In Love With Bhutan

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Thimphu Festival Photography Tour

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11 Days Enchanting Bhutan itinerary
7 Days Bhutan Festival Tour Itinerary

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PASSU DIARY - JOURNAL OF AN ORDINARY BHUTANESE

Book Early.
Closing Date - 20Apr 2013

Led by Photographer, and the name to be advised soon.

One lesson on Photography to be conducted before the Tour.

FLIGHT DETAILS:
10Sep, SQ5488 SINCCU 2100 / 2250
Flight operated by SilkAir ( sister company of SQ )
20Sep, SQ517 CCUSIN 2350 / 0635 +1 (21Sep)

10/09/13
Day 01: Singapore Kolkata.
Arrive Kolkata airport by Singapore Airlines. On arrival transfer to Hotel.

11/09/13
Day 02: Kolkata Bagdogra Gangtok (130 km, 4 hours hrs drive) (B/L/D)
After breakfast transfer to airport to board on your domestic flight to Bagdogra. Arrive Bagdogra airport and welcome by your Odyssey Manager at the airport and then drive to Gangtok. Tucked away in the clouds, Gangtok is spread out on a ridge 1520m above sea level, and looks something out of a fairy tale with houses precariously balanced on the slopes of steep hills. Apart from the gorgeous view of deep valleys, waterfalls and snow-capped mountain ranges that separate from neighbouring Tibet, Bhutan and Nepal.

12/09/13
Day 03: Gangtok (B/L/D)
After breakfast drive to Tibetogy and then ride on ropeway to Namnam View point and meet our transport and proceed to visit Sikkim Flower Exhibition Centre, where a wide range of rare species of orchids display (Seasonal) an finally drive to visit Inchey monastery. On completion drive back to the town for lunch. Afternoon relax and shop in the market.

13/09/13
Day 04: GANGTOK RUMTEK KALIMPONG (4-hr drive) (BLD)
After breakfast, we leave for Kalimpong (1,780m), visiting Rumtek Monastery on the way, originally built by the 9th Karmapa Wangchuk Dorje in 16th century, at the same time when Phodong Monastery and Ralang Monastery were built. When 16th Karmapa arrived in Sikkim in 1959, after fleeing Tibet, the monastery was in ruins. Despite being offered other sites, the Karmapa decided to rebuild Rumtek. To him, the site possessed many auspicious qualities and was surrounded by the most favorable attributes. For example, flowing streams, mountains behind, a snow range in front, and a river below. With the generosity and help of the Sikkim royal family and the Indian government, it was built by the 16th Karmapa as his main seat in exile. On arrival, drive to Deolo Garden for some viewing of the far horizon of the Himalayas, the Tharpa Choling Monastery and St. Theresa Catholic Church and one of the famous Pradhan Nurseries where great varieties of cactus, orchids and other exotic plants can be found here.

14/09/13
Day 05: KALIMPONG PHUENTSHOLING (B/L/D)
After breakfast drive 7 hours to Phuentsholing and met by Your Bhutan representative, after clearing immigration formalities, END OF OUR SERVICES AT THE BORDER.

15/09/13
Day 06: Phuentsholing Thimphu (180 km, 6 hours drive) (B/L/D)
After breakfast drive to Thimphu. 4 km ahead of Phuentsholing, visit Kharbandi Gompa, the beautiful monastery situated in garden of tropical plants and flowers. The monastery contains paintings depicting scenes from the life of Buddha and statues of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and Guru Rimpoche. From the monastery garden there is a splendid view of Phuentsholing and plains of West Bengal and their tea gardens beyond.
Proceed further to Thimphu. This entire drive is very pleasant with numerous scenic spots en route. Lunch would be served at Bunakha cafeteria, Fives miles, before Thimphu, visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the Kingdom which now houses the School for religious and cultural studies.
After checking into hotel proceed on to visit Trashichhodzong, the beautiful medieval fortress/monastery which houses most of the Government's office and King's Throne room It is also the summer residence of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot. Later visit National Memorial Chorten. The building of this landmark was originally envisaged by 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.

