Festivals of the Thunder Dragon

Festivals of the Thunder Dragon Itinerary:

• Day 1

  Our trip begins with a morning flight on Druk Air from Bangkok, Thailand to Paro, Bhutan. The flight is a beautiful and fitting introduction to the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. Upon arrival in Paro you are met by your Bhutanese leader and transferred to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan and home of the revered Bhutanese Royal Family. If time permits, we will take the opportunity to walk around the capital. Dinner included.

  Drive time: 2 hours.

• Day 2

  Two options are available today: day hiking or sightseeing in Thimphu. The hiking option takes us to several monasteries around Thimphu. We begin by crossing a lovely traditional bridge that spans the Wang Chhu River and start our hike uphill towards Cheri Monastery. We may come across tame deer and soaring birds that are looked after by the monks. Built in 1620 by Shubdrung Nawang Namgya, this is the first monastic establishment in Bhutan. Following our exploration at the monastery, we walk to our waiting vehicle for a quick drive to our next hike to Tango Monastery. This temple was founded in the 13th century by Lama Gyalwa Lhanampa and built in its present form by Tenzin Rabgye, the 4th Temporal Ruler, in 1688. After a picnic lunch, we hike to Pangri Zampa, two imposing white buildings in a grove of giant cypress trees. This temple was founded in the early 16th century, and presently it houses the monastic institute for astrology studies.

  For those interested in seeing more of the city, the Thimphu market provides a lively scene, with vendors from the region selling fresh produce and indigenous crafts such as religious objects, baskets and fabrics. Our next stops are the Zangdopelri temple and Changlimithang where you can witness young Bhutanese practicing the game of archery. Other places of interest include a visit to the Medicine Institute where traditional medicines are prepared according to ancient practices and the Institute for Zorig Chusum (the 13 arts) where young Bhutanese are trained in traditional crafts such as weaving, Buddhist painting, wood carving and sculpture. Overnight in Thimphu. All meals included.

  Optional Hiking: 3 hours; Terrain: dirt paths, some with moderate inclines.

• Day 3

  After breakfast we begin our drive to Punakha via the Dochu La (la means pass). The road climbs steeply through a forest of pine and cedar and, if the weather is with us, the panoramic view of the Himalayas from the pass (10,460') is absolutely spectacular. Then it's all downhill on a series of hairpin bends to the fertile valley of Punakha (4,162'). We take time to walk to the Chimi Lhakhang temple. Both ancient and infamous, this monastery was built in 1499 by one of Bhutan's favorite Buddhist saints, Lama Drukpa Kunley, often called the "Divine Madman" for his outrageous teachings. After lunch we will proceed to Punakha town to view the majestic Dzong (fortress), situated between the two rivers Pho Chu and Mo Chu (Father and Mother river). This fortress is now used as the winter seat of the Je Khenpo (the Spiritual head of Bhutan). In the past this Dzong was the capital seat of the Kingdom. Overnight in Punakha. All meals included.
  
  Driving: ~3 hours; Hiking: 2-3 hours; Terrain: flat to moderate inclines.

• Day 4

  Our drive today to Trongsa is a long and beautiful one with hiking opportunities along the way. Leaving Punakha, the road winds through the fertile, central valleys to Wangdue Phodrang where we visit the majestic fortress of Wangdue Dzong. Next is a steady climb to Pele la Pass (10,824') which is traditionally considered the boundary between West and East Bhutan. There are views of the big mountains, including one Bhutan's most recognized Mount Chomolhari (23,995'). A hike downhill for 2 hours, through a forest of dwarf bamboo, brings us to Rukubji Village. We visit the village temple and have a picnic lunch before continuing our drive to the Trongsa Valley. A lovely hotel with fantastic views of the Trongsa Dzong and surrounding countryside is our home for the night. All meals included.

  Driving: 6 hours; Hiking: 2 hours; Terrain: gradual descent on a trail through forest.

• Day 5

  Today we explore the huge Trongsa Dzong. Built in 1647, this Dzong is a masterpiece of architecture, and its strategic location, perched on a narrow spur that juts into the gorge of the Mangde River, gave it great power over this part of the country. The view from the Dzong extends for many miles and in former times nothing could escape the vigilance of its watchmen. From the Dzong we walk to the local bazaar. Our journey continues with a drive east over the Yotongla Pass (11,154') and into the first of four valleys of Bumthang known as Chumey. Here we visit the Domkar Palace, originally built to be the summer palace of the 2nd King of Bhutan, Jigme Wangchuk. Next, we're onto the village of Tsungney to observe weavers creating the famous Bumthang fabric known as "yathra" before arriving in the Choekhor Valley for the evening. All meals included.

