Raven’s Bhutan Textile Tours, 2011
06.02.09
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 8th century, the great tantric master Guru Rimopche/ Padmasambhava (2nd 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 8th 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 28th 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 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.
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 12th 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.
