ICONIC BHUTAN. October 28 - November 8, 2017

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1 ICONIC BHUTAN October 28 - November 8, 2017

2 BHUTAN Iconic Journey Discover the fascinating traditional culture and majestic mountain scenery of Bhutan on this unforgettable cultural journey. This little-visited country in the heart of the Himalayas offers those few visitors fortunate enough to explore its timeless villages and picturesque valleys a travel experience like no other. This departure is specially timed to coincide with the Jambay Lhakhang Festival, one of Bhutan s most colorful Buddhist celebrations. Held to commemorate the birthday of Guru Rimpoche - acknowledged as the founder of Tibetan Buddhism - this joyous festival showcases the brilliance of the teschu mask and sword dances. Other highlights of this journey include drives across high mountain passes, visits to museums and monasteries, and Bhutan s awe-inspiring dzongs, citadels featuring beautifully painted wooden architecture. nomadicexpeditions.com

3 Y O U R J O U R N E Y DEPARTURE DATE(S): OCT NOV. 8, 2017 RECOMMENDED FOR: Travelers wishing to experience Bhutan s dramatic natural beauty and culture of a traditional Buddhist kingdom, with the opportunity to enjoy one of the country s most exciting festivals. HIGHLIGHTS: Visit villages surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery Local markets where fine Bhutanese fabrics are sold Attend the Jambay Lhakhang Festival Hike to Tiger s Nest ACCOMMODATIONS: 3 nights at Zhiwa Ling Hotel 2 nights at Druk Hotel 1 night at Dhensa Hotel 1 night at Dewachen Lodge 1 night at Yangkill Lodge 3 nights at Mountain Lodge Day 1 WELCOME TO PARO Paro provides a dramatic introduction to the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan. On a clear day there are spectacular views of Bhutan s snowy peaks from the flight approaching Paro. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met by your Nomadic Expeditions guide and transferred to the hotel. Day 2 PARO THIMPU (Zhiwa Ling Hotel; D) In the morning, visit the National Museum, housed in the Taa Dzong (watchtower). Here, an intriguing collection of artifacts provides a wonderful introduction to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom. Following your visit, enjoy a short walk downhill to the 17th-century fortress, Paro Dzong. It is a fine example of historic Bhutanese architecture, and today it houses the office of the Governor and the Clergy. From the Dzong, the tour crosses Nyamai Zampa, a traditional cantilever bridge. We will then drive to the town temple built in 1525 to view its ancient murals before visiting Kyichu Temple, built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gompo. In the afternoon drive to Thimphu (1 hr), Bhutan s capital city, and overnight at the hotel. Day 3 THIMPU (Druk Hotel; B, L, D) After breakfast visit Chorten Memorial, a large Tibetan style stupa that was built in 1974 to honor the memory of Bhutan s third king, Jigme Dorje Wangchuk, before continuing on to the National Institute of Traditional Medicine. Time permitting, you may also have the opportunity to explore the School of Arts and Crafts, the Heritage Museum, the National Library, and the Textile Museum, as well as the nunnery at Drupthob Lhakhang, and a small zoo that houses the Takin, Bhutan s national animal. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight. Day 4 THIMPU PUNAKHA (Druk Hotel; B, L, D) Leaving Thimphu the road climbs steeply through a forest of pine and cedar hung with lichen up to Dochula Pass (3,050 meters), which offers panoramic views of the Himalayas. Stop for a short hike up to Chimi Lhakhang, a hilltop temple, and then continue about 3 hours down into the fertile Punakha Valley (4,430 feet). After lunch continue to Punakha to view the dzong situated between Pho Chu and Mochu, the Male and Female Rivers. Once the capital of the kingdom, this fortress is now used as the winter seat of the Je Khenpo, the spiritual leader of Bhutan. After a stroll through the town of Punakha, enjoy dinner and overnight at the hotel. (Dhensa Hotel; B, L, D) Day 5 PUNAKHA WANGDIPHODRANG PHOBJIKHA After breakfast, drive toward Gangtey (3.5 hours) via Wangdiphodrang. Visit the once-remarkable Wangdi Dzong, an impressive structure in ruins built high on a ridge with nomadicexpeditions.com MONGOLIA SIBERIA BHUTAN TIBET CHINA NEPAL INDIA SRI LANKA MYANMAR

