November 18, December 1, 2007 (13 Nights/14 days)

This thirteen day cultural journey will take you from Paro to Wangduephodrang and Punakha, to the Tang Valley east of Bumthang, to the Ugyenchholing Palace and on a hike to the famous Taktsang Monastery. 

The highlight of this cultural tour is a short one hour trek to the Tang Valley Chojam Rabney Tsechu. This unique local festival presided over by Chojam Lam, a Tibetan re-incarnate lama. Medieval masked dancers whirl in religious purification and invoke blessings on all who attend. We also will visit a local schoolhouse and delight in Bhutanese children at study. Besides the Festivals, Dzong Fortresses, Monasteries, & Museums, we'll take you to meet local artisans and a chance to see the rare and endangered black necked cranes.

Hike to the famous Taktsang Monastery, "Tiger's Nest".  The monastery is perched on a rocky ledge with a sheer drop of nearly 800 meters. It is said that in the second half of the 8th century, Guru Padma Sambbava alighted here upon the back of a tigress. You'll have lunch at the view point cafeteria. Have a hot stone bath or horse ride in the evening. Then you will enjoy a farewell dinner and overnight at Othalang Hotel.