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Journey past a glittering tableau of revered peaks in the Bhutan Himalayas to Trongsa Dzong, the literal and figurative heart of the kingdom. Experience the region's grand annual tshechu festival where Buddhist dancers reenact myths, legends and moral tales that connect Bhutan 's past and present in a seamless narrative. Along with our other Sacred Rhythms programs, scheduled around annual festivals, our attendance at this year-end festival celebrates Bhutan's vibrant heritage.

Western writers have described the unique atmosphere at these festivals as akin to a "convivial medieval fair". To be certain, festivity plays a part, but it is also much more. It is a time for the Bhutanese people to reflect and receive blessings and remember important saints and teachers and, lest things become too somber—for there is always a joyous and practical side to Bhutanese life—an opportunity to wear the season's best, to flirt and cement relations, to see and be seen, and to share the best delicacies of the year with loved ones. In spring, we attend the Grand Paro festival or the Punakha Procession, known as Serdra. Fall takes us to Wangdiphodrang's and Thimphu's equally lively tshechus. Come winter we find ourselves in Trongsa, our home region. Join festive Bhutanese villagers at fun-filled and exuberant celebrations of our living culture and myths.

EN ROUTE IN BANGKOK: Now by special arrangement, you may choose to be picked up and dropped off from the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport and experience the sedate flow of the city while staying at some of the most venerable addresses along the banks of the Chaophraya River. Your four-day sojourn includes highlights of Thai culture, a chance to study Thai cuisine, and a night at the nationally acclaimed Siam Niramit Theatre. For more information, please click here.

Days 1 to 3: Arrive in Paro, visit the National Museum and transfer to Bhutan 's capital. Days 4 & 5: visit area museums and monuments and browse the market. Days 6 & 7: Transfer to Phobjikha Valley to view wintering Black Necked Cranes. Days 8 & 9: Transfer to Trongsa attend the Grand Trongsa Tshechu Festival. Day 10: Attend festivities and browse the single-lane market. Day 11: Excursion to Kuenga Rabden, palace of Bhutan's second king. Day 12: Transfer to Bumthang and visit the Castle of the White Crane. Days 13 & 14: visit Kurje temple complex and other area monuments, gentle hike to Thangbi village. Day 15: Transfer to Wangdue. Day 16: Visit Punakha Dzong, afternoon hike to Khamsum Temple. Day. 17: Transfer to Paro, visit Kyichu Temple. Day 18: hike to Taktshang "Tiger's Nest" Monastery. Day 19: Return flight to Bangkok or another gateway city.

If this trip does not meet your needs please be sure to consult our Featured Trips and Trip Samples. You may also wish to contact us directly to arrange a customized Private Journey for you or your group. You may also like to view our Short Adventures pages.