Cut off for centuries from its neighbours due to its inaccessibility, a visit to Bhutan is much like a journey backwards through time, to a mystical place untouched by the ravages of mankind's progress... the last Shangri-la. The Bhutanese calendar is marked by many ‘Tsechus’ or festivals, eagerly awaited events made special with vivid and colorful masked dances, folk dances and religious allegorical plays, set in the cobbled courtyards of the numerous Dzongs. And in this ancient and traditional land, it seems fitting that archery is still the national sport.

......................................................... TOURIST SPOTS ..............................................................

THIMPHU : Old-world capital city is situated in the Wang Chhu river valley at an elevation of 7500 feet. The main street is lined with beautifully painted traditional Bhutanese houses that also double as shops. They stock everything from cooking oil to local fabrics.

At the Handicrafts Emporium, you may choose your souvenirs from an array of hand-crafted and hand-woven wares. Tashichhodzong, the main secretariat building, houses all the ministries, the National Assembly Hall, the office of the King and the Throne Room. It is also the summer residence of the monk body and the religious chief, the Je Khempo. 

The Memorial Chorten is dedicated to the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the father of modern Bhutan.

Five miles out of Thimphu, on a lofty ridge, stands the Simtokha Dzong which was built in 1627 by Shabdrung Nawang Namgyal. It was he who gave Bhutan its first written laws, and established a network of dzongs, the imposing fortress monasteries from which the country was governed.

PARO VALLEY: Of all the places to visit in this fascinating country, Paro stands unique, both in beauty and in history. Bhutan's greatest saint, Padma Sambhava, better known as Guru Rimpoche, which means ‘Most Precious Teacher’, was the one who originally introduced Buddhism into Bhutan. He entered Bhutan through Paro.

Taktsang, which means ‘Tiger’s Nest’, is the monastery built around the cave in which Guru Rimpoche, and later his follower Dubthok Singye, meditated. The monastery is precariously situated on the edge of a sheer precipice, and a visit there is a daredevil challenge, both exhausting and thrilling.

Across the river Paro Chhu, stands the Rimpung Dzong. Commanding a panoramic view of the entire valley, today it houses the Paro monastic body and the offices of the Dzongda (district commissioner) and the Thrimpon (district judge).

The Thongdel, Bhutan's most sacred giant sized scroll depicting the eight manifestations of guru Rimpoche with the two attendants, Khendu Yesey Tsogyel and Khendu Mindha-Rawa, is displayed for a few hours during the Paro Tsechu. Behind Rimpung Dzong, is the majestic castle-like Ta-Dzong. This one-time look-out stronghold has been a National Museum since 1967.

PUNAKHA: The capital of Bhutan till 1995, Punakha is still the seat of religion. In 1637, the Shabdrung built the fortress of Punakha to serve as both the religious and administrative center for Bhutan. In keeping with tradition, the daily rituals, the serving of meals, are carried out in the same manner as was done during the Shabdrung’s lifetime.

WANGDUEPHODRANG : The last town before central Bhutan, Wangduephodrang is like an enlarged village with a few well provided shops. Located towards the south of Punakha, the higher reaches of the Wangduephodrang valley provides rich pastureland for cattle. This district is also famous for its fine bamboo work and slate, stone carvings.

TRONGSA : This town forms the central hub of the nation and is historically the place from where attempts at unifying the country were launched. The landscape around Trongsa is spectacular. 

Built in 1648, Trongsa Dzong is ancestral home of the Royal family. Both the first and second King ruled the country from this ancient seat.

BUMTHANG : This fascinating valley is religious heartland of the nation and home to some of the oldest Buddhist temples and monasteries.

Jambey Lhakhang, the monastery built in 7th century by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gembo, is one of the 108 monasteries built by him in the Himalayan region.  Located above Jambey Lhakhang is the Kurje Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the country. 

Founded in 1549 by great grandfather of Shabdrung, Jakar Dzong, is now used as administrative center for Bumthang valley.

MONGAR : The journey from Bumthang to Mongar is one of the most beautiful in the Himalayas crossing 3,800m high Thrumshingla pass. Mongar marks the beginning of eastern Bhutan.

Built in 1930, Monga Dzong is site of one of Bhutan’s west Dzongs. A visit to the Dzong gives visitors an impression of how traditional Bhutanese architecture has continued to thrive through the centuries.

TRASHIGANG : In the far east of Bhutan, on the bank of Gamri Chhu river, lies Trashigang, the country’s largest district. Trashigang, once the centre of a busy trade route with Tibet, is today the junction of east west highway with road connecting to Samdrup Jongkhar and then to the Indian state of Assam.

Trashigang Dzong, built in 1659, serves as the administrative seat for the district as well as the home of the monk body. The Dzong commands remarkable view over the surrounding countryside.

............................................................... SEASONS ...................................................................

.................................................. BOOKING AND VISAS .......................................................

• Bhutan visa fee US $ 20 P.P. It is payble on arrival in Bhutan in cash
• Bhutan Tourism Development fee US $ 10 Per Person entire trip
• Bhutan airport departure Tax US $ 8 Per Person.
  
  Booking must be made sufficiently in advance especially during peak season. Minimum 8 weeks notice is required to obtain transit permit and visa to visit Bhutan for passengers arriving by surface, and 4 weeks for arrivals by air. Visa form to be filled and singed by each traveler along with to passport size photographs.
  
  
  
  
  

........................................................ CANCELLATION .........................................................

Tour programs booked and subsequently cancelled shall be subject to cancellation charges as follows:

.......................................................... PACKAGE RATES ......................................................
(PER PERSON PER NIGHT IN US$)*

• Cultural tours using hotels (Phuntsholing, Paro, Thimpu)
• Treks using tented accommodation
   

The above rates generally cover the package which includes services for land transport within Bhutan, accommodation on twin sharing basis,  food, sightseeing, guides and cultural programmes wherever applicable. Rates are based on twin sharing accommodation and single room will only be given depending upon availability.

* Single room supplement is US $ 25 per single per night in high season and US $ 20  per single per night in low  season. These single supplements are nett. payable

Details of above package tours are available on request only depending on season and duration.

* Above rates are presently valid till further notification by Department of Tourism, Royal 
   Government of Bhutan.

 

FESTIVAL DATES OF BHUTAN 2002
1.	PUNAKHA DROMCHE	March 08 - 12
2.	CHRTEN KORA	March 18, Apr 01
3.	GOM KORA	April 10 - 12
4.	CHUKHA TSECHU	April 10 - 12
5.	PARO TSECHU	April 12 - 16
6.	URA YAKCHOE	May 14 - 16
7.	NIMALUNG TSECHU	July 07 - 09
8.	KURJE TSECHU	July 09
9.	THIMPHU DRUPCHEN	Setembar 30, October 04
10.	WANGDUE TSECHU	October 03 - 05
11..	TAMSHING PHALA CHOEPA	October 04 - 06
12.	THIMPU TSHECHU	October 05 - 07
13.	TANGBIMANI	October 09 - 11
14.	JAMBAY LHAKHANG DRUP	Novermber 08 - 12
15.	PRAKHAR TSECHU	November 09 - 12
16.	MONGER TSHECHU	Novermber 30, December 03
17.	PEMA GATSEL TSHECHU	Novermber 30, December 03
18.	TRASHIGANG TSECHU	December 01 - 04
19.	NALAKHAR TSHECHU	December 08 - 10
20.	TRONGSA TSHECHU	January 01 - 03' 2004
21.	LHUNTSE TSECHU	January 01 - 03' 2004