Bumthang Village Trek &
Traditional Village Festivals

DATES: Oct 31 - Nov 17, 2009
(15 days, 14 Nights in Bhutan )

Journey to one of the world's smallest and most extraordinary countries in the great Himalayas... the "Dragon Kingdom" of Bhutan. Nested between India, Tibet and Nepal, Bhutan is a proud nation of one of the earth's best preserved ecologies and cultures. Opened up to tourism in during the mid-1980s, Bhutan hosts relatively few tourists each year. The landlocked country of two million people are practicing Buddhists. They greet you with a genuine smile and penetrating personal warmth. The breathtaking countryside scenery is full of thick pine forests, raging wild rivers, mosaics of rich cultivated fields, crafted Bhutanese style farm houses, prayer flags, and fortress like Dzongs and monasteries. Our local guides take us into villages providing expert interpretation of their culture. Visitors stay in local guesthouses, go to remote villages and hidden valleys, and immerse themselves in rare and enchanting encounters. We'll take a look at Bhutanese art forms such as thangka painting, textile weaving, woodcarving, and papermaking. Often you will witness demonstrations of the art forms and creations crafted by Bhutanese artists. You will attend and participate in two festivals, where the Bhutanese gather in celebration wearing their finest clothes and jewelry. Dance rituals are performed in colorful dress and masks. A three-day cultural trek through bamboo and pine forests allows you to witness the fresh air and beauty of the Himalayan foothills.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Participate in traditional local festivals.

• Make authentic personal connections.

• Private three day / two night tent camping trek in the
  Bumthang countryside. Horse assisted.

• Fifteen days exploring the remote countryside,
  villages, Dzongs and Monasteries of Bhutan.

• Travel with expert English-speaking local guides.

• Includes all accommodations and meals.