SEASONS: December, January and February & June, July and August
Textile manufacture in Bhutan is more of an art than industry. Fabric and weaving are inseparable from Bhutan's rich cultural design. The colours, textures and weaves have evolved over many centuries. Weavers are mostly found in the far eastern part of the country. Traditional techniques are followed in both the processes of weaving and dying. 'Gho' for men and 'kira' for women are the national costume of the Bhutanese people. Our textile tour is intended to blossom before your eyes the sheer magic of Bhutan's textile art.
This tour will cover western Bhutan, central, eastern Bhutan and finally depart to Gauhati Assam. The tour includes a day hike to remote villages of Khoma to see the different art of weaving in action.
Day 1 Arrival at Paro
Day 2 Paro, Excursion to Taktshang Monastery
Day 3 Thimphu Sightseeing
Day 4 Thimphu to Wangdue via Punakh
Day 5 Wangdiphodrang - Trongsa
Day 6 Trongsa - Bumthang
Day 7 Bumthang Sightseeing
Day 8 Bumthang - Mongar
Day 9 Monger - Lhuntse
Day 10 Lhuntse Hike to Khoma village
Day 11 Lhuntse - Rangjung
Day 12 Trashigang Excursion to Tashiyangtse
Day 13 Trashigang - Samdrupjongkhar
Day 14 Samdrup Jongkhar-Guwahati (101 Km) and our representative will bid you Bon Voyage
Day 15 Guwahati-Bangkok (flight to Delhi & Kolkatta
The flight to Paro crosses the Himalayan Mountains, affording spectacular views of the awesome peaks, including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro international airport, you will be received by Bhutan Travel Adventures representative and escorted you to hotel. After an early lunch, you'll visit the national museum (Ta-dzong). Once it was the watch tower of Paro valley from 1616 A.D to 1907 and it was converted into the National Museum in 1968. The museum stands on a promontory overlooking the Paro valley.
Also visit the Paro Rimpung dzong. Today, the dzong is the seat of the district administration as well as the home for the monastic school. The central tower (utse) of the dzong, with its superb woodwork, is one of the most beautiful in the country. The dzong was built in 1645 A.D. Overnight at Resort/ Hotel.
Day 02. Paro, Excursion to Taktsang Monastery
A very special day, with an excursion to view the spectacular Taktshang (Tiger's Nest) monastery - After breakfast a short drive till the motor road point, from there a 2 hour hike till the viewpoint point of the monastery. The trail climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. We stop for a rest and light refreshments at the Taktshang Jakhang (cafeteria) and then walk a short distance to Taktshang monastery. The primary Lhakhang was built around Guru Rimpoche meditation cave in the 1684by the Penlop of Paro Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgay, this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, flew here on the back of a flying tiger, Dorji Drolo, said to be his favorite consort.
In the afternoon drive to Thimphu the capital city of Bhutan. Over night at Hotel/Resort.
Day 03. Paro - Thimphu Sightseeing
After breakfast, go to Bhutan National Bank for currency exchange and then you can get an opportunity to purchase exquisite collector Bhutanese stamps. Then visit Painting School, Textile Museum, and Kezang Weaving center at Changzamtog. After lunch, visit Silver smith at work and Hand made paper factory. Over night at same hotel.
Day 04. Thimphu Sightseeing.
After early breakfast, then drive to Punakha. (The ancient capital of Bhutan) is 3 hours drive from Thimphu across Dochu-La Pass. (Alt. 11,400 ft) snow-capped eastern Himalayan ranges can be seen on a clear day. Prayer flags will flutter you over the pass deeper into the essence of Bhutan. Once you cross the pass, you wind down into a warm fertile valley and meander along a gently flowing aquamarine river that leads you to the Punakha valley. After lunch visit the Punakha dzong, the winter residence of the Je khempo (chief abbot). Punakha dzong is the second dzong system built in Bhutan by Shebdrung Nawang Namgyel in the year 1637. The Dzong is said to be the most beautiful of dzong in Bhutan; it is an outstanding structure with intense artwork. Then drive to Wangdue, visit the Wangduephodrang Dzong, sit majestically on a steep ridge overlooking the highway that forks to the east and south of Bhutan. Overnight in the hotel.