  Driving: 2.5 hours; Hiking: 2-3 hours; Terrain: gradual ascent on a path.

• Day 6

  Bumthang is the general name given to a complex of four valleys - Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura. Choekhor and Chumey are agricultural valleys while Tang and Ura depend mostly on animal husbandry. From our hotel we begin our walk around the Choekhor Valley towards the Jambay Lhakhang temple through scattered and clustered villages of Jakar. A Tibetan king, Songtsen Gonpo built this temple in the 7th century. Next we visit Chakar Lhakhang, which was built in the 8th century and was the castle of King Sindhu Raja who used to rule the Bumthang Valley. Continuing our hike, we come to Kurjey Monastery. It is here that the great tantric saint Padmasambhava meditated and subdued a local deity known as Shelging Karpo. Hiking north, we cross the Chamkhar River over a suspension bridge and arrive at Tamshing Lhakhang, built by Terton Pemalingpa in the 1500s. We have some time to explore the area before returning to our hotel for the evening. All meals included.

  Hiking: 2-3 hours, Terrain: village paths, with some up and down.

• Day 7

  It's festival day! During the festival various spiritual mask dances are performed. Local villagers participate by wearing their finest dress – this is the annual event at which to be seen. The origin of these religious dances dates back as early as the 8th century AD when Guru Rinpoche, the revered Buddhist Saint, used these tantric and magical dances to subdue evil spirits and demons. The mask dances performed today, during Tsechu (festivals), have similar meaning and also give a visual aspect to religious teachings to help people understand them. These dances are believed to ensure the well-being and happiness of all living things. All meals included.

• Day 8

  This morning we begin our drive to Trongsa (2 ½ hours) and then continue south to Kungarabten, once the winter retreat of the royal families. We will visit the small winter palace, and then start walking towards the Monastery of Nuns that is located in the hills above. This monastery is the home to over one hundred nuns who study and meditate here. We will visit the shrine, hostel, and maybe join for a short prayer with the nuns before returning to the hotel. All meals included.

  Driving: 2.5 hours; Walking: ~1 hour, gradual ascent.

• Day 9

  As we continue heading west, we make a detour at Pele Pass into the glacial valley of Phobjikha. This is, hands-down, one of the most beautiful spots in all of Bhutan. It is the winter home for the hundreds of endangered black-necked cranes that migrate here from the Tibetan plateau. We enjoy a truly wonderful hike (primarily downhill with views of the valley) from Phobjikha Pass to the magnificent Gangtey Monastery which overlooks the valley. If we are lucky, we may even encounter the precious Red Panda. Overnight in Phobjikha Valley. All meals included.

  Driving: 2-3 hours; Hiking: 2 hours; Terrain: rolling but primarily down hill.

• Day 10

  This morning we continue on to Thimphu, making several stops en-route for photos and leg stretches. Dining at the Dochu La café, we have terrific views of the northern snowcapped mountains (weather permitting). Upon arrival in Thimphu, our afternoon is free for shopping and exploration. All meals included.

  Driving: 4 hours

• Day 11

  After breakfast we begin our hike uphill to Phajoding Monastery which is situated at around 12,000 feet. It is a large monastic complex with 10 shrine rooms and 15 monastic residences, many of them used for extended meditation retreat. This monastery was founded in 13th century by Togden Phajo Drugom Shigpo, a saint from Tibet. The view of the whole valley and the capital city is fantastic. Overnight in Thimphu. All meals included.

  Hiking: 2-3 hours; Terrain: mostly up hill on a dirt path.

• Day 12

  We depart for Paro this morning for a day of sightseeing, including a visit to Drugyel Dzong from which, on a clear day, there is a magnificent view of Mount Chomolhari (23,995'). Hiking around the fortress is a leisurely and beautiful walk. Drugyel Dzong was built in the 17th century by Shabdrung Nawang Namgyel, the spiritual leader of Bhutan. It is believed that through the meticulous power of Shabdrung the Bhutanese were able to defeat the Tibetans seven times. The name Drugyel Dzong means "victorious fortress." We visit the National Museum of Bhutan as well as Paro Rinpung Dzong, one of Bhutan's most impressive and well-known fortresses. Overnight in Paro. All meals included.

