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Festivals of the Thunder Dragon
Bhutan, land of the Thunder Dragon, is a medieval kingdom hidden in the eastern Himalaya. Its breathtaking natural beauty of sacred mountains, holy lakes, isolated valleys and lush forests is reason enough to visit. Add to this mix the Buddhist culture that has tenaciously remained largely untouched by the outside world, and it’s easy to understand why Bhutan is considered one of the most exclusive destinations on earth. The Bhutanese people constitute one of the most interesting and least disturbed cultures—it’s a unique honor to travel in their homeland. Throughout our journey we immerse ourselves in both the beauty and the culture of Bhutan. Each departure is timed to take advantage of a local “tshechu”, or religious festival. These are colorful celebrations dominated by ancient “mask dances” with brilliant costumes, clashing cymbals and lively social interchange. On our west-to-east crossing of Bhutan’s central valleys, we enjoy day hikes offering superb views of the distant Himalaya range, visits to remote villages known for their artistry, bustling bazaars and ornate temples clinging to cliff sides (such as the famed Tiger’s Nest). Each evening we will relax in comfortable lodging and soak up the purity of this place. Regardless of when you travel, you enjoy exceptional Bhutanese guides who open the window onto a truly magical country.
Important Notice: Day 1 is the day you should plan to arrive at the meeting point for the trip. This may require departing your hometown one or more days in advance and traveling on an overnight flight.
Please follow each day’s itinerary based on the festival associated with your specific departure.
Festivals of the Thunder Dragon Itinerary:
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Day 1 (All festivals)
Your trip begins today with an early morning flight from Bangkok, Thailand to Paro, Bhutan. REI Adventures will be making the round-trip flight reservations for you at the time of your registration. The flight from Bangkok to Paro on Druk Air is a beautiful and befitting introduction to the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. On arrival you are met by your Bhutanese leader who typifies the hospitable and charming Bhutanese people. You transfer immediately to Thimphu (2 hour drive), the capital of Bhutan and home of the revered Bhutanese Royal Family. Overnight in Thimphu. Lunch and dinner included. Then, all meals are included throughout entire trip.
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Day 2
(Paro, Tamshing, Jambay): After breakfast we visit the Thimphu weekend market - a lively scene of vendors throughout the region selling their fresh produce and indigenous crafts such as religious objects, baskets and fabrics. Continue your sightseeing to Zangdopelri temple, the Changlimithang where you can witness young Bhutanese practicing their favorite game: archery. Return to the hotel for lunch and take the rest of the day to explore on your own. Overnight in Thimphu.
(Ura): After breakfast we begin a day of exploring Thimphu with a visit to the Medicine Institute where traditional medicines are prepared according to ancient practices. Next we stop at the Painting School where the traditional art of painting Thangkhas (sacred Buddhist religious scrolls) is mastered. We also visit the National Library and the Textile Museum. A very full day before returning to our hotel for the evening. Overnight in Thimphu. -
Day 3 (All festivals)
After an early breakfast we start our drive to Punakha via Dochula 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 feet). We take time to hike up 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 Mochu (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. Hiking: 1 hour.
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Day 4 (All festivals)
Our drive today to Trongsa is a long and beautiful one (6-7 hours) with some great hiking along the way. Leaving Punakha we wind our way through the fertile, central valleys to Wangdue Phodrang, where we take the opportunity to visit the majestic fortress of Wangdue Dzong. We then climb steadily to Pele la Pass (10,824’) which is traditionally considered the boundary between West and East Bhutan. Enjoy good views of the big mountains, especially Mount Chomolhari (24,355’). Close to the pass we begin our hike downhill through a forest of dwarf bamboo to Rukubji Village (2 hours) where we have a late lunch. We continue our drive into Trongsa Valley glimpsing our first views of the impressive Trongsa Dzong. Overnight at a lovely resort that offers fantastic views of the Dzong and surrounding countryside.
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Day 5 (All festivals)
After breakfast we visit the huge Trongsa Dzong. Built in 1647, this Dzong is a masterpiece of architecture and its strategic location gave it great power over this part of the country. We meander from the Dzong to the local bazaar before resuming our drive east to Bumthang. We cross over the Yotongla Pass (11,154’) and into the first of four valleys of Bumthang known as Chumey. Here we visit the Domkar Palace, summer palace to King Jigme Wangchuk. Onto the village of Tsungney to observe weavers creating the famous Bumthnag fabric known as “yathra” before arriving in the Chokhor Valley for the evening in Jakar.
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Day 6
(Paro): 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 the animal husbandry. Today we drive to Ura village situated at 10,000 feet above the sea. From Serthangla Pass we hike downhill to reach the Ura Temple and continuing our walk through the clustered village of Ura making frequent stops to converse with the villagers. Our lunch will be served at a village house. Return to Chamkhar (Jakar) for overnight.
(Jambay): We begin our walk this morning right from our lodge through the clustered villages of Jakar to the Jambay Lhakhang temple. On our hike today we will visit such significant cultural sites as the old castle Chakar Lhakhang, built in the 8th century, and the Kurjey Monastery. Continue your hike north crossing over the Chamkhar River where we visit Tamshing Lhakhang temple, built in the 7th century. Our car will meet us here with a hot lunch. After lunch we will resume our drive south to Chamkhar (Jakar) for the evening.
