November 6 to November 22, 2010 (16nights)
By the second day of this trip you will have visited the National Museum, exchanged currency, bought some collectable stamps and you will be overlooking Dochula Pass during a tea/coffee break stop on your way to two festivals. This means you will have two once-in-a-lifetime events on one trip.

Though the Tsechu festivals all tell the basic story of Buddhism in Bhutan through dance, the regions vary in their expression of the dance and what they emphasize. One festival you might see the God of death as the prominent character while other valleys will emphasize the Stag dancer. Don't worry, you'll have your fill of whirling demons and crude clowns. The clowns really are funny! If you want your picture taken with a clown be ready to donate to some charitable cause or the other, probably the clown's.

You'll pass through Wangduephodrang, Trongsa, and Bumthang to the first festival in Tamshing. More whirling demons and blessings. Monks, demons, gods, animals, all dance while Astaras (clowns) make fun of them and you.

From here you'll hike to the remote village of Tangbi to partake of the festival of Tangbi Mani. The Thunderbolt Step performed by the monks will invoke blessings upon the viewers. Later you will stay with locals and enjoy locally distilled rice wine. Afterwards your trek will finish in Jakar and you will depart by road through Trongsa and off to the Haa Valley before departing Bhutan. The western most valley of Bhutan, Haa has only been open to tourist since 2001 due to its sensitive location near to Chinese occupied Tibet.

Your Journey will conclude will stops in Thimphu as well as Paro for a little local urban culture and shopping.

For a more detailed itinerary, please submit the inquiry form