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Yu Druk Tours & Treks
2005 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 2005 are listed below
Punakha Tsechu in Punakha
10 February to 17 February
10 Feb Thu: Arrive in Paro, drive to Thimphu (2 hrs). Overnight in Thimphu
11 Feb Fri: Thimphu sightseeing,visit Textile/Folk Heritage Museum. Thimphu
12 Feb Sat: After breakfast drive to Punakha (3 hrs). Visit Chhimi Lhakhang Punakha
13 Feb Sun: Witness Festival - Punakha
14 Feb Mon: Witness Festival - Punakha
15 Feb Tue: Return to Thimphu and sightseeing. Thimphu
16 Feb Wed: To Paro (2 hrs) and sightseeing. Overnight in Paro
17 Feb Thu: Depart from Bhutan on Druk Air flight from Paro
Gom Kora in Tashi Yangtse
Entry & Exit via Paro
9 March to 24 March
9 Mar Wed: Arrive at Paro, sightseeing, overnight in Paro
10 Mar Thu: Continue sightseeing. Afternoon to Thimphu and sightseeing.Thimphu.
11 Mar Fri: Archery ground.Continue sightseeing.
12 Mar Sat: To Trongsa (8 hrs). Overnight in Trongsa
13 Mar Sun: To Bumthang (3 hrs) and sightseeing. Overnight in Bumthang
14 Mar Mon: Bumthang sightseeing
15 Mar Tue: To Mongar (8 hrs) Overnight in Mongar
16 Mar Wed: To Trashigang (4hrs) Overnight in Trashigang.
17 Mar Thu: Trashigang sightseeing.
18 Mar Fri: To Gom Kora with packed lunch (30 minutes drive) and witness festival.Overnight in Trashigang or Rangung
19 Mar Sat: To Gom Kora with packed lunch and witness festival. Overnight in Trashigang or Rangung
20 Mar Sun: To Mongar Overnight in Mongar
21 Mar Mon: To Bumthang Overnight in Bumthang
22 Mar Tue: To Thimphu Overnight in Thimphu
23 Mar Wed: Thimphu sightseeing, drive to Paro in the afternoon Overnight in Paro
24 Mar Thu: Depart from Bhutan on Druk Air flight from Paro
Gom Kora in Tashi Yangtse - Tour B
9 March to 21 March
9 Mar Wed: Arrive at Paro, sightseeing, overnight in Paro
10 Mar Thu: Continue sightseeing. Afternoon to Thimphu and sightseeing. Overnight in Thimphu.
11 Mar Fri: Weekend market and archery ground. Continue sightseeing.
12 Mar Sat: To Trongsa (8 hrs). Overnight in Trongsa
13 Mar Sun: To Bumthang (3 hrs) and sightseeing. Overnight in Bumthang
14 Mar Mon: Bumthang sightseeing Overnight in Bumthang
15 Mar Tue: To Mongar (8 hrs) Mongar Overnight in Mongar
16 Mar Wed: Trashigang sightseeing. Overnight in Trashigang
17 Mar Thu: To Trashigang (4hrs) Overnight in Trashigang.
18 Mar Fri: To Gom Kora with packed lunch (30 minutes drive) and witness festival. Overnight in Trashigang or Rangung
19 Mar Sat: To Gom Kora with packed lunch and witness festival. Overnight in Trashigang or Rangung
20 Mar Sun: To Samdrup Jongkhar (7hrs) Border town with India.
21 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
23 March to 28 March
23 Mar Wed: Arrive at Paro, sightseeing, overnight in Paro
24 Mar Thu: Witness festival, afternoon sightseeing. Overnight in Paro
25 Mar Fri: At dawn to Paro Dzong to witness Thongdrol. After breakfast to Thimphu and sightseeing. Overnight in Thimphu
26 Mar Sat: Thimphu sightseeing. Overnight in Thimphu
27 Mar Sun: To Punakha (3hrs) and sightseeing of Punakha & Wangdue Phodrang. Overnight in Punakha.
28 Mar Mon: Early morning to Paro and depart from Bhutan
Ura Yakchoe – Ura Village in Bumthang
15 April to 26 April
15 Apr Fri: Arrive at Paro, sightseeing, overnight in Paro
16 Apr Sat: Continue sightseeing. Afternoon to Thimphu and sightseeing. Overnight in Thimphu.
17 Apr Sun: Thimphu sightseeing. Overnight in Thimphu
18 Apr Mon: To Trongsa (8 hrs). Overnight in Trongsa
19 Apr Tue: To Bumthang (3 hrs) and sightseeing. Overnight in Bumthang
20 Apr Wed: Bumthang sightseeing Overnight in Bumthang
21 Apr Thu: To Ura (2hrs) and witness Ura Yakchoe. Overnight in Camp or Farm House
22 Apr Fri: Witness Ura Yakchoe. Overnight in Camp or Farm House
23 Apr Sat: Moring witness festival. Afternoon return to Bumthang. Overnight in Bumthang
24 Apr Sun: To Thimphu (8-9 hrs) Overnight in Thimphu
25 Apr Mon: Morning in Thimphu. drive to Paro for overnight
26 Apr Tue: Depart from Bhutan on Druk Air flight from Paro
Kurjey Tsechu & Nimalung Tsechu in Bumthang
11 June to 20 June
11 Jun Sat: Arrive at Paro, sightseeing, overnight in Paro
12 Jun Sun: Continue sightseeing. Afternoon to Thimphu and sightseeing. Overnight in Thimphu.
13 Jun Mon: Thimphu sightseeing. Overnight in Thimphu
14 Jun Tue: To Trongsa (8 hrs). Overnight in Trongsa
15 Jun Wed: 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
16 Jun Thu: Return to Prakhar ( 30 minute drive) and hike for 20-30 minutes to witness Nimalung Tsechu. Overnight in Bumthang
