Fibers of Bhutan: Culture, Heritage and Arts

A mysterious Himalayan kingdom, Bhutan is a serene place where Buddhism is the essential foundation interwoven throughout daily life. Intense storms in these dramatic mountains gave Bhutan its name which means “Land of the Thunder Dragon.” The landscape of deep valleys, lush forests and striking mountains is treasured by the Bhutanese people. Wildlife such as the golden langur, endangered snow leopard, black-necked crane and takin, the national animal of Bhutan, call this stunning country home. Bhutan maintained its independence for hundreds of years and remained closed to the outside world until 1974. Today, the country remains off the beaten path: full of vibrant culture and natural wonders that few people have the chance to experience. Bhutan's constitutional monarchy aims to preserve traditional Bhutanese values and a quality of life that centers around spiritual values. This has been famously measured in terms of “Gross National Happiness.”

Fibers of Bhutan: Culture, Heritage and Art delves into the cultural and artistic heart of Bhutan. Traveling from west to east, you will experience remote, local villages via homestays as well as life in  bustling cities and towns.

In the western region of Haa, stay in a village home, meet women whose ancestors have been weaving for generations and learn about the artistic traditions and influences of this remote kingdom. Explore some of the holiest and historically significant temples and hike through breathtaking terrain. Northeast of Haa, in the capitol city of Thimphu, you will meet with a local textile designer and join her in an exclusive behind the scenes experience. You will also have time to engage in the capitol's gallery of traditional Bhutanese culture. Explore the Thimphu weekend market to shop for handicrafts and immerse with locals in their daily routines. Continue across Bhutan to the Trongsa Dzong, built in 1644 and overlooking the Mangde River. Further east, in the Bumthang region, experience the center of weaving culture in Bhutan. Engage with Bhutanese people in Chumey Valley, while they practice daily livelihoods such as traditional weaving of woolen fabrics. You will see weaving traditions and unique regional textiles made from yak and sheep wool firsthand. The serene views are continuous throughout Phobjikha. Your Bhutanese experience will be crowned by hiking to the legendary Taktshang Monastery, also called Tiger’s Nest, on a trail through pine trees festooned with Spanish moss and fluttering prayer flags.

The tranquil kingdom of Bhutan is often called the “last Shangri-La.”  The combination of Buddhist cultural traditions and stunning landscape make Bhutan a cherished destination. Be one of the few travelers to experience Bhutan’s rural Himalayan life and unique, millennia-long artistic traditions.

Highlights:

• Learn from local women about the weaving traditions, materials and techniques of Bhutan
• Meet local textile designer to learn about her art, behind the scenes
• Visit the best arts and crafts museums in the country
• Homestay with local family and participate in rituals of daily life
• Cultural exchange with a monastic school
• Experience a country whose policies and cultural heritage have been shaped from Buddhism for thousands of years
• Visit to Bumthang, the cultural center of Bhutan
• Shop at the famed Thimphu weekend market, observing centuries of commerce and tradition
• Meet local women and learn about their life and education
• Hike to the Tiger’s Nest monastery (Taktsang Monastery), and have the unique opportunity to go inside, light butter lamps and offer prayers
• Sightseeing including dzongs (forts), monasteries, temples, other spiritual sites and wildlife refuges

Day 01 - Bangkok to Paro

Depart early from Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. You will be met upon arrival at Paro (7,300 feet) by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Bhutan. Rejuvenate with refreshments at the hotel. Drive to nearby Ta-Dzong, where you’ll be introduced to Bhutan with a visit to the National Museum which houses art, handicrafts, costumes and ancient weapons displays. Stroll the streets of Paro in the evening. (Lunch and Dinner)

Day 2 and 3 - Paro to Haa Valley (Dorikha Homestay)
After breakfast, come to understand Bhutan's cultural heritage and take in spectacular views in a morning visit to Bhutan's National Museum. Then, take a scenic drive over Chele-la pass to Haa, the “Hidden Land Rice Valley”. Stay with a local family and experience Bhutan's provincial lifestyle, participating in homestead tasks as desired; learning about the crops and folklore. Perhaps you will learn to cook from the women at your family’s home or you may choose a traditional hot stone bath.

