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Yu Druk Tours & Treks
2003 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 2003 are listed below
Punakha Tsechu in Punakha
5 March to 12 March
5 Mar Wed: Arrive in Paro, drive to Thimphu (2 hrs). Overnight in Thimphu
6 Mar Thu: Thimphu sightseeing,visit Textile/Folk Heritage Meseum. Thimphu
7 Mar Fri: After breakfast drive to Punakha (3 hrs). Visit Chhimi Lhakhang Punakha
8 Mar Sat: Witness Festival - Punakha
9 Mar Sun: Witness Festival - Punakha
10 Mar Mon: Return to Thimphu and sightseeing. Thimphu
11 Mar Tue: To Paro (2 hrs) and sightseeing. Overnight in Paro
12 Mar Wed: Depart from Bhutan on Druk Air flight from Paro
Gom Kora in Tashi Yangtse
Entry & Exit via Paro
31 March to 15 April
31 Mar Mon: Arrive at Paro, sightseeing, overnight in Paro
1 Apr Tue: Continue sightseeing. Afternoon to Thimphu and sightseeing.Thimphu.
2 Apr Wed: Archery ground.Continue sightseeing.
3 Apr Thu: To Trongsa (8 hrs). Overnight in Trongsa
4 Apr Fri: To Bumthang (3 hrs) and sightseeing. Overnight in Bumthang
5 Apr Sat: Bumthang sightseeing
6 Apr Sun: To Mongar (8 hrs) Overnight in Mongar
7 Apr Mon: To Trashigang (4hrs) Overnight in Trashigang.
8 Apr Tue: Trashigang sightseeing.
9 Apr Wed: To Gom Kora with packed lunch (30 minutes drive) and witness festival.Overnight in Trashigang or Rangung
10 Apr Thu: To Gom Kora with packed lunch and witness festival. Overnight in Trashigang or Rangung
11 Apr Fri: To Mongar Overnight in Mongar
12 Apr Sat: To Bumthang Overnight in Bumthang
13 Apr Sun: To Thimphu Overnight in Thimphu
14 Apr Mon: Thimphu sightseeing, drive to Paro in the afternoon Overnight in Paro
15 Apr Tue: Depart from Bhutan on Druk Air flight from Paro
Gom Kora in Tashi Yangtse - Tour B
31 March to 12 April
31 Mar Mon: Arrive at Paro, sightseeing, overnight in Paro
1 Apr Tue: Continue sightseeing. Afternoon to Thimphu and sightseeing. Overnight in Thimphu.
2 Apr Wed: Weekend market and archery ground. Continue sightseeing.
3 Apr Thu: To Trongsa (8 hrs). Trongsa Overnight in Trongsa
4 Apr Fri: To Bumthang (3 hrs) and sightseeing. Overnight in Bumthang
5 Apr Sat: Bumthang sightseeing Overnight in Bumthang
6 Apr Sun: To Mongar (8 hrs) Mongar Overnight in Mongar
7 Apr Mon: Trashigang sightseeing. Overnight in Trashigang
8 Apr Tue: To Trashigang (4hrs) Overnight in Trashigang.
9 Apr Wed: To Gom Kora with packed lunch (30 minutes drive) and witness festival. Overnight in Trashigang or Rangung
10 Apr Thu: To Gom Kora with packed lunch and witness festival. Overnight in Trashigang or Rangung
11 Apr Fri: To Samdrup Jongkhar (7hrs) Border town with India.
12 Apr Sat: 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
12 April to 18 April
12 Apr Sat: Arrive at Paro, sightseeing, overnight in Paro
13 Apr Sun: Witness festival, afternoon sightseeing. Overnight in Paro
14 Apr Mon: At dawn to Paro Dzong to witness Thongdrol. After breakfast to Thimphu and sightseeing. Overnight in Thimphu
15 Apr Tue: Thimphu sightseeing. Overnight in Thimphu
16 Apr Wed: To Punakha (3hrs) and sightseeing of Punakha & Wangdue Phodrang. Overnight in Punakha.
17 Apr Thu: Early morning to Paro and depart from Bhutan
Ura Yakchoe – Ura Village in Bumthang
5 May to 16 May
5 May Mon: Arrive at Paro, sightseeing, overnight in Paro
6 May Tue: Continue sightseeing. Afternoon to Thimphu and sightseeing. Overnight in Thimphu.
7 May Wed: Thimphu sightseeing. Overnight in Thimphu
8 May Thu: To Trongsa (8 hrs). Overnight in Trongsa
9 May Fri: To Bumthang (3 hrs) and sightseeing. Overnight in Bumthang
10 May Sat: Bumthang sightseeing Overnight in Bumthang
11 May Sun: To Ura (2hrs) and witness Ura Yakchoe. Overnight in Camp or Farm House
12 May Mon: Witness Ura Yakchoe. Overnight in Camp or Farm House
13 May Tue: Moring witness festival. Afternoon return to Bumthang. Overnight in Bumthang
14 May Wed: To Thimphu (8-9 hrs) Overnight in Thimphu
15 May Thu: Morning in Thimphu. drive to Paro for overnight
16 May Fri: Depart from Bhutan on Druk Air flight from Paro
Kurjey Tsechu & Nimalung Tsechu in Bumthang
4 July to 13 July
4 Jul Fri: Arrive at Paro, sightseeing, overnight in Paro
5 Jul Sat: Continue sightseeing. Afternoon to Thimphu and sightseeing. Overnight in Thimphu.
6 Jul Sun: Thimphu sightseeing. Overnight in Thimphu
7 Jul Mon: To Trongsa (8 hrs). Overnight in Trongsa
8 Jul Tue: 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
9 Jul Wed: Return to Prakhar ( 30 minute drive) and hike for 20-30 minutes to witness Nimalung Tsechu. Overnight in Bumthang
