Eastern Bhutan Dragon Festival
13 Nights in the Kingdom
Introduction Photo Gallery
If you are looking for a trip to Bhutan in
September, we duly suggest and invite you to see this package (Eastern Dragon
Fest) and if you find it interesting. Well, look no further than this trip with
off the beaten track festival!
This
amazing adventure takes us all the way across the Himalayan
Kingdom of Bhutan, as you drive from west to
central valleys and to the far remote east, all through some of the most
beautiful and unspoiled scenery in the world.
The highlight is a little-known
festival in one of the hamlets of Lhuntse, one of Bhutan’s most remote eastern
regions. The three-day festival called Wangshing Rabna (20th – 22nd
Sep, 2011) gives you the chance to experience an event which has been
practiced unchanged for centuries. Everyone is welcomed and treated as family,
whether you are a local, a foreigner, or visiting from another part of Bhutan. You
will interact with the performers and festival goers and are encouraged to
participate in all the very unique Wangshing Rabna rituals and traditions. This
is total immersion. You are not a tourist on the sidelines. Ancient customs
will be followed from the time the locals welcome you until they say farewell.
This annual Wangshing Rabna is held
only in this place, by these local people, to pay homage to Guru Rinpoche, who
they consider as second Buddha. In no other part of the country will you see
the mask dances or other rituals performed here. Each year, quite a large numbers of
foreign travelers visit the most
well-known festivals, at Thimphu and at Paro but at this festival there will be
very few outsiders and this will make the experience even more special, as we
stroll amongst the colorful masked dancers and the equally colorful audience
dressed in their finest Ghos (Men’s costume) and Kiras (Women’s costume).
For the first time in
history, a group of five tourists participated in this festival last year. They
state that it was “a profound experience—the chance of a lifetime.” No doubt, this is an ultimate choice to see Bhutan at its best.
Other
possible access to Eastern Dragon Fest
In case, you do not have enough time or you intend to have a different
itinerary pattern than what is posted below, we will be happy to design one in
accordance with your interest and convenience.
1. One can fly to Gauhati – the capital of North
Indian State
of Assam from Bangkok, Delhi and Calcutta, and do this
entire trip in reverse, from east to west.
2. For those who are looking for a shorter trip but with the inclusion of
Eastern Dragon Fest (as short as one week), you may get into eastern Bhutan
from Gauhati and then drive back to Gauhati after the trip to catch up your
flight to Bangkok, Delhi or Calcutta.
Note: Druk Air is the only airline that flies to Gauhati from Bangkok or vice
versa with limited weekly flight frequencies as indicated here;
Bangkok – Gauhati (Monday & Thursday)
Gauhati – Bangkok (Wednesday & Sunday)
Itinerary
13th Sep, 11: Bangkok
– Paro
Flying into the country’s only airport, in the beautiful Paro
valley, the clear mountain air, forested ridges, imposing monasteries and
welcoming Bhutanese people in their striking national dress, provides a
breath-taking first impression.
On
arrival at Paro airport, after immigration and custom formalities, your guide
will receive you and transfer you to the hotel.
This beautiful valley encapsulates a rich culture, scenic beauty and hundreds
of myths and legends. It is home to many
of Bhutan’s
oldest temples and monasteries, the country’s only airport, and the National Museum. Mt. Jomolhari (7,300m) reigns in white
glory at the northern end of the valley, its glacial waters plunging through
deep gorges to form the Pa Chu (Paro River). The Paro valley is one of the kingdom’s most
fertile, producing the bulk of Bhutan’s famous
red rice from its terraced fields.
After having a bit of relaxation in the hotel, we will visit the following
places in Paro;
Ta Dzong: On a ridge immediately above Rinpung Dzong is Ta Dzong, built as
a watchtower to protect Rinpung Dzong.
(“Ta” means “to see” in Dzongkha, so the watchtower of a Dzong is always
called a “Ta Dzong”). On account of
their function, watchtowers are always round in shape. In 1968 Paro’s Ta Dzong was inaugurated as
the National
Museum,
and now holds a fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha
paintings, Bhutan’s
exquisite postage stamps, coins and handicrafts, together with a small natural
history collection.
Rinpung Dzong: Built in
1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the “fortress of the heap of jewels” stands
on a hill above Paro Township. The approach to the Dzong is through a
traditional covered bridge (called the Nemi Zam) and then up a paved stone path
running alongside the imposing outer walls.
The valley’s annual springtime religious festival, the Paro Tsechu,
takes place in the courtyard of the Dzong and on the dance ground on the
hillside above.