16/09/13
Day 07: Thimphu Festival ( B/L/D).
One day that we dedicate to attending the Thimphu Festival, with great opportunity to take pictures of the various masked dancers.
17/09/13
Day 08: Thimphu sightseeing & drive to Punakha ( 75 Km, 3 hours drive) (B/L/D)
Proceed to the National Library which houses an extensive collection of Buddhist literature, with some works dating back several hundred years. Visit the nearby Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School), where a six year training course is given in the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. Visit the nearby Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School), where a six year training course is given in the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. Also visit Textile and Folk Heritage Museum: These museums, both of which opened in 2001, provide fascinating insights into Bhutanese material culture and way of life. Later continue on to Handicrafts Emporium that displays wide assortment of beautifully handwoven and crafted products.
Afternoon drive to Punakha across Dochu-la pass (3,088m/ 10,130 ft) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m ), Jejegangphugang (7,158 m ), Kangphugang (7,170 m ), Zongphugang (7, 060 m ), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana - finally Gangkar puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m.

18/09/13
Day 09: Punakha Paro ( 125 km, 4.1/2 hours drive) (B/L/D)
Morning visit Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers. It was the capital of Bhutan until 1955, and still serves as the winter residence of the monk body. The first King, Ugyen Wangchuck was crowned here in 1907. The fortress has withstood several damages from fire, earthquake and flood. The latest flood of Oct' 1994 caused great damages to the fortress but miraculously spared the statue of Buddha Jojampa. Followed by visit to local market.

19/09/13
Day 10: Paro
In the Morning, we have our breakfast before making the hike up to Taktshang Monastery (5hrs hike) : It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognised as a most sacred place and visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April, 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendour.
Afternoon: Visit Drukgyel Dzong : This Dzong, with a delightful village nestling at its foot, was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders. Historically and strategically this Dzong withstood all its glory and was featured in 1914 vide National Geographic magazine. The glory of Drukgyel Dzong remained even when it was destroyed by fire in 1951. On a clear day, one can see the commanding view of Mount. Chomolhari from the village, below the Dzong.
Kyichu Lakhang : It is one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom dating back to 7th century (the other is Jambey Lhakahng in Bumthang). The lhakhang complex is composed of two temples. The first temple was built by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century and in 1968, H.M. Ashi Kesang, the Queen Mother of Bhutan, built the second temple in same original pattern.

20/09/13
Day 11: Paro – Kolkata – Fly Home (B/L/D)
Transfer to the Airport and fly to Kolkata. On arrival, visit Indian Museum housing over sixty galleries of Art, Archaeology, Anthropology, Geology, Zoology and Botany sections, spreading over ten thousand square feet area. Many rare specimens both Indian and Trans - Indian origin relating to Humanities and Natural Science are preserved and displayed in the galleries of these sections. On completion visit Mother Teresa, Missionaries of Charity funded in 1950 at Calcutta. Mother Teresa was a Roman Catholic nun of Albanian ethnicity and Indian citizenship. For over 45 years, she ministered to the poor, sick, orphaned, and dying, while guiding the Missionaries of Charity's expansion, first throughout India and then in other countries. Following her death, she was beatified by Pope John Paul II and given the title "Blessed Teresa of Calcutta". In time transfer to airport to board on your scheduled flight Home, arriving Singapore on the 21Sep morning.

HOTELS ENVISAGED – STANDARD HOTELS or Similar
Kolkata: Pride Hotel
Gangtok: Hidden Forest Resorts
Kalimpong : Hotel Hulumba Haven
Thimphu : Riverview Hotel
Punakha : Meri Puensum
Paro: Taktsang View Hotel

Price - $4,335
Inclusive of International flight SINGAPORE-KOLKATA, KOLKATA - BAGDOGRA, PARO-KOLKATA,
All accommodation, local guide, leading Photographer, One lesson on Photography, All meals, all transfers and all sightseeing as per itinerary.
Payable to "EU HOLIDAYS PTE LTD"
Enquiries, please call Olevia Cheong@ 8112 8393

Monday, December 10, 2012

Bhutan festivals in First Quarter 2013

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Bhutan Festivals in First Quarter

Many Bhutan Festivals coming up starting from February.
Punakha Drubchen - 15-19FEB 2013
Punakha Tshechu - 20-22FEB 2013
Paro Tshechu - 23-27MAR 2013

Planning is required if you are planning for the trips to Bhutan especially to coincide with these festivals!
Choose Singapore to Bangkok, stay overnight

Bangkok - Paro ticket.. Sgd1300?