(Tamshing, Ura) Festival day! After breakfast we drive to Ura village (or Tamshing village on the October departure) to witness the ongoing festival. During the festival various spiritual mask dances are performed and local villagers participate by wearing their finest dress–this is the annual event to be seen at. Evening return to hotel at Chamkhar. -
Day 7
(Paro): Today after breakfast our car will drop us at Jambay Lhakhang temple from where we will start our walk through the scattered and clustered villages of Jakar, visiting temples and monasteries and walking over a swinging suspension bridge, making frequent stops to converse with villagers, monks, officers and kids who would love to practice their English. In the evening we drive back to Trongsa.
(Ura, Tamshing): We begin our walk this morning right from our lodge through the clustered villages of Jakar to the Jambay Lhakhang temple. On our hike today we will visit such significant cultural sites as the old castle Chakar Lhakhang, built in the 8th century, and the Kurjey Monastery. Continue your hike north crossing over the Chamkhar River where we visit Tamshing Lhakhang temple, built in the 7th century. Our car will meet us here with a hot lunch. After lunch we return to the hotel, pack and depart for Trongsa.
(Jambay) Festival Day! After breakfast we will drive to Jambay Lhakhang to witness the ongoing festival. During the festival various spiritual mask dances are performed and local villagers participate by wearing their finest dress–this is the annual event to be seen at. In the evening we drive the two hours to overnight in Trongsa. -
Day 8 (All festivals)
After breakfast we drive a short distance south to Kuenga Rabten, the winter palace for the Royal families. We pass waterfalls and rice terraces and take a short hike to Karma Drubdey Nunnery. The view of the valley below is breathtaking! Return to Trongsa for the evening.
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Day 9 (All festivals)
We begin our drive back towards the west with a detour at Pele Pass into glacial valley of Phobjikha. This is, hands-down, one of the most beautiful spots in all of Bhutan. It is also the designated winter home for the endangered black-necked cranes who migrate here from the Tibetan plateaus. We enjoy a truly wonderful hike (primarily downhill with views of the valley) from the Phobjikha Pass to Gangtey Monastery. If lucky, we may even encounter the precious Red Panda. Evening drive to Punakha for overnight.
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Day 10 (All festivals)
Continue west to Thimphu making several stops en-route for photos and leg stretches. Weather permitting, we lunch at Dochu La Cafeteria, from where we have terrific views of the northern snowcapped mountains. Afternoon free in Thimphu.
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Day 11
(Ura, Tamshing, Jambay): Today is a lovely day of hiking to visit several significant monasteries: Cheri Gompa (1.5 hours hike) built in the early 1600s and Tango Monastery (1 hour) originally built in the 12th century and rebuilt in the 15th century by the “divine madman”, Lama Drukpa Kunly. On our drive back to Thimphu, we make a stop at Pari Zampa Temple, where young monks are trained in astrology. Overnight in Thimphu.
(Paro): After breakfast we begin a day of exploring Thimphu with a visit to the Medicine Institute where traditional medicines are prepared according to ancient practices. Next we stop at the Painting School where the traditional art of painting Thangkhas (sacred Buddhist religious scrolls) is mastered. We also visit the National Library and the Textile Museum. This evening we drive to Paro to be ready for the festival tomorrow. (2 hours). -
Day 12
(Paro) Festival Day! After breakfast we visit one of Bhutan’s most popular festivals at Para Rimpung Dzong. During the festival various spiritual mask dances are performed and local villagers participate by wearing their finest dress – this is the annual event not to be missed.
(Ura, Tamshing, Jambay): We depart for Paro this morning for a day of sightseeing including a visit to Drukgyal Dzong from which, on a clear day, there is a magnificent view of the Mount Chomolhari, (23,990’). Hike around the fortress, a leisurely and beautiful walk. We visit the National Museum of Bhutan as well as Para Rimpung Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most impressive and well-known fortresses. Overnight in Paro. -
Day 13 (All festivals)
After breakfast we drive from Paro and hike about two hours to reach Bhutan’s most famous monastery, Taktsang (also called the Tiger’s Nest). Built in the 1600’s, 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. Return to Paro for a farewell dinner and overnight.
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Day 14 (All festivals)
We say our good-byes to Bhutan today, and board a flight for Bangkok. Any hotel stay in Bangkok is not included. Please make reservations if needed. Breakfast included.
Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule outlined, the itineraries are subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control. Depending upon the specific departure date you choose to travel, the itinerary may vary slightly from the other departures. All departures follow the same general routing, typically visiting the same primary sites. Please read each day’s itinerary carefully as it pertains to your specific departure date (denoted by the “festival” associated with that date).
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 on most departures.
Accommodations in Bhutan; meals as noted in the daily itinerary, private transport as per the itinerary, monument entrance fees and government taxes (including $20 visa fee and $10 tourism fee), services of a bilingual guide throughout.
