of Jambay Lhakhang Drup takes place here every year. The ceremony of fertility blessing is central to the annual Jambay Lhakhang Drub, the most popular religious festival in Bumthang. It takes place every year, in October or November, at Jambay Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred Buddhist temples in Bhutan. Infertile women who wish to conceive come from different parts of the country to get blessed at the ceremony. The main monk or chief lama at the ceremony, sporting a colourful mask, prays to the fertility gods and deities, and blesses the women with a symbolic wooden phallus.
we will witness the amazingly colorful dances and religious pageantry of one of Bhutan’s most important festivals at 07th century Jambay Lhakhang Monastery. This will be a special experience, as we stroll amongst the colorful masked dancers and the equally colorful audience dressed in their finest ghos and kiras. This trip offers a real insight into the cultural highlights of this magical kingdom.

This excellent adventure includes the chance to see many of Bhutan’s most important towns and monasteries, as we journey to the beautiful region of Bumthang at the heart of the kingdom. From the lovely Paro Valley, with its spectacularly-located Taktsang Monastery, we will drive by way of Thimphu to the historic winter capital at Punakha. Then, at the charming village of Gangtey in the Phobjikha Valley, we will be privileged to watch the rare and beautiful black-necked cranes at their winter feeding grounds.· Travel Insurance.
· Airfares & Visa fees.
· Beverages.
· Airport taxes.
· Expenses of personal nature.
· Excess baggage .
· Tips to guides and drivers.
· Expenses occurred due to unavoidable Events i.e. road wrecks, flight delays etc.

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Day wise Itinerary

• Day 1 : Arrive from Bangkok – Paro (Meals: L, D)

  The plane flight into Paro is a spectacular introduction to the breathtaking Himalayas. In clear conditions, you’ll have impressive views of the highest peaks in the world before descending into the Paro Valley. Your first experience will be breathing in the fresh, clean air. Once you’ve cleared customs and visa control, the group will be met by the in-country guide and taken to your hotel.
  Following lunch, you’ll tour Rinpung Dzong (monastery) and also spend some time strolling Paro’s main street, lined with small shops. Later, if there is time, you’ll see Ta Dzong a monastery converted into the National Museum. Here you’ll see traditional thangkas, fabrics, weaponry, armor,household objects as well as historic items. Overnight atTenzinling Hotel or similar in Paro.

  • Hotspots : Rinpung Dzong, National Museum

• Day 2 : Paro – Thimphu (Meals: B, L, D)

  After breakfast, you’ll depart for the capital, Thimphu(population 86,000; 7,520 feet), which is located approximately one hour away.
  After lunch, you’ll visit sights around this small city. This might include a nunnery, handicraft emporium, handmade paper factory, the National Memorial Chorten, the National Zoo (more like a preserve, the only animal there is the national animal, the extraordinary Takin) and Trashi Chhoe Dzong. Overnight at Hotel Riverview or similar in Thimphu.
  HIGHLIGHT! Though Thimphu is considered a bustling city compared to the rest of Bhutan, it is the world’s only capital without a traffic light! It is also a great place to learn about the nation’s thriving arts and crafts.

• Day 3 : Thimphu – Punakha (Meals: B, L, D)

  Following breakfast, you will leave for Dochu La Pass (10,000 feet), ascending steeply through pine and cedar forests with hanging lichen. The group will then take a short downhill hike through the woods and board your vehicle when you meet up with the road again. You’ll then drive onward to the Punakha Valley. Lunch will be served at the hotel.In the afternoon, the group will tour nearby Punakha Dzong. Dinner and overnight at Meri Puensum or similar in Punakha.
  HIGHLIGHT! Punakha Dzong is likely the most beautiful of all dzongs in Bhutan. You will have a chance to meander through this complex of architectural structures which are home to hundreds of monks half of the year. You’ll see the magnificent main temple that contains massive Buddhas at the altar as well as thousands of small statues placed in the walls.

• Day 4 : Punakha – Trongsa (Meals: B, L, D)

  Today after breakfast, you’ll depart for the 5-hour ride to Trongsa. Along the way, you will cut through the Black Mountains on Bhutan’s “Central Road.” This highway essentially opened central Bhutan to the rest of the world.
  You’ll first stop in Wangdue, a small village and the district headquarters of Western Bhutan. The road then climbs through tropical vegetation to Pele La Pass (10,900 feet), surrounded by towering rhododendron and dwarf bamboo. You’ll likely see yak, which often graze in this area and, if clear, you might see impressive Mt. Jhomulhari (24,140 feet). Coming down from the pass, you will continue on to Trongsa, where you will visit the striking Trongsa Dzong. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Yangkhil Resort or similar in Trongsa.

• Day 5 : Trongsa – Bumthang Valley (Meals: B, L, D)

  Following breakfast, you will head eastward to the Bumthang Valley, where it’s believed Buddhism in Bhutan got its start. You will have time to see a number of sites including: Kurjey Lhakhang and Jambay monasteries,Tamshing Gompa, Jakar Dzong and possibly the Swiss Farm, where they make cheese, honey, beer and local fruit spirits. Overnight at Rinchhenling Lodge or similar in Jakar (Bumthang Valley).
  HIGHLIGHT! It’s believed that Buddhism in Bhutan started in Bumthang. The valley is home to the two oldest temples in the Kingdom and a number of sacred sites. A spiritual vibe fills the air of this idyllic valley.
  

