8 Nights / 9 Days
TOUR DESCRIPTION
The Gasa Tshechu is the biggest festival in the small district of Gasa in northwest Bhutan. Gasa is home to highlander communities. While many mask dances are performed like in other festival, the local folk dances performed are very unique and distinct adding to the festive mood of the celebration
GASA TOUR AND FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
Get together with the local of Gasa Communities
Witness the charm of the tantric Buddhism through various mask dances and be blessed with virtues and merits.
Visit many cultural attractions including medieval fortresses (Dzongs), markets and museums
Hike up to the famous Taktsang Monastery, perched on a cliff 900m above the valley floor
Marvel at the elaborate and ancient wall paintings and carvings in Dzongs and temples
Traverse beautiful landscapes from lush valleys to dense forests
Get chance to taste traditional local delicate: Cheese; beef rice; Butter tea; Yogurt; Highland barley wine
A chance to try traditional costume of Bhutan
A Traditional hot spring bath at Gasa. Those hot springs are considered to be containing medical herb which heals you from various disease.Flight into Bhutan via Drukair (can be arranged with us)
Flight on another airline to catch Drukair Flight
Meals at 4-5 stars restaurants
Hotel stay outside of Bhutan
Expenditure of personal nature
Travel Insurance (can be arranged with us)
Tips for the guide and driver
Language guide
Alcoholic drink.
The Flight to Paro gives you a breathtaking view of Major Himalaya peaks such as Everest, Kanchenjunga and Makalu, and Bhutan’s own snowy peaks, the sacred Jhomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsherimgang on a clear day. As you enter Paro valley, you will sweep past forested hills with the silvery Pa Chu (Paro river) meandering down the valley below. Paro Dzong (fortress) and Ta Dzong (watchtower) on the hills above the town will be a fine sight.
Our team will be there to receive you as you exit Paro airport after completion of arrival formalities. Our team will warmly welcome you by offering you the scarf and then drive you to one of the popular restaurants in the country for a lunch.
After Lunch,
Drive to Thimphu and visit the Buddha Dordenma Statue, this massive statue of Buddha Shakyamuni measures in at a height of 51.5 meters, making it one of the largest statues of Buddha in the world. The statue is made of bronze and is gilded in gold. The Buddha Dordenma is located atop a hill in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park and overlooks the Southern entrance to Thimphu Valley.
Followed by Thimphu Memorial Chorten, built in the memory of our late 3rd king of Bhutan Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. It holds paintings and statues which provide a very rare insight into Buddhist Philosophy.
And a walk around the town for you to get a glimpse of the capital of Bhutan. It is the only capital in the world were no traffic lights are used. The walk gives you an insight to the Bhutanese architectural and paintings. (Overnight at Thimphu)
Morning hours,
You will embark on a leisurely hour-long walk to the 18 Century Wangditse monastery, situated atop Thimphu. The walk is a nature walk and offers you the best nature can afford. You will also get to see the spectacular view of the Majestic Trashichoe Dzong, The National Assembly, and the Thimphu valley. On your way back from Wangditse, stop by the Motithang Takin Preserve to see the Takin, Bhutan’s National Animal.
Followed by a visit to Thimphu Changangkha Lhakhang, The fortress-like temple perched on a ridge above central Thimphu hums with pilgrim activity. It was established in the 12th century on a site chosen by Lama Phajo Drukgom Zhigpo. It is traditionally popular among the parents with newborns. They come here to get auspicious names for their newborns or blessings for their young children from the protector deity Tamdrin. You too can get an auspicious name for your children from this temple. Our team will then take you to your hotel for a lunch.
Afternoon,
Visit the Centennial Farmers Market, where the farmer from all the district of Bhutan come to sell their agriculture and farming products. You will get to see the different products available in Bhutan
Followed by a visit to Folk Heritage Museum– A living museum of rural life which provides visitors and tourists with fascinating insights into the Bhutanese material culture and way of life.
