Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

Hotel Dewachen: Dewachen Hotel features sixteen double rooms with modern bathroom fittings, comfortable bedding. The restaurant is cozy with magnificent views and the meals prepared by a professional chef are delicious. The hotel or lodge is located in the pine forest with beautiful view of the valley and the surrounding mountains. There is no electricity in the valley. The hotel has its own generator supplying electricity for two hours in the evening and two hours in the morning. It is then turned off after the dinner time. The rooms are heated by individual wooden stove (Bukhari). When the generator is not in use, a dim solar powered light or candles are used. At night, during the colder months, guests are provided with hot water bag. For hot shower, you have to ask for hot water in the bucket.

Contact Address:

Tele:+975-2 490007

Fax: 490007

1. Meri Phuensum Resort(3 star hotels): Surrounded by magnificent scenery, Meri Phuensum Resort lies on a Wolakha – Talo road, south of the historic highly recommended for its quality of food and high standards of personalized services.
The resort overlooks the beautiful and pristine Puna Tsang Chu (river) and offers a panoramic view of the nearby villages and surrounding country side. For the convenience and Comfort for our guests, we offer all basic amenities, a lounge plus a conference room.
Our deluxe and standard room, fully furnished offers a scenic view of the valley. The restaurant and bar also offers wide selection of Bhutanese, Indian, Chinese and continental dishes.

Contact Address:
Tele:+975-2 584237, 584195
Fax: 584236

2. Hotel Zangto Pelri(3 star Hotels): The hotel is 6 Km south from Punakha town and is located on the slopes of the ridge overlooking the Punakha valley and river. There are villages and paddy fields surrounding near the hotel. The 45 rooms are located in the main building and in the several cottages surrounding it. Every room in of the cottages has private balcony. The main building houses the restaurant, bar and reception. There is also an outdoor swimming pool but there seems shortage of water here and it is not used often. The cottage rooms are great but the reception areas of the hotel need polishing wood floors.

Contact Address:
Tele:+975-2-584125,584321
Fax: 584203

1. Yeedzin Guest House(3 star hotel): The Yeedzin Guest House Located in the heart of the town. The capital city Thimphu.

The guesthouse has also been rated as one of the top end hotels in Bhutan by the lonely planet guidebook to Bhutan and given a rating of B by the tourism authority of Bhutan. The guesthouse has a restaurant catering to Bhutanese, Chinese and some continental cuisine. Yeedzin guesthouse has a variety of rooms including a pioneering room with an attached kitchenette. Deluxe Suite to suit long-term guest.

Other rooms available at the Yeedzin guesthouse are the single double queen suite and deluxe suite.Yeedzin Guest House has traditional Handicrafts especially in woven hand loom, of Bhutan.

Contact Address:
Tele: 00975-2- 322932
Fax: 00975-2-324995

2. Raven Inn (3 star hotel)The Raven Inn is a hotel of timeless style and grace. Located in the heart of Thimphu city it is one of the best places to stay in the town, it sets the benchmark in the hospitality industry with its outstanding quality standards and personalized service. From the detailed elegant furnishings, delicate presentation of culinary experience to warm, discreet service, the hotel believes in pampering its guests with the comfort, luxury and conveniences that they are accustomed to at home.

It has 20 tastefully appointed rooms with 15 individually styled suites, each exuberating a sense of serenity and residential charm. Yet, each is equipped with the modern amenities and conveniences including high-speed internet access that are desired by today’s sophisticated business travellers.

The Hotel is centrally located along Dendup Road, with shopping and entertainment centers located nearby. With the main road just next to it, the hotel is easily accessible to the central business district, exhibition centers and major places of interests.

Contact Address:
Tele: +975-2-335881
Fax: +975-2-225885

3. Hotel Kisa(4 star hotel): Bhutan’s first designer boutique hotel. Kisa meaning “where peace prevails” is a family owned hotel. Like all family owned hotels you can be assured of personalized service and individual care as opposed to being a room number like in some hotels. We opened our doors on the 1st of October 2008 and have since been welcoming honored guests like you.

With only 35 rooms the emphasis is on modern elegance and traditional service. An informal and inviting ambience has been created by the choice of soft and warm colors in fabrics and furnishings used throughout the hotel. All our rooms are provided with 32” Flat screen TV with cable and satellite, electric kettle, personal electronic safes, hairdryer, 24 hour room service, laundry service, wireless internet service, car and coach parking and 24 hour security service.

The minute you step through our doors you become more than an honored guest; you become a part of the Kisa family. Keeping in mind that there is enough to worry about when traveling in a strange new place, we have our young, energetic and eager to serve staff that will help to make your stay most comfortable and enjoyable. We truly hope you find your own personal peace at Kisa and happiness in Bhutan.

