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Yu Druk Tours & Treks
2008 Festival Tours |
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Yu Druk Travels is pleased to offer a program of tours and short treks especially scheduled to coincide with major festivals in Bhutan. The dates shown will allow direct connections via Druk Air to and from Bhutan via Bangkok. The following programmes can also be changed to allow you to connect to and from New Delhi and Kathmandu.All costs shown are per-person based on three people and more travelling together throughout the tour. Individual travellers have to pay a surcharge of USD 40 per night and two people travelling together have to pay USD 30 each per night.
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Druk Air flights are usually quite full at festival time. We urge you to book early to avoid disappointment.
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The festive time for every Bhutanese is a Tsechu celebrated at every Dzong (fortress) most of which were built in the 16thCentury. The major events are Mask dance known as Cham which take place for 3-4 days and in honour of Guru Rimpoche. Performed by both monks and laymen, the Bhutanese people would have witnessed 12 episodes by the end of the festival. It is a must for every Bhutanese to see and understand every dance as this gains you merit and brings you luck. It is also a time when people from all over leave all their farm work, dressed in their best attires and jewellery and rejoice together.
Most of the dances were introduced by the Shabdrung and Terton Pema Lingpa in the 16 hundreds, some of the mask and costumes are as old as old. The dances are done to perfection as the deities enter the performers body and then it is the deities themselves performing for the viewers. Most monasteries also have a festival, usually it is a combination of the Tsechu along with the mask dances that emerged in the locality. |
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Festival Itineraries specially designed for the year 2008 are listed below
Punakha Tsechu in Punakha
8 February to 15 February 2008
8 Feb Fri: Arrive in Paro, drive to Thimphu (2 hrs). Overnight in Thimphu
9 Feb Sat: Thimphu sightseeing,visit Textile/Folk Heritage Museum. Thimphu
10 Feb Sun: After breakfast drive to Punakha (3 hrs). Visit Chhimi Lhakhang Punakha
11 Feb Mon: Witness Festival - Punakha
12 Feb Tue: Witness Festival - Punakha
13 Feb Wed: Return to Thimphu and sightseeing. Thimphu
14 Feb Thu: To Paro (2 hrs) and sightseeing. Overnight in Paro
15 Feb Fri: Depart from Bhutan on Druk Air flight from Paro
Gom Kora in Tashi Yangtse
Entry & Exit via Paro
5 March to 20 March 2008
5 Mar Wed: Arrive at Paro, sightseeing, overnight in Paro
6 Mar Thu: Continue sightseeing. Afternoon to Thimphu and sightseeing.Thimphu.
7 Mar Fri: Archery ground.Continue sightseeing.
8 Mar Sat: To Trongsa (8 hrs). Overnight in Trongsa
9 Mar Sun: To Bumthang (3 hrs) and sightseeing. Overnight in Bumthang
10 Mar Mon: Bumthang sightseeing
11 Mar Tue: To Mongar (8 hrs) Overnight in Mongar
12 Mar Wed: To Trashigang (4hrs) Overnight in Trashigang.
13 Mar Thu: Trashigang sightseeing.
14 Mar Fri: To Gom Kora with packed lunch (30 minutes drive) and witness festival.Overnight in Trashigang or Rangung
15 Mar Sat: To Gom Kora with packed lunch and witness festival. Overnight in Trashigang or Rangung
16 Mar Sun: To Mongar Overnight in Mongar
17 Mar Mon: To Bumthang Overnight in Bumthang
18 Mar Tue: To Thimphu Overnight in Thimphu
19 Mar Wed: Thimphu sightseeing, drive to Paro in the afternoon Overnight in Paro
20 Mar Thu: Depart from Bhutan on Druk Air flight from Paro
Gom Kora in Tashi Yangtse - Tour B
5 March to 17 March 2008
5 Mar Wed: Arrive at Paro, sightseeing, overnight in Paro
6 Mar Thu: Continue sightseeing. Afternoon to Thimphu and sightseeing. Overnight in Thimphu.
7 Mar Fri: Weekend market and archery ground. Continue sightseeing.
8 Mar Sat: To Trongsa (8 hrs). Overnight in Trongsa
9 Mar Sun: To Bumthang (3 hrs) and sightseeing. Overnight in Bumthang
10 Mar Mon: Bumthang sightseeing Overnight in Bumthang
11 Mar Tue: To Mongar (8 hrs) Mongar Overnight in Mongar
12 Mar Wed: Trashigang sightseeing. Overnight in Trashigang
13 Mar Thu: To Trashigang (4hrs) Overnight in Trashigang.
14 Mar Fri: To Gom Kora with packed lunch (30 minutes drive) and witness festival. Overnight in Trashigang or Rangung
15 Mar Sat: To Gom Kora with packed lunch and witness festival. Overnight in Trashigang or Rangung
16 Mar Sun: To Samdrup Jongkhar (7hrs) Border town with India.
17 Mar Mon: Exit Bhutan and it is a 2 hour drive to the Indian town of Gauwhati. You can catch a plane to Delhi/Calcutta or Bombay from here
Paro Tsechu in Paro
19 March to 24 March 2008
19 Mar Wed: Arrive at Paro, sightseeing, overnight in Paro
20 Mar Thu: Witness festival, afternoon sightseeing. Overnight in Paro
21 Mar Fri: At dawn to Paro Dzong to witness Thongdrol. After breakfast to Thimphu and sightseeing. Overnight in Thimphu
22 Mar Sat: Thimphu sightseeing. Overnight in Thimphu
23 Mar Sun: To Punakha (3hrs) and sightseeing of Punakha & Wangdue Phodrang. Overnight in Punakha.
24 Mar Mon: Early morning to Paro and depart from Bhutan
Ura Yakchoe – Ura Village in Bumthang
12 December to 23 December 2008
12 Dec Wed: Arrive at Paro, sightseeing, overnight in Paro
13 Dec Thu: Continue sightseeing. Afternoon to Thimphu and sightseeing. Overnight in Thimphu.
14 Dec Fri: Thimphu sightseeing. Overnight in Thimphu
15 Dec Sat: To Trongsa (8 hrs). Overnight in Trongsa
16 Dec Sun: To Bumthang (3 hrs) and sightseeing. Overnight in Bumthang
17 Dec Mon: Bumthang sightseeing Overnight in Bumthang
18 Dec Tue: To Ura (2hrs) and witness Ura Yakchoe. Overnight in Camp or Farm House
19 Dec Wed: Witness Ura Yakchoe. Overnight in Camp or Farm House
20 Dec Thu: Moring witness festival. Afternoon return to Bumthang. Overnight in Bumthang
21 Dec Fri: To Thimphu (8-9 hrs) Overnight in Thimphu
22 Dec Sat: Morning in Thimphu. drive to Paro for overnight
23 Dec Sun: Depart from Bhutan on Druk Air flight from Paro
Kurjey Tsechu & Nimalung Tsechu in Bumthang
8 July to 17 July 2008
8 Jul Tue: Arrive at Paro, sightseeing, overnight in Paro
9 Jul Wed: Continue sightseeing. Afternoon to Thimphu and sightseeing. Overnight in Thimphu.
10 Jul Thu: Thimphu sightseeing. Overnight in Thimphu
11 Jul Fri: To Trongsa (8 hrs). Overnight in Trongsa
12 Jul Sat: To Bumthang (3 hrs) with pack lunch, enroute stop at Prakhar village and hike for 20-30 minutes to witness Nimalung Tsechu. Overnight in Bumthang
13 Jul Sun: Return to Prakhar ( 30 minute drive) and hike for 20-30 minutes to witness Nimalung Tsechu. Overnight in Bumthang
14 Jul Mon: Witness Kurjey Tsechu. Afternoon sightseeing. Overnight in Bumthang
15 Jul Tue: To Thimphu (8-9 hrs) Overnight in Thimphu
16 Jul Wed: Morning in Thimphu. drive to Paro for overnight
17 Jul Thu: Depart from Bhutan on Druk Air flight from Paro
Thimphu Tsechu in Thimphu & Wangdue Tsechu in Wangdue
4 October to 12 October 2008
4 Oct Sat: Arrive at Paro, drive to Thimphu (2hrs), overnight in Thimphu
5 Oct Sun: Thimphu sightseeing, overnight in Thimphu
6 Oct Mon: To Wangdue Phodrang (3hrs). Overnight in Wangdue
7 Oct Tue: Witness Wangdue festival. Overnight in Wangdue
8 Oct Wed: Witness Wangdue festival. Afternoon to Thimphu. Overnight in Thimphu
9 Oct Thu: Witness Thimphu festival. Afternoon sightseeing. Overnight in Thimphu
10 Oct Fri: Witness festival. Afternoon to Weekend market and archery ground. Overnight in Thimphu
11 Oct Sat: To Paro (2hrs) and sightseeing. Overnight in Paro
12 Oct Sun: Depart from Bhutan on Druk Air flight from Paro
Wangdue Tsechu in Wangdue & Tamshing Phala Chodpa in Bumthang
4 October to 13 October 2008
4 Oct Sat: Arrive at Paro, drive to Thimphu (2hrs) Overnight in Thimphu
5 Oct Sun: Thimphu sightseeing. Overnight in Thimphu
6 Oct Mon: To Wangdue Phodrang (3hrs). Overnight in Wangdue
7 Oct Tue: Witness Wangdue festival at Wangdue Dzong. Overnight in Wangdue
8 Oct Wed: Witness Wangdue festival. Afternoon to Bumthang (7hrs), Overnight in Bumthang
9 Oct Thu: Witness Tamshing Phala Chodpa at Tamshing Lhakhang. Overnight in Bumthang
10 Oct Fri: Witness Tamshing Phala Chodpa at Tamshing Lhakhang. Overnight in Bumthang
11 Oct Sat: To Thimphu (8-9 hrs) Overnight in Thimphu
12 Oct Sun: Morning in Thimphu. drive to Paro for overnight
13 Oct Mon: Depart from Bhutan on Druk Air flight from Paro
Thimphu Tsechu in Thimphu & Thangbi Mani in Bumthang
7 October to 17 October 2008
7 Oct Tue: Arrive at Paro, overnight in Paro.
8 Oct Wed: Sightseeing of Paro. Drive to Thimphu (2hrs). Overnight in Thimphu
9 Oct Thu: Witness Thimphu Tsechu. Overnight in Thimphu
10 Oct Fri: Witness Thimphu Tsechu, visit the Weekend market and Archery Ground. Overnight in Thimphu
11 Oct Sat: To Bumthang (8-10 hrs). Overnight in Bumthang
12 Oct Sun: Bumthang sightseeing. Overnight in Bumthang
13 Oct Mon: It will be a 20 minute walk to Thangbi Lhakhang.Witness Festival Overnight in Bumthang
14 Oct Tue: Bumthang sightseeing or you can continue for the second day of the festival
15 Oct Wed: To Thimphu (8-9 hrs) Overnight in Thimphu
16 Oct Thu: To Paro & Sightseeing. Overnight in Paro
17 Oct Fri: Depart from Bhutan on Druk Air flight from Paro
Jambay Lhakhang Drup & Prakhar Tsechu at Prakhar Natsang in Bumthang
8 November to 19 November 2008
8 Nov Sat: Arrive at Paro, sightseeing, overnight in Paro
9 Nov Sun: Continue sightseeing. Afternoon to Thimphu and sightseeing. Overnight in Thimphu.
10 Nov Mon: Thimphu sightseeing. Overnight in Thimphu
11 Nov Tue: To Trongsa (8 hrs). Overnight in Trongsa
12 Nov Wed: To Bumthang (3 hrs) with pack lunch, enroute stop at Prakhar village. It is 5 minutes to Prakhar and witness festival. Evening witness starting of Jambay Lhakhang Drup.
13 Nov Thu: To Prakhar and witness festival. Overnight in Bumthang
14 Nov Fri: Witness Jambay Lhakhang Drup. Afternoon sightseeing. Overnight in Bumthang
15 Nov Sat: Witness Jambay Lhakhang Drup. Afternoon sightseeing. Overnight in Bumthang
16 Nov Sun: To Punakha (7-8 hrs) Overnight in Punakha
17 Nov Mon: Punakha sightseeing. PM to Thimphu (3hrs). Overnight in Thimphu
18 Nov Tue: Morning in Thimphu. drive to Paro for overnight
19 Nov Wed: Depart from Bhutan on Druk Air flight from Paro
Mongar Tsechu & Trashigang Tsechu
27 November to 12 December 2008
27 Nov Thu: Arrive at Paro, sightseeing, overnight in Paro
28 Nov Fri: Continue sightseeing. Afternoon to Thimphu and sightseeing. Overnight in Thimphu.
29 Nov Sat: Weekend market and archery ground. Continue sightseeing. Overnight in Thimphu
30 Nov Sun: To Trongsa (8 hrs). Overnight in Trongsa
1 Dec Mon: To Bumthang (3 hrs) and sightseeing. Overnight in Bumthang
2 Dec Tue: Bumthang sightseeing. Overnight in Bumthang
3 Dec Wed: To Mongar (8 hrs) Overnight in Mongar
4 Dec Thu: Witness Mongar Tsechu. Overnight in Mongar
5 Dec Fri: Witness Mongar Tsechu. Overnight in Mongar
6 Dec Sat: Early morning to Trashigang (4 hrs) and witness Tsechu. Overnight in Trashigang or Rangung
7 Dec Sun: Witness Tsechu. Overnight in Trashigang or Rangung
8 Dec Mon: To Mongar Overnight in Mongar
9 Dec Tue: To Bumthang Overnight in Bumthang
10 Dec Wed: To Thimphu. Overnight in Thimphu
11 Dec Thu: Thimphu sightseeing. Afternoon to Paro forovernight
12 Dec Fri: Depart from Bhutan on Druk Air flight from Paro
Ngalhakhang Shey at Ngalhakhang in Bumthang
7 December to 20 December 2008
7 Dec Sun: Arrive at Paro, sightseeing, overnight in Paro
8 Dec Mon: Continue sightseeing. Afternoon to Thimphu and sightseeing. Overnight in Thimphu.
9 Dec Tue: Thimphu sightseeing. Overnight in Thimphu
10 Dec Wed: To Bumthang (8-10 hrs) Sightseeing. Overnight in Bumthang.
11 Dec Thu: Start of Bumthang Cultural Trek, camp at Ngang Lhakhang(2800m) Distance 12 kms and walking time 4-5 hours. Overnight in Bumthang
The trek route takes you along the Chamkhar river through pleasant meadows and pine forest and the walk has no steep climbs.
At the beginning of the trek you can visit the Thangkabi Goempa.
After lunch you reach the “Swan Land”, Ngalhakhang. Overnight camp.
12 Dec Fri: Witness first day of festival. Overnight in camp
13 Dec Sat: Witness second day of festival. Overnight in camp
14 Dec Sun: Continue Trek. Starting at Nga Lhakhang (2800m) and camp at Tahung(2790m) also know as Meadow Camp. Distance 16 kms and walking time 6-7 hours.
You can visit the Ngang Lhakhang Goempa at the start of your trek. From Ngang Lhakhang it is a gradual climb for about 1 hour, then it is steep climb till Phephela pass at 3360m. which is the highest point on this trek and then you descend to camp.
15 Dec Mon: End of Trek : Distance approx. 10 kms to Gamling walking time 2-3 hours and 16 kms to Mesithang walking time about 6 hours.
16 Dec Tue: Gamling / Mesithang - Bumthang If you camp at Gamling then you will have to walk for 1 hour before crossing the Tang Chu where your car will pick you up otherwise from Mesithang it is a 15 km dirt road drive to the junction of Bumthang – Mongar highway and then a 30 minute drive to Bumthang. You can also stop to visit Membar Tsho at this road junction.
17 Dec Wed: Bumthang to Punakha (7-8 hours) drive to Punakha. Overnight in Punakha
18 Dec Thu: Visit Punakha town and Dzong and do a 2 hour roundtrip hike to Chhimi Lhakhang (temple of the Devine madman) After lunch to Thimphu (3 hours). Overnight in Thimphu
19 Dec Fri: Thimphu to Paro.Lunch at Thimphu, visit Weekend Market, drive to Paro. Overnight in Paro.
20 Dec Sat: Depart from Bhutan on Druk Air flight from Paro
Trongsa Tsechu - Trongsa Dzong
2 January to 13 January 2008
2 Jan Wed: Arrive at Paro, drive to Thimphu (2hrs)
3 Jan Thu: Weekend market and Thimphu sightseeing. Overnight in Thimphu
4 Jan Fri: Thimphu to Trongsa (8 hrs) Overnight in Trongsa
5 Jan Sat: Witness Trongsa Tsechu. Overnight in Trongsa.
6 Jan Sun: Witness Trongsa Tsechu. Overnight in Trongsa
7 Jan Mon: Morning witness Trongsa Tsechu. Afternoon to Bumthang (3hrs) Overnight in Bumthang
8 Jan Tue: Bumthang sightseeing. Overnight in Bumthang
9 Jan Wed: Bumthang sightseeing or Bumthang to Punakha (8 hrs) Overnight in Punakha
10 Jan Thu: Punakha sightseeing. To Thimphu. Overnight in Thimphu
11 Jan Fri: Thimphu sightseeing. Overnight in Thimphu
12 Jan Sat: To Paro and sightseeing. Overnight in Paro.
13 Jan Sun: Depart from Bhutan on Druk Air flight from Paro
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