Textile tour of Bhutan – small group trip

With flights from only a handful of countries, arriving by either Druk air or Bhutan airlines into this unique country is truly a exhilarating experience. The airport is located in a valley and once you land at Paro Airport you are mesmerised by the natural beauty and fresh air. Fill your lungs as we clear airport formalities and drive to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan. Thimphu - The capital town of Bhutan and the centre of government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. With the population of about 90,000 it is perhaps still the world’s only capital city without a traffic light. Evening take leisurely walk to local craft Bazar . This market offers genuine Bhutanese arts & crafts thus contributing in promotion, protection and preservation of traditional arts. Overnight stay at the Hotel in Thimphu

This is our day of understanding Buddhist culture and way of life. We start by visiting Buddha Dordenma located atop a hill in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park. The statue fulfils an ancient prophecy dating back to the 8th century A.D that was discovered by Terton Pema Lingpa (Religious Treasure Discoverer) and is said to emanate an aura of peace and happiness to the entire world. This massive statue of Shakyamuni made of bronze and is gilded in gold, measures 51.5 meters in height, making it one of the largest statues, in Bhutan. 125,000 smaller Buddha statues have been placed within the Buddha Dordenma statue, each of these also have been cast in bronze and gilded. Then drive to Pangri Zampa. Founded in the early 16th century, this complex is a college for traditional astrology. An interaction with monks and personal astrological reading is a gratifying experience. Post Lunch visit King's Memorial Chorten, continuously circumambulated by people, murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels. Construction of this landmark was the idea of Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (“the father of modern Bhutan”) who has wished to erect monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it serves both as a memorial to the Late King and as a monument to peace. Conclude the tour of the day with visit of Trashichhoedzong. This impressive fortress/monastery houses Secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty, the King and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of Chief Abbot and central monk body. Our Dinner is made special today as we are invited to a local home to dine with the local family thus offering further insight into local culture, traditions, and way of life Overnight stay at the Hotel in Thimphu

We start our craft and textile exploration by visiting Institute of Zorig Chusum or Arts & Crafts School where 13 traditional crafts are taught including weaving, embroidery, painting, carpentry, carving, sculpture, casting, blacksmithing, bamboo work, gold &silversmithing, masonry, leather work and paper work. This institute not only helps in preserving beautiful heritage but also equips future generations with skill and knowledge to keep heritage alive. We continue to visit Handmade paper factory, National Library which holds vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts. Afternoon a special visit to Textile Museum. The textile museum has opened its exhibition on six major themes - warp pattern weaves, weft pattern weaves, role of textiles in religion, achievements in textile arts, textiles from indigenous fibers and the royal collection. The crowns of Bhutan’s Kings, namzas (dresses), the first version of Royal Crown and other accessories used by members of Royal family can be found in the museum. A brief and simple talk on Bhutanese textiles weaving. Followed by Folk Heritage Museum and the Institute of Traditional Medicine where ancient healing arts such as acupuncture and herbalism are practiced. Evening time can be spent strolling through the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts bazaar, to browse through example of Bhutan's fine traditional arts. Here you can buy hand-woven textiles, thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewelry, interesting items made from local materials . Overnight stay at the Hotel in Thimphu

After breakfast, on the way to Punakha we visit Dochula pass: The most known pass in Bhutan, about 30 km drive from the Capital City Thimphu . It is at around 3150 mts height. On a clear day, spectacular view of the mighty Himalayas mountain ranges can be seen. The pass also has 108 Druk Wangyal Khangzang Chhortens which is believed brings multi fold merit to all sentient beings and which make the pass a must visit place. Chhimi Lhakhang: This temple is located on the way to Punakha. This temple is also known as the temple of fertility and was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley in the 15 century. Lama drukpa Kuenley is also known as the Divine Madman. After Lunch, explore: Punakha Dzong: This Dzong was built by the Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1637. It is built at the junction the Pho Chu and Mo Chu Rivers. The annual Punakha Tsechhu( Festival ) is held here. The monk body resides in this dzong in winter. Cooking session at a hotel / restaurant, followed by dinner: This is a special cooking session where a team of chef instruct/demonstrate how local Bhutanese delicacies are prepared – you can also try your culinary skill. Bhutanese food is heavily seasoned with red chilies and can be quite hot. Tasty and fiery ‘Emma Datshi’ made with chilies and local Bhutanese cheese is the national dish of Bhutan. Have fun participating in the preparation of local Bhutanese delicacies. Overnight in Punakha.

