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| Bhutan Classical Tour |
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Introduction
Previously , roads through passes made Bhutan accessible only from the south and west, but since 1983 Dragon Airlines has made travel here relatively easier. The government of Bhutan, although limiting entry only to a few thousand visitors a year, has provided a unique opportunity to see first hand a rich and unique culture. View the Eastern Himalaya, explore historic Dzongs scattered throughout the kingdom, and visit colorful villages and farming communities, little changed over the centuries |
ITINERARY:
Day 1 Paro
On arrival at Paro airport take a short scenic drive to your hotel. Paro at 2300 m is located in a beautiful wooded valley with terraced farmland nourished by the Paro Chu river.
Day 2 Paro
An 11 mile drive brings you to the 17th century Drukgyel Dong, famous for repelling many a Tibetan invasion. Visit the monastery of Taktsang "Tigers Nest" sitting snugly amongst Himalayan cedars 800 m above the Paro valley.
Day 3 Thimphu
Drive 2 1/2 hrs to Thimpu with a short stop at Chuzon, confluence of the Pa-chu and Wang-chu rivers. Here four different styles of Chortens or stupas adorn this sight. On arrival check into hotel.
Day 4 Thimpu
The day begins with a traditional mask and folk dance performed by the Royal Dance Troupe. Visit the Goldsmith's Workshop, the Painting School and the Indigenous Medicine Hospital to name a few of the many activities.
Day 5 Tongsa
Drive to Tongsa crossing two high passes over 3280 m with views of the eastern Himalayas. Protected from invaders by an impenetrable valley Tongsa is the quaintest of all Bhutanese towns with its secular and religious centre the Tongsa Dzong dominating the horizon. A good shopping stop the local populace weaves its own textiles from hand-dyed wool. Spend the night at the BTCL Lodge.
Day 6 & 7 Bumthang
From Tongsa drive 67 kms to Bumthang with brief stops at Chume valley where the local people weave the famous Bumthang Yatha used for jackets, bed spreads and scarves. This is also the traditional home of the great Buddhist teacher Pema Lingpa whose descendants the present dynasty traces its ancestry.
Day 8 Mongar
The drive to Mongar takes a good 8 hrs over a 3659 m pass through pine forests and highland pastures with glimpses of small picturesque hamlets along the route.. On arrival check into a local hotel.
Day 9 Tashigang
Drive to Tashigang located on a mountain top. A bustling market town, this is home to the local hill people from Merak and Sakteng known for their remarkable features and brightly colored costumes. Spend two nights at the local hotel.
Day 10 Tashigang
The days activities include a drive up the valley for two hours to the 17th century Chorten Kora built in the Nepalese style of architecture. After lunch return to Tashigang. Check back into hotel.
Day 11 Samdrup Jongkar
Samdrup Jongkhar, a frontier town situated on the foothills of the South Eastern Himalaya is also an exit point into India. Stop for lunch at Wamrong, the halfway point. On arrival in Samdrup Jongkhar check into hotel.
Day 12 Guwahati
Our representative will be on hand to assist with arrangements for your transfer to Calcutta via Guwahati. N.B. Optional tours to Darjeeling or Sikkim are available
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Trekking
in Nepal
Adventures 2009