Altitude
at Paro: 2300m
Overnight – Tandinling Resort or similar in Paro
14th Sep, 11: Hike to
Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Today, we hike up to the famous
cliff-hermitage called Taktsang, the “Tiger’s Nest.” This monastic retreat is
built into a sheer cliff face high above the Paro valley. Legend has it that
the Tibetan Buddhist saint Padmasambhava flew across the Himalayas on the back
of a tiger and landed here, bringing Buddhism to Bhutan.
The trail to the monastery climbs through beautiful pine forest and an
occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags.
After visiting what is known as one of
the most venerated pilgrimage sites in the country, we will go off the beaten
track further up to the temples that are on the hill tops above Tiger’s Nest.
It’s so peaceful and you can really communicate with nature as you enjoy the
views from the top, be it that of mountains or the valley. No wonder that some
monks have chosen this place to meditate for the rest of their lives!
Coming back, we are following a different path that takes us through the pristine
thick forest of oaks and rhododendrons festooned with Spanish mosses.
Approximate walking time: 05 hours. Altitude
at Paro: 2300m
Overnight- Tandinling Resort or similar in Paro
15th Sep, 11: Paro – Thimphu
Our journey to east begins today as we take a drive to Thimphu which is perhaps
the most unusual capital city in the world, is the seat of government, home to
Bhutan’s royal family, the civil service, and foreign missions with
representation in Bhutan. It is also the headquarters for a number of
internationally funded development projects.
The sightseeing in Thimphu includes visit to the following
places;
Motithang Takin Preserve: A short distance up
the road to the telecom tower is a trail leading to a large fenced area that
was originally established as a mini-zoo. The king decided that such a facility
was not in keeping with Bhutan's
environmental and religious convictions, and it was disbanded some time ago.
The animals were
released into the wild but the takins, Bhutan's national animal, were
so tame that they wandered around the streets of Thimphu looking for food, and the only
solution was to put them back into captivity. It's worthwhile taking the time
to see these oddball mammals. The best time to see them is early morning when
they gather near the fence to feed. It's a five-minute walk from the road to a
viewing area where you can take advantage of a few holes in the fence to take
photographs.
Weaving Centre: In Bhutan,
textiles are considered the highest form of art and spiritual expression. Our handlooms have evolved over centuries
and reflect the country's distinctive identity. Most of the designs and
patterns of weave are unique to the country. Bhutanese weavers have been very
innovative in their designs while maintaining the traditional character of the
art. By utilizing primarily the simple back strap loom, the
Thunder Dragon People have crafted one of the most advanced and sophisticated
weaving cultures in the history of civilization.
Weaving Centre produces hand-woven textiles on site and has a selection of
cloth and ready-made garments for sale. This is one of the few places where you
can watch weavers at work.
Archery ground beside the national
stadium: Archery is Bhutan’s National Sport. Archery
matches are among the most picturesque and colorful events you will find here
and well worth a visit. There are formal competitions on many weekends, and
archers practice most afternoons and weekends when there is no competition.
It’s easy to find a session to watch.
There are several customs and practices attached to the activity that we
wouldn't see in any other country!
Tashichhodzong: The “fortress of the glorious religion” was initially erected
in 1641 and rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk in the 1960s. While other governments around the world ensconce
themselves in fortresses of stone and steel, the seat of Bhutan's Royal
Government is in a building that mirrors the country's culture and its people.
The building we see today is largely a modern affair, built in 1962 when His
Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk moved the government to Thimphu
after a fire at its original location. The
complex's central tower is original. Tashichhodzong houses the main secretariat
building, throne room of His Majesty the King of Bhutan. During the warmer
summer months the monk body headed by His Holiness, the Je Khenpo, makes its
home in the Dzong.
Approximate driving time: 01 hour.
Altitude at Thimphu: 2400m
Overnight – Peaceful Resort or similar in Thimphu
16th Sep, 11: Thimphu - Punakha
Today, we will take a drive to Punakha across Dochu La (3050m) from where one
can have a spectacular view of the Himalayas to the north when the sky is
clear. The pass is marked by 108 chortens (Stupa) which are Buddhist
reliquaries, memorials to the teachings of the Buddha. Sometimes actual relics
of the Buddha or revered monks are inserted into the dome of the stupa, but
whether or not there are relics inside, the stupas mark the landscape with
reminders of the Buddha’s teachings. It’s then about one hour drive down to
sub-tropical Punakha
Valley.
