Archive for the ‘Bhutan’ Category

Trashiyangtse is also home to the black necked crane especially in Bumdeling. This is the eastern most part of Bhutan and borders Arunachal Pradesh in India.The following are some of the prominent places to visit in Trashiyangtse

Chorten Kora: It is similar to the stupa of Boudhanath in Nepal and was built in 1740.Chorten Kora festival which is very different from the other festivals in Bhutan, as not only the Bhutanese, but also the people from Arunachal Prdesh in India, gathers for the festival. During the festival, as an added bonus, you could also play the “game of love”, which usually ends in marriages!

Zorig Chusum Institute: Located near Chorten Kora in Trashi Yangtse.The institute was established in 1997 as a Rigney School and has five areas of studies.
I. Painting
II. Silversmith
III. Embroidery
IV. Carving and
V. Lacquering.

Chorten Kora: It is similar to the stupa of Boudhanath in Nepal and was built in 1740.Chorten Kora festival which is very different from the other festivals in Bhutan, as not only the Bhutanese, but also the people from Arunachal Prdesh in India, gathers for the festival. During the festival, as an added bonus, you could also play the “game of love”, which usually ends in marriages!

Bumdeling:It is about two to three hours walk north of Chorten Kora. It is the roosting place for the flock of black necked cranes. Last year the cranes arrived on 6th Nov, 2005 bringing the total crane count to 131. The reason for decreasing number has been attributed to loss of feeding grounds caused by heavy annual floods of the Kulong River. The concrete walls that have been built by the Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary have been repeatedly washed away.

When the whole world shrinks to a single global village, Lhuntse Dzongkhag can not afford to remain hidden. Although remotely located, Lhuntse Dzongkhag enjoys an historic importance in Bhutan as an origin of Wangchuck Dynasty. Besides, it is also known for several renowned pilgrimage sites of Ugyen Guru Rimpoche such as Singye zong, Baeyul Khenpajong and Phunying La. With soothing cool breezes of Kuri-chhu, the valley offers a panoramic view of its people – their lives and livelihoods; villages and settlements; and its physical features. The following are some of the prominent places to visit in Lhuntse

Visit Lhuntse for its famous textile collection in Khoma village: Enjoy a walk from Khurbazam to Khoma Village (around 2 hours each way over clear flat paths), where some of the most famous and expensive textiles are woven in silk and cotton. Khoma village is famous for distinctive Kishuthara weaving and it is the main income source of the villagers. You will see many traditional back‐strap looms in the in their homes. Kishuthara is a silk on silk weaving technique with intricate hand laced patterns. It is the most expensive textile in Bhutan and highly sought after by collectors. We spend a full day in Khoma to see this traditional form of weaving and learn how the local people make vegetable dyes.

Trongsa forms the central hub of the kingdom and is historically the place from where attempts at unifying the country where launched. The following are some of the prominent places you will visit in Trongsa

Trongsa Dzong: It was built by Chhogyel Mingyur Tempa (sent by Zhabdrung to unify Eastern Bhutan to bring under the rule of the Desi) in the year 1644 and was enlarged in 17th century by the Desi (secular ruler) Tenzin Rabgye. The dzong dominates the horizon, dwarfing the surrounding buildings. Both the First and the Second King ruled the country from this Dzong. It is an impregnable fortress.

Kunga Rabten: It used to be the winter palace of the 2nd King. The building has a superb wood work and decorations and presently part of the palace is used as a library. From the palace one can take a hike up to the road and further along the village to a nunnery. Just beside the palace we can see five great water prayer wheels.

Ta Dzong: Perched above the Trongsa Dzong this is a watch tower which once stood guard over the Trongsa Dzong from internal rebellion. It is now being turned into a heritage museum.

The valley of Phobjikha is well known as the winter home of the black necked cranes. Bhutan is home to around six hundred black necked cranes with Phobjikha being one of the popular places that the birds migrate to in the winter months from Tibetan plateau. These elegant and shy birds can be observed from early November to end of March. Overlooking the Phobjikha valley is the Gangtey Goenpa. This is an old monastery that dates back to the 17th century.Some of the prominent places to visit in Gangtey are:

Early morning Crane Observation / Crane Counting: The centre provides information about the Black-necked Crane and has a viewing room equipped with powerful telescopes to help you observe or count the Cranes in their roosting area. A guide from RSPN can also be arranged for a crane watching tour along the wetland, if requested in advance.
Early morning observation (5:00-7:00) is best recommended for a satisfactory counting of the bird. There are also facilities to hold talks or discussion should you wish.