The evening with a visit to the massive Trashi Choe Dzong. This splendid Dzong, north of the city on the west bank of the Wang Chhu, seems to fit seamlessly into the valley, lending the city both regal splendor and monastic weight. The Dzong was the site of the lavish formal coronation of the fifth king in 2008 and hosts the country biggest annual festival known as Tsechu festivities. It hosts the Office of the King, Prime Minister, Some Ministry and religious body of Thimphu district. It is also a summer residence of the religious head, Jekhenpo. (Overnight at Thimphu)
After Breakfast,
You will then depart for Punakha, the Ethereal Ancient Capital. The drive will take about 3 hours. Enroute you will stop by the Dochula Pass (10,100feet). This pass is a popular location among visitors as it offers a stunning 360-degree panoramic view of Bhutanese Himalayan range. The view is especially scenic on a clear day with snowcapped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquility of the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens gracing the mountain pass. Our team will stop there for you to take a photograph and an explanation.
Followed by a drive through the countryside as it affords a glimpse of everyday life in this most remote of Himalayan kingdoms and visit Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of the Drukpa Kuenley who is also known as the Divine Madman. He inherited the Divine Madman title since he revolted against the orthodox Buddhism in his time. He is also considered a symbol of fertility and most childless couples go to his temple for blessing. Our team will then escort you for a lunch at one of the finest restaurants in Punakha.
After lunch,
Visit Punakha Dzong, the “Palace of Great Happiness” built in 1637 by the Zhabdrung, the ‘Unifier of Bhutan’. It is the winter headquarters of the Je Khenpo and hundreds of monks who move En masse from Thimphu to this warmer location. The Punakha Dzong is a breathtaking example of traditional architecture with four intricately embossed entrance pillars crafted from cypress and decorated in gold and silver. It was here in 1907 that Bhutan’s first king was crowned. Followed by a walk to Bhutan’s second longest suspension bridge for you to have a heart-pumping experience and authentic Bhutanese view. (Overnight at Punakha)
Early morning,
Our team will drive to Yabesa village from where you will hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten through rice fields. It was built by her majesty the Queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck. It is Perched high on a hill on the bank of the river and houses paintings belonging to Nyingmapa Traditions. Followed by a drive to Gasa with picnic lunch on the way.
Upon arrival, our team will help you prepare the tent for you while you go around the Gasa community or soak in the hot spring. (Dinner and overnight here at Gasa, Campsite)
After your breakfast,
Our team will help you get dressed in traditional Bhutanese attire and then take you to attend the festival. You will enjoy the Gasa festival with an amazing the people of Gasa, their unique culture, and costumes.
Later in the evening, you will explore the Gasa community and followed by the Hot Spring. (Overnight at Gasa Camp)
After your breakfast,
Our team will help you get dressed in traditional Bhutanese attire and then take you to attend the festival. You will enjoy the Gasa festival with an amazing the people of Gasa, their unique culture, and costumes.
Later in the evening, you will explore the Gasa community and followed by the Hot Spring. (Overnight at Gasa Camp)
After an early breakfast,
You will bid farewell to our camping staff and the drive to Thimphu.
On reaching Punakha, you will visit Punakha Dzong, the most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan and followed by a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of fertility. Our team will then take you for a lunch at Lobesa.
After Lunch, continue our journey to Paro. Evening at leisure. (Dinner and overnight at Hotel)
After breakfast,
Our team will take you to the base of Paro Taktshang from where you will hike the most famous and sacred monastery in Buddhism world. Taktsang means “Tiger Nest”. Legend has it that the saint Guru Rinpoche flew to this site riding on the back of a flying tigress late in the 9th century.
It is a 2hours hike from the road end. The trail climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags.
Lunch will be served at Taktshang cafeteria.
On our way back, drive to the Kyichu Lhakhang. It is one of the two most sacred and the oldest temples in Bhutan, built in 7th century by Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo (the 33rd Tibetan king, who is also the manifestation of Avalokiteshvara, commonly known to Bhutanese as Chenrize).- Evening at leisure, followed by a hot stone bath and dinner at one of the popular restaurant at the middle of the farm known as Ecolodge. (Dinner and overnight at Paro)
After our breakfast,
Our team will drive to Paro International Airport for your onward flight. Our guide and driver will bid you farewell here at the airport. We wish you a very safe and pleasant flight for your onward destinations.
USD 2,160 for 1 person |
USD 2,080 per person for 2 person travelers |
USD 1,840 per person for group of 3 and above |
Please check with your agent on the festival Date
Bhutan Entire Season Travelers is a respected name in the tourism industry of Bhutan. This travel company is the brainchild of Mr. Nim Daw. His consistent efforts resulted in the establishment of this company in the year 2013 in Thimphu. Under his guidance, we've been flourishing speedily and are one of the fastest growing travel companies in Bhutan Read More...
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