17 October November 2015 Auckland to Auckland. Keystone Journeys The Dragon Kingdom: Bhutan Escorted Tour

Transcription

1 17 October November 2015 Auckland to Auckland Keystone Journeys The Dragon Kingdom: Bhutan Escorted Tour

2 Bhutan: The Dragon Kingdom Few people have ever visited the Kingdom of Bhutan. For centuries the impenetrable wall of the Himalayan mountains with their forbidding cliffs, plunging chasms and terrifying heights made this tiny country all but impossible to reach. Almost completely cut off for centuries, it has tried to let in some aspects of the outside world while fiercely guarding its ancient traditions. The Bhutanese name for Bhutan, Druk Yul, means Land of the Thunder Dragon and it only began to open up to outsiders in the 1970s. The Bhutanese monarchy actively promotes a philosophy of Gross National Happiness which strives to achieve a balance between the spiritual and the material. Unique in the world, this benchmark for success is measured in Happiness as opposed to the more usual Product. This idea champions a holistic approach to people s development, and hence the Bhutanese are subsequently a welleducated, vibrant and fun-loving people, happy to engage with visitors to their remarkable country. On this Escorted Tour, we offer access to all that Bhutan has to offer; from the cliff-perched Tiger s Nest Monastery in Paro, ancient Dzongs & rich Buddhist culture in Thimphu to the aweinspiring Himalaya views and serene palaces and monasteries of Punakha. Terraced rice fields, lush river valleys, pilgrims and the many dzongs (fortress monasteries), encapsulates Bhutan and its ancient Buddhist culture and breath taking scenery make it a natural attraction. This captivating journey is the perfect introduction to this delightful Kingdom, from diverse and beautiful landscapes to carefully preserved traditions. This is truly a journey through the Kingdom on the roof of the world. *This departure is timed to coincide with October Festivals.

3 16 nights: Flight + Tour Package from Single supplement: $ 12,980 * $ 13,490 * *Price subject to change until PIF twin double room *Price subject to change until PIF single room INCLUDES: Return Economy Class fl ights from Auckland to Delhi via Singapore Flights from Delhi to Paro / Guwahati to Delhi Accommodations as per itinerary Twin / Double or Single. Breakfasts included Other meals as mentioned (L=Lunch, D=Dinner) Transportation for all transfers, sightseeing and travel in Bhutan Services of an English speaking National Guide & a Keystone Journeys Tour Escort throughout Sightseeing tour of New and Old Delhi on arrival & a rickshaw ride at Chandni Chowk, Delhi Entry fees & monument charges throughout (one visit per monument) 02 mineral water bottles per day (while traveling) EXCLUDES: Transfers to / from Auckland airport, visa fee, early check in or late checkout unless stated, meals other than specifi ed in itinerary, tips & gratuities, Travel & Medical Insurance, any necessary camera and video permits, expenses incurred due to fl ight / train cancellation or delay, expenses of a personal nature ie like drinks, laundry, telephone calls, mini bar, etc, any optional excursion or tour, any other expense not mentioned in the prices include column. DEPARTURE DATE EX AUCKLAND: 17 October 2015 GUEST NUMBERS: Min Passengers 10 Max Passengers 14 * Willing to Share option available on this trip if there is another Single Same Sex traveler also willing to share. Please enquire. * Business Class upgrades available. Please enquire. * Extensions from Delhi may be possible at extra expense. Please enquire. Jemma Wilson Keystone Journeys jemma@keystonejourneys.com jemmaw@hot.co.nz Phone: +64 (0)