10 Jul Thu: Witness Kurjey Tsechu. Afternoon sightseeing. Overnight in Bumthang
11 Jul Fri: To Thimphu (8-9 hrs) Overnight in Thimphu
12 Jul Sat: Morning in Thimphu. drive to Paro for overnight
13 Jul Sun: Depart from Bhutan on Druk Air flight from Paro
Thimphu Tsechu in Thimphu & Wangdue Tsechu in Wangdue
2 October to 10 October
2 Oct Thu: Arrive at Paro, drive to Thimphu (2hrs), overnight in Thimphu
3 Oct Fri: Thimphu sightseeing, overnight in Thimphu
4 Oct Sat: To Wangdue Phodrang (3hrs). Overnight in Wangdue
5 Oct Sun: Witness Wangdue festival. Overnight in Wangdue
6 Oct Mon: Witness Wangdue festival. Afternoon to Thimphu. Overnight in Thimphu
7 Oct Tue: Witness Thimphu festival. Afternoon sightseeing. Overnight in Thimphu
8 Oct Wed: Witness festival. Afternoon to Weekend market and archery ground. Overnight in Thimphu
9 Oct Thu: To Paro (2hrs) and sightseeing. Overnight in Paro
10 Oct Fri: Depart from Bhutan on Druk Air flight from Paro
Wangdue Tsechu in Wangdue & Tamshing Phala Chodpa in Bumthang
2 October to 11 October
2 Oct Thu: Arrive at Paro, drive to Thimphu (2hrs) Overnight in Thimphu
3 Oct Fri: Thimphu sightseeing. Overnight in Thimphu
4 Oct Sat: To Wangdue Phodrang (3hrs). Overnight in Wangdue
5 Oct Sun: Witness Wangdue festival at Wangdue Dzong. Overnight in Wangdue
6 Oct Mon: Witness Wangdue festival. Afternoon to Bumthang (7hrs), Overnight in Bumthang
7 Oct Tue: Witness Tamshing Phala Chodpa at Tamshing Lhakhang. Overnight in Bumthang
8 Oct Wed: Witness Tamshing Phala Chodpa at Tamshing Lhakhang. Overnight in Bumthang
9 Oct Thu: To Thimphu (8-9 hrs) Overnight in Thimphu
10 Oct Fri: Morning in Thimphu. drive to Paro for overnight
11 Oct Sat: Depart from Bhutan on Druk Air flight from Paro
Thimphu Tsechu in Thimphu & Thangbi Mani in Bumthang
3 October to 13 October
3 Oct Fri: Arrive at Paro, overnight in Paro.
4 Oct Sat: Sightseeing of Paro. Drive to Thimphu (2hrs). Overnight in Thimphu
5 Oct Sun: Witness Thimphu Tsechu. Overnight in Thimphu
6 Oct Mon: Witness Thimphu Tsechu, visit the Weekend market and Archery Ground. Overnight in Thimphu
7 Oct Tue: To Bumthang (8-10 hrs). Overnight in Bumthang
8 Oct Wed: Bumthang sightseeing. Overnight in Bumthang
9 Oct Thu: It will be a 20 minute walk to Thangbi Lhakhang. Overnight in Bumthang
10 Oct Fri: Bumthang sightseeing or you can continue for the second day of the festival
11 Oct Sat: To Thimphu (8-9 hrs) Overnight in Thimphu
12 Oct Sun: To Paro & Sightseeing. Overnight in Paro
13 Oct Mon: Depart from Bhutan on Druk Air flight from Paro
Jambay Lhakhang Drup & Prakhar Tsechu at Prakhar Natsang in Bumthang
4 November to 15 November
4 Nov Tue: Arrive at Paro, sightseeing, overnight in Paro
5 Nov Wed: Continue sightseeing. Afternoon to Thimphu and sightseeing. Overnight in Thimphu.
6 Nov Thu: Thimphu sightseeing. Overnight in Thimphu
7 Nov Fri: To Trongsa (8 hrs). Overnight in Trongsa
8 Nov Sat: To Bumthang (3 hrs) with pack lunch, enroute stop at Prakhar village. It is 5 minutes to Prakhar and witness the first
9 Nov Sun: To Prakhar and witness festival. Overnight in Bumthang
10 Nov Mon: Witness Jambay Lhakhang Drup. Afternoon sightseeing. Overnight in Bumthang
11 Nov Tue: Witness Jambay Lhakhang Drup. Afternoon sightseeing. Overnight in Bumthang