Contact Address:
Tele: +975-2-336494/95
Fax:+975-2-336395

4. Hotel Taj Tashi(5 star hotel): Set in the heart of the Thimphu Valley, the Taj Tashi, is a gateway to a land steeped in mythology and magic. The mountain kingdom of Bhutan remains one of the old world’s last few strongholds, as yet unspoilt by civilization. In the charmed isolation of the Himalayan heights, Bhutan’s ancient and alluring ways of Mahayana Buddhism continue richly intact to this day, and permeate every aspect of Bhutanese life and art.

In keeping with the enchanting surrounds, the hotel is a blend of Bhutan’s Dzong architecture and modern design. Adorned with classical hand-drawn Buddhist murals, its 66 elegant guestrooms afford guests striking highlights of the region’s art and colour. Besides breathtaking views of the mountains that rise above the Thimphu valley.

Taj Tashi’s location in the capital city of Thimpu, makes it the ideal base from which to explore the tiny kingdom’s spectacular monasteries, centuries-old street festivals, scenic mountain passes and pristine wilderness, all within easy reach.

Contact Address:
Tel. No.: (975 – 2) 33 66 99
Facsimile: (975 – 2) 33 66 77

This is the largest district in Bhutan and it lies in the far east on the banks of the river Gamri Chu. It was once the center of a busy trade with Tibet. Today it is the junction of the east west highway with road connecting to Samdrupjongkhar and then to the Indian state of Assam. The nomadic people from Merak and Sakten who are remarkable for their exceptional features and costumes use this town as their market place mostly during winter.The following are some of the prominent places to visit in Trashigang.

Gom Kora: It is said that the Guru meditated in this place to subdue a demon that dwell in big rock. A temple was then built.

The journey from Mongar to Bumthang is one of the most beautiful in the Himalayas crossing the 3,800m high Thrumsingla pass. Mongar marks the beginning or eastern Bhutan. The second largest town in the sub tropical east, Mongar, like Trashigang further east is situated on the side of a hill in contrast to other towns of western Bhutan which are built on the valley floor.The following are some of the prominent places to visit in Bumthang.

Mongar Dzong: Mongar Dzong was built in 1930 and its design was similar to Lamai Geonpa in Bumthang, the official residence of the 1st King Gongsa Ugyen Wangchuck. Pristine trekking and pilgrimage opportunities exist in the Mongar region where an area of ethereal natural beauty, lush and green abounds everywhere.

Yakgang Lhakhang: It is located about an 20 minutes walk from the Mongar town ship. This privately owned monastery was founded by Lama Sangdag, the 6th son of Terton Pema Lingpa, a Bhutanese Buddhist saint who lived in Bhutan in the fifteenth century. He is well-respected, prominent figure in the history of Vajrayana tradition that dominates the Himalayan region, but its especially in the kingdom of Bhutan that he is loved as a folk hero and a spiritual master which is a source of national pride and inspiration.

This fascinating valley is the religious heartland of the nation and home to some of the oldest Buddhist temples and monasteries. Its gentle sloping hills offer plenty of walking opportunities to the many temples that dot this valley. The valley is also famous for its production of honey, cheese, apples and the yathra- a woolen material that has multiple uses. The following are some of the prominent places to visit in Bumthang.

Jambay Lhakhang: It is one of the 108 monasteries built by King Songtsen Goenpo in the 8th century to subdue evil spirits in the Himalayan region.

Kurjey Lhakhang: Means body print. It dates back to 8th century when Guru Rimpoche first visited Bhutan. It is after his visit to the Monyul (country in the darkness); Buddhism was introduced in the country. He is said to have meditated in a cave after which it is believed that he had left his body print where the old temple stands today.

Hike across to Tamzhing Lhakhang “Temple of good message”. It was built by Terton Pema Lingpa (Treasure Discoverer) in 1501AD. We can see the paintings done by him on the wall and an iron jacket which was also made by him. It’s believed that if we wear that jacket and circum-ambulate the temple three times we will be able to cleanse some of the sins that we had committed or you can visit next day.

Mebar Tsho(Lake of Burning Fire): This is a sacred lake for Bhutanese who believe that Pema Lingpa discovered religious treasures from this lake in the 12th century. On auspicious days many Bhutanese go and offer butter lamps on this fresh water lake.

Ura Village: Ura lies in the Tang valley, a one and a half hour drive from Bumthang town. The drive is mainly through sheep pastures and along the way one can glimpse a magnificent view of Mount Gangkhar Phuensum from Ura La(Pass). The main characteristics of this village are the closely clustered houses. It is the last settlement before the climb to the highest road pass as Trumsingla.