4 Itinerary Day 1A: Depart Auckland. 17 October 2015 Depart Auckland International Airport at 1.10pm on Singapore Airlines. We arrive into Singapore at 7pm. Day 1: Depart Singapore. Arrive Delhi. 18 October 2015 We depart Singapore at 0235am we have use of rooms at Changi Airport for rest and wash up. We then depart Singapore at 0235am and arrive at Delhi International Airport at 0535am. We then clear immigration & visa formalities, collect our baggage and proceed to the arrival lounge. Our local Tour Executive will meet us and we will be assisted by transfer to our hotel. This afternoon (for those that feel up to it) we will take a look around the old town visit Qutab Minar, the Jama Masjid and India Gate. We will also enjoy a rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk, a narrow shop-lined street where will have a fabulous photogenic journey. This evening we will enjoy our first meal together in a local restaurant. Overnight Hotel Jaypee Siddharth or similar. (D) Day 3: Delhi Paro. 19 October 2015 Early this morning we transfer to airport and catch our flight to Paro. Once we arrive at Paro International Airport, we will be greeted by our Tour Executive who will assist us with customs and immigration formalities before we board our coach and transfer to our accommodation. After a round of welcome drinks and an opportunity to settle in comfortably, we are all set to begin our enchanting Bhutan tour. We will have lunch before a visit to the ancient ruined dzong of Drukgyel situated at the end of the Paro Valley. There is also a very pleasant nature walk close by and the possibility of watching archers competing at the foot of the old fort. Overnight Tashi Namgay / Tigers Nest Hotel or similar. (B, L, D) Day 4: Paro. 20 October 2015 This morning we will visit the watch tower of Paro Dzong, which is home to the Bhutan National Museum. The museum literally preserves the history and culture of the land through ancient Bhutanese artefacts and history. Enjoy a rare collection of Bhutanese art, crafts, paintings and sculptures from a by-gone era carefully preserved for posterity. The museum is especially famous for the amazing range of colours and shades used in the fabrics on display, many of which probably don t even have a name. We will then proceed to Rinpung Dzong also known as Paro Dzong, which means fortress of the heap of jewels. The monument was built in 1646 AD and is today the seat of the Bhutan Government. The monastery is fully functional and is a classic example of a traditional abode in which the church and the state co-exist in harmony. The historical and architecturally rich complex houses the administrative and religious headquarters for the Paro district. Enjoy a leisurely walk over to the Pachu River and cross over a traditional cantilever bridge, a wooden covered bridge, to the other side of the river. Overnight Tashi Namgay / Tigers Nest Hotel or similar. (B, L, D) Day 5: Paro Thimphu. 21 October We will make an early start, driving to Thimphu, to arrive at the capital city by mid-morning. We will visit the National Memorial Chorten, Dupthop Lhakhang and Changangkha Monastery, Sangay gang. You will next visit the Handicrafts Emporium where you will witness exquisite hand-woven fabric in a million colours and decorations for your living room. If you are a stamp collector you will be surprising as Bhutan has a rather rich tradition of postage stamps which dates back several hundred years. Overnight Phuntsho Pelri / Jumolhari Hotel or similar. (B, L, D) Day 6: Thimphu. 22 October 2015 Today we continue our sightseeing within and around Thimphu. Our first stop after a full-featured breakfast at our hotel is the National Library of Bhutan. The library is not simply a repository for Bhutanese learning; it houses some of the world s most rare and ancient religious manuscripts. Many of the precious manuscripts called Thangkas (sacred Buddhist religious scrolls) are several centuries old and have been archived with great care at the library. We visit The Bhutan School of Arts & Crafts - also called the Painting School - is world famous for its various fine arts courses. For art lovers visiting the country, a visit to the Painting School is a treat and you are welcome to meet with the students and faculty since you share a common canvas. After lunch at a nice local restaurant in Thimphu, we visit the National Institute of Traditional Medicine. Medicinal herbs, which grow in the region and minerals that are found in the kingdom, are scientifically processed and administered to patients by qualified traditional pharmacists and doctors who have been trained in the science of natural and alternate medicine. This unique healing method is popular among Bhutanese people as well as foreigners. We also visit the Handicrafts Emporium where we see exquisite hand-woven fabric in a million colours. Later we follow the trail to the Tango Monastery, an incline of approximately 280 meters and takes about an hour to reach the monastery. Founded by the Lama Gyalwa Lhanampa in 12th century AD, the monastery s present building was built in 15th century AD by the Divine Madman. There is a very interesting legend about how the name came into being which your tour guide will share with you. Overnight Phuntsho Pelri / Jumolhari Hotel or similar. (B, L, D) Day 7: Thimpu Punakha. 