When in another country, you're lucky to meet its youth. It's an honest way to gauge a new place and understand the spirit of the culture. We will visit a small monastic school where we will support their educational experience through cultural exchange. (All meals)

Day 4 and 5 - Thimpu Day 2 and 3 - Paro to Haa Valley (Dorikha Homestay)

Thimphu, the Bhutanese capital (7,609 feet), is situated in a valley surrounded by terraced rice fields. The main street in Thimphu, Norzim Lam, is lined with shops. Here we will meet with a local textile designer to learn about her art, and join her in an exclusive behind the scenes experience. Visit Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Learn more about the culture at the Zorig Chusum (“the painting school”) which features many traditional arts and crafts. On Saturday, we will visit the famed Thimphu Weekend Market, at which farmers from all over Bhutan come to peddle their goods; a favorite destination of many visitors to Bhutan.

Visit the Royal Textile Academy and acquire a deeper knowledge and appreciation for Bhutan's weaving and textile design and cultural heritage; learn about the thirteen arts of Bhutan. Meet with a representative of National Commission for Women and Children, and learn about the challenges and opportunities for women. We will end the day by lighting a candle at the liveliest Buddhist temple, Changangkha Lhakhang. (All meals)

Day 06 - Thimpu to Punakha
Today we will drive to Punakha. Climbing steeply through a scenic forest of pine and cedar trees to Dochula pass (10,000 feet), the road offers panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges on the descent to the fertile valley of Punakha (4,430 feet). Before proceeding further to the town of Punakha, hike about 30 minutes to the Chimi Lhakhang (temple) on a small hilltop. The temple was dedicated to a great Yogi in the 14th century, known as Drukpa Kuenley, or “Divine Madman.” He dramatized Buddhist teachings using songs and outrageous sexual humor. Bold phallus symbols and paintings on the houses and temples are a result of his influence. It is believed that this temple blesses women who seek fertility.

After lunch, continue to Punakha Dzong (fortress) situated between the two rivers, Pho Chu and Mochu (male and female river). The fortress is used as the winter seat of Je Khenpo (the spiritual head of Bhutan). The Dzong served as the capital seat of the Kingdom for more than 300 years. The intricate Buddhist paintings inside the monastery are remarkable. (All meals)

Day 07 - Punakha and Phojibka Valley
Phobjikha Valley is one of the few glacial valleys in Bhutan, and today we will have the chance to partake in an unmatched day hike. This alpine wetland borders an important conservation area and is home to muntjacs (barking deer), wild boars, sambars, Himalayan black bears, leopards and red foxes. Endangered black-necked cranes, locally known as Thrung Thrung Karm and having a life expectancy of 70-80 years, come here to winter. The cranes are revered as a heavenly bird and a sign of good luck. Bhutanese folklore, songs, dances and historical references feature the black-necked crane.

We will also have time to drink in a spectacular valley view and continue learning about Bhutanese culture by visiting the Gangtey Goemba: a 17th century monastery, located on a hillside overlooking the valley. (All meals)

Day 08 -  Punakha to Jakar (Bumthang) via Chumey and Trongsa
Continuing east, we depart toward the center of the country. Trongsa is a place steeped in regal history and its impressive dzong (fortress) is unmistakably seen when approaching the town. Learn more about Bhutan's history and monarchy at the watch tower “Ta Dzong,” now home to a magnificent museum.

We will also stop in the small village of Chumey to see in more detail how the local population weaves its own textiles from hand-dyed wool. Yathra, a textile made of yak and sheep wool is unique to this region. Arriving at Jakar in the Bumthang region, one of the centers of weaving culture in Bhutan and the historic heart of east/west trade in the country, we will be immersed in authentic local arts culture. (All meals)

Day 09 -  Jakar
Today we go to the hub of weaving culture. Jakar is located in the Choekor Valley - considered to be one of the most beautiful in all Bhutan, and commonly referred to as "Little Switzerland". Jakar is where we see the folklore and religious stories come alive. Those who have been fascinated with the mythology of other cultures: take note! We will visit the sacred 7th century Jambay Lhakhang Monastery, which is said to be one of the 108 temples built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo on a single day, to pin down an ogress to earth forever.