17 Jun Fri: Witness Kurjey Tsechu. Afternoon sightseeing. Overnight in Bumthang
18 Jun Sat: To Thimphu (8-9 hrs) Overnight in Thimphu
19 Jun Sun: Morning in Thimphu. drive to Paro for overnight
20 Jun Mon: Depart from Bhutan on Druk Air flight from Paro
Thimphu Tsechu in Thimphu & Wangdue Tsechu in Wangdue
8 September to 16 September
8 Sep Thu: Arrive at Paro, drive to Thimphu (2hrs), overnight in Thimphu
9 Sep Fri: Thimphu sightseeing, overnight in Thimphu
10 Sep Sat: To Wangdue Phodrang (3hrs). Overnight in Wangdue
11 Sep Sun: Witness Wangdue festival. Overnight in Wangdue
12 Sep Mon: Witness Wangdue festival. Afternoon to Thimphu. Overnight in Thimphu
13 Sep Tue: Witness Thimphu festival. Afternoon sightseeing. Overnight in Thimphu
14 Sep Wed: Witness festival. Afternoon to Weekend market and archery ground. Overnight in Thimphu
15 Sep Thu: To Paro (2hrs) and sightseeing. Overnight in Paro
16 Sep Fri: Depart from Bhutan on Druk Air flight from Paro
Wangdue Tsechu in Wangdue & Tamshing Phala Chodpa in Bumthang
8 September to 17 September
8 Sep Thu: Arrive at Paro, drive to Thimphu (2hrs) Overnight in Thimphu
9 Sep Fri: Thimphu sightseeing. Overnight in Thimphu
10 Sep Sat: To Wangdue Phodrang (3hrs). Overnight in Wangdue
11 Sep Sun: Witness Wangdue festival at Wangdue Dzong. Overnight in Wangdue
12 Sep Mon: Witness Wangdue festival. Afternoon to Bumthang (7hrs), Overnight in Bumthang
13 Sep Tue: Witness Tamshing Phala Chodpa at Tamshing Lhakhang. Overnight in Bumthang
14 Sep Wed: Witness Tamshing Phala Chodpa at Tamshing Lhakhang. Overnight in Bumthang
15 Sep Thu: To Thimphu (8-9 hrs) Overnight in Thimphu
16 Sep Fri: Morning in Thimphu. drive to Paro for overnight
17 Sep Sat: Depart from Bhutan on Druk Air flight from Paro
Thimphu Tsechu in Thimphu & Thangbi Mani in Bumthang
11 September to 21 September
11 Sep Sun: Arrive at Paro, overnight in Paro.
12 Sep Mon: Sightseeing of Paro. Drive to Thimphu (2hrs). Overnight in Thimphu
13 Sep Tue: Witness Thimphu Tsechu. Overnight in Thimphu
14 Sep Wed: Witness Thimphu Tsechu, visit the Weekend market and Archery Ground. Overnight in Thimphu
15 Sep Thu: To Bumthang (8-10 hrs). Overnight in Bumthang
16 Sep Fri: Bumthang sightseeing. Overnight in Bumthang
17 Sep Sat: It will be a 20 minute walk to Thangbi Lhakhang.Witness Festival Overnight in Bumthang
18 Sep Sun: Bumthang sightseeing or you can continue for the second day of the festival
19 Sep Mon: To Thimphu (8-9 hrs) Overnight in Thimphu
20 Sep Tue: To Paro & Sightseeing. Overnight in Paro
21 Sep Wed: Depart from Bhutan on Druk Air flight from Paro
Jambay Lhakhang Drup & Prakhar Tsechu at Prakhar Natsang in Bumthang
13 October to 24 October
13 Oct Thu: Arrive at Paro, sightseeing, overnight in Paro
14 Oct Fri: Continue sightseeing. Afternoon to Thimphu and sightseeing. Overnight in Thimphu.
15 Oct Sat: Thimphu sightseeing. Overnight in Thimphu
16 Oct Sun: To Trongsa (8 hrs). Overnight in Trongsa
17 Oct Mon: 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.
18 Oct Tue: To Prakhar and witness festival. Overnight in Bumthang
19 Oct Wed: Witness Jambay Lhakhang Drup. Afternoon sightseeing. Overnight in Bumthang
20 Oct Thu: Witness Jambay Lhakhang Drup. Afternoon sightseeing. Overnight in Bumthang