23 October 2015 After breakfast we visit the Dechen Phodrung Monastery. We then drive up to the Dochu la Pass where we can see the 108 Stupas. After lunch we continue our drive to Punakha. We visit Chime Lhakhang, built on the site blessed by Drupka Kunley, the Divine Madman and the Punakha Dzong spectacularly positioned at the confluence of two thundering rivers and noted for its huge prayer hall with three giant Buddhas and wonderful painted thankas. In the evening, we will visit a local house and hopefully sample some Tibetanstyle butter tea and their homemade alcoholic drink called Ara. Overnight Damchen resort / Meri Phusuem Hotel or similar (B, L, D) Day 8: Punakha Gangtey. 24 October 2015 This morning we take a beautiful walk up to the Khamsum Yule Namgyal Chorten, a small temple built for the present king by his mother. Wandering back down through the villages and along the riverbank takes us through an idyllic rural setting. Drive to Gangtey/Phobjikha valley. This evening we will have dinner and drinks at our hotel. Overnight Dewachen Resort / Gekiling Resort or similar. (B, L, D) Day 9: Gangtey Trongsa. 25 October 2015 Today we explore the Gangtey Valley and have a good chance to see the black neck cranes which will be wintering here. The Valley of Gangtey is our vantage point for extraordinary views. Its beauty is striking in spite of the fact that it has very few trees. The vast spaces and a feeling of closeto-nature openness are unique. The Gangtey Monastery is the largest, and the only Nyingmapa monastery, on the western side of the Black Mountain. This is surrounded by a village inhabited primarily by families of the 140 Gomchens who are the traditional caretakers of the Monastery. The monastery was built in 1913 by Pema Trinley, the grandson of Pema Lingpa, the popular Nyingmapa saint of Bhutan. The ancient beliefs and traditions of Pema Lingpa have been preserved here to this day. The second Tulku, Tenzin Legpa Dondrup (1645 to 1726 AD), increased the geographical size of Gangtey, while maintaining friendly relationships with the Drukpas. He rebuilt and renovated the monastery in the shape of a Dzong. We now drive further to the north to Phobjikha. This is the winter home of black necked cranes that migrate from the arid plains to spend the winter months in a relatively less harsh climate in this region. It is situated at an altitude of 2900 meters above sea level and is in the district of Wangduephodrang. The valley has two rivers named Nakay Chhu (Chhu Naap-black water) and Gay Chhu (Chhu Karp-wh ite water). According to a local belief, the rivers symbolize a snake and a boar who raced with each other on a dare that if

5 the snake (Nakay Chhu) won, the Phobjikha valley would cultivate rice and if the boar won, then rice could never be grown there. Most unfortunately, the snake lost the race since it had to crawl all the way. Since then, rice is not cultivated in the valley even today. The valley continues to wait for a holy man to arrive and cast off the spell. Late afternoon we check into our Gangtey accommodation. Overnight Dewachen Resort / Gekiling Resort or similar. (B, L, D) Day 10: Trongsa Bumthang. 26 October 2015 We visit the Trongsa Dzong, one of the most secure dzongs in the country. It was built by Chogyal Minjur Tempa who was the emissary sent by Shabdrung to appease the rulers of eastern Bhutan. The dzong was added too at the end of the 17th century by Desi Tenzin Rabgay. Noteworthy is the fact that this dzong is the ancestral home of the present Royal Family. The first two kings ruled Bhutan from this location and from this Dzong. We then drive to Bumthang via Yongtala and Kilakha passes. We visit a Bhutanese Carpet Factory where they use yak and sheep wool and even pure silk to create carpets and ethnic Bhutanese Textiles. After lunch, visit the Jakar Dzong. When translated, it means The Castle of White Bird. Its current structure was built in 1667 AD. We then visit Lamey Goemba. This is a grand monument built like a palace and monastery. It was built in the 18th century AD by Dasho Phuntsho Wangdi, the great warrior. We have dinner in Chamkhar town and retire for the night at our hotel. Overnight Hotel River Lodge or similar. (B, L, D) Day 11: Bumthang. 