Visit to Local Carpet Factory: As you walk a few minutes from the crane information centre towards Gangtey trail and the Tabading town. Tabading is small commercial community with typical Bhutanese grocery shops. If you take this road and walk few minutes, you will find a farm road going up towards Phuntsholing Guest house. Behind the Phuntsholing Guest house is a small carpet factory established in 1992. here there is small weaving hall where 8 to 10 people (can) work

Day walks(Gangtey Nature Trail): (Duration: Half day- two hours at a quicker pace) The most beautiful and shortest of the existing nature trails. The trail can be walked in either directions bet we recommend starting the walk from the Gangtey Monastery, so that you first have an opportunity to visit this magnificent gaempa. From here the walk heads south and ends over the meandering chhu Nap ( Black river) near Khewang village.

Village Excursion (Khewang- Dang / Hal Tour): This walk can be done in quick three hours or spread over a day if done at a more leisurely pace. It is an ideal walk for families, and provides one of the overview of the valley as well. One can see cranes, skylarks, temples, villages and have a superb view of the valley as there is no forest to obstruct the view. There are several variations to this walk, but all begin at the bottom of the valley just below the Tabading shops, and take a circular route to return to the same point.

Wangdue is 45 kms from Punakha. Some of the prominent places to visit Wangdue are

Wangdue Town: Wangdue has a unique town to look around with small huts by the side of the road.

Wangdue Phodrang Dzong: It was founded in 1638 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel.Wangdue Phodrang dzong sits majestically on a steep ridge overlooking the highway that fork to the east and south of the country.

Haa District is one of the smallest among 20 Districts Haa District has an area of 1,706.8 sq.km. It is characterized by a rugged and mountainous terrain, which akes access and delivery of development services difficult as well as expensive.

The 57.6 km of Haa-Chunzom and the Haa-Paro highway passes through the district but with only about 44.10 km of internal road connections most of the settlements are not connected with feeder and farm roads. The district has a good network of mule tracks and suspension bridges. The following are some of the prominent places you will visit in Haa.

Lhakhang Karpo: Lhakhang Karpo is in Eusu gewog and it also functions as the Haa Dratshang. The Annual Haa Tshechu is also conducted here

This beautiful valley is home to many Bhutan’s oldest monasteries and temples. The country’s only airport is in Paro. This is also home to Mount Chomolhari(7,300 meters) situated at the northern end of the valley whose glacier water forms the Pachu flowing through the valley.

The flight into Paro brings breathtaking views of the Himalayan Mountains. If the weather permits you will be able to see Mt Everest (8848m, 29,198ft) and other Himalayan mountains. The landing, flying through the Paro valley between the 4000 metre high mountains, starts your day in an unforgettable way!>/span>
The following are some of the prominent places you will visit in Thimphu.

Hike to the famous Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s nest):This is Bhutan’s most recognizable cultural icon perched 800m/2640ft up a seemingly sheer cliff. Although it was tragically and mysteriously consumed by fire in April 1998 it has now been restored to its former glory. It is believed that in the 8th century, the great tantric master Guru Rimopche/ Padmasambhava (2nd Buddha) flew from Kurtoe (eastern Bhutan) on the back of a tigress to the site where the monastery now stands. The hike takes maximum one hour to reach the cafeteria and another around one hour to reach the heart of the monastery and slightly less on the way back. Most of the route is through wonderfully cool and sheltered oak forests. Although the paths are worn they are easily walked. There is a tea house half way for a break. After the tea house the path is slightly steeper and more open with one area of exposed steps. It is a route that anybody of reasonable fitness can make but those who suffer from vertigo might prefer to wait at the tea house.

