BHUTAN 2015 Oct Nov. 8, 2015

Transcription

1 BHUTAN 2015 Oct Nov. 8, 2015 Bhutan has been inhabited by people as early as 4,000 years back. There is archeological evidence indicating settlements in Bhutan dating back to 2,000-1,500 BC. Bhutan in ancient times had many different names; it was known as Druk Yul or the Land of Thunder Dragon in the 17th century. The outside world however called it Bhutan, derived from a Sanskrit word Bhu-Uttan meaning High Land. Bonism was the main religion in Bhutan before the arrival of Buddhism.It was only in the 8th century that an Indian saint Guru Padmasambhava, popularly know as Guru Rinpoche brought Buddhism to Bhutan. Warlords battling constantly with one another ruled Bhutan until Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal from Tibet unified the county in 1616 AD, establishing a dual system of governance the Choe Sid (Spiritual and Religious tradition). After the long period of civil strife that followed the death of Zhabdrung in 1651, power was finally consolidated with the crowning of Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck as the first hereditary monarch in The monarchial system continued till 2008 before the fourth King stepped down and introduced democracy in Bhutan. Today, Bhutan is a Democratic Constitutional Monarchy. We have planned the present itinerary to include as many aspects of this mysterious nation, including opportunities to meet the people, artists, religious communities, festivals, urban and village life, and nature. Professional guides will introduce the popular and high cultures. Our accommodations have been selected to help us enjoy this country and the included delicious full board will complete our experience of Bhutan.

2 BHUTAN Oct 22 (Thu) Honolulu - Bangkok Flight to Bangkok. Cross International Dateline Oct 23 (Fri) Bangkok Arrive and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure Dinner. Oct 24 (Sat) Bangkok Day at leisure for personal activities, spa treatments, shopping, cultural visits, etc. Members that wish to familiarized themselves with Bangkok are welcome to join the group leader in an exploration of Central Bangkok, visiting the main commercial areas as well as the Grand Palace; members will familiarize themselves with public transportation. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Oct 25 (Sun) Bangkok Breakfast Buffet A second day at leisure. A suggested acitivity for today is a visit to the famous Week-End Market; the tour director will organize this leisure activity and assist members with the logistics of traveling to the market using public transportation. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Oct 26 (Mon) Bangkok to Paro, Bhutan Early morning departure to Bhutan. During the flight, witness breath-taking views of the Himalayan mountain ranges. Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, our hosts will meet you and welcome you to Bhutan. Our itinerary in Bhutan includes all meals and today s lunch will be our first included meal. After lunch, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, built in 7th century. Then visit Paro Dzong. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

3 Oct 27 Tuesday: Paro to Bumthang (By Air): Transfer to the airport to board the Domestic Air direct flight to Bumthang. The flight departs at 700am and arrives in Bumthang in 30minutes. Upon arrival at Bumthang Airport, you will be greeted by your Guide and who will escort you to the hotel. After refreshment, visit Jambay Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in the country. Visit Kurje lhakhang, which contains the bodily imprint in stone of venerated Guru Rimpoche. Visit Membartsho, the Flaming Lake (where treasures previously hidden by Guru Rimpoche were discovered). This evening s suggestion is a stroll around Bumthang town. Oct 28 Wednesday: Bumthang - JAMBAY LHAKHANG DRUP FESTIVAL Jambay Lhakhang is one of the oldest temples in the kingdom. It was founded by, Songtsen Gampo, a Tibetan King in the 7th century AD. The king was destined to build 108 temples known as Thadhul- Yangdhul (temples on and across the border) in a day to subdue the demoness that was residing in the Himalayas. The temple is