In Punakha, we will visit the Dzong that was built by Shabdrung, in 1637, on a
strategic place at the confluence of Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. The Dzong has
played a hallowed role in the history of Bhutan. It served as the seat of
Shabdrung’s government, several foreign delegations were received here in 18th
and 19th century, the election and coronation of the first King was observed in
1907 and the Third King convened the first National Assembly in the Dzong. The
central monastic body continues to reside here in winter. The embalmed bodies
of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and Terton Pema Lingpa are housed on the top floor
of the main tower. Damaged by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the
Dzong has been fully restored by the present King from the latest fire in 1987.
Later, we will take a drive to Talo, the native home
of the Queen. From Talo, we walk down
along the beautiful track to Nobgang village, thus gaining
insight into the agricultural lifestyle that is common to the majority
of Bhutanese.
Approximate driving time: 03 hours. Altitude at Punakha: 1300m
Overnight - Zangthopelri Hotel or similar in Punakha
17th Sep, 11: Punakha
- Jakar
Drive up a winding mountain road through oak and rhododendron forest over Pele
La Pass (3300m). This pass is traditionally known as the boundary between
Western and Eastern Bhutan and the landscape
which spreads out on the pass is different to that of the western side. After
crossing a bridge at Nika Chu, we enter Tongsa district and follow a dramatic
section of the road, carved into the side of a cliff, high above the Mangde Chu.
The scenery is beautiful – forests as far as the eye can see, and with Tongsa
Dzong visible 20 kilometers away, at the end of the valley. Tongsa means “New Village”
as Tongsa was founded in the 17th century, which is relatively
recent for Bhutan!
We will have the opportunity to visit Tongsa Dzong, which is a masterpiece of
architecture with a maze of courtyards, passageways and 23 temples.
Continuing our journey eastwards, we re-enter the forest and climb to cross the
Yutong La (3425m). Descending to the village
of Chumey, the scenery is
once again totally different as we enter the wide open Bumthang valleys. After
a short climb to Kiki La, we turn a corner to begin the descent to Jakar. From
some distance away, we can see Jakar Dzong, perched high above the village.
Approximate driving time: 08 hours. Altitude at Jakar: 2600m.
Overnight – Mountain Lodge or similar in Jakar
18th Sep, 11: Sightseeing
in Jakar
Bumthang valley is the religious heartland of Bhutan and home to some of the
oldest Buddhist temples. Tales of Guru Padmasambhava and his reincarnates still
linger around Bumthang.
Today’s sightseeing includes:
Jambey Lhakhang: This monastery was built in the 7th
century by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo. It is one of 108 monasteries which
he built to subdue evil spirits in the Himalayan region. Its present
architectural appearance dates from the early 20th century.
Kurje Lhakhang: Located further along the valley, Kurje Lhakhang comprises
of three temples. The one on the right or the oldest of these temples, was
built in 1652 on the site of a cave containing a rock with the imprint of the
Guru’s body, and is therefore considered to be the most holy.
Tamshing Lhakhan: Located across the river from Kurje Lhakhang, this
temple was founded in 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa, a re-incarnation of Guru
Padmasambhava. There are very old religious paintings around the inner walls of
the temple, which was restored at the end of the 19th century.
Jakar Dzong: Constructed in 1549 by the great grandfather of the first
Shabdrung, the dzong was initially built as a monastery. It was upgraded in
1646, after the Shabdrung had firmly established his power.
Legend has it that when the Lamas assembled to decide on a site for Jakar
Dzong, a big white bird rose suddenly in the air and settled on a spur of the
hill and it was here that `Castle of the white bird` was built. Jakar Dzong is
now used as the administrative center for Bumthang valley, and also houses the regional
monk body.
Altitude
at Jakar: 2600m.
Overnight – Mountain Lodge or similar in Jakar
19th Sep, 11: Jakar -
Mongar
The drive from Jakar to Mongar will surely enchant you as it offers one of
the most spectacular views of the country. Evergreen junipers and colorful
rhododendrons cover the hillsides, as fresh new scenery unfolds with every
twist and turn of the winding road. Sound of the rushing streams and cascading
waterfalls greets you as you look down at the valley looming in the distance
below the precipitous rock face. You will be so captivated by its beauty that
the eight hours journey will hardly be noticed.
Approximate driving time: 08 hours. Altitude
at Mongar: 1600m.
Overnight – Wangchuk Hotel or similar in Mongar
20th
Sep, 11: Mongar – Menji
Today, we will take a drive to Menji
Village in Lhuntse for
the festival at Wangshing Lhakhang. Lhuntse is one of the most isolated
districts in Bhutan,
and its landscape is spectacular, with stark cliffs towering above river gorges
and dense coniferous forests. The region is famous for its weavers, and their
distinctive textiles are generally considered to be the best in the country.