21 Oct Fri: To Punakha (7-8 hrs) Overnight in Punakha
22 Oct Sat: Punakha sightseeing. PM to Thimphu (3hrs). Overnight in Thimphu
23 Oct Sun: Morning in Thimphu. drive to Paro for overnight
24 Oct Mon: Depart from Bhutan on Druk Air flight from Paro
Mongar Tsechu & Trashigang Tsechu
30 November to 15 December
30 Nov Wed: Arrive at Paro, sightseeing, overnight in Paro
1 Dec Thu: Continue sightseeing. Afternoon to Thimphu and sightseeing. Overnight in Thimphu.
2 Dec Fri: Weekend market and archery ground. Continue sightseeing. Overnight in Thimphu
3 Dec Sat: To Trongsa (8 hrs). Overnight in Trongsa
4 Dec Sun: To Bumthang (3 hrs) and sightseeing. Overnight in Bumthang
5 Dec Mon: Bumthang sightseeing. Overnight in Bumthang
6 Dec Tue: To Mongar (8 hrs) Overnight in Mongar
7 Dec Wed: Witness Mongar Tsechu. Overnight in Mongar
8 Dec Thu: Witness Mongar Tsechu. Overnight in Mongar
9 Dec Fri: Early morning to Trashigang (4 hrs) and witness Tsechu. Overnight in Trashigang or Rangung
10 Dec Sat: Witness Tsechu. Overnight in Trashigang or Rangung
11 Dec Sun: To Mongar Overnight in Mongar
12 Dec Mon: To Bumthang Overnight in Bumthang
13 Dec Tue: To Thimphu. Overnight in Thimphu
14 Dec Wed: Thimphu sightseeing. Afternoon to Paro forovernight
15 Dec Thu: Depart from Bhutan on Druk Air flight from Paro
Ngalhakhang Shey at Ngalhakhang in Bumthang
10 December to 23 December
10 Dec Sat: Arrive at Paro, sightseeing, overnight in Paro
11 Dec Sun: Continue sightseeing. Afternoon to Thimphu and sightseeing. Overnight in Thimphu.
12 Dec Mon: Thimphu sightseeing. Overnight in Thimphu
13 Dec Tue: To Bumthang (8-10 hrs) Sightseeing. Overnight in Bumthang.
14 Dec Wed: 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.
15 Dec Thu: Witness first day of festival. Overnight in camp
16 Dec Fri: Witness second day of festival. Overnight in camp
17 Dec Sat: 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.
18 Dec Sun: End of Trek : Distance approx. 10 kms to Gamling walking time 2-3 hours and 16 kms to Mesithang walking time about 6 hours.
19 Dec Mon: 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.
20 Dec Tue: Bumthang to Punakha (7-8 hours) drive to Punakha. Overnight in Punakha
21 Dec Wed: 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
22 Dec Thu: Thimphu to Paro.Lunch at Thimphu, visit Weekend Market, drive to Paro. Overnight in Paro.
23 Dec Fri: Depart from Bhutan on Druk Air flight from Paro
Trongsa Tsechu - Trongsa Dzong
5 January to 16 January
5 Jan Thu: Arrive at Paro, drive to Thimphu (2hrs)
6 Jan Fri: Weekend market and Thimphu sightseeing. Overnight in Thimphu
7 Jan Sat: Thimphu to Trongsa (8 hrs) Overnight in Trongsa
8 Jan Sun: Witness Trongsa Tsechu. Overnight in Trongsa.
9 Jan Mon: Witness Trongsa Tsechu. Overnight in Trongsa
10 Jan Tue: Morning witness Trongsa Tsechu. Afternoon to Bumthang (3hrs) Overnight in Bumthang
11 Jan Wed: Bumthang sightseeing. Overnight in Bumthang
12 Jan Thu: Bumthang sightseeing or Bumthang to Punakha (8 hrs) Overnight in Punakha
13 Jan Fri: Punakha sightseeing. To Thimphu. Overnight in Thimphu
14 Jan Sat: Thimphu sightseeing. Overnight in Thimphu
15 Jan Sun: To Paro and sightseeing. Overnight in Paro.
16 Jan Mon: Depart from Bhutan on Druk Air flight from Paro
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