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Description
Bhutan, “The land of the Thunder Dragon”, has shunned the rush toward the modern world. This country, nestled in the heart of the Himalayan Mountains, has for centuries remained a mystery to the rest of the world. Come with the Palm Beach Photographic Centre, to this land of remarkable climates and ecosystems for the most remarkable photographic adventure of your life.
We will encounter traditional Buddhist culture, pastoral walks, remote villages, fortresses and monasteries, pristine land and a sacred festival. Because Bhutan has controlled tourism, it has been less explored and photographed than most other countries. In 2004, just under 9000 outsiders entered the country.
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A trip to Bhutan is a rare privilege, a glimpse into an egalitarian society flourishing amidst thriving eco-systems.
Tantric Mahayana Buddhism permeates all aspects of Bhutanese culture, and the trip will include a festival with sacred pageantry and dance. This is a lively event when local people, wearing their finest hand-woven clothes, will have come, most on foot, from miles around to gain the blessings of attendance at these rites, and to enjoy the camaraderie of family and friends. Dance performances will go on all day amidst swirling incense, streaming costumes, ancient, magically charged masks and sacred rites. There is a mosaic of different people who continue to live in valleys isolated from one another and from the outside world. The Bhutanese have treasured their natural environment as it is seen as a source of all life and the abode of the gods and spirits.
As we visit the capital city of Timphu, which lies in a beautiful, wooded valley, you will have an opportunity to experience the only world capital without traffic lights. This city has managed to retain its charming, medieval feel with its brightly painted and elaborately decorated facades. The markets will introduce you to the life and culture of the people. The people of Bhutan offer you unbelievable photo opportunities with their colorful dress, music and dancing. When we cross Pele La Pass (11,300 feet), we will be able to view the magnificence of the Himalayan range. Buddhism has been the predominant religion since the seventh century, and we will be able to photograph some of the most ancient and precious Buddhist sites in Bumthang and Jakar, and one of the kingdom’s most famed religious festivals, the Jakar Tshechu Festival .
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Biography
Brenda Tharp's travels have taken her to several continents, and to diverse cultures such as Egypt, Ireland, Mexico, New Zealand, and British Columbia, along with journeys to all parts of the USA, for assignment, stock and fine art photography. She has in-depth experience at photographing under unusual lighting conditions, weather, and travel constraints. She’s been featured on Canon’s Photo Safaris TV program, and has been published in a variety of travel-related magazines, including Northwest Traveler, Travel Holiday and Sunset National Geographic Books, Michelin’s Guide Books to Mexico and San Francisco, and has written for several publications on the topics of travel and outdoor photography. Her book, Creative Nature and Outdoor Photography, covers a broad spectrum of photography tips and techniques that work for both nature and travel.
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Itinerary
Monday, Apr. 14, 2008
Meals Provided: L D
Fly Bangkok to Paro on KB #121 (05:50 - 09:00)
Upon our arrival this morning in Paro this morning , after clearing Immigration & Custom formalities, we meet our guide and immediately depart on the two hour drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan.
Thimphu has a population of 45,000, composed mainly of monks, the Kingdom's royal family, government and civil service, and a growing middle class. Thimphu's emergence as a capital city only began in 1952. Unlike many modern cities, Thimphu has kept a strong national character in its architecture. Small and secluded, the city is quiet and there are never any traffic jams.
After lunch, begin our exploration of the city with a visit to the Memorial Chorten, where we can witness the faithful making their prayerful circumambulations. Built in 1974 to honor the memory of the beloved third king, the father of the current monarch, this chorten is the focus of daily worship for many.
Our next stop will be at the National Library, followed by the Handicrafts Emporium and the Traditional Papermaking Factory. Rest of the evening is at leisure to stroll the town on your own.
Overnight at the Hotel Riverside - Thimphu
Tuesday, Apr. 15, 2008
Meals Provided: B L D
This morning, begin our exploration with a visit to the Takin Sanctuary to see Bhutan’s national animal, followed by a short stop at the Zilukha Nunnery to have a glimpse at the role of women in the spiritual realm. Our next stop will be at the Institute of Traditional Medicine, where traditional art of healing is still practiced.