Cheapest air ticket from Singapore- Bangkok, or anywhere else, please book at this site

http://olevia.dreamtripslife.com
Click SHOP FOR TRAVEL to start

If you find a cheaper airfare on any other site for the same flight and travel dates, you will get Refund of 150% of the Price Difference!

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Punakha Festival

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Punakha, located in the western part of Bhutan, is the winter home of Chief Abbot of the country, the Je Khenpo. This is the ancient capital of the country, and has great significance to the Buthanese. During the time of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 17th century, he unified Bhutan and he was the one who gave Bhutan and its people the cultural identity that identified Bhutan from the rest of the world.

In 17th century Bhutan was invaded several times by the Tibetan force to seize a very precious relic, the Ranjung Kharsapani during which Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal defeated the Tibetan army and to commemorate the victory he introduced the Punakha Drubchen. Since then Punakha Drubchen also known as Puna Drubchen became the annual festival of Punakha district. In addition to Punakha Drubchen in 2005 another festival known as Punakha Tshechu was introduced by the 70th Je Khenpo Trulku Jigme Choedra and the then Home Minister His Excellency Lyonpo Jigme Yoedzer Thinley on the request made by Punakha District Administration and people for upholding the Buddhist teachings and keeping alive the noble deeds of Zhabdrung Rimpochhe.

Punakha Drubchen is a unique festival due to a dramatic recreation of the scene from the 17th century battle with Tibetan army. The ‘pazaps’ or local militia men, dressed in battle gear showcase a battle scene of this distant past recalling the days when in the absence of a standing army, men from the eight Tshogchens or great village blocks of Thimpu came forward and managed to expel the Tibetan forces out of the country ushering in a new-found internal peace and stability.

Punakha Drubchen and Tshechu not only play an important role in preserving Bhutan’s rich cultural and tradition but it also is also an event where devout Buddhists has a place and time for prayer and pilgrimage. These festivals also reflect the richness of everything that is Bhutanese and are very special in the eyes and hearts of tourists who visit Bhutan.

Confirmed departure :
08-19FEB
12 Days Nepal & Bhutan
By Malaysian Airlines, Singapore - Kathmandu return
DrukAir , Kathmandu - Bhutan return