4 magnificent views overlooking the expansive valley. While in Wangdiphodrang, visit a house in the village and enjoy the local hospitality. Continue driving toward Gangtey and pass through dense forests of oak and rhododendron trees before reaching the town. Day 6 PHOBJIKHA TRONGSA (Dewachen Lodge; B, L, D) After breakfast, explore the Phobjikha Valley, designated as a conservation area by the Royal Society for the Protection of Nature. After lunch drive toward Trongsa (5 hours), passing forests, waterfalls, and frolicking monkeys along the way, stopping at the Pele La Pass (10,800 feet) for magnificent views of the lush Longte Valley of Central Bhutan. Continue driving along the Nikka Chhu River to Trongsa, a town surrounded by mountains and overlooked by Trongsa Dzong, a huge fortress perched high above a gorge. Day 7 TRONGSA BUMTHANG (Yangkill Lodge; B, L, D) Taking less than two hours to cover the 44 miles between Trongsa and Bumthang, arrive in the Choekhor Valley by lunchtime. Along with Chumey, Tang, and Ura, Choekhor is one of the four valleys that make up the region known as Bumthang. From Trongsa, the road rises rapidly through a series of turns to Yotong La Pass (11,200 feet), before descending to the Chumey Valley (average altitude 8,800 feet). In Chumey, visit Domkhar Dzong, a small fortress overlooking the valley that was once the summer palace of Jigme Wangchuk, Bhutan s second king. Continue to the village of Tsugney to observe traditional weaving of woolen fabrics before crossing the Kiki La Pass (9,500 feet), arriving in Choekhor Valley, the Valley of the Dharma Wheel. Check in to the lodge and have lunch. In the evening, visit Jambay Lhakhang to witness the Mewang, or Fire Blessing. The Bhutanese believe that jumping over this fire will bring blessings and burn away the sins one has created. Return to the lodge for overnight. Day 8 BUMTHANG (Mountain Lodge; B, L, D) Bumthang is considered the holiest valley in Bhutan, and attracts Bhutanese from throughout the country wishing to be blessed by visits to the many holy sites where ancient religious masters have meditated. Today s tour will follow the Bhutanese tradition of traveling clockwise. Begin at Kurjey Lhakhang, where it is believed that in the 8th century Guru Padmasambhava meditated and subdued the local deity Shelging Karpo. Hike from here across a suspension bridge to reach Padmasambhava Lhakhang, another meditation site of Guru Padmasambhava. The temple was founded by Pema Lingpa in the 15th century and was restored by the Grand Queen Mother of the present king. Continue hiking to Tamshing Lhakhang, founded in the early 16th nomadicexpeditions.com MONGOLIA SIBERIA BHUTAN TIBET CHINA NEPAL INDIA SRI LANKA MYANMAR

5 century by Saint Pema Lingpa, before visiting the Konchogsum Lhakhang temple, famous for its bell that bears an inscription from the 8th century. Drive south to visit a small cheese and apple juice factory, and the Membertsho, or Burning Lake. Drive back to the village and wander through the small town of Chamkhar, capital of Bumthang Province, and home to the largest number of temples and meditation centers in Bhutan. Overnight at the lodge. (Mountain Lodge; B, L, D) Day 9 BUMTHANG JAMBAY LHAKGANG FESTIVAL After breakfast, drive to Bumthang and attend the Jambay Lhakhang festival that is held in honor of the Jambay Lakhang temple and Guru Rinpoche. Watch the colorful mask dances and enjoy the activities held on the monastery grounds. Opportunities abound for connecting with local people and experiencing the local culture. Overnight at the lodge. Day 10 BUMTHANG PARO (Mountain Lodge; B, L, D) In the morning, transfer to Bumthang airport for your flight to Paro. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, go for a short 20-minute drive northward to visit the ruins of Drukyul Dzong (fortress of the victorious Drukpas) this Dzong was built in 1647 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to mark his victory over invading Tibetan forces. The Dzong was destroyed by a fire in On a clear day you will be able to see Mount Jhomolhari. On the drive back toward Paro town you will get a view of the Tiger s Nest Taktsang Lhakhang - perched atop a cliff at 9700ft/2950 m. Overnight at hotel. Day 11 PARO (Zhiwa Ling Hotel; B, L, D) In the morning, hike to the pilgrimage site of Taktsang Lhakhang, also popularly known as Tiger s Nest. This extraordinary monastery is perched on the edge of a granite cliff 3,000 feet above Paro Valley. Legend says Guru Rinpoche landed here from neighboring Tibet on the back of a flying tiger, bringing the doctrines of Buddhism with him. On our way back, visit Drukgyal Dzong, located 16 kilometers up. Overnight at a hotel in Paro. Day 12 DEPARTURE (Zhiwa Ling Hotel; B, L, D) After breakfast drive to Paro International airport for departure. (B) B=Breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner Nomadic Expeditions reserves the right to change the above itinerary if necessary. nomadicexpeditions.com MONGOLIA SIBERIA BHUTAN TIBET CHINA NEPAL INDIA SRI LANKA MYANMAR

6 LAND PRICE $6,495 per person based on double occupancy Internal Airfare (Paro flights): $220 per person Single supplement: $1,095 per person Airfare for International Flight to Bangkok and from Paro is not included. Please contact us for details. LAND PRICE INCLUDES: Ground transportation in Bhutan as described in the itinerary; Group transfers on arrival and departure; All accommodations (hotels and lodges) based on double or twin occupancy; All meals in Bhutan as noted in the itinerary; All excursions, entrance fees, and visits as described in itinerary; Extensive pre-departure notes, reading list, and travel tips; Bilingual guide throughout your stay in Bhutan LAND PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE: International and internal airfare Tps to guide and drivers Passport and visa fees Comprehensive medical and trip insurance Airport taxes Excess baggage charges WHY TRAVEL WITH NOMADIC EXPEDITIONS? Unrivaled Expertise Nomadic Expeditions was founded in Nothing can compete with the experience we have attained over 25 years of designing luxury adventure travel to Asia. While each trip we design is slightly different than its predecessor, our breadth of knowledge, network of contacts, and experience in the field is unrivaled. Our People We hire the best in the business to create and execute memorable journeys for our clients. From our Expedition Specialists in the United States, Ulaanbaatar, Lhasa, and Thimpu who turn wish lists into reality to our English-speaking, professionally trained guides who share their extensive knowledge of the culture and natural history of our destinations, our staff is what makes Nomadic Expeditions successful. Passion for Travel While our journeys open your eyes to a whole new world of experiences, we understand that choosing to book a trip with us requires time spent away from friends, family, and work. Your time is precious and we take that to heart. It s why we design journeys that go beyond a checklist of attractions. When you travel with us, we want you to remember drinking tea with a nomadic family or digging for fossils with a renowned paleontologist. We imbue our trips with encounters, whether it s with a local resident, a high-ranking government official, or a renowned wildlife conservationist, so you take home more than a set of photographs to frame on your nightstand. Our Philosophy Nomadic Expeditions was founded on the principle of treading lightly long before sustainable travel was a buzz phrase. Every expedition is undertaken with the greatest respect for the lands we explore and the local people we meet. Those who travel with us do so with the assurance that the preservation and protection of the ecosystems and cultures we visit is of the utmost importance to us, both as individuals and as a company. Respect for the places we travel to is at the heart of everything we do, but over our 25 years we have realized additional opportunities where we can lend a hand. We have gone beyond simply treading lightly and have wholeheartedly partnered with local communities and regions. Read more about our sustainable practices and philanthropic efforts here. Photography and video fees Food and beverages not included in the group meals Items of a personal nature, including alcoholic beverages Laundry and telephone calls Other items not specifically mentioned as included We would love to share this exceptional adventure with you! Our Expedition Specialists are available from 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM EST, Monday thru Friday Nomadic Expeditions Inc., 1095 Cranbury-South River Road, Suite 20A Monroe Twp., NJ USA Phone: or Fax: info@nomadicexpeditions.com nomadicexpeditions.com