We will stop at Kurje Lhakhang: one of Bhutan's most sacred monasteries. The monastery consists of three buildings; the oldest building is built around a cave. But it's no ordinary cave! It's the cave in which a body print of Guru Rinpoche (the “precious master” who was born from a lotus flower) is said to be preserved. Also, there is a magnificent tree near the building that – according to tales - grew from Guru Rinpoche's walking stick. There are many possibilities for hiking and exploration here. We will witness an evening debate amongst the monks at the Namkhe Nyingpo Goemba: ancient tradition with firmly adhered to rules of procedure; has more than 300 monks in residence. (All meals)

Day 10 -  Bumthang to Paro (fly)
Take a morning flight heading west back to Paro. Breathtaking panoramic aerial views of the country. Leaving the afternoon free to digest all the good stuff we've experienced so far, to shop, rest and explore.

In the unlikely case of severe weather unsuitable for aircraft, we will use this as a buffer day and drive back to Paro: this ensures we make our international flight back to Bangkok. (All meals)

Day 11 -  Tiger's Nest Monastery Excursion
Begin the day with breakfast before a short drive to Taktshang Monastery. The trail to the monastery climbs through pine trees festooned with Spanish moss and occasional fluttering prayer flags. Hike at your own pace for about two to four hours.

Built in 1600s, the monastery clings to the edge of a sheer-rock cliff that plunges 2,952 feet into the valley below. It is believed that, in the 8th century, Guru Rimpoche, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, landed here on the back of a flying tigress to subdue a demon. Guru Rimpoche is believed to have meditated here for three months. (All meals)

Day 12 - Depart for home
Transfer to airport for flight home. (Breakfast)

Per person Price (2012)
6 or more persons: $ 3,995 USD per person
Single Supplement: $ 800 USD

Extra: Bangkok - Paro - Bangkok airfare: $ 1,000 USD (subject to change)

Price includes:

• Expert pre-trip advice and detailed information
• Meeting and assistance at airport and transfers to hotels
• All in-country transportation
• Airfare: Bumthang to Paro
• Meals as indicated on itinerary
• Homestay accommodations and program
• Tours and excursions outlined on itinerary
• Bhutan Visa and Tourism Development Fee

Price does not include:

• Your international airfare
• Meals not indicated in the itinerary
• Tips and gratuities
• Travel insurance (Required)
• Other expenses of a personal nature (soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, mineral water, laundry, phone calls, internet, battery charging, comfort food etc.)

May 15 - 26, 2012

Available

Cannot find a departure that fits your schedule? No problem. Contact us for private departures (two or more participants) for a date of your choosing. NO additional charge for private departure.

 

Available:
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Step 1: Contact Us
Contact us at 1-888-586-7750 or email to confirm availability for your preferred travel dates.

Step 2: Send Deposit and Registration Information
Make a copy of the photo page of your passport. If your trip involves a trek in Nepal, email or send us a passport-sized color photo. Mail a check for $500 per person for Nepal Treks or $1,000 for other journeys (non-refundable deposit), passport copy, photo and completed reservation form.

Our mailing address is:
Grand Asian Journeys
PO Box 608
Indianola, WA 98342
USA

Once we receive your payment and documents we will send you additional details of your trip including travel details, VISA information, packing list, specific trip information and insurance options.

If you are traveling to Bhutan, we are required to book your airfare so an additional payment will be required. Contact us for details.

Cancelation Policy

If you cancel:

• More than 60 days prior to departure; deposit is forfeited, the remainder is refunded
• 60 to 30 days prior to departure, 50% of tour cost subject to refund
• No refunds will be provided for any unused services or cancellations made within 30 days prior to departure