27 October 2015 After a sumptuous breakfast served bright and early, we visit Jambay Lhakhang. Jambay Lhakhang was built by King Srongsen Gampo of Tibet in 659 AD. The temple was blessed by Guru Rimpoche during his visit to Bumthang; it is said that Guru Rimpoche was the one who brought Buddhism to Bhutan. Many believe that there is a natural lake under the temple in which Guru Rimpoche took refuge on several occasions. We have an opportunity to attend the Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival. Bhutan is known the world over for colourful festivals steeped in tradition. During October each year, the magnificent festival called the Jambay Lhakhang Drup unfolds at this temple. As the evening sets in, you can explore the handicrafts and many other local arts. In the afternoon, we visit Chakhar Lhakhang. When translated, in means Iron Castle and this is where the palace of the Indian King, the Sindhu Raja who invited Guru Rimpoche to Bumthang, is located. The palace was constructed with Iron and hence the name Chakhar. Kurjey Lhakhang is our next stop. It is named after the body print of Guru Rimpoche and was built in 1652 by Minjur Tempa. We then visit Tamshing Lhakhang, meaning Temple of the Good Message. It was built in 1501 AD and is the most important Nyingmapa temple in the kingdom of Bhutan. We can visit the Membarstho which literally means The Burning Lake if time permits. We now return to our hotel in Bumthang where we have dinner. Overnight Hotel River Lodge or similar. (B, L, D) traditional raw silk dying and weaving. On our way up to the farm, we may well meet hill people from the nomad communities of Sakteng and Merak on the border with Arunachal Pradesh, who come down to sell their yak butter and other products, often dressed in animal skins. On our penultimate night in Bhutan, we will celebrate our experiences in local style. Overnight Hotel Druk Deothjung or similar. (B, L, D) Day 14: Trashigang Samdrupjongkhar. 30 October 2015 This morning we may witness a wonderful spectacle at the Dzong. Traditional music, offerings and rituals banishing the evil spirits by the local Head Lama before starting your journey to Samdrupjongkhar. It is a realtively long drive down from the mountains to the plains of Assam. We ll spend the night at the border town for our final night in Bhutan. Overnight *Hotel Mountain or similar. (B, L, D) Day 15: Samdrupjongkhar Guwahati (India) Delhi. 31 October 2015 This morning we ll cross the border into India and drive on to Guwahati airport for our flight back to Delhi. Tonight we will enjoy our farewell dinner together. Overnight Hotel Jaypee Siddharth or similar. (B, L, D) Day 16: Delhi Departure. 01 November 2015 This morning after breakfast we are transferred to the airport for our international flight. (B). We depart Delhi at 0930am, arriving into Singapore at 1740pm. We then depart Singapore at 2050pm, and arrive back into Auckland at 1145am on the morning of 02nd November Key: B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner Day 12: Bumthang Mongar. 28 October 2015 After an early breakfast, we drive to Chumey Valley to attend the Prakhar Duchhoed. After an hour or so at the festival, we drive on to Mongar. Today we drive over the 3700m high Thumshing La pass, the highest driveable pass in Bhutan. Cross your fingers for the chance of spotting a Red Panda. We ll take lunch at Sangor, half way between Mongar and Bumthang. At this point the vegetation changes from alpine to sub-tropical and then to almost tropical. It is warm enough at Limithang for local people to extract oil from the lemon grass growing wild in the region. We cross the Kurichu River to climb up hill again to Mongar where we stay overnight. Overnight *Hotel Wangchuck or similar. (B, L, D) Day 13: Mongar Trashigang. 29 October 2015 This morning we ll have a wander in Mongar town to visit the local market. We then drive to the Kori La Pass where we have the option of taking a walk through the forest and down through the valley enjoying the variety of vegetation en route. We continue our journey to Trashigang where we stay the night. We will then spend the day in the surrounding countryside, visiting Rangjung, walking through the terrace fields to a farm for lunch and to see

