FESTIVALS OF BHUTAN

13 Days
Paro * Punakha * Wangdi * Trongsa * Bumthang * Thimpu

As an avid APA traveler aptly said, "Bhutan is unarguably the most beautiful country on planet earth!" Immerse yourself in the festivities of its popular tshechu (festivals) that are genuine religious events not staged for tourists. Bhutanese people travel from all over the country to join in the celebrations. Meet entire families proudly attired in their exquisitely hand woven national dress. Rejoice amidst stalls laden with silver jewelry, textiles and the rare and mysterious Dzi bead! View the flamboyant mask dancers and atsaras (clowns) amidst a fanfare of drums and cymbals, against a backdrop of mountains and monasteries - a photographer's dream come true!

Be amongst the privileged few to experience Bhutan's still pristine environment before it changes forever! Drive past scenic terraced valleys with brightly painted farmhouses. View winding rivers, deep canyons, alpine forests and stately dzongs (fortresses that are seat of government, monastery and armory) - all set in splendid isolation. Hike to the famous Tiger Nest Monastery perched high on a sheer cliff. Guru Padmasambhava, the great teacher is said to have landed here on a flying tiger and brought tantric Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century. At the textile museum see the hand woven museum quality textiles. Fortunately weaving still remains an intrinsic part of the Bhutanese culture. At the thangka (Buddhist paintings) painting school observe the painstaking process of creating these beautiful paintings often used for meditation. See how rice paper is made and bring some home as gifts. Enjoy a long but spectacular drive over the 10,000 foot Dochu La Pass festooned with multicolored prayer flags. See wild cherry blossoms, silver langurs (monkeys), and a vivid patchwork of golden green rice fields. Descend into bright rhododendron and magnolia forests and the semi-tropical zone of oranges, bananas and cacti. View the strategically located dzongs, and goembas (monasteries) - architectural delights that are strewn throughout the countryside.

TOUR CODE: FB
TOUR DATES:
2010: Apr 22 - May 4, Festival Oct 20 - Nov 1 Festival
2010: Similar dates

2010 TOUR PRICES:
Land Package:
$3970 (6+ members)
+$180 (4-5 members)
+$370 (2-3 members)
Single Supplement: $790

Approx. International Air: $1280 (Los Angeles / Bangkok / Los Angeles)
Approx. Internal Air: $1160

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