Bhutan Women-only Buddhism Tour – Spring 2012

Women-only Buddhism-focused Tour to Bhutan

Sorry you missed this tour! Please see our other tours to this region Bhutan women-only Culture and Festival Tour – Fall 2012

Number of days: 12

2012 itinerary dates: March 27 – April 7

Tour leader: Beth Whitman

* Tour closed. Please see our fall 2012 Bhutan tour.

WanderTours Giving Program – A portion of your tour cost will be donated to the Pema Choling Nunnery to help support the dedicated women at this Buddhist facility located near Bumthang.

This 12-day Buddhism-focused tour to Bhutan has been exclusively crafted for those interested in learning more about the Buddhist traditions of this Himalayan Kingdom and who want to enjoy the extraordinary spiritual qualities the country has to offer. The tour includes a lecture by a Buddhist scholar, the chance to meditate with a monk, several gentle yoga classes (suitable for yoginis of all levels) and regular lessons on the everyday practice of Buddhism in Bhutan.

This tour coincides with the Paro Festival which includes the unfurling of the country’s largest thongdrel. This sacred event occurs in the middle of the night with thousands of Bhutanese in attendance. It is a spiritual event not to be missed!

This very special itinerary also includes visits to some of the country’s most beautiful dzongs (temples), light hikes through the pristine mountains and a fantastic journey up to Tiger’s Nest!

The group will meet in Bangkok for the trip to Paro. Flights leave Bangkok early in the morning. It’s best to arrive one day prior to departure to Bhutan in the event of flight delays.

Read these Bhutan Holiday and Vacation Tips
Read Bhutan FAQs
See Recommended Books about Bhutan
View Bhutan Photo Gallery

Itinerary
Day 1
March 27, 2012 – Arrive in Paro, Bhutan – Thimphu
The flight into Paro on Bhutan’s national carrier, Druk Air, is a befitting introduction to the spectacular beauty of the country. In clear weather, magnificent views of the world’s highest peaks give way to the lush green Paro Valley as you land. Your first experience will be that of breathing in the cool, clean fresh air. After clearing customs and visa control, the group is met by the local guide and driven to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital (population 86,000; 7,520 feet) about 90 minutes away.

After lunch, the group will visit sights around Thimphu that may include a nunnery, the National Memorial Chorten, the National Zoo (more like a preserve, the only animal present is the national animal, the unique Takin), the handicraft emporium, the handmade paper factory and Tashichoo Dzong. Dinner will be followed by an overview of Buddhism in Bhutan. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu.

HIGHLIGHT! Though Thimphu is considered a bustling city compared to the rest of Bhutan, it is the world’s only capital without a traffic light! It is also a great place to find out about the nation’s thriving arts and crafts.

Day 2
March 28, 2012 – Thimphu – Punakha
Following breakfast, the group will leave for Dochu La Pass (10,000 feet) where you’ll have time to meander through the 108 chortens (small temples) and, on a clear day, take in views of the Himalayas. The drive climbs up through a forest of cedar and pine, dripping with lichen. From the pass, you’ll take a downhill walk through the woods, intersecting with the road where you’ll board the van and drive further east to the Punakha Valley.

If there’s time today, you’ll visit nearby Punakha Dzong, otherwise the visit will happen tomorrow. Dinner and overnight in Punakha.

HIGHLIGHT! Punakha Dzong is considered to be the most beautiful of all the dzongs in Bhutan. You’ll have time to look around the compound of buildings that house hundreds of monks in the winter months. You’ll tour the impressive main temple that contains huge Buddhas at the altar as well as thousands of small Buddha statues along the walls. The guide will provide detailed information about the dzong’s storied past and about the interior artwork.

Day 3
March 29, 2012 – Punakha – Trongsa
Today, you will start early with a yoga session prior to the 5-hour ride to Trongsa. Along the way, you will cut through the Black Mountains on Bhutan’s “Central Road,” completed just about 30 years ago. This highway essentially opened central Bhutan to the rest of world.

You’ll first stop in Wangdue, a small village and the district headquarters of Western Bhutan. If there’s time, you’ll stop at Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, which is situated on a ridge overlooking the two rivers. The road then climbs through tropical vegetation to Pele La Pass (10,900 feet) which is surrounded by towering rhododendron and dwarf bamboo. You’ll likely see yak, which often graze in this area and, if clear, you might see impressive Mt. Jhomulhari (24,140 feet) to the west. Coming down from the pass, you will go through an amazing gorge and then on to Trongsa, where you will visit the striking Trongsa Dzong.