Excursion to Ogyen Chholing Palace: The history of Ogyen Choling begins with the visit of the great Tibetan master of Buddhism, Longchen Rabjam (1308-63). He is the most celebrated writer and philosopher of the Nyingmapa School of Tibetan Buddhism and is regarded as the synthesizer of the doctrine and methods of Dzogchen, ‘School of Great Perfection’. Oral tradition explains why the great master chose the location for his centre.
Looking up from the valley towards Ogyen Choling with the Kanyai mountain to the east, the panoramic view is that of the shape of an elephant’s head. The estate provides an excellent insight into the lifestyles and living conditions of a typical landed family over the last century. The heirs of Ogyen Choling, therefore, decided to convert parts of their ancestral home to a museum. This decision was made with the hope of sharing this heritage with as many people as possible and at the same time preserve and maintain Ogyen Choling as a religious and cultural center. The museum was formally opened in May 2001.

Jakar Dzong: The Dzong was initially built as a monastery in 1549 by the great grand father of the Zhabdrung. It is now used as the administrative center for the Bumthang district. The Bumthang Tshechu(festival) is one of the most popular. It is held mostly at night and is said to bring fertility to any woman wanting a child.

Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955. It is the winter seat of the Je Khenpo(Chief Abbot) and the monk body. It has a temperate climate and its rich fertile valley is fed by Pho(male) Chu and Mo(female) Chu (river)The following are some of the prominent places you will visit in Haa.

Punakha Dzong (fortress): Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung which is remarkably located between the rivers of Mo (Female) Chu (river) and Pho (Male) Chu. Until the time of second king it served as a seat of the king. Now it is the winter capital of the central monk body.

Hike to Chimi Lhakhang(Temple of Fertility): This Temple was built by lam Drukpa Kuenley (The Divine Madman) in 1499. It is about thirty minutes hike across fields from the road – a welcome chance to stretch your legs after the drive. His style of teaching was thought shocking, insulting and including obscene behavior. His outrageous actions and sexual antics were a deliberate method of provoking people to discard preconceptions. In the temple you will receive a blessing from his wooden phallus. Wooden phalluses are often found hanging in the four corners of the houses and also phalluses are painted on the walls of houses. It is the common belief that this helps in driving away evil spirits.

Hike to Kham Sum Yule Lhakhang It was built by HRH Azhi (Queen) Tshering Pem Wangchuck for a successful rule during the reign of the present King, His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck. It took 8 years to build and was consecrated in December 1999. It’s around 45 minutes hike from the road point.

Textile and Cultural Study Program to Bhutan

Bhutan is a home away from home, amid virgin nature, spectacular fortresses, chanting monks and fluttering prayer flags.

This program, as you can see highlights so much – cultural immersion, wonderful mountain and river scenery, superb hand loomed textiles and great cuisine, provided through comfortable lodges.

Itinerary:

Day 1 – Arrive at the Paro Airport. Altitude: 2280m/ 7524ft above sea level(1 hour 30 minutes drive).

Later arrive and transfer to hotel.

Orientation tour of the major sights of Paro valley

Walk up the Paro main street for some handicrafts.

Later visit, 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 which has collections of textiles, handicrafts, etc…

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 is also the venue for the Paro festival (Tsechu).

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.

Overnight in Paro

Day 2 – Paro to Thimphu. Altitude: 2320m/ 7656ft above sea level.(1 hour 30 minutes drive)

Morning Hike to 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 8^th century, the great tantric master Guru Rimopche/ Padmasambhava (2^nd Buddha) flew on the back of a tigress to the site where the monastery now stands. Three hours hike(to and fro)

Visit Farmhouse: Eating, taking bath and staying for a night at a local farmhouse gives a different variation, and a chance to see the inside of such a home, rather than just the brightly decorated exteriors.

Later drive to the capital city Thimphu(1 hours 30 minutes drive).

Overnight in Thimphu

Day 3 – In Thimphu

Morning visit the weekend market: Held every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 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!

Textile museum: It was established with the aim of preserving and promoting Bhutanese textile arts.

Paper factory: The handmade paper making in Bhutan stemmed from the age old tradition originated in 8^th century of Bhutanese history. 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.

Zorig Chusum Institute: The 13 arts and Crafts institute. 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.

Folk Heritage museum: It was inaugurated by Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, who is the founder and patron of the Museum, on 28^th July 2001.It is dedicated to connecting people to the Bhutanese rural past through exhibition of its items and artifacts used in rural households.

Memorial Chorten: 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.

Mini zoo: Here you can see just one animal – Bhutan’s national animal- 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.

