Come and experience the wildlife on offer, 56 species of mammals including the one horned rhinoceros, Bengal tiger, leopard, sloth bear, wild elephant, striped hyena, Gang tic dolphin and wild bison.
The best quality bargains available in Nepal with a wide choice of outlets to include carpets, trekking equipment, gems, jewellery, shoes, Pashmina, Mandalas (Thankas), Gurkha Khukuri Knives, wooden carvings, custom made suits and gifts.
Want to be in camera range of the highest peaks in the world, fly above the clouds, over glaciers, lakes, rivers while cruising so close to the awe-inspiring massifs of rock and ice an out-of-this world experience.
Rafting is inarguably the best way of exploring and experiencing Nepal’s natural thrill with rivers crashing down through the foothills providing the best white water rapids with many exciting moments.
Tamshingphala Choepa 2008 - 12 Days.
This tour gives you the opportunity to explore Bhutans most visited sightseeing historical sites in Paro, Thimphu and Bumthang. Also experience the festival festivities that are celebrated. The festival is celebrated for three days, on the open grounds in front of the Tamshing lhakang. This festival is in honour of the “Terton” (treasure discoverer) Pema Lingpa of the 15th century. The religious dances are generally the same, but performed in a slightly different manner, as of the Nyingmapa sect of Mahayana Buddhism.
Itinerary in Details
October 05- Arrival at Paro Airport. Drive to Thimphu. You will be met on arrival and then we take a 90min scenic drive to Thimphu and transferred to hotel. Overnight at hotel.
October 06- Sightseeing in and around Thimphu valley which includes the following sites:
Sightseeing in and around Thimphu valley we visit the National Library, which holds a collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts, as well as the institute for Zorig Chusum commonly known as Painting School, textile and Folk Heritage Museum which provides an insight into Bhutanese material culture and everyday way of life. Also visiting the National Memorial Chorten, Trashichho dzong an impressive monastery, Bhutanese Handicrafts displaying a wide range of beautifully hand-woven textiles and craft products. In the evening we explore the vibrant Thimphu Bazaar. Overnight at hotel.
October 07- A long drive from Thimphu to Gangtey/Phobjikha Driving time is approx 6 Hours Drive to the glacial valley of Phobjikha. Along the slopes is the great monastery of Gangtey , established in the 17th century. This quiet and remote valley is the winter home of the black necked cranes. Explore Gangtey village and Phobjikha valley. The unique black necked crane festival is held on the valley floor every November. Overnight at hotel.
October 08- Drive from Gangtey to Bumthang. Driving distance is approximately 6 hours.
After an early breakfast, drive to Tongsa across Pele-la pass (3,300m). The pass is marked by a white chorten and many prayer flags. There is an abrupt change in vegetation with mountain forest replaced by high altitude dwarf bamboo.
Stop at Chendebji Chorten. You can see the chorten with eyes painted at the four cardinal points. It was built in the 18th century by Lama Shida from Tibet, to cover the remains of evil spirit that was subdued at this spot. Finally reaching towards Trongsa you can view the stunning Trongsa Dzong from a distance.
Bumthang, 68 km away from Trongsa, a journey of about 3 hours, over the Yutong-la pass (3,400m). The road winds steeply up to the pass, then runs down through coniferous forest into a wide, open cultivated valley known as the Chumey valley. Stopping in Chumey village there are many shops selling yathra, a woolen textile. Bumthang is famous for yathra a distinctive strip of woven woolen fabric in numerous colours and patterns mostly made using ancient dyeing techniques .The Road follows the valley down and it climbs through blue pine forests to Kiki La (2860m). We then descent down to the Choekor Valley or central of Bumthang. Overnight at hotel.
October 09- Bumthang Tamshingphala Choepa culture festival. Bumthang valley comprises of a combination of four valleys – Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura with altitudes varying from 2,600m to 4,000m. Home to many of prominent Buddhist temples and monasteries also the traditional home to the great Buddhist teacher Pema Lingpa .