• Day 6 : Bumthang – Festival Day (Meals: B, L, D)

  In the morning, the group will attend more festival dances that are part of the tsechu. This will include the popular mask dance as well as many other performances bytraditional singers and dancers. There will be craftspeople from around the country set up with booths to sell jewelry, clothes, Buddhist treasures and other souvenirs. On this day, you may also have time for more sightseeing around the Bumthang Valley including a walk to a nearby village.
  After dinner, the group will attend Jambay Lhakhang Drup, where, very late, the sacred naked dance is performed by local men. (Yes, they are naked. No, photos are not allowed.) This is the beginning of the tsechu and this dance is performed in order to purify sins and to receive a good harvest. It’s believed to be very good luck to watch these dancers, giving yourself the chance to be absolved of a lifetime of sins (phew)! Overnight at Rinchhenling Lodge or similar in Jakar (Bumthang Valley).
  HIGHLIGHT! The midnight dance on this night is quite a secretive affair. It’s usually held in the wee hours of the morning when most tourists have gone to sleep. But, it is WELL worth it if you are able to stay awake .

• Day 7 : Bumthang – Ura – Bumthang(Meals: B, L, D)

  Following breakfast, the group will drive to the Ura Valley, about 25 miles from Bumthang. The road traverses Ura Shelthang-la where, in clear whether, there is a magnificent view of Bhutan’s highest peak, Gangkar Puensum (24,600 feet). The road then descends into the Ura Valley. The group will hike down through a lush forest and through the village of traditional homes. Overnight at Rinchhenling Lodge or similar in Jakar (Bumthang Valley).
  HIGHLIGHT! The people of Ura mainly raise sheep and yaks, and the introduction ofpotato farming has brought a certain degree of prosperity to the people. This is anancient village where you’ll be able to meander through its narrow streets.

• Day 8 : Bumthang – Gangtey (Meals: B, L, D)

  Following breakfast, you will start the drive back toward Paro. You’ll have a chance to stop at Yotong La Pass and continue on via Trongsa, to Pele La Pass, and then onward to the Phoblika Valley (10’000 feet), deemed the most beautiful valley in the Himalayas. There will be a lunch break along the way. Dinner and overnight at Dewachen Hotel or similar in Gangtey.
  HIGHLIGHT! The Phoblika Valley is the winter home to the endangered black-necked cranes which migrate from theTibetan Plateau. While they are usually only here from November through March, sometimes you will find some early arrivals around this time.

• Day 9 : Gangtey – Wangdue (Meals: B, L, D)

  Following breakfast, you’ll visit Gangtey Gompa, which was built in the 17th century and renovated just a few years ago. From the gompa, you’ll walk back to the hotel along a path that cuts through abeautiful forest and then across the valley floor. Lunch will be served at the hotel.
  In the afternoon, you’ll drive about 2 hours to a riverside hotel nearWangdue (4,000 feet) and enjoy some leisure time before dinner. Dinner and overnight at Dragon’s Nest Hotel or similar in Wangdue.
  HIGHLIGHT! You’ll enjoy the morning’s walk in the Phoblika Valley which is one of the easiest and most beautiful on the tour. This region is breathtaking and you’ll likely see horses and cows meandering around the valley floor which is ringed by low mountain ranges.
  

• Day 10 : Wangdue – Thimphu – Paro (Meals: B, L, D)

  From Wangdue, you’ll drive to Thimphu where you’ll have lunch at a local restaurant and one last opportunity for sightseeing and shopping in the capital. You will then head to Paro where you’ll have dinner and overnight at Hotel Riverview or similar in Thimphu.

• Day 11 : Paro (Meals: B, L, D)

  On this last full day in Bhutan, you’ll get an early start in order to hike the 2+ hours to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest), the country’s most photographed and well-known monastery. You’ll tour the few temples at the top and have time to enjoy the view from here. On the way down, you’ll stop at the tea shop/cafe, located midway, where you’ll see exceptional views of Tiger’s Nest up above. You will then proceed down for lunch.
  Upon returning to Paro, you may have time for relaxing or going to town for last-minute souvenir shopping. Final dinner and overnight at Hotel Riverview or similar in Thimphu.
  HIGHLIGHT! The hike up to and visiting Tiger’s Nest could quite possibly be the highlight of your time in Bhutan! This iconic site, perched on the side of a mountain, is revered by the Bhutanese – and you’ll soon see why.

• Day 12 : Paro – Bangkok Your Destination. (Meals: B )

  Following breakfast, you’ll leave for the airport for the sad farewell to the Kingdom of Bhutan and your flight to Bangkok. Flights usually arrive into Bankgok late in the afternoon. Though you can connect with an international flight .
  

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Inclusions

• Hotel
• Sightseeing
• Transfers

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Exclusions

• · Travel Insurance.
• · Airfares & Visa fees.
• · Beverages.
• · Airport taxes.
• · Expenses of personal nature.
• · Excess baggage .
• · Tips to guides and drivers.
• · Expenses occurred due to unavoidable Events i.e. road wrecks, flight delays etc.

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Price & Rates

* Mentioned prices may vary depending upon date of travel, hotel availability, surge pricing and seasonal rush.

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Package Start From

• Bangkok, Thailand, Asia

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Terms & Conditions

Payment Terms & Methods :
* Some Advance Percentage of total booking amount * Airfare/Transport fare to be paid full at one time in advance.

Cancellation & Refund Policy :
* Upon cancellation, refund will be made after deducting the Retention Amount. * Retention Amount varies as per the number of days left before your package start date.

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This Tour is Offered by

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• Bhagawan Bahal, Kathmandu, Nepal - 44600
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