Today you will drive to Trongsa from Punakha. It is a beautiful drive passing several beautiful spots. As you drive on and cross the Punatsang Chhu River bridge you will get an amazing view of the Wangdue Dzong perched on the hilltop across the bridge. Wangdue district is famous for its bamboo work, stone carvings, and slate which is mined up a valley, a few kilometers from the town. Then drive up a winding mountain road through oak and rhododendron forest, and over a high pass down into the Phobjikha valley, surely one of the loveliest high-altitude valleys in Bhutan. Phobjikha is one of the few glacial valleys, and chosen winter home of black necked cranes, migrating from the Tibetan plateau. Explore Phobjikha valley and also visit Gangtey Gompa (monastery), the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan.In addition to glorious scenery, the valley boasts some wonderful legends surrounding local events and places, including tales about two different types of yeti, a large one and a small variety, as well as many other interesting legends. Continuing on we will drive past the Pelela Pass at 3420m, an accumulation of prayer flags to mark the pass. Driving onwards we will also pass the village of Rukubji and Sephu before reaching Trongsa. Overnight in Trongsa

Trongsa has an exceptionally dramatic dzong, the ancestral home of the royal family, which because of its important strategic location was one of the most important dzongs in the country. Set above the dzong is the Ta Dzong, the watchtower, a lovely old building which has been really beautifully renovated and houses an excellent museum with several floors of royal memorabilia and sacred artefacts. The views from the roof are worth the climb. From Trongsa, the road climbs rapidly through a series of hairpin bends and soon you arrive at Yotong La Pass at 3400m. From the pass, you will descend and come across the small village of Zhungney in the Chumey Valley. This village holds the well-known Yathra Factory and Weaving center. Yathra is yet another unique textile that is endemic to this village. The textile is made from yak and sheep wool and doesn’t imitate any other textile in the country and with patterns native to central Bhutan. Here you can watch the weavers in action and other processes of production. Continue from the village with a gradual ascent to Kiki La pass and after few turns you will reach Bumthang. Overnight at a hotel in Bumthang.

Bumthang, consisting of four valleys – Chumey, Choekhor, Tang, and Ura, is home to several Buddhist temples and monasteries. We will visit Jambay Lhakhang which is believed to be one of the 108 temples built by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century . You will also visit the Kurjey Lhakhang monastery complex, where Guru Padmasambhava, the great tantric master blessed and meditated. One can still see his body imprint on a rock created by his long retreat. From the temple you will take a short interesting walk towards the Tamshing Lhakhang crossing a small suspension bridge over the Chamkar Chhu River. The Tamshing Lhakhang holds some of the oldest Buddhist wall paintings in Bhutan. On the way to the town, you will visit the Red Panda local beer and Swiss cheese factory. Afterwards visit Jakar Dzong followed by a stroll in the Bumthang township visiting handicraft stores bringing your day to an end. Overnight at a hotel in Bumthang.

Your journey to eastern Bhutan commences today. Although the drive is long, it is an interesting one where you will go through high passes, scenic villages, rivers and vegetation. Driving along the east bank of Chamkhar Chhu from Jakar, and climbing up to Tangsibi Village, the route slowly descends into Ura Valley, a serene village. Then we will drive through the Thrumshingla National park, over cliffs and past camp areas to the Thrumshingla pass which sits at 3750m. On clear weather, the pass affords an amazing view of Gangkhar Phuensum (7540m). Then we descend to Sengkhor village and continue on to Kuri Chhu river valley, a very good area for bird watching and where lemon grass grows in abundance. 20 km from Sengkhor village you will reach Namling waterfall and 17km further is Yongkola Pass. From the pass descend till Lingmethang, then cross the Kuri Chhu river and gradually ascend passing terraced rice paddies and pine forests till we arrive at Mongar. Overnight at a hotel in Mongar.