6 Tour Extension: Agra Day 17: Delhi - Agra After breakfast, when other members of the group depart for their international flights, you will be transferred to Agra, the city that flourished under the patronage of Mughals who ruled India for more than 300 years. Agra attracted artisans from countries all around the world to build amazing monuments - including the one and only Taj Mahal. Layers of history can be peeled away to reveal an amazing tapestry of life of wars waged, of great architectural magnificence and above all, a testimony of the undying love of a king for his queen. You will start your sightseeing tour with a visit to Itimad-Ud-Daulah, also known as mini Taj Mahal. It is a tomb built with white marble in typical Islamic style architecture and was the first white marble building built by the Mughals. Later you visit Agra Fort. Built in the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, a hallmark of the Mughal period, this sprawling fort stretches 2.5 km along the banks of the Yamuna River. Overnight Hotel Raj Mahal Palace (Comfort Level) or Clarks Shiraz (Deluxe Level). (B, D) Day 18: Agra This morning you pay a sunrise visit to the incomparable monument of Love, the Taj Mahal. Hued in an eternal beauty, it took 22 years, 32 million rupees and the hard toil of more than 20,000 workers to construct. 28 kinds of rare, semi-precious and precious stones were used for the inlay work. It is the manifestation of Empire Shah Jahan s unfathomable and unshakable desire for the woman he loved; a woman who proved her loyalty to him till her last breath, a woman of great physical and inner beauty, substance and strength. Taj Mahal is the epitome of love, a poem in white marble, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and the pride of India. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Later you can explore Fatehpur Sikri. Fatehpur Sikri, known as the deserted city of the Mughals, was built by the order of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. While Akbar himself was illiterate, he took keen interest in literature, architecture and arts. The buildings at Fatehpur Sikri blend together Hindu and Islamic elements as seen in their architecture. One has to pay special interest as the guide unfolds the mystery of this great city and why was it abandoned by the Mughals. The afternoon is free for you to explore this world renowned city of the Taj. Overnight Hotel Raj Mahal Palace (Comfort Level) or Clarks Shiraz (Deluxe Level). (B, D) Day 19: Return to Delhi for International flight This morning after breakfast, you will be transferred back to Delhi in time to board your flight to your onward destination. (B) 2 Night Tour Extension - Agra from Single supplement: $ 850 * $ 1150 * twin double room *Prices subject to change until paid in full single room *Prices subject to change until paid in full INCLUDES: Accommodation in your choice of hotel Comfort or Deluxe. Twin / Double or Single Private air-conditioned vehicle with Chauffeur & private English speaking local guide during sightseeing Meals as specified (B=Breakfast, D=Dinner) & 01 Bottle of mineral water per day Entry fee / monument charges (one visit per monument) Assistance and transfers EXCLUDES: Any International or Domestic Airfare not mentioned and Visa fee, early check in or late checkout, meals other than specified above, Tips & Gratuities, Travel & Medical Insurance, Camera and video permits, expenses incurred due to flight / train cancellation or delay, any expense of a personal nature ie drinks, laundry, telephone calls, mini bar, etc, any optional excursion or tour, any other expense not mentioned. *Please note. This extension is available to all clients. However, if you are booked on the Flight & Tour package, there will be a flight related group airfare diversion fee applicable. Please enquire. Jemma Wilson Keystone Journeys jemma@keystonejourneys.com / jemmaw@hot.co.nz Phone: Website: Please contact your local agent for further details: CONDITIONS: