Thimphu & Tangbi Mani
Festivals Tour

September 13 - September 26, 2005

Join this ESCORTED unusual TWO festival cultural tour and attend Thimphu Festival in Western Bhutan and the unique Tangbi Mani Festival in Central Bhutan. The Tsechu or Festival is in honor of Padmasambhava- "One who was born from a lotus flower,", popularly known under the name "Guru Rimpoche", the Precious Teacher. During Tsechus, the dance is performed by monks as well as laymen. You will watch both monk and layman perform. Tsechu is a religious festival and attending you are believed to gain merits.

Day 1: Today after you check in at the airport, you will board your plane for a spectacular flight into Bhutan. Ascending over the High Himalayan Mountains you view in awe the sacred Mount Jhomolhari, "The Goddess Peak" and Jitchu Drake. Excitement mounts following a descend in altitude over a large mountain ridge. You have arrived at Paro International Airport, Bhutan, altitude 7500ft. Your visa will now be processed. You are then received by Rainbow Tours representative .

Enjoy lunch in quaint Paro village and we then proceed to visit the National Museum (Ta-Dzong) once the watchtower for Rinpung Dzong. It was converted into the National Museum in 1968. The museum stands on a promontory overlooking the Paro valley in all its glory. On the way back visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong. A flagstone path rises gradually from a beautiful wooden bridge with shingle roofing and abutted by two guardhouses, to the dzong. Today the Dzong is the seat of the district administration as well as home for the monastic school. The central tower (Utse) of the Dzong, displays superb woodwork. A 2-hour drive brings us to Thimphu, Capital of Bhutan. Check into Druk Hotel and enjoy Bhutanese Art Deco decor through out this lovely hotel. Have dinner at the hotel and go over itinerary with your guide. Tomorrow attend Thimphu Festival; Load your camera!

Day 2: Today we attend our first day of Thimphu Festival. Enchanting in its spiritual ritual, Tsechu blessings are received. Bhutanese from many different areas will gather to pay respect and to be blessed at this social gathering. Locals dressed in their finest cloth and jewelry attend this celebration of purification. Here we can truly appreciate the essence of Bhutanese people and a preserved steadfast culture. Enjoy a refreshing lunch nearby and a stop to exchange money at the bank. Visit the post office to purchase collector item Bhutanese stamps, a must for any collector. Return to Thimphu Festival for afternoon Tsechu.

Departing the Festival we will now visit the Royal Textile Museum of Bhutan; Visit the exceptional Textile Museum, featuring masterpieces from the Royal Family of Bhutan and splendid fabric and exquisite Thangkas. Tonight we enjoy a dinner reception at the home of our, host Soenam Ongmo of Rainbow Tours. Overnight hotel.

Day 3: Returning to the Thimphu Festival we again are captivated by clanging cymbal, drum, horns and the unforgettable chanting of Buddhist monks who perform religious dance of purification. Arrays of colorful brocades whirl through the air as the dancers spin and dance the "thunderbolt step". This afternoon after lunch at our hotel we will enjoy sight-seeing Thimphu city, a visit to the Takin Zoo, the National Animal of Bhutan, and  Memorial Chorten of the Third King. Along the way perhaps an archery match! Bhutan holds gold in the Olympic Games for Archery, an ancient art in Bhutan still preserved and enjoyed. The National Library will interest you with ancient and medieval documents and scripts. The hand made paper factory and house of incense are Bhutanese handicraft specialties worth visiting. Relax and enjoy dinner with your fellow travelers your hotel.

Day 4: Departing Thimphu today we begin our journey towards central Bhutan. We pass over 10,000ft Dochula Pass. We enjoy a photo stop here and view the high Eastern Himalayan mountains. We are encircled by many prayer flags, fluttering their prayer of peace and serenity . Here we will enjoy tea and a snack. We continue onwards Wangduephodrang, our destination tonight. After lunch we will visit Punakha Dzong, the former winter capital and present administrative seat of the district. Also the winter residence of the central monastic body and its Chief Abbot. The Dzong lies between two rivers, the Pochu and Mochu, male and female rivers. It was built in 1637 AD. Many feel Punakha is the most beautiful of all dzongs in Bhutan. We visit as well Chimi Lakhang , the Fertility Monastery. Dinner and overnight at Dragons Nest Resort. Wonderful views from your balcony room.

Day 5: Departing Wangdue we journey deeper into Bhutan with our destination tonight in Bumthang, central Bhutan. A long drive (8 hours) on a scenic and breathtaking highway rewarded by a stop at the Trongsa Dzong, the ancestral home of the royal family. Winding down the steep mountain road you begin to glimpse Trongsa Dzong from afar, and you wonder at this architectural wonder. Built by Chogyel Minjur Tempa, the Third Desi, in 1648 it is presently the administrative seat of the district and home of the monastic school. Built at split-levels on a narrow spur, the Dzong is an architectural wonder. Views from here are extensive creating strategic location of this Dzong. Over the Dzong is the medieval Watchtower. This ancient structure gives unobstructed views of the valley, and it's winding river and roads. The Watch Tower is located strategically above the Trongsa Dzong. Climb the ancient ladders to the top, as you view warrior armor and aging altars, immersing yourself in the presence unchanged within its walls. We will lunch in Trongsa town and continue to Bumthang. Enjoy Bhutanese hospitality family style at your overnight at the River Lodge.

Day 6: Today we attend a very unique village festival: Tangbi Mani Festival. Masks of glorious demonic demons and animals arouse your senses as you watch the purification take place. The intensity goes on. Your spirit will fly, Your camera will snap away, and you will again be transported. We will join the local people for picnic lunch. Watch for the Atsara (clown) This dancer, unique in his own style, mimics dancers and entertains onlookers. Festival deities are invoked through benediction and luck is increased and misfortune gone. Tashi Delek! Overnight River Lodge. Enjoy Bhutanese family style at its finest.

Day 7: Returning to Tangbi Mani Festival in the morning and enjoy our last hours of Festival. After lunch we visit Jakar Dzong, Tamshing Monasteries and Jambay Lakhang. A stop for refreshment at the Cheese and Beer Factory and village handicraft shops. Here in Bumthang are some of the best weavers of the Bhutanese famous style of textile. Weavers weave their magic on ancient back strap and toe looms. Textile fabric can be purchased here at a good price. Unique and wonderful gifts. Overnight River Lodge in Jakar Valley Enjoy local wine "arak" and delicious dinner.

Day 8: Enjoy early breakfast and drive to Ura Valley. Ura is the highest valley in Bhutan and history tells of the earliest inhabitants of Bhutan here. It is considered the holiest of all valleys. Cobblestone village roads between cluster of homes create a true medieval atmosphere. We will visit Ura Temple, with its unique temple and ancient masks, worn only at the time of festival. Ura village is endearing to all that visit. In the afternoon, we drive to Phobjikha Valley. October is the time of year best to view Black Neck Cranes. These large beautiful and graceful birds migrate each year from Tibet and Siberia to Phobjikha glacial valley on the western slopes of the Black Mountains. No electricity or telephones are here to keep the valley pristine. Punishment imposed on anyone injuring a Black Neck Crane is life imprisonment. We visit the Khebethang Nature Study Center to observe and learn more about the cranes.

Day 9: Depart Bumthang for Wangduephodrang with scenic stops for photo opportunity along the way. Look for Yaks along our route. Retracing our route, we arrive at Dragons Nest Resort for our evening hotel overnight and dinner.

Day 10: After breakfast we continue onto Thimphu and arrive at our hotel in Thimphu. Check in hotel, relax and refresh. After a hearty lunch we depart for an exhilarating afternoon hike to Tango Monastery. We drive to our path and embark on a vigorous hike up the mountain to Tango Goemba Monastery. Tango is one of Bhutanese' most important Buddhist colleges. Its name, meaning 'horse's head', is derived from the horse-head shaped rock at the top. It is a beautiful dzong built in the 18h century by the 8th Desi, Druk Rabgye. Today Tango is home to the eight-year-old reincarnate Lama, Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgye. Meet with senior monks for discussions. Return to hotel.

Day 11: Today is your day at leisure in Bhutan. You may inquire with your guide for places of interest to you to visit. Accommodations can be made to assist you in your special interest. A visit to the Health Club, archers match or perhaps the local bookshop and handicraft shops. There is much in Thimphu to explore. Mingle with Bhutanese locals.

Day 12: After breakfast we visit the famous weekend market, a must in Bhutan. The marketplace is alive with fresh and organic fruits, rice, chilies, wonderful textiles, handicrafts, art and jewelry and so much fun! One of my very favorites…Bring the camera, there are many Kodak moments here. Lunch and check out of hotel. Departing Thimphu toward Paro, we visit the famous Tigers Nest Monastery along our way. Hike or ride a pony to the famous Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest). The monastery is perched on a rocky ledge with a sheer drop of nearly 4,000 feet. It is said that in the second half of the 8th century, Guru Padma Sambhava, the saint who converted Bhutan to Buddhism, alighted here upon the back of a tigress. Here we enjoy snacks and tea at the cafeteria viewpoint. Enjoy dinner in quaint Paro Town. Visit locals and shop.

Day 13: Day excursion to Haa Valley situated in the north-west of Bhutan bordering Tibet. It was closed to tourism until 2001. On arrival in the picturesque Haa Valley, stroll through quaint town. Hike to Katso village (alt. 8840 ft). This is a fairly easy hike of about one hour walking through Katso village and fields. Opposite Katso village, one can see the famous Katso Lhakhang (temple) of Guru Rimpoche built against the rocky ledge. Return to Thimphu for a farewell dinner.

Day 14: Departure from Bhutan -- Tashi Delek!