4 one of the two of the 108 built in Bhutan. A second is located in Paro, the Kichu lhakhang also built on the same day. Legend has it that Guru Rimpoche visited the site several times and deemed it exceptionally sacred. Chakhar Gyab, the king of the Iron Castle of Bumthang renovated the temple in the 8th century AD. The first king of Bhutan, Gongsa Ugyen Wangchuck constructed the Dus Kyi Khorlo (Kala Chakra- Wheel of Time) inside the temple, to commemorate his victory over his rivals Phuntsho Dorji of Punakha and Alu Dorji of Thimphu after the battle of Changlimithang in Later, Ashi Wangmo, the younger sister of the second king of Bhutan, built the Chorten lhakhang. The main relics include the future Buddha, Jowo Jampa (Maitreya) from whose name the present name of the temple is derived. The lhakhang also houses more than one hundred statues of the gods of Kalachakra built by the first king, in One of the most spectacular festivals in the country, called Jambay lhakhang Drup is hosted here. The festival lasts for five days. The highlight of the festival is the fire ritual that is held in the evening where crowds gather to witness the ritualistic naked dance. Oct 29 Thursday: Jakar to Trongsa In the morning after breakfast, visit Tamshing Lhakhang which was built by Terton Pema lingpa. Drive towards Trongsa. After lunch, visit Trongsa Dzong and the Trongsa Museum. Oct 30 Friday: Trongsa to Phojikha. Drive westward from Trongsa to Gangtey: After lunch visit Gangtey Gompa Monasery and visit the higher Buddhist College (Shedra) and interact with the monk s there. Oct 31 Saturday: Phojikha Sightseeing: After breakfast, visit the crane center and Phojikha Primary school. Continue to Phojikha Valley with a nice one hour hike to enjoy the Himalayan fauna and flora. Nov 1 Sunday: Punakha Today we ll enjoy the Himalayan fauna and flora. Bhutan is an ideal place to see a wide variety of bird life that is impossible or difficult to spot anywhere else. Unlike other Himalayan countries which suffer extensive deforestation and environmental degradation, Bhutan s richly diverse and beautiful forests are some of the best. Remaining forest habitats in the Himalayas,

5 over 72% of the land is still forested and 26% of the land is protected as National Parks! Bhutan is claimed to be the major part of the high bio-diversity conservation hotspot known as Eastern Himalayan hotspots. Today we will explore the braided channels of Mochhu River and the birdrich subtropical forests it contains- White bellied heron (one of Bhutan s rarest birds), brightly colored minivets, noisy striated laughing thrushes and may also see more red headed trogon, and wedge tailed pigeon, Fire capped Tit, White gorgeted flycatcher and rare Yellow vented warbler. We will also search for variety of skulkers including white browed shortwing, Spotted and Pygmy Wren Babblers and all three species of tesia. Nov 2 Monday: Visit Punakha Dzong and hike to Khamsum Yulley Chorten. Full day of nature activities in this unique subtropical forest. Accommodations at Drupchuu Resort. Nov 3 Tuesday: Punakha to Thimphu: Morning after Breakfast, drive towards Thimphu the capital of Bhutan, on the way you ll pass Through Dochula (3,100 meters), where on the spectacular views of Himalayas Mountain ranges are available. Lunch at Thimphu. After Lunch, Visit ZORIG CHU- SUM, (Which is commonly known as Painting School) Overnight at Dorji Element. Nov 4 Wednesday: Thimphu Sightseeing: This morning visit the memorial chorten, built in the memory of the third king of Bhutan, followed with a guided visit of the Folk heritage museum. After lunch, you can shop around in the Thimphu town. Evening talk by the secretary of monastic body on Buddhism in Bhutan. Accommodations at Dorji Element. Nov 5 Thursday: Thimphu to Paro. Paro Sightseeing: Morning drive towards Paro to visit the National Museum. The National Museum performs an essential role as a preserver and promoter of Bhutanese cultural values.preserving culture and cultural values is one of the Nine Domians of Gross National Happiness, the Bhutanese philosophy for

6 national development. he Nine Domains are: -Psychological Welbeing - Ecological diversity and Resislience - Health - Education - Culture - Living Standard - Time use and balance - Community Vitality - Good Governance Gross National Happiness is a unifying vision for Bhutan s five year planning process, and all major government initiatives comply with its principles. The Museum is proud to be at the center of serving the well-being and development of the Bhutanese people. After lunch, visit the ruins of Drugyel Dzong and on a clear day you can see the peak of Mount Jumolhari. Evening visit the temple built by the Druptho Thangto gab. Overnight at Paro. Nov 6 Friday: Tiger s Nest. Hike up to Taktsang (Tiger s Nest) Monastery, one of the most sacred monasteries in Bhutan. Guru Rimpoche, the 8th century saint is said to have flown on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. It is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. The hike to reach the viewpoint to the monastery makes for a nice half-day excursion. If you would like to hike till the monastery, it is 2hours hike up and one and half hour hike back to the road point. Members not include to take the 2hour hike are welcome to take advantage of the friendly Bhutanese donkeys and horses to bring you up to the monastery. After the visit to Tiger s Nest we can also help you book a hot stone bath in advance at the hotel. A hot stone bath is a traditional healing to soothe your body after a hike. Nov 6 Saturday: Paro to Bangkok. Midmorning flight to Bangkok, afternoon arrival in Bangkok. Transfer to the hotel. Breakfast

7 Hike up to Taktsang (Tiger s Nest) Monastery, one of the most sacred monasteries in Bhutan. Guru Rimpoche, the 8th century saint is said to have flown on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. It is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. The hike to reach the viewpoint to the monastery makes for a nice half-day excursion. The Monastery presents and pleasant hile for most people. Friendly Buthanese horses are also available for members looking for a more relaxing alternative to reach the monastery. Our hotel in Paro offers the benefits of hot stone baths a traditional relaxing practice after a day out in nature. Overnight at Tenzenling Resort. Nov 7 Saturday Paro to Bangkok Morning flight to Bangkok; afternoon arrival and transfer to your hotel. Breakfast Nov 8 Sunday Bangkok to Honolulu Afternoon transfer to the hotel and flight to Honolulu. Breakfast.