Dinner and overnight at hotel in Trongsa.

Day 4
March 30, 2012 – Trongsa – Bumthang Valley
Following breakfast, you will proceed eastward to the Bumthang Valley, where you’ll have time to see a number of sights including: Kurjey Lhakhang and Jambay monasteries, the Tamshing Gompa, the Jakar Dzong and possibly the Swiss Farm, where they make cheese, honey, beer and local fruit spirits.

Overnight in Jakar (Bumthang Valley).

HIGHLIGHT! It’s believed that Buddhism in Bhutan started in Bumthang. This valley is great for spending a few days and experiencing the spiritual vibe that abounds.

Day 5
March 31, 2012 - Bumthang Valley – Tang Valley
This morning you’ll have another yoga class and then the group will leave for the Tang Valley along 15 miles of unpaved road that provides access to this area. You’ll make the hour-long hike up to Ogyen Choling Museum, where you’ll tour this special building that provides an amazing look into traditional life in Bhutan. Following the walk back down to the road, you’ll have a picnic lunch in a quiet spot along the river.

In the afternoon, you’ll pay a visit to the Pema Choling Nunnery to see how the women there live. This is a very special opportunity to see where the nuns reside and how they run the nunnery, which is quite different than the monasteries where the monks live.

Dinner and overnight at same hotel in Jakar.

HIGHLIGHT! The road to the Tang Valley is quite rough but the landscape, views and walk through the area are all beautiful and a visit to the museum is a unique opportunity to see how the Bhutanese have lived for centuries.

Day 6
April 1, 2012 – Bumthang – Ura
After breakfast, you’ll head to the Ura Valley, located approximately 25 miles outside from Jakar. The road reaches the Shelthang La Pass, where, in clear weather, there is a magnificent view of Bhutan’s highest peak, Gangkar Puensum (24,600 feet). From here, you’ll hike down through a lush forest and through the village of traditional homes to meet the bus.

Dinner and overnight at same hotel in Jakar.

HIGHLIGHT! Ura’s main occupation is raising sheep and yaks but the introduction of potato farming has brought a certain degree of prosperity to the people. You’ll have a chance to meander through the streets and alleys of this village to see their homes.

Day 7
April 2, 2012 - Bumthang – Gangtey
Following breakfast, you will start the drive back toward Paro. Along the way, you’ll stop at Yotong La Pass and continue on, via Trongsa, to Pele La Pass, and then onward to the Phoblika Valley (10’000 feet), considered to be the most beautiful valley in the Himalayas. There will be a lunch break along the way. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Gangtey.

HIGHLIGHT! The Phoblika Valley is the winter home to the endangered black-necked cranes which migrate from the Tibetan Plateau. While they are usually only here from November through March, sometimes you will find stragglers as late as April.

Day 8
April 3, 2012 - Gangtey – Wangdue
Following breakfast, you’ll visit Gangtey Gompa, which was built in the 17th century but was renovated just 2 years ago. From the gompa, you’ll walk back to the hotel along a path that cuts through a beautiful forest and then across the valley floor. Lunch will be served back at the hotel.

In the afternoon, you’ll drive 2 hours to a riverside hotel near Wangdue (4,000 feet). Dinner and overnight in Wangdue.

HIGHLIGHT! You’ll enjoy the morning’s walk in the Phoblika Valley which is one of the easiest and most beautiful on the tour. This region is breathtaking and you’ll likely see horses and cows meandering around the valley floor which is ringed by low mountain ranges.

Day 9
April 4, 2012 – Wangdue – Thimphu – Paro
From Wangdue, you’ll drive to Thimphu where you’ll have lunch and one last opportunity for sightseeing and souvenir shopping in the capital. You will then head to Paro where you will enjoy dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 10
April 5, 2012 – Paro
On this day, you’ll get an early start in order to hike the 2+ hours to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest), the country’s most photographed and well-known monastery. On most days, there are monks here who will be happy to bless items that you’ve carried with you (mala beads, prayers flags or other sacred items).