Tamshing founded in 1501 by Terton (Treasure Revealer) Pema Lingpa the incarnation of Guru Rinpoche. The monastery has very ancient religious paintings like 1000 Buddhas and 21 Taras (female form of Buddhisattvas) in Bhutan. Visit a farmer’s house for refreshments and observe the traditional way of living.
Enjoy the mask dance and cultural festivities of the famed Tamshingphala Choepa Festival held within the courtyard of this ancient temple amidst a rural atmosphere. Overnight at hotel.
October 10- Festival of Tamshingphala Choepa Bumthang sightseeing Morning enjoy the Festival of Tamshingphala Choepa. Afternoon sightseeing to Jakar Dzong built in 1667 and it`s seat of district administration and regional monastic body of Bumthang. Jambay Lhakhang founded in 7th century by the Tibetan king Songsen Gampo it is one of the oldest monasteries in the country. Kurje Lhakhang, where the patron saint of Buddhism in Bhutan subdued a local demon and left his body imprint. Overnight at hotel.
October 11- Bumthang Sightseeing and festival activites. Morning drive to see the burning lake (me-bar tsho) and explore the village of Ura. Afternoon enjoy the festival activities of Tamshingphala Choepa. Overnight at hotel.
October 12- Leaving Bumthang for a scenic drive to Trongsa. Trongsa (2300m) literally meaning new town forms the central hub of the nation and historically the place from where attempts at unifying the country were launched. The first and the second king had ruled the country from Trongsa. The crown prince of Bhutan holds the position of the Trongsa penlop (governor) prior to ascending the throne.
Visit Trongsa Dzong which was built in 1648 it is the biggest of all the fortresses in the country.
It is the most impressive and aesthetic with magnificent work of tradition architecture in the Kingdom. It was the seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan. Overnight at hotel.
October 13- Drive back to Punakha. Retrace the route back to Punakha. Take a hike to Chimi Lhakhang Temple. This temple is on a hill top and dedicated to the great Yogi known as Drukpa Kuenley or popularly known as “Divine madman” of the 14th century. It is believed that this temple blesses women who seek fertility. Overnight at hotel.
October 14- Head back to Paro. Drive north to visit the majestic Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 which strategically occupies the land between the two rivers Phochu and Mochu. At Present the Dzong serve as the district administration and judiciary office as well as the winter home for Bhutan’s spiritual leader Je Khenpo and the monks of Thimphu and Punakha. Overnight at hotel.
October 15- Excursion to Taktsang Monastery (The Tigers Nest) & Drugyel Dzong Day Hike or Mule ride to Taktsang Monastery. One of the most venerated places in Bhutan precariously perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. Guru Rinpoche arrived at spot on a back of tigress and meditated here in a cave and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognized as the most spiritual of sites in Bhutan and many eminent saints have meditated in this area. Now it is visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their life time. Lunch and refreshments at the cafeteria which offers an imposing view of the cultural landmark.
Drugyel Dzong(victory fortress), built in 1647 is 18 kilometers away from Paro town. Explore the magnificent ramparts of the last fortress which defended the country against several incursions. On a clear day one can also view the sacred Mount Jomolhari, from the northern battlements. Overnight at hotel.
October 16- Transfer to international airport for your final departure. After breakfast our Airport Representative will drop you to the Paro International Airport for your flight departure from Bhutan.
NOTE: The above information is a guide and standard template of what we provide. The tour can be customized at your request to accommodate your specific requirements.
Upon booking any festival holidays in Bhutan please allow at least 40 days as the Bhutanese government has strict Tourism policies. Please see our Visitor Facts for more information.
Trip cost as per above program
Group Size
1 (Solo Trip)
2 – 5
6 - 9
10 - 15
Cost per person in USD
3300.00
3050.00
2900.00
2550.00
Cost per person in GBP
1825.00
1690.00
1605.00
1412.00
Cost per person in EURO
2730.00
2525.00
2400.00
2110.00
Cost per person in AUD
4400.00
4065.00
3865.00
3400.00
Single Supplementary (if require) US$ 300, GBP 165, EURO 245, AUD 390 per person
The above cost Includes
1. Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop by private car / van / bus (all airport transfers).