8 Facts about Bhutan Location: Southern Asia. Landlocked between China and India Area: 38,394 square kilometers Altitude: 100 meters above sea level in the south to over 7,500 meters above sea level in the north. Population: 720, 679 (July 2012 estimate) Districts: 20 Capital: Thimphu Thimphu: The only capital city in the world with no traffic lights. Political system: Democratic Constitutional Monarchy Nationality: Bhutanese Language: Dzongkha Currency: Ngultrum Forest cover: 70.5 % Constitution: ratified in July 18, 2008 National Day: 17 December Local Time: 6 hours ahead of GMT GDP per capita: $5,800 Life Expectancy: Birth Rate: births/1000 population Death Rate: 6.99 deaths/1000 population Maternal mortality rate: 180 deaths/100,000 live births Literacy rate: 47% Unemployment rate: 3.1% Country code: +975 Religion: Buddhism, Hinduism and Christianity Independence: Bhutan was unified under its first hereditary King in 1907

9 GENERAL INFORMATION Reservations: A deposit of $ per person is required at the time of booking. No reservations can be processed without deposit. A second deposit in the amount of $2, will be due upon confirmation of flights. Balance is due 90 days prior to departure Tour Prices: Prices shown in this brochure are in US dollars based on a per person for hotel accommodations, transfers, sightseeing, and selected meals. Prices are based on current exchange levels and are subject to change. Price per Person Sharing Twin Room $6, (International airline tax of about $380.00) Single Room Supplement $TBA Cancellations: A cancellation received anytime will have a charge of All cancellations received within 90 days of tour departure will be charged the full cost of the tour. Passports, Visas, and Health Requirements: All clients are reminded that a valid passport is necessary in all cases. They must also make sure that all visa requirements of the countries they will visit are complied before departure. The same applies with regard to health requirements in force at the time of travel. The cost of obtaining these documents will be borne by the traveller. The organizer assumes no responsibility whatsoever should a client, for any reason be refused entry into any particular country, and the subsequent costs entailed will have to be met by the traveller in accordance with obligations that the organizer has in virture of the contracts held with third parties. luggage advice: International flights, round trip Honolulu-Bangkok: Two piece of luggage 50 Lbs Intra-Asia and domestic flights: One piece of luggage 40Lbs. Accommodations: Based on double occupancy (two persons sharing the same twin bedded room). Meals: Included meals are breakfast, lunch and dinner, as per itinerary. B: breakfast. L: lunch. D: dinner Insurance: To protect you against loss, theft, injury, accidentand medical expences can be arranged and is strongly recommended since the organizer and other providers will not accept responsibilty for any such losses or expenses. What is included: Inclusions are shown under each itinerary. Accommodations, International and domestic air transportation, transfers and sightseeing, gratuities to drivers and guides. and meals as per itinerary. What is not included: airport departure taxes, passport and visa fees, beverages, dining room items not on the set table menu, hotel porterage, laundry, excess baggage charges, cost of vaccinations, items of personal nature, loss of deposit, health insurance, Brochure Content: Every effort has been made to see that, content of this brochure is as accurate as possible and up-todate at the time of printing. Responsibilities: BESTOURS and other tour organizers act only as agents for transportation companies, hotels, and other services, under the express condition that they shall not be held liable for injuries, delays, damages, losses, accidentsor irregularities incurred by the passenger, which may be occasioned either by reason of any defect in transportation services, or other conveyances, or through the neglect or default of any company or person engaged in conveying the passengers therewith, or of any hotel proprietor or servant, or other services. BESTOURS and other tour organizers are not to be held responsible for losses or additional expenses due to delays, and/or changes in the itinerary, flights, trains, ships or other services, sickness, weather, strikes, war, quarantine, and/or other causes. BESTOURS also reserves the right to change the routing, hotels, sightseeing offered, prices given in the brochure; to decline, accept, or retain any person as a regular member of a tour and to pass on to tour members any tour costs incurred due to delays or circumstances beyond control. The airlines and other transportation companies concerned will not be responsible for any act, mission, or event during the time passengers are not on board the aircraft or conveyance. The passenger s contract, in use by the carriers concerned, when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the carriers and the passenger.