Air transportation to/from Bangkok, Bangkok hotel or meal costs, airport taxes, optional gratuities to Bhutanese staff, cost of obtaining a passport, insurance, medical immunizations, items of a personal nature such as alcohol, laundry, international phone calls.
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 ($795, mandatory add-on 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. These are non-refundable tickets. If you needed to cancel your participation on this trip for a reason covered by your optional Travel Insurance plan, 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 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.
It is hard to generalize about Bhutan’s weather since it varies with the altitude and can swing greatly within a 24-hour period at any given altitude. The central valleys of Punakha, Wangdue Phodrang, enjoy a semi tropical climate with very cool winters, whereas Paro, Thimphu, Trongsa, Bumthang and Phobjikha have a more extreme climate, including occasional snowfalls in winter. In these regions, the winters (mid-November to mid-March) are dry, with daytime temperatures of 60°-65° when the sun is shining (which is often) and evening temperatures nearing freezing. Snow covers the mountaintops but reaches the valleys only two or three times each year and does not stay on the ground much. Spring lasts from mid- March to the beginning of June averaging 80°-84° by day and about 65° at night. At the end of September autumn arrives with clear skies, warm days and cold nights
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 within 21 days of your initial trip deposit, 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.
Festivals of the Thunder Dragon
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
The central valleys of Punakha, Wangdue Phodrang, enjoy a semi tropical climate with very cool winters, whereas Paro, Thimphu, Trongsa, Bumthang and Phobjikha have a more extreme climate, including occasional snowfalls in winter. In these regions, the winters (mid-November to mid-March) are dry, with daytime temperatures of 60°-65° when the sun is shining (which is often) and evening temperatures nearing freezing. Snow covers the mountaintops but reaches the valleys only two or three times each year and does not stay on the ground much. Spring lasts from mid- March to the beginning of June averaging 80°-84° by day and about 65° at night. At the end of September autumn arrives with clear skies, warm days and cold nights.
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
- Valid passport
- Copy of first page of passport
- Airline tickets
- Visa form for Bhutan (bring with you)
- 2 extra passport photos
- Duffel bag or soft-sided luggage
- Daypack to carry your camera, water bottles, rain gear
- Luggage tags and locks
- Bring a few lightweight, easily washable items for travel
- Capri length pants for women are acceptable
- Men – if wearing shorts, knee length is best
- Comfortable walking shoes for travel and town wear
- Rain jacket and pants, roomy and water -repellent
- Midweight fleece or wool sweater or jacket (evenings are cool)
- Hiking boots, sturdy, water resistant, broken in
- Hiking pants lightweight (zip-off legs are handy)
- Skirt (optional but nice)
- Long-sleeve synthetic shirts
- T-shirts, synthetic are best
- Light or mid-weight thermal underwear tops and bottom, synthetic or wool
- Hiking socks / liners
- Sun hat
- Warm hat
- Bandana
- Lightweight gloves
- Two 1-quart water bottles or hydration system of equal capacity
- Flashlight / headlamp and extra batteries
- Ear plugs
- Small quantity of favorite energy snacks
- Sunblock and lip balm with high SPF
- Sunglasses
- Toiletry kit (small travel-size items)
- Personal first aid kit
- Hand sanitizer gel or handi-wipes
- Small, collapsible umbrella
- Camera, film and spare batteries
- Plug adaptors / converters as needed
- Trekking poles (highly recommended)
- Spare contact lenses or glasses
- Reading and writing materials
- Passport pouch or money pouch
- Motion sickness remedies (winding roads)
Things to Consider
- Please remember to always pack essential items such as your passport, money, eyewear, a change of clothing (including hiking boots), and medications in your carry-on baggage, in case your luggage is delayed
- Culturally sensitive dressing tips: For women, pants (or Capri length pants) are fine. A skirt or skirt with tights underneath is also fine. Tights, hiking shorts and sports tops are not advised. For men, pants are best. Men may wear hiking shorts, but they should be longer, near the knees. Men should never go shirtless.
- Cotton is wonderful in warm weather. However, once it becomes wet, it will drain your body heat. Bring at least a couple of synthetics such as Capilene, MTS and Thermax.
- Always test your layers before a trip. Your outer layer should fit easily over the inside ones without binding and bunching up.
- Make sure boots are broken in. Thin liner socks worn under regular hiking socks may minimize the risk of blisters. The liner sock should be synthetic, not cotton. Test your sock combination before you go on the trip.
- Keep your mouth closed when you take a shower, use treated water to brush your teeth, and do not accept ice cubes in your drinks. You may purchase bottled mineral water at hotels and restaurants while in towns.
- There are restrictions in taking pictures in temples and monasteries you visit; please ask your guide before taking pictures.
- Sadly, while there is coffee in Bhutan, there is no really good coffee—so you may want to bring a bit of your own if it is critically important to your well-being.
Feel free to give us a call at (800) 622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores and REI’s Direct Sales (800-426-4840) will also be happy to help you with gear questions. Or visit REI’s website at www.rei.com. The “Expert Advice” section has great information to help you prepare for your trip.