Coming up-
Photography trip SIKKIM & BHUTAN (THIMPHU FESTIVAL) in SEP 2013

Monday, November 26, 2012

Rainwater to the rescue

Rainwater to the rescue Students use rainwater for washing and cleaning purposes A perennial shortage has been largely solved by harvesting what falls from the sky Goenpasingma Lower Secondary School : Eight years ago, day-scholar students of Goenpasingma lower secondary school in Pemagatshel did not just carry books while going to school in the morning; they also each carried five litres of drinking water. The water was for the school kitchen, which prepared meals for boarding students, and served lunch for day-scholar students. Located 20km from Pemagatshel town Goenpasingma LSS in Zobel gewog just did not have the required supply of water the school needed. In 2006, when the new principal took over, he replaced the GI (galvanised iron) pipes with the bigger HD (high density) pipes, and changed its alignment. Despite that, water flowing from the natural source was not enough. “For about four months, we hired a van to transport water from an available source,” school principal Suren Pradhan said. “Our school kept Nu 10,000 apart, to transport water from the school’s transport budget.” Two years later, the school informed the public health engineering division (PHED), ministry of health, about the problem and got Nu 500,000 for water supply from UNICEF. With budget left over, after changing all pipelines to the water intake below the earlier source, about 5km away, the school also initiated harvesting rainwater. Six water tanks, with storage capacity of 1,000 litres each, two 500litre tanks and two 200litre ones were bought. The tanks were connected to gutter pipes, which let rainwater flow from the roof into the tanks. “Rainwater collected in those tanks is used by students for washing and bathing, whereas cooking and drinking is managed from water from the spring source,” the principal said. “Ever since we harvested rainwater, we’ve not faced an acute water shortage.” Today, the school has two concrete tanks with storage capacity of 10,000 litre each, a 11,000 litre concrete tank and 10 tanks with storage capacity of about 7,000 litres. Goenpasingma LSS today has 220 boarders of a total of 372 students. To prevent water contamination during monsoon, when there is heavy rain, old water from the tanks is drained and fresh water collected. “It’s quite difficult to manage, but rainwater harvesting is of immense benefit to schools facing a shortage,” a teacher, Kelzang Jigme, said. However, during dry season, when there is no rainwater and water from the spring source is not enough, boarding students are sent two kilometres away to fetch water. For washing and bathing, on weekends, girls and boys are sent to a nearby stream turn-wise. “When I first joined this school, I remember waking up at midnight and going to fetch water,” principal Suren Pradhan said. By Nirmala Pokhrel, Pemagatshel
Kuensel

Rodung La Trek

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Rodung La Trek

Duration: 10 days,
Max. Elevation: 4,160m
Highest Camp: 3,680
Standard: Medium to hard
Best Seasons: October to early November and April to early May
Start: Toktu Zampa (Bumthang) Finish: Trashi Yangtse

Summary:

This route was the most important trade route to eastern Bhutan till the road was built. Nowadays hardly anybody, except some ardent trekkers, travels along this route anymore. The route can also be seen as an extension of the Snowman Trek ending in Bumthang. The combination of the two of them, Snowman and Rodung La trek, connects the country from the west (Paro) to the far east (Trashi Yangtse). Although the trek does not lead into really high altitude, it is tough and involves long steep descents or ascents, depending on the side you start the trek. Definitely one of the harder treks in Bhutan!

Day 1: Jakar – Ngang Lhakhang

(Distance 20km, six to seven hours, camp altitude 2,800m)
The route takes you around Chamkhar Chhu, a river rich in trout. After passing Thangbi Lhakhang, a temple built by the first Karma Shamar in 13th century, further ahead you enter Ngang Yul, ‘Swan Land” and at its center is Ngang Lhakhang, the “Swan Temple”. This part of the valley was at first inhabitated by swans who gave their name (Ngang) to the place. The Lama Namkha Samdrup, having dreamt a vision of how to build a temple, shot an arrow and at the spot where the arrow landed, the Ngang Lhakhang was erected.

Day 2: Ngang Lhakhang – Ugyenchholing

(Camp altitude 2,850m)
Climb gradually to Phephe La pass (3,353m). Follow the trail until the pass takes you through one of the most stunning forested areas of this region. Allow for stops to enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings. Ugyen Choling Palace houses one of the most interesting museums of Bhutan.

Day 3: Ugyen Choling – Phokphey

(Distance 17km, five to six hours, 920m ascent, camp altitude 3,680m)
Today’s walk is through bamboos, hemlock and finally up to an alpine forest. The camp is in a meadow at the head of the valley.

Day 4: Phokphey – Pemi

(Distance 20km, six to seven hours, 480m ascent, 1,160m descent, camp altitude 2,950m)
Rodung La (4,160m) is about three hours climb from the camp. From the pass you then continue downhill through a gorge, overlooking some of the mountain valleys. The region is well known for its sightings of ghosts and yetis. Towards the camp you see pine trees and the ruined stone building was the grain storehouse during the times of the first and second king.