Next, we’ll visit the School of Arts and Crafts to watch young students being trained in traditional arts of the country, including sacred thangka painting techniques followed by the Folk Heritage Museum.
After lunch, witness a private performance at the Royal Academy of Performing Arts, followed by a visit to the Textile Museum.
Finish our day with a visit to the Tashichhodzong, the capitol building. Here, the king and the Je Khenpo (supreme religious leader) rule side-by-side to provide for the welfare of their people's secular and spiritual well-being. They are both equally loved and venerated by the Bhutanese.
Overnight at the Hotel Riverside - Thimphu
Wednesday, Apr. 16, 2008
Meals Provided: B L D
This morning, after an early breakfast, begin our journey eastward into the Punaka district. We will enjoy some of the most stunning views of the Himalayas (weather permitting). The nearly 3 hour drive takes you across the Dochu La Pass (10,332 feet), its summit marked with cairns and prayer flags. The terrain shifts into heavy forests or evergreens and seasonally tinted broadleaf trees.
Before arriving at our hotel, stop at the Chhimi Lhakhang, a fertility shrine built in the 15th century. Hopeful young couples wanting children may be seen making offerings to the shrine and its builder, the notoriously playful and beloved saint Lama Drukpa Kunley, also known as the “the Divine Madman.” His humorous and shocking antics and many sexual exploits were meant to shake up a stodgy clergy and reveal the true nature of Buddhism to the people. The cheerful flying phallus that one sees and also the paintings on homes throughout Bhutan is a tribute to this saint, whose presence distracts and thus repels evil spirits.
After lunch, visit the Punakha Dzong, the winter residence of the Chief Abbot and the central monastic body when they migrate here from Thimphu. The dzong was damaged by fire in 1986, and recently renovated using traditional building techniques that eschew the use of nails, plans or power tools.
Overnight at the Zangtopelri Hotel – Punakha
Thursday, Apr. 17, 2008
Meals Provided: B L D
After breakfast, embark on our scenic drive to Trongsa, across Pele La Pass at 11,300 feet, which divides western Bhutan from the central and eastern part of the country. Trongsa is right in the middle of the country. The town had a large influx of Tibetan immigrants in the late 1950's and early 1960's, and Bhutanese of Tibetan descent run most of the shops here. The Tibetans are so well assimilated into Bhutanese society that there is almost no indication of Tibetan flavor in the town.
Here, we will visit the stunning Trongsa Dzong, built in 1644 by Chhogyel Mingyur Tenpa. This dzong is considered one of the most magnificent pieces of architecture in Bhutan. The landscape around Trongsa is spectacular and the dzong can be seen for miles.
Overnight at the Yangkhil Resort – Trongsa
Friday, Apr. 18, 2008
Meals Provided: B L D
Today, we will drive approximately 2.5 hours to Bumthang. The Bumthang region encompasses four major valleys: Choskhor, Tang, Ura and Chhume. Because the dzongs and the most important temples are in the large Choskhor Valley, it is commonly referred to as the Jakar Valley.
After lunch, begin our exploration of this sacred valley with a visit to the Jambhay Lhakhang, built in 659 AD and believed to be one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. Our next stop will be at the Kurjey Lhakhang, the monastery where Guru Rimpoche, the 8th century master meditated and left his body imprint on rock where he sat.
Finally, walk 20 minutes to Tamshing Gompa, founded by the great “revealer of treasures,” Pema Lingpa. It contains exquisite paintings and statuary said to date back to the time of the great revealer himself.
The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to stroll the local town.
Overnight at the Gongkhar Guest House – Jakar
Saturday, Apr. 19, 2008
Meals Provided: B L D
Today, we will embark on an excursion trip to the Ura Valley, the highest of the Bumthang valleys and home to some of the country's oldest and most picturesque villages. Located at an altitude of approximately 10,300 feet, Ura has become a model farming village, due to its hard working people who have prevailed despite the harsh climatic conditions. With clusters of small houses lining cobblestone streets, the village of Ura retains a medieval feel.