2. Standard government approved accommodation (in twin share rooms) for the duration of tour.
3. Service of licensed English speaking Bhutanese Tour Guides.
4. All sightseeing tours, Monument /Museum, Festivals events entrance Fees as per itinerary.
5. All meals fixed breakfast, lunch & dinner with Tea and Coffee for whole duration of your stay in Bhutan.
6. Country Presentation & Tour Briefing on Day 1 evening with welcome drinks.
7. Cultural afternoon/evening consisting of traditional mask dances & folk dances (with beverages) ~ For Group Tours
8. Mineral water supply for the trek or tour.
9. Government Royalty (which is 35% of $200) this goes to the country's health & education projects.
10. Private Transport & Driver within Bhutan. (Imported Prado’s, Micro Buses & Toyota Coaster Buses)
11. Toyota 4 X 4 luggage vans & light trucks for group travel
12. All our government taxes.
13. Tourist service charge, vat.
14. Official expense.
15. Bhutan Visa Fees and Visa Processing assistance
Please contact us for Druk Air Flight booking The above cost Excludes
1. Bottled/alcoholic/cold drinks, room service and al a cart meals.
2. Your travel insurance (compulsory).
3. International airfares and airport departure tax.
4. Photography charges (if and when applicable).
5. Items of a personal nature such as laundry.
6. Personal Equipment.
7. Tips to guides, restaurants, hotel lobby. (Tipping is expected.)
8. Any others expenses which are not mentioned on Price Includes section.
Frequently Asked Questions for Tamshingphala Choepa Festival
Q. What type of shape do I need to be in, is this trip for me? A. This tour is suitable for anybody that is moderately fit. Persons suffering from a pre-existing medical condition must seek medical consent/advice before considering this tour.
Q. What sort of accommodation can I expect during the tour? A. Hotels vary in style and quality. All Government approved hotels are clean and well maintained with hot and cool water, telephones with international dialling and fax facilities.
Q. What sort of food can I expect in tour? A. Most of the restaurants serve Bhutanese, Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisine always plenty to choose from.
Q. What sort of transportation you use? A. We use comfortable and reliable Japanese Toyota SUV's, micro-buses and coaches to transport our guests. The cost of transport is already included in the daily tour cost. All our drivers are licensed by the Road surface transport authority (RSTA). Our vehicles are also certified and inspected by the RSTA frequently to comply with the road worthiness and safety standards. The guests will have a vehicle, guide and driver at their disposal at all times.
Q. What is the best season for this tour? A. As the Tamshingphala Choepa tour is festival related you can only see this once in a year (September/ October) for this particular festival.
Q. What is the weather & temperature like? A. During the days the weather can range from 15 to 24, but at night it is generally cooler. It is also important to make sure that you can stay warm and dry in just about any conditions. Expect the unexpected! The temperature could be as high as 24 degrees C during the day to 2 degrees C low at night.
Q. Can I charge my digital camera or other batteries on my trip? A. These facilities are available in most of the hotels. Remember to bring your adapters!
Q. Is there any Photography restrictions? A. You will have many photo opportunities please ask if it is ok to take someones photo. Photography in, monasteries, shrine rooms of dzongs and religious institutions is generally not permitted but outdoor photography is permitted. To be sure when visiting such places, you may ask your guide.
Q. Can I use credit cards in the places visit in tour? A. In Bhutan there are no ATM machines for the use of credit or debit cards, you are required to bring travelers cheques or cash.
Q. Is the water OK to drink? Do I need to bring purifying tablets/filter? A We provide you mineral water whiles your stay in Bhutan which is 100% safe to drink.
Q. Are the Ace the Himalaya Agency's staff insured? A. Our company insures all our trekking staff, including guide, cook, sherpa and porters. Please, Click on LEGAL DOCUMENT page (Company) to view insurance details.
The above cost Includes