Ta Dzong:This means – watch tower, which it served as during the 17th century to guard the region from the Tibetan invasion. It was converted to the National Museum in 1968. It houses a fine collection of Bhutanese art, relics, religious thankas (used to bolster the visualization generated during meditation and were made from Himalayan animal fibers), paintings, animals found in Bhutan, arms and ammunitions and the country’s exquisite stamp collections.

Rimpung Dzong:Means fortress of the heap of jewels. It was built during the time of Zhabdrung (deeply revered to this day as dynamic political and spiritual leader) in 1644. It houses both administrative and monastic bodies. It is also the venue for the Paro festival (Tsechu), held once in a year during spring season (March/April). The main highlight of Paro festival is that it has the unfurling of the one of the oldest Thongdol (gigantic scroll painting) which literally means

Kichu Lhakhang(Monastery): It is one of the two most sacred and the oldest temples in Bhutan. It was built in 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. It is believed that he took the responsibility to built 108 temples in the different regions of Tibet, Bhutan and in other Himalayan regions to control evil spirits, disease and droughts out of which two of them are in Bhutan.(Kichu Lhakhang in Paro and Jambay Lhakhang in Bumthang).

Drugyel Dzong: This ruined dzong is of historical importance. It was built in 1649 by Zhabdrung to commemorate the victory of the Drukpas over the Tibetan invasion in 1644. The Bhutanese still vividly recall and celebrate this victory which was tremendously important to the history of the area. On a clear day (7326m/ 24176ft), you have a fascinating view of the white domed peak of sacred Jhomolhari (Mountain of Goddess).

Visit the Farm House: Bhutan is justly NOT famous for its cuisine, which is somewhat predictable. Eating at a local farmhouse at least gives a slightly different variation, and a chance to see the inside of such a home, rather than just the brightly decorated exteriors.

Day Excursion to Cheli la Pass: Secnic drive of 35km 1½ hours west of Paro town area and 26km/ about 1 hour from Haa town is Cheli La pass that seprates Haa and Paro.Cheli la Pass is 35km west and it takes about 1½ hours Paro town area. It is 26km/ about 1 hour from Haa town. The road climbs up through dense spruce and larch forest, which changes colors according to season. In the spring and in the autumns, the meadows are carpeted with wild flowers. From the pass (3810m) there are views of Mt. Jomolhari and Jichu Darke. On the west is Haa and one the east is Paro Valley.

Day Excursion Kila Goemba Nunnery: It has about 100 nuns, seven little temples and several residential buildings that straddle on the cliff-side facing Paro. It has great views of Paro, and Jele Dzong across on the far ridge and also seen to the north are Mt Chomolhari and Jichu Drake on a clear day.This amazing nunnery is far away from the hustle and bustle of the towns people but their view probably never misses anything. From the roadside near Chele La, it takes about 40mins to climb about 300m.

Thimphu is a bustling town on the banks of the Thimphu Chhu and set gloriously in the hills of the Thimphu valley. It is home to the Bhutanese Royal Family, the Royal Government to several foreign missions and development projects. Bhutan’s only golf course, a nine-hole circuit, is situated next to the magnificent Tashichoo Dzong.The following are some of the prominent places you will visit in Thimphu.

Weekend Market: The days are absolutely central to the lives of the bhutanese, but there are many reasons to visit other than the delicious fresh food on offer every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.There are regular competitions centered on the national sport of Bhutan – archery – as well as the opportunities to buy beautifully handcrafted items such as yak tail dusters and butter tea cups. The people crowd the stalls every day, dressed in full colour and gathered to meet and to barter, much like the street markets in London!

Zorig Chusum Institute (Thirteen Crafts):It was established in 1971 by the Royal Government in order to preserve the invaluable heritage and promote the arts of Bhutan. The two main objectives of the institute are a) to preserve and promote the traditional arts and crafts and b) to create job opportunities for the underprivileged group of the society, school dropouts and unemployed youths.

Textile museum:The foundation was laid in 2000 under the Royal Patronage of Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck. It was established with the aim of preserving and promoting Bhutanese textile arts. It’s a good place to see the art of traditional weaving being kept alive and preserved through exhibition and has a good collection of old textiles which are rich in colors and designs.You will also see people weaving with intricate designs.