Sangaygang View Point: The view point is also the perfect place to take in some truly breathtaking views of the entire city of Thimpu and also later visit Kuenselcholing hilltop where the largest Buddha in the world is being built.

Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 4 – Thimphu to Punakha. Altitude: 1350m/4455ft above sea level.(1hour 30 minutes drive)

Morning driving towards Punakha, we come across a pass known as Dochula (3140m, 10362ft) from where a beautiful panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range can be seen, especially in clear winter days. The beauty of this place is further enhanced by the Druk Wangyal Chortens- a 108 stupas built by the eldest Queen, Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck.

Later visit, Punakha Dzong (fortress): Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung which is remarkably located between the rivers of Mo (Female) Chu (river) and Pho (Male) Chu. Until the time of second king it served as a seat of the king.

Hike to Chimi Lhakhang(Temple of fertility): This Temple was built by lam Drukpa Kuenley (The Divine Madman) in 1499. It is about thirty minutes hike across fields from the road –Wooden phalluses are often found hanging in the four corners of the houses and also phalluses are painted on the walls of houses. It is the common belief that this helps in driving away evil spirits.

Overnight in Punakha

Day 5 – Punakha to Trongsa via Gangtey. Altitude: 2800m/ 9240ft above sea level (3 hours drive)

This morning is an early start and drive to Trongsa via Gangtey.

Visit the carpet factory and the sacred Gangtey Monastery

Overnight in Trongsa

Day 6 – Trongsa to Bumthang(Jakar). Altitude: 2600m/ 8580ft above sea level.(3 hours drive)

Morning visit, 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 1644The dzong dominates the horizon, dwarfing the surrounding buildings. Both the First and the Second King ruled the country from this Dzong. And also visit the Trongsa Museum.

Later visit, Jambay Lhakhang: It is one of the 108 monasteries built by King Songtsen Goenpo in the 8^th century to subdue evil spirits in the Himalayan region.

Kurjey Lhakhang: Means body print. It dates back to 8th century when Guru Rimpoche first visited Bhutan. It is after his visit to the Monyul (country in the darkness); Buddhism was introduced in the country.

Then hike across to Tamzhing Lhakhang: “Temple of good message”. It was built by Terton Pema Lingpa (Treasure Discoverer) in 1501AD. We can see the paintings done by him on the wall and an iron jacket which was also made by him.

Mebar Tsho(Lake of Burning Fire):This is a sacred lake for Bhutanese who believe that Pema Lingpa discovered religious treasures from this lake in the 12^th century.

Visit the Swiss farm and taste sweet cheese, apple brandy and locally brewed wine and beer.

Visit the Ura valley the highest valley in Bhutan. The cobbled streets of the traditional village of Ura give a medieval feel. The old women of this region still wear sheepskin shawls on their backs which double as a blanket and cushion.

Overnight in Bumthang.

Day 7 – Bumthang(Jakar) to Mongar. Altitude 1690m/5575ft above sea level(6 hours drive)

The journey from Mongar to Bumthang is one of the most beautiful in the Himalayas crossing the 3,800m high Thrumsingla pass.

Overnight in Mongar

Day 8 – Mongar – Khurbazam – Kurtey Khoma

Today trek from Khurbazam to Khoma Village (1½ hours each way), where some of the most famous and expensive textiles are woven in silk and cotton. Khoma village is famous for Kishuthara weaving and it is the main income source of Khoma villagers. Kishuthara is a silk on silk weaving with intricate hand laced patterns. It is the most expensive textile in Bhutan.

Spend a full day in Khoma to see weaving and learn how the local people make vegetable dyes.

Overnight in Mongar

Day 9 -  Mongar to Trashigang. Altitude: 1144m/ 3775ft above sea level.

This is the largest district in Bhutan and it lies in the Far East on the banks of the river Gamri Chu. It was once the center of a busy trade with Tibet. Today it is the junction of the east west highway with road connecting to Samdrupjongkhar and then to the Indian state of Assam. The nomadic people from Merak and Sakten who are remarkable for their exceptional features and costumes use this town as their market place mostly during winter.

Overnight in Trashigang

Day 10 – In Trashigang

Trashigang is in the region of the village Rangjung where you can see the raw silk textile weaving, known as “Bura”, which is done in private homes of the village.

Overnight in Trashigang

Day 11 – Trashigang to Samdrup Jongkhar via Khaling

Drive south to Khaling to visit the government run Textile Weaving Centre studying the entire process of spinning, dyeing and weaving.

Continue on to Samdrup Jongkhar in the afternoon.

Overnight in Samdrup Jongkhar

Day 12 -  Depart from Samdrup Jongkhar to Guwahati Airport.

Early breakfast at the hotel and your will assist you with exit formalities and bid you farewell.

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