Day 05. Thimphu - Punakha
You will begin the day by driving to Gangtey. You'll pass through dense forests of oak trees and rhododendrons and arrive at Gangtey village, where you'll visit Gangtey Goenpa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan. From Gangtey, you can see the picturesque Black Mountain range as well as Phobjikha Valley, the winter habitat of the black-necked cranes. From there you'll head to Trongsa, the ancestral home of the royal family. The route is along a spectacular winding road, crossing 3,300-meter-high Pele La, and at certain times of year it's possible to see yaks. You can browse through the Trongsa shops and town in the afternoon. Overnight in Trongsa.
Day 06. Punakha – Gangtey
In the morning visit Trongsa Dzong, built in 1648, it was seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan. Both the first and second kings ruled the country from this ancient seat. All the five kings were invested as Trongsa Penlop ("Governor") prior to ascending the throne. Presently the administrative seat of the district and the home of the monastic school. Built at split-levels on a narrow spur, the dzong offers magical wonder. The watchtower, located directly above the dzong, has on display many interesting armors and other weapons of war used by ancient warriors. Continue onwards to Jakar, As we continue onwards we begin to get our first glimpse of the incredible massive dzong - Trongsa dzong; an architectural Wonder! Trongsa medieval watchtower and the great Mangde Chu (river) enhance Trongsa dzong in its exceptional beauty and grandeur. Presently the administrative seat of the district and the home of the monastic school. Built at split-levels on a narrow spur, the dzong offers magical wonder. Continue onwards to Jakar.
Along the way you will stop at a yathra (textile weaving) factory at Chumey, where the yathra are designed with patterns unique to Bumthang, and you can even watch some of the weavers at their looms. Bumthang is general name for the four valleys of Ura, Chumey, Tang and Chokhor and is considered to be one of the most beautiful and sacred valleys of Bhutan. These four valleys of Bumthang are dotted with temples, monasteries, prayer flag and stupas. Wherever you visit, myth, legend, folktale and superstition surround you. The traditional stone houses with colorful paintings, intricately carved wooden structures and lush evergreen conifer forest add to the beauty and charm. Free evening and over night at the hotel.
Day 07. Gangtey – Trongsa - Bumthang
After breakfast, visit Jakar Dzong, which literally means "The Castle of White Bird". The current structure was built in 1667 and then visit Lamey Goemba, a large palace and monastery built in 18th century by Dasho Phuntsho Wangdi. Visit Jambay Lhakhang, built by King Srongsen Gampo of Tibet in the year 659 on the same day as Kichu Lhakhang in Paro. The temple was visited by Guru Rimpoche during his visit to Bumthang and was renovated by Sindhu Raja after Guru Rimpoche restored his life force. Under the temple is said to be a lake in which Guru Rimpoche hid several Terma. In October one of the most spectacular festival, "Jambay Lhakhang Drup" is staged here. After lunch, Visit Chakhar (Iron Castle) Lhakhang, it is the site of the palace of the Indian King, the Sindhu Raja who invited Guru Rimpoche to Bumthang. The Original palace was made of Iron and hence the name Chakhar. The saint Dorji Lingpa built the Current building in 14th century. Its correct name is Dechen Phodrang. We then visit Kurjey Lhakhang that is named after body print of Guru Rimpoche, built in 1652 by Minjur Tempa. Visit Tamshing Lhakhang (Temple of the good message), established in 1501 by Pema Lingpa and is the most important Nyingmapa temple in the kingdom. Over night in Hotel.