  Walking: ½- 1 hour; Terrain: dirt path.

• Day 13

  After breakfast we take a short drive from Paro to the trailhead at the base of Bhutan's most famous monastery, Taktsang, the Tiger's Nest. Built in the 1600s, this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 2,700' into the valley below. It is said that Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. Our two to three hour steep hike through the forest brings us up to the famed viewpoint overlooking the monastery. Return to Paro for our final evening and farewell dinner. All meals included.

  Hiking 4-5 hours; Terrain: dirt path, some stairs; Elevation gain/loss: ~2,000 feet.

• Day 14

  We say our good-byes to Bhutan today and board our flight back to Bangkok. Any flights departing Bangkok to home or elsewhere should be booked for tomorrow to account for any flight delays from Paro. Breakfast included.

Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule above, the itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control, including weather and terrain conditions.

Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip has the necessary minimum number of participants required to operate.

If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations, you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted above. If you wish to share accommodations, we will assign a roommate if one is available. If a roommate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a reduced single fee, which is one-half of the full single supplement. Please be advised that there are a limited number of single rooms available.

Accommodations in Bhutan; meals as noted in the daily itinerary, private transport within Bhutan as per the itinerary, monument entrance fees and government taxes, Bhutanese visa fee, services of a skilled bi-lingual guide throughout.

Airline transportation, Bangkok hotel and meal costs, cost of obtaining a passport, insurance, medical immunizations, optional gratuities to your guide and driver, monastery donations, items of a personal nature such as beverages, alcohol, laundry, international phone calls and internet use.

In addition to the $400 deposit required to reserve your space (fully refundable up to 91 days prior to departure) the cost of your flight on Druk Air from Bangkok to Paro (mandatory add-on cost and subject to change) is also due at the time of registration. This payment is due in full and is non-refundable unless REI Adventures cancels your departure for any reason. Upon your registration, we purchase your air tickets immediately as seats into Bhutan are very limited. If you needed to cancel your trip for a reason covered by travel insurance, this flight cost would be reimbursable by that plan.

This trip is rated Easy Active [2]. Many days have short walks and trail hikes at altitudes between 4,000' and 10,000'. Day hikes generally take 2-3 hours. Except for the high altitude and the very remote location, this is not a particularly strenuous trip nor is it a trekking itinerary. However, this is a trip for active people in good health who are strong walkers and/or hikers.

Bhutan's weather varies with the altitude and can change greatly within a 24-hour period. Paro, Thimphu, Trongsa, Bumthang and Phobjikha are at altitudes of 8,000' - 9,000'. Daytime temperatures generally range from mid-50s to upper 60s. Evenings are 40s-upper 50s. When the sun is shining the temperatures can be much warmer (70s – low 80s). The central valleys of Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang enjoy a semi-tropical climate due to their lower altitude and as a result will be warmer in temperature. Rain and thunderstorms are a possibility at any time of year as is occasional snowfall at higher elevations. The majority of our departures take place during the periods offering the best weather (March-May and late September – late November).

The June departure occurs during the southwest monsoon season (June –September). During the monsoon, heavy rain falls almost every night. During the day there may be long periods without rain. The views of the higher peaks are not as prevalent as during the spring (pre-monsoon) and fall (post-monsoon) periods. Yet, the scenery is verdant, the markets bursting with fresh fruit and vegetables, and the festival just as spectacular as any other time of year.

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

The key to staying comfortable on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection.  This gear list was created to help you choose your clothing and gear for this trip.  Try to bring only what is necessary, as this will help you and the field staff.

Weather

Bhutan's weather varies with the altitude and can change greatly within a 24-hour period. Paro, Thimphu, Trongsa, Bumthang and Phobjikha are at altitudes of 8,000' - 9,000'. Daytime temperatures generally range from mid-50s to upper 60s. Evenings are 40s-upper 50s. When the sun is shining the temperatures can be much warmer (70s – low 80s). The central valleys of Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang enjoy a semi-tropical climate due to their lower elevation and as a result will be warmer in temperature. Rain and thunderstorms are a possibility at any time of year as is occasional snowfall at higher elevations.

Luggage Weight Restrictions

There is a 44 pound (20 Kg) weight limit for checked luggage on the Druk Air flight.  There is an 11 pound weight limit for carry-on luggage.  Carry-on bags are restricted to one piece; the size not exceeding 17” x 13” x 8”.

Gear Checklist

Things to Consider