12 Nov Wed: To Punakha (7-8 hrs) Overnight in Punakha
13 Nov Thu: Punakha sightseeing. PM to Thimphu (3hrs). Overnight in Thimphu
14 Nov Fri: Morning in Thimphu. drive to Paro for overnight
15 Nov Sat: Depart from Bhutan on Druk Air flight from Paro
Mongar Tsechu & Trashigang Tsechu
23 November to 8 December
23 Nov Sun: Arrive at Paro, sightseeing, overnight in Paro
24 Nov Mon: Continue sightseeing. Afternoon to Thimphu and sightseeing. Overnight in Thimphu.
25 Nov Tue: Weekend market and archery ground. Continue sightseeing. Overnight in Thimphu
26 Nov Wed: To Trongsa (8 hrs). Overnight in Trongsa
27 Nov Thu: To Bumthang (3 hrs) and sightseeing. Overnight in Bumthang
28 Nov Fri: Bumthang sightseeing. Overnight in Bumthang
29 Nov Sat: To Mongar (8 hrs) Overnight in Mongar
30 Nov Sun: Witness Mongar Tsechu. Overnight in Mongar
1 Dec Mon: Witness Mongar Tsechu. Overnight in Mongar
2 Dec Tue: Early morning to Trashigang (4 hrs) and witness Tsechu. Overnight in Trashigang or Rangung
3 Dec Wed: Witness Tsechu. Overnight in Trashigang or Rangung
4 Dec Thu: To Mongar Overnight in Mongar
5 Dec Fri: To Bumthang Overnight in Bumthang
6 Dec Sat: To Thimphu. Overnight in Thimphu
7 Dec Sun: Thimphu sightseeing. Afternoon to Paro forovernight
8 Dec Mon: Depart from Bhutan on Druk Air flight from Paro
Ngalhakhang Shey at Ngalhakhang in Bumthang
4 December to 17 December
4 Dec Thu: Arrive at Paro, sightseeing, overnight in Paro
5 Dec Fri: Continue sightseeing. Afternoon to Thimphu and sightseeing. Overnight in Thimphu.
6 Dec Sat: Thimphu sightseeing. Overnight in Thimphu
7 Dec Sun: To Bumthang (8-10 hrs) Sightseeing. Overnight in Bumthang.
8 Dec Mon: 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.
9 Dec Tue: Witness first day of festival. Overnight in camp
10 Dec Wed: Witness second day of festival. Overnight in camp
11 Dec Thu: 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.
12 Dec Fri: End of Trek : Distance approx. 10 kms to Gamling walking time 2-3 hours and 16 kms to Mesithang walking time about 6 hours.
13 Dec Sat: 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.
14 Dec Sun: Bumthang to Punakha (7-8 hours) drive to Punakha. Overnight in Punakha
15 Dec Mon: 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
16 Dec Tue: Thimphu to Paro.Lunch at Thimphu, visit Weekend Market, drive to Paro. Overnight in Paro.
17 Dec Wed: Depart from Bhutan on Druk Air flight from Paro
Trongsa Tsechu - Trongsa Dzong
29 December to 11 January
29 Dec Mon: Arrive at Paro, drive to Thimphu (2hrs)
30 Dec Tue: Weekend market and Thimphu sightseeing. Overnight in Thimphu
31 Dec Wed: Thimphu to Trongsa (8 hrs) Overnight in Trongsa
1 Jan Thu: Witness Trongsa Tsechu. Overnight in Trongsa.
2 Jan Fri: Witness Trongsa Tsechu. Overnight in Trongsa
3 Jan Sat: Morning witness Trongsa Tsechu. Afternoon to Bumthang (3hrs) Overnight in Bumthang
4 Jan Sun: Bumthang sightseeing. Overnight in Bumthang
5 Jan Mon: Bumthang sightseeing or Bumthang to Punakha (8 hrs) Overnight in Punakha
6 Jan Tue: Punakha sightseeing. To Thimphu. Overnight in Thimphu
7 Jan Wed: Thimphu sightseeing. Overnight in Thimphu
8 Jan Thu: To Paro and sightseeing. Overnight in Paro.
9 Jan Fri: Depart from Bhutan on Druk Air flight from Paro
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