Trace back 12km to Gangola road junction and drive 65km to Lhuentse following the upstream Kuri Chhu River. En route you will pass a small township of Autsho and several other villages. From Lhuentse, drive for another 40km on unpaved road to the historic Dungkhar village. One of the main sites in the region is the ancestral home of the Royal Family, Dungkhar Naktshang, which is a centuries-old traditionally built mansion. It is the birthplace of the first King’s father and from this house sprung the current Royal Family of Bhutan. You will explore some of the farmhouses and even lunch at a local farmhouse. Later you will drive to Takila for a night halt.

After breakfast, you will explore Khoma Village, a unique village with an ancient cluster layout of traditional farmhouses. This village is renowned for its high-quality production of the handwoven silk textile — the kishuthara. It is high-priced not only because of the material but also because of its intricate and meticulous designs that fill up the entire textile. The kishuthara is highly celebrated by the Bhutanese, worn only on special occasions, celebrations and festivals. Weavers from Khoma village are praised for their nimble hands. This is how they make a living — weaving the whole day every day. Watch the women weave in their makeshift textile cottage. In the olden days, weavers from Khoma were hired in the court to weave for the Royal Family. Witness this ornate textile come to life as you walk in the streets of the village, and maybe even purchase one. Travel back to Takila for the night.

You will trace your journey back to Mongar and continue to Trashigang. From Mongar, the road ascends for a while to Kori La pass at 2400m marked by a café and a few prayer flags. As you descend from the pass you will cross Yadi, a small town. Continue your drive to cross the Sherichhu river bridge at 600m. The road from here is almost flat till Dangme Chhu river bridge from where you ascend till Trashigang. You will notice that Trashigang is a compact and bustling town that acts as a business hub in eastern Bhutan. Overnight at a hotel in Trashigang.

After breakfast today we will go for a full day excursion to Khaling village in the Trashigang district. En route you will come across the village of Pam, Rongthung, Kanglung where you will spot the first college in the country and the road climbs through potato and maize fields till Yonphula pass. Descend from the pass till Khaling through Barshong and Gomchu village. After 5km, you will reach Khaling. In Khaling we will pay a visit to the National Handloom Center, a non-governmental organisation, a pioneer of enforcing and preserving the weaving culture in Bhutan. Shop for authentic Bhutanese textiles produced using ancient indigenous dyeing and weaving techniques. Khaling also has the first and only school for the differently abled students, Muenselling Institute established in 1973. You will also get to explore the small town of Khaling. Later in the evening, head back to Trashigang. Overnight at a hotel in Trashigang.

A day excursion to the Radhi Village awaits you today. After the visit to Rangjung Monastery and an exploration of Rangjung, you will drive to Radhi and Phongmey villages. They are renowned for two things — their ample rice fields and for being pioneers of the production of “Bura” textile — made of fine raw silk. Almost all households in the Radhi village make their living from Bura textiles. Using traditional weaving and dyeing techniques the village residents are skilled in producing this famous textile. If lucky, you may come across a few Brokpas; semi-nomadic yak herders from Merak and Sakteng who have come to barter their Yak butter, cheese, and dried meat with other food commodities. Later in the evening, you will drive back to Trashigang for your night halt.

From Trashigang to Yonphula, the drive takes up to a little more than an hour. It is an uphill drive passing through the villages of Pam, Rongthung, Kanglung, and then finally to the airport. The airport is at 2750m almost equal to that of Lukla in Nepal. Both airports have tabletop landing and on clear weather from Yonphula airport, you can spot Mount Jumolhari in the distance. The 35-minute flight offers spectacular views. The stunning views of the northern Himalayan ranges of Bhutan and the lateral highway and rivers flowing down the valleys. In Paro, you may complete some last-minute shopping for souvenirs in Paro town. Then you will be driven to your hotel. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

Today you will hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan’s most famous monastery and the most clicked sight situated at 3100m. The steep hike is worth it with beautiful views of Paro valley and southwest towards Drugyel Dzong. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. Lunch will be served in the Cafeteria Restaurant, located about halfway up on the mountain. The monastery is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. After having explored the monastery, you will hike down to Paro. This is a fantastic conclusion to your stay in Bhutan! Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, you will drive to the airport for departure.