Day 5: Pemi – Khaine Lakhang

(Distance 21km, seven to eight hours, 350m ascent, 1,340m descent, camp altitude 2,010m)
This trail winds up and down, passing the villages of Ungaar, Bulay, Kulaypang and Gomda till you reach Drula village and Khaine Lhakhang en route. It is one of the oldest temples in existence today, built in mid 7th century by the King Songtshen Gampo of Tibet to subdue demons.

Day 6: Khaine Lakhang – Tangmachu

(Distance 18km, six to seven hours, 520m ascent, 810m descent, camp altitude 1,720m)
From your camp, the trail goes down to a stream and back up to a basic health unit and community school in Gorsam. Further on, you pass a Tibetan-style Umling Mani, built by a lama from Tibet, and a chorten on Zerim La (1,940m). Before reaching the next pass, Tage La (1,760m) you will see Menjabi, a beautiful Bhutanese village with large white houses. South-east of Tage La is Tangmachu High School. About 400 students study in this school. There is a campsite near the school. Another possibility is to organise transport and drive to Lhuentse, the capital of Lhuentse district, with its impressive dzong.

Day 7: Tangmachu – Menji

(Distance 16km, four to five hours, 690m ascent, 620m descent, camp altitude 1,830m)
Arrive firstly to Kuri Zampa and the trek from here is gradually up through the paddy fields and villages to Chusa.

Day 8: Menji – Pemi
(Distance 20km, five to six hours, 620m ascent, camp altitude 2,450m) Continue uphill through thick forests overlooking mountain views. The camp is under forest shelter at an altitude of 2,400m. Distance: 20 km. Time: six to seven hours.

Day 9: Pemi – Taupang

(Distance 21km, seven to eight hours, 1,450m ascent, 1,450m descent, camp altitude 2,450m)
Continue up to Dongla where you will have fascinating mountain views. Descend through thick evergreen forests till you reach campsite. Overnight campsite. Distance: 21 km. Time: six to seven hours.

Day 10: Taupang – Trashi Yangtse
(Distance 24km, eight to nine hours, 720m descent)
Today is the longest trek. It is a gradual downhill trek till Yangtse through chir pine and hardwood forests, and then oak in the sub tropical forest zone. Overnight camp.

Day 10: Taupang – Trashi Yangtse

(Distance 24km, eight to nine hours, 720m descent)
Today is the longest trek. It is a gradual downhill trek till Yangtse through chir pine and hardwood forests, and then oak in the sub tropical forest zone. Overnight camp. Distance: 24 km. Time: eight to nine hours.

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Samtengang Winter Trek

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Duration: Four days,
Max. Elevation: 2,000m
Highest Camp: 1,980m
Standard: Easy
Best Seasons: April and September to October
Start: Punakha
Finish: Chhuzomsa

Summary:

The best time for Samtengang Winter Trek might be March to April and October to November, but as the name suggests, it is possible throughout the whole winter. This is a short trek passing through some villages of Punakha valley.

Day 1: Punakha – Limukha

(Distance 12km, four hours, 880m ascent, camp altitude 1,980m) After passing the spectacular Punakha Dzong you cross the footbridge over the Pho Chhu and walk up to Shengana. The bridge to cross is the longest bridge in Bhutan. Climbing gradually through the forest you reach Limukha. Make sure you are carrying enough water as you won’t find any on the way to Limukha.

Day 2: Limukha – Chhungsakha

(Distance 14km, five hours, 430m descent, camp altitude 1,550m)
The path leads through rhododendron and oak forests to Chhungsakha. Chungsakha is a small village with about 10 houses. A holy stone and an impressive Cyprus tree are reminders of Drukpa Kuenley, the “divine madman”.

Day 3: Chhungsakha – Samtengang

(Distance 13km, five hours, 650m ascent, 270m descent, camp altitude 1,830m)
You walk downhill till you cross Pe Chhu. Climbing again you will pass the village of Sha on your way to Samtengang. Near the school in Samtengang you will see a small lake and your campsite is right next to it.

Day 4: Samtengang – Chhuzomsa

(Distance 15km, five to six hours, 730m descent)
The trail leads steeply downhill on a treeless slope to the road head at Chhuzomsa.