Memorial Chorten:Chorten are memorial structures designed to evoke the same perfect symmetry and elegance of the Buddha himself, and it is traditionally good luck to pass them on the left. This particular chorten was constructed in 1974 as a memorial for the third King of the country, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who is widely regarded as the father of modern Bhutan. The chorten is just another example of how seriously the Bhutanese consider, and how perfectly they realize, their unique architectural style.

Tashichho Dzong :The names means – Means Fortress of Glorious Religion. It was built in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel and was reconstructed into present structure by the late King, His majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the year 1962-1969. It houses the secretariat building, the throne room and the office of the king, and the central monk body.

Hike to Cheri Monastery(Includes Dodina and Jigme Dorji Wild life Sanctuary):Hike about1hour leds to Cheri Goemba (Cheri Dorji Dhen). The trail starts by crossing a lovely covered bridge that spans the Wang Chu, and then climbs to the monastery. Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal built this monastery in 1620 and established the first monk body here. Silver Chorten inside the monastery holds the ashes of Shabdrung father.(Option for meditation). A chance to spot birds such as Mrs Gould’s Sunbird, Yellow-browed Tit, Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, Long-billed Thrush, Ultramarine Flycatcher.

Paper factory:The handmade paper making in Bhutan stemmed from the age old tradition originated in 8th century of Bhutanese history. It began as domestic ancient ctivity which is still in practice in remote areas. The handmade paper constitutes as valuable National heritage of Bhutanese cultural identity and is preserved through all the ages. The Traditional paper is recognized and held high esteem both in home and outside world. Jungshi Paper Factory was established in November 1990 as an undertaking of the Royal Government of Bhutan. The unit now boasts as a major and sole dealer in handmade paper and its products.

Mini zoo:Here you can see just one animal – Bhutan’s national – the Takin. This is an extremely rare member of the goat family. Found in herds in the very high altitudes (13,125ft and over). They live on a diet of grass and bamboo. It can weigh as much as 550 pounds. The zoo was emptied in accordance with Buddhist principles, but the Takin came back so the keepers decided to look after them, also in accordance with Buddhist principles!

Handicraft Emporium:The Bhutanese still vividly recall and celebrate this victory which was tremendously important to them The shop is one of the best places to buy souvenirs from Bhutan, including finely made traditional clothes, jewelry, linen work, books, and paintings. There is also a money changing facility and the shop will exchange travelers cheques.

Archery:During weekends we can also see the archery match at the Changlimithang ground. Archery is the national game of Bhutan.

Entertainment:During your trip to Bhutan the Raven Tours and Treks Team will try to include the following under your request – actual selection depends on the itinerary.

Night in “down town Thimphu”: In the evening we can make arrangements to take you to enjoy life the way the young Bhutanese do, in the discotheques, or in the entertainment areas. There are live performances of Bhutanese songs and dances (traditional and modern) by the best Bhutanese bands. If you wish you can even test your singing talents in the bars that offer Karaoke. (Guests pay for own drinks and entrance fees).

Evening Meal with music and dancing: We try to visit a local restaurant for an evening meal, where we are also entertained with performances of local dancing and signing, and much wine! (No extra charge).

Local barsThe local bars in the towns (and Thimphu) do not live up to Western standards, but the people are polite, friendly but not obtrusive. Your Raven Tours and Treks guide will be happy to escort you into town to visit such a bar. It is very unlikely that any of the bar staff will speak English, hence the need for the guide!

The complete tour payment must be made one month ahead of the start of the tour in US$ to ensure that we secure visas, hotel reservations,transportation and guides.

Please click here to download the wire payment instruction for your trip to Bhutan in pdf format.

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Our Tour Cancellations Policy:

Please note that the cancellation of your tour is subject to the following cancellation charges.

Within 65 days of the start of the tour programme – Free

Bhutan Flight Schedule

DRUK AIR SCHEDULE FROM (1^st – 31^st JANUARY, 2011)

DRUK AIR SCHEDULE FROM (1st February  – 14th May, 2011 )

DRUK AIR SUMMER SCHEDULE EFFECTIVE FROM ( 15^TH MAY-29^TH OCT 2011.)