Here we’ll partake in the annual religious festival here with throngs of pilgrims and participants. Ornate costuming, ceremonial symbolism, and dances performed by monks as well as lay people inside the monastery courtyard celebrate fertility and religious conquest. Masks and head gear compliment vibrant colored clothing worn by performers and attendees. In a convivial, sometimes rowdy atmosphere there is spirited competition, singing, and imbibing. To partake in these festivals is a rare honor for locals and visitors alike, which is believed to bestow merit on the onlookers.
Overnight at the Gongkhar Guest House – Jakar
Sunday, Apr. 20, 2008
Meals Provided: B L D
Today we will explore the Bumthang valley, including the Swiss Dairy Project to see the processing of cheese and wheat beer. We’ll also visit the Lobdra Karchu Dratshang and the Jakar Dzong.
Late this afternoon we will embark on our return drive west to back to Trongsa with a planned 2.5 hours in transit arriving back at the Yangkhil Resort for the night.
Overnight at the Yangkhil Resort – Trongsa
Monday, Apr. 21, 2008
Meals Provided: B L D
This morning we continue traveling west to Wangdue stopping along the way based on our interests and local events. Arriving early this afternoon we'll get settled into our comfortable hotel before exploring the town and its famous Dzong, founded in 1637.
Overnight at the Kyichu Resort – Wangdue
Tuesday, Apr. 22, 2008
Meals Provided: B L D
After breakfast we will continue back to Paro arriving in time for a late lunch and check into our beautiful, boutique hotel.
Afterwards we will spend the remainder of the afternoon exploring including a visit to the impressive Paro Dzong (fortress monastery) that dominates the valley. Here we see one of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture, and be introduced to the Bhutanese version of the blending of church and state; that is, of tantric Buddhism's role in the country's political organization and its architectural manifestation.
We will also stop by the Dumtse Lhakhang (temple). Built in a very unusual style in 1433 by Thangtong Gyalpo (the legendary 'Iron Bridge Builder' of Bhutan) this small temple has cave like tiny passageways and beautiful paintings.
Overnight at the Hotel Zhiwa Ling – Paro
Wednesday, Apr. 23, 2008
Meals Provided: B L D
If the defining feature of Nepal's cultural legacy is one of absorbing influences from India, and Tibet's one of struggle against the Communist Chinese, little Bhutan has managed against great odds to maintain what is perhaps the purest form of indigenous Buddhism practiced anywhere in the world. Here again, the people are a delight: so few foreigners actually make it to Bhutan that the few who do are welcomed with open arms, friendly smiles and an innocent curiosity. The eagerness with which the Bhutanese share their traditions is a wonderful hallmark of this amazing culture.
Today will be spent exploring the Paro Valley beginning with Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the most sacred temples in Bhutan. Bhutanese history says that this temple was one of 108 temples built in a single day in 659 AD by Songstsen Gampo of Tibet for the specific purpose of pinning down an ogress who, covering all of Bhutan and Tibet, was impeding the spread of Buddhism in the area. Pilgrims come from all over the region to worship at this sacred site.
The next stop will be at the Ta Dzong (National Museum), housed in an ancient watchtower to view it’s well-interpreted collection of historic artifacts. We will also have an opportunity to visit the home compound of a local farming family to enjoy conversation, local tea and snacks.
End the day with a visit to the picturesque ruins of the once massive Drukgyel Dzong. This fortress sits along a strategic route to Tibet and once provided protection from invasion from the north. Rest of the afternoon is at leisure to stroll the town or possibly witness an archery practice.
Overnight at the Hotel Zhiwa Ling - Paro
Thursday, Apr. 24, 2008
Meals Provided: B
This morning we transfer back to the airport for our return flight to Bangkok.
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