We will be received and welcomed to our camp by the village folks in a
traditional Bhutanese manner. Soon after getting settled, we will walk down
with the locals to the festival ground to see the dances of the first day of
the festival which begins at around 3 pm this afternoon and then slowly get
immersed into all these unique activities around you throughout your stay in
this village.
This festival is celebrated annually in the fall in honor of Guru Rinpoche
– The saint who is responsible for bringing the doctrine of Buddha to this
country in 08th century. The dancers take on the aspects of wrathful
and compassionate deities. The dances known as Cham bring blessings upon
onlookers, to instruct them in the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma, to protect
them from misfortune, and to exorcise evil influences. Deities are invoked
during the dances; through their power and benediction, misfortunes may be
annihilated, luck increased and wishes realized. It is also a social gathering
where the people rejoice together, dressed in their finest clothing and jewelry.
Approximate
driving time: 03 hours. Altitude at Wangshing: 1700m.
Overnight – Camp at Wangshing
21st
Sep, 11: Day at Wangshing Rabna (Festival)
22nd Sep, 11: Day at Wangshing Rabna (Festival)
23rd Sep, 11: Menji – Mongar
This morning, after saying
farewell to our friends from this community,
we will take a drive up north to see Lhuntse Dzong which is one of the
most picturesque in Bhutan sitting high on a rocky outcrop overlooking the
valley. We will then drive further up the valley to Dungkhar – the ancestral
home of the monarchy and visit Dungkhar
Palace to have an intimate
insight into life in the early days of Bhutan’s monarchy before taking a
drive back to Mongar.
Approximate driving time: 06
hours. Altitude at Mongar: 1600m.
Overnight – Wangchuk Hotel or similar in Mongar
24th Sep, 11: Mongar – Tashigang
The first part of the journey to
Tashigang is through leafy forest filled with ferns across
one low pass known as Kori La (2400m), the place marked by a pretty
chorten and a stone wall. The road then descends rapidly
through cornfields and banana groves, the famous hairpins at Yadi till you
reach Sherichu (river) at 600m. Back in the hot tropical climate, we can enjoy
a very pleasant drive along the side of the Dangmechu (Bhutan’s
biggest river) to the bridge and check post below Tashigang. A steep but short
climb from here finishes off today’s journey. Tashigang sees very few tourists
and facilities are limited, but we stay in the best place in the town which is
in reality a very basic lodge!
In Tashigang, we will visit the Dzong and the rest of the day at leisure to stroll around the downtown.
Approximate driving time: 03 hours. Altitude
at Tashigang: 1070m.
Overnight – Doejung Hotel or similar in Tashigang
25th
Sep, 11: Tashigang - Samdrup Jongkhar
We
have now reached the most easterly point of our journey as the road now heads
south for 180 kilometers to Samdrup Jongkhar, Bhutan’s eastern road border with
Assam. At first we drive uphill for about an hour to the university at
Kanglung, and then continue further up for a while to a small pass at 2450m,
with views of the peaks of north-eastern Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh. From
here it’s downhill till the village
of Khaling, which is
famous for its weaving and handicraft.
Unlike western Bhutan,
where the road goes over passes between one valley and the next, the road here
follows ridges almost the whole way. Eighteen kilometers before Samdrup
Jongkhar, there is a small town called Deothang where there is a large memorial
chorten dedicated to those who lost their lives building the road across Bhutan. This
place is also remembered in our history as the site of a famous 19th
century battle fought during the Duar Wars, in which the forces of Jigme
Namgyal, the father of the first king defeated British. The road then descends
fairly rapidly to the plains through dense tropical forest with an abundance of
teak, bamboo and ferns.
Approximate driving Time: 08 hours. Altitude at Samdrup Jongkhar: 250m.
Overnight – Mountain Hotel or similar in Samdrup Jongkhar
26th
Sep, 11: Samdrup Jongkhar – Gauhati
This
morning, we drive for three hours to Gauhati, the capital of Assam in India,
where we go straight to the airport to check in for the flight to Bangkok.
TASHI DELEK & GOOD LUCK!
Tour cost:
The tour includes:
- Hotel accommodations on
twin sharing basis
- All meals and ground transport
- English-speaking guide
- Museum fees
- Mineral water
- All trekking equipment, trekking staff and ponies on treks
The tour does not include:
- Airfare and airport taxes
- Bhutan
visa fee ($20 per person)
- Insurance for travel and other
contingencies
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Luxury hotels