You’ll tour the several temples located at the top in addition to having time to simply enjoy the views from this perch.

Afterward, you’ll head back down, stopping at the tea shop/cafe located midway, where you can continue to enjoy exceptional views of Tiger’s Nest. You will then have a picnic lunch at the bottom of the hill.

Upon returning to Paro, you may have time for relaxing or going to town for last-minute souvenir shopping. Dinner and overnight in Paro.

HIGHLIGHT! The hike up to and the visit to Tiger’s Nest could quite possibly be the highlight of your time in Bhutan! It might be the highlight of your life!

Day 11
April 6, 2012 – Paro
Today you’ll arise very early (VERY early) to attend the Paro Festival. Sometime in the wee morning hours (perhaps 3 a.m.) the group will depart for the Paro Dzong to watch the unfurling of the thongdrel which takes place over a few hours time. After the unfurling, you’ll head back to the hotel to catch up on sleep or have breakfast (depending on the time).

The festival continues until the late afternoon and you may return to enjoy the rest of the day’s festivities (the King was spotted during our last Paro Festival!) or you may choose to peruse the streets of Paro, visiting sights that you might have missed previously.

A special final night’s dinner will be organized and then overnight in Paro.

Day 12
April 7, 2012 – Paro – Departure
Following breakfast, you’ll leave for the airport for the sad farewell to the Kingdom of Bhutan and your flight to Bangkok. Though you can connect with an international flight on the same day, you might consider staying in Bangkok for one night in case flights out of Paro are delayed (not uncommon).

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Costs:

* Tour closed. Please see our fall 2012 Bhutan tour.

Interested in sharing? We do our best to pair up same-sex travelers so as to avoid the single supplement. However, priority is given to the first deposits received. If you’re interested in sharing – PLEASE send in deposit as soon as possible in order to take advantage of this benefit. (Why a single supplement charge? See this FAQ page for an explanation.)

Final payment due no later than January 27, 2012.

Price includes: Transportation in Bhutan, all meals, hotels, bottled water, visa, airport tax and tourist development fund charge. Also includes cost of yoga classes, meditation session, lecture on Buddhism and entrance to monasteries and festivals.

Price does not include: Flights to and hotel in Bangkok, evacuation insurance (highly recommended), souvenirs, personal purchases (such as books and snacks), beverages other than water, and tips.

We recommend MedEx Assist for travel and/or evacuation insurance.

This trip is limited to 12 women and requires an $900 deposit on a first come, first served basis.
Minimum required: 5 people

Registration Form Bhutan Buddhism Tour 2012 (PDF)

For deposit and payments, please make payable and mail check to:

WanderTours
PO Box 16102
Seattle, WA 98116

For questions, please contact Beth at:
info (at) wandertours (dot) com
888-818-9918

It’s easy to make your deposit of $900! Simply click on the Buy Now button below and you’ll be taken to PayPal where you add your debit or credit card information. Subsequent payments may be made through PayPal by sending to: beth (at) wandertours (dot) com.

Bhutan Buddhism Tour Packing List: Provided upon registration

Bhutan Buddhism Tour Itinerary 2012 (PDF)

Tour Leader

About Beth
Beth Whitman has traveled the world for nearly 25 years and has a deep respect for cultures and the environment. She is the author of the Wanderlust and Lipstick series of guides and the editor of www.WanderlustAndLipstick.com and www.WanderTours. This will be her 7th trip to Bhutan and the 2nd attending the Paro Festival (a most amazing event!)

About Bhutan
Few travelers go to Bhutan because of the country’s insufficient infrastructure and the government’s desire that the country sustain its extraordinary culture. Accommodations are usually quite comfortable and listed in the 3-star international category. Most have WiFi and/or computers. Meals are usually served buffet-style at the hotel and include plenty of cooked vegetables, rice and occasionally meat. Vegetarians will have no issues finding enough to eat.

Bhutan is situated high in the Himalayas. The altitude shouldn’t be a problem for most, but sometimes people react to it with minor headaches or stomachaches. Participants should be fairly fit and will enjoy some light hiking throughout the journey.

For those vulnerable to motion sickness, please bring medication or natural remedies in the event the twisty roads get to you.

Related links:
Bhutan Photo Gallery
Bhutan Holiday and Vacation Tips
Bhutan FAQs
Recommended Books about Bhutan