Day 08. Bumthang Sightseeing
Today after early breakfast, drive towards eastern Bhutan. On then pass through Ura valley which lies at an altitude of 10,000 feet. There is about 40-50 closely packed houses alongside cobblestone streets that give the village a medieval atmosphere.The women in Ura village cover their head with white cloth piece to protect from the harsh cold wind and carries sheepskin (behind their back) used as cushion and as well as to protect their cloth from the loads they carry. The differences between Eastern and Western Bhutan are far greater than the high pass that separates them. Perhaps like the Scots and the English, there are subtle but marked differences. History has played a significant role with the kingdom only being unified with the east at the end of the last century and prior to that many wars separated each side. Thrumshing La pass and a seven-hour drive separate Ura from Mongar in the East. The journey is one of the most beautiful in all the Himalayas. The descent from Thrumshing La to Lingmithang is astonishing for several reasons. The road drops from 3,800 meters to 650 meters in only a few hours passing from pine forest through semi-tropical forest to orange groves. Carved out of the side of the mountain, in parts the road's edge borders a sheer cliff which drops thousands feet. Arriving at Mongar marks the beginning of your eastern Bhutan experience. Eastern Bhutan is famous for its fine weaving. Weavers using blackstrap looms produce cotton and silk cloth in incredible colors and patterns. Often natural colors are made from bark, leaves and flowers.The predominant ethnic group in Eastern Bhutan are Sharchops, who are generally followers of the Nyingma tradition of Buddhism and tend to be shorter and stockier than people in other parts of the country. Another characteristic of Eastern Bhutan is that the cities and towns are generally built on mountain slopes, a notable exception being Samdrup Jongkhar which is located in a valley on the Indian border. Sharchopkha is the predominant language of the region, though there are local variations. Some of the finest weaving villages in Bhutan are found in the Mongar area Over night at Hotel Wangchuk which is one of best hotel in the eastern Region of Bhutan.
Day 09. Excursion to Ura valley & back to Bumthang
Drive to Lhuntse, which is different from western and central Bhutan in terms of development and lifestyle. The steepness of the region lends itself to some spectacular views, with rushing waterfalls and sheer drops. The drive on this day is an exhilarating 4 hours. Visit nearby village and also the Lhuntse Dzong. You can wander around Lhuntse town in the evening and sit down to a relaxing dinner. Overnight in Lhuntse.
Day 10. Bumthang –Wangdiphodrang
After breakfast hike to Khoma village, which is very famous for textiles in Bhutan. You can see women folks weaving different types of textiles. If you want you can also buy the textiles at the reasonable prices. Then hike to Ngangladhung village to see the textiles and here also you will see the women weaving a tapestry of textiles with their nimble hands.
Day 11. Wangdiphodrang -Thimphu (212 kms)
After breakfast drive to Rangjung. Check into Rangjung guesthouse. After lunch visit Radhi village. Radhi is famous for raw silk, which is known as "bura". You can also witness women weaving raw silk. Overnight at the guesthouse in Rangjung.
Day 12. Thimphu
Today you will visit Tashiyangtse, which is a small, pretty, quiet town. The people are known for making wooden bowls and containers, which are said to be the best in Bhutan. Visit the Arts School and the Chorten Kora. Along the way to Tashiyangtse you will stop at the Gom Kora temple, behind which is a large black rock. It is said that Guru Rimpoche meditated in a cave in the rock and that you can see the impression of his thumb, his hat, and his body on the rock. You will also visit the abandoned iron chain-link bridge behind the village of Duksum. It is said that this is the last remaining bridge of those built by a Tibetan bridge builder by the name of Thangthong Gyalpo in the 15th century. Later in the day you can relax in Trashigang and enjoy a nice dinner. Overnight in Trashigang.
Day 13. Paro
After breakfast drive to Samdrupjongkhar. On the way, visit the Khaling Weaving Center which is operated by the National Women's Association of Bhutan. And you can see the girls weaving different types of textiles out of back strap loom. If possible we can also visit to the house a private weaver to see the techniques of Bhutanese dye. Then continue drive to Samdrupjongkhar. Overnight at the hotel in Samdrupjongkhar.
Day 14. Samdrup Jongkhar-Guwahati (101 Km) and our representative will bid you Bon Voyage
Today we will drive to Gawahati which is 101 Km from Bhutan Boarder. The entire drive is in the plains. Time to explore Gawahati and fare well dinner before we depart tomorrow.
Day 15. Guwahati-Bangkok (flight to Delhi & Kolkatta)
Departures.
Price to come...
