Making a difference
Nominated in the category "Best in Mountain Environment" on "Virgin Holidays, Responsible Tourism Awards 2010, 2011"
Punakha Dromche Festival Tour
Trip Facts
- Duration: 08 days
- Trip Details: Bhutan Festival Tour - Punakha Dromche
- Activities: Cultural Tour, Sightseeing
- Trip Grade: Easy
- Mode of Travel: Private Vehicle
- Group & Staff: Min 2, Max 12, Responsible Adventures leader, local guides plus driver
- Accommodation: 'A' Class hotel
- Land Cost: From USD 1400
- Airfare: US$788.00 Bangkok - Paro - Bangkok
Trip Overview
This festival includes masked dances; and wears spectacular costumes made of yellow silk or rich brocade, often decorated with ornaments of carved bone. For certain dances, the monks wear masks which represent fearsome deities, animals or skulls of human being. This festival takes place in the first month of the lunar year and ends with ‘Serda’, a magnificent procession which re-enacts an episode of the war against the Tibetans in the 17th century.
Day to Day Outline Itinerary
| Day | Activities | |
| 24 Feb.2009 | - | Arrival Paro from Bangkok |
| 25 Feb.2009 | - | Paro sightseeing; evening Thimphu |
| 26 Feb.2009 | - | Thimphu sightseeing |
| 27 Feb.2009 | - | Gangtey/Phobjikha |
| 28 Feb.2009 | - | Punakha |
| 01 Mar.2009 | - | Punakha Festival |
| 02 Mar.2009 | - | Punakha Festival & afternoon drive back to Paro |
| 02 Mar.2009 | - | Departure for Bangkok |
Cost Includes: -
- Standard Twin sharing accommodation as per itinerary and hotel confirmed
- Airport transfers and full surface transport as per itinerary.
- All meals ( breakfast, lunch and dinner while in Bhutan.)
- English speaking guide and sightseeing to places.
- National Museum fee in Paro only.
Cost Does Not Include: -
- Upgrade of airfare and type of accommodation.
- Airport taxes and extra baggage.
- Bhutan Visa fee on arrival USD 20.00 per person.
- Tips to guide and driver and other services on tour.
- Bottled drinks, water, laundry, telephone, internet and room service requested.
- Separate car for individual and transport.
- Horse for Tiger's Nest on personal grounds.
- Other entrance fees in Thimphu and other places.
- Travel insurance (buy insurance)
- Tourism Development Fund $10.
Note: - This tour is based on Bangkok being the International flight connecting point. Book your international flights to meet the connection. Current schedule departs Bangkok for Paro at 2 different timings 4.35am and 5.50am Local time. The flight from Paro arrives in Bangkok on 2 timings 2.35pm and 3.00pm local time.
As festival times are the most popular times for visitors to come to Bhutan, flight seats and hotel rooms will be on high demand. Book early to avoid disappointment.
Client Reviews
My husband and I went on a trek in Nepal this past August, and we had a fabulous time. It was truly the most unique, beautiful outdoor travel experience that either of us have ever had. For anyone considering trekking in the Himalayas, we highly recommend Raj Tamang as a guide. His company, Responsible Adventures (www.responsibleadventures.com) and (www.notjusttreks.com), is professional and customer-service oriented. We were amazed at the ways that Raj and his employees went above and beyond to make this experience memorable for us. Raj is a 'walking encyclopedia' of information about the culture and history of Nepal, and his confident, welcoming nature put us at ease. He was experienced at facilitating positive, genuine interaction between Himalayan villagers and Western trekkers such as ourselves, and that made all the difference in our 10 days touring the Manang valley. His company offers a service that is truly a cut above the rest.
We can't wait for another opportunity to trek with Raj! Feel free to check out our story and pics at www.joshandelise2008.blogspot.com
Elise and Josh Drexler
Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
