Chorten Kora Festival Tours

Chorten Kora Festival Tours

Craft Bazaar, Thimphu

The Chorten Kora is the most popular festivals in eastern Bhutan. ‘Kora’ means circumambulation. Chorten Kora or circumambulation around Chorten Kora temple is festival held in Trashi Yangtse every year. The festival is one of the oldest spiritual festivals in the eastern region. It not only attracts local people but also attracts people from the neighboring Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. One can enjoy many age old traditions of Bhutan in this festival. This tour can be booked as private tour or group tours both. HBT will take care from the day you send the enquiry until you returned from Bhutan. Do not miss to book Chorten Kora Festival Tours with Heavenly Bhutan Travels (HBT). Chorten Kora Festival Tours

Day 01: Arrival in Paro
Fly on the wings of the Dragon to Bhutan, on arrival in Paro International Airport, complete the immigration formalities and exit through only one arrival gate where HBT dedicated team who will be holding placard, no one will be missed. Paro Town- Tiny Paro town actually can offer lot more, there are many authentic handicraft shops, readily available Bhutan made products, grocery and imported garment shops beside having many small restaurants around. Outdoor Activities- Nicely made and well maintained activity place attached to whole sell Buddha statue store, offers wearing Bhutanese dress, playing archery and darts for guests visiting Bhutan. The center is maintained and operated by HBT herself and its free of cost for all HBT guests. Overnight in Paro, altitude 2200m

Day 02: Paro to Trashigang (fly-out) to Trashiyaangtse (1 hr drive)
After our breakfast transfer to Paro airport for your flight to Trashigang, easternmost district of Bhutan. On arrival at Yanphula, you will be received by our representative and transfer to your hotel at Trashigang. The drive will bypass Sherabtse College, the country’s first and oldest college when it started a few decays ago.Explore Trashigang Town: At Evening explore the little Tashigang town, meeting nomadic people from Merak and Sakten and drive to Trashiyaangtse. If time permits, we will witness the festival for some time.  Overnight in Trashiyaangtse, altitude 1750m.

Day 03: The Chorten Kora Festival
The Chorten Kora Festival is an annual festival held in Trashiyangtse. Its 2-hour drive from Trashigang and is celebrated on the 15th day of the first month of the Bhutanese calendar. Chorten Kora Festival : The specialty of this festival is that not only local people but Dakpa people from Arunachal Pradesh (India) also gather to witness the festival and to circumambulate the chorten.. Overnight in Trashiyaangtse

Day 04: Trashiyaangtse  to Mongar (4 hrs drive)
We will witness the festival before we proceed to Mongar. After lunch, we will start from Trashigang. The road approaching Mongar is one of the most spectacular journeys in the country. It passes over sheer cliffs and through beautiful fir forests and green pastures. Travelers passing this route will have the opportunity to visit the Rhododendron garden.An excursion drive to Trashi Yangtse make before proceeding to Mongar. Drametse Goemba :The biggest and most important monastery in eastern Bhutan,From the highway between Trashigang and Mongar, it is around 18km/1hr drive along the dirt road, gaining around 1350m.Drametse Monastery was founded in 1511 by Ani Choten Zangmo, the grand-daughter of the famous Bhutanese saint Pema Lingpa (1450-1521), who named the place as Drametse, meaning no enmities place or peak. Gomphu Kora : Located among paddy fields below the road to Tashi Yangtse, around 1 hour’s drive from Trashigang. Guru Rimpoche meditated under the big rock and subdued an evil demon here. Stroll the Mongar Down. Chorten Kora: A 2-hour drive from Trashigang is Chorten Kora, modeled after Boudhanath stupa in Nepal, where local people and Dakpa people from Arunachal Pradesh (India) gather in February/March for a festival to circumambulate the chorten. Explore Mongar town in the evening. Over night in Mongar.

Day 05: Mongar sightseeing
Make an excursion to the north and visit the province of Lhuntshe, the ancestral home of Bhutan’s royal family. Visit the picturesque Lhuntshe Dzong (Fortress). This region is famous for its bamboo basket and silk brocade dress. Overnight at Mongar. Lhuntse Rinchentse Dzong : Lhuentse Dzong also known as Lhuentse Rinchentse Dzong is situated on a hilltop overlooking the Kuri River below. Gangzur village : A small village consisting of about 10 households located at about 2km from Lhuentse town, Gangzur village is known for its earthen pottery farm

Day 06: Mongar to Jakar (7 hrs drive)
Today’s drive takes us through Thrumshingla, the highest road pass in the country making this the most spectacular drives in the country as we climb up from Lingmithang to Thrumshingla. En-route visit Ura village. Further about 52km, there lies a valley of white bird, Jakar. Ura Village- Ura is one of oldest villages of Bhutan located at an elevation of 3100m. You can stroll around Ura village and hop into few friendly villager’s home for tea and chit-chat. The people here still practice semi-nomadic lifestyle herding yaks and sheep. . Overnight in Jakar, altitude 2650m.

Day 07: Bumthang Sightseeing
Bumthang is the religious heartland of the nation and home to some of its oldest Buddhist temples and monasteries.  It is famous for its brightly coloured distinctive woolen item called Yathra and district formed by four valleys. Jakar Dzong or the “Castle of the White Bird”- Dominates the Chamkhar valley and overlooks the town, 3km 1.2 miles away from Chamkhar town. Jampay Lhakhang- One of the oldest temples built in the country. This is the home of the naked dance that is still performed annually. It is believed that the temple is built in 7^th century by Songtsen Gonpo of Tibet. Kurjey Lhakhang- The site where Guru Padmasambhava left the body imprint on the rock behind the temple. Visit for its artistic works and amazing structure. Kharchu Dratsang Monastery- This is an amazing experience to see monks chanting the mantras. The monastery has become part of an extensive effort to preserve and revitalize Bhutanese culture and heritage. Tamzing Lhakhang- Tamshing Lhakhang, founded in 1501 by Pema Lingpa, contains paintings of fundamental interest for the history of painting in this region. Is also one of the oldest temples in the valley. Swiss Cheese Farm & Red Panda Brewery- The Swiss Farm is established by Mr. Fritz Maurer. The project introduced brewing, farming machinery and fuel-efficient, smokeless wood stoves to the valley, as well as its first tourist guesthouse in Bumthang. Swiss cheese and Bhutan’s only native beer, Red Panda, is brewed here. Fees applicable. Overnight in Bumthang

Day 08: Bumthang to Phobjikha (5-6 hrs drive)
Starting early from Bumthang will give us more time on roads to enjoy some of the best view points and passes. The journey will pass through Yotongla, Trongsa, Chendebji and Pelala before arriving in Phobjikha the valley of Black Necked Cranes and rhododendron. Gangtey Nature Trail- It is a short and relatively easy trek with several beautiful villages and monasteries en route. It offers beautiful views of the country with mostly gentle, forested slopes. All-time best trail and it takes approx. 2 hours, the trails ends at the road next to Khewang Lhakhang. Black Necked Crane Information Centre- This place is run by the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) and has an observation room with high-power telescopes and good scope for spotting the famous Black Necked Cranes which migrates to the region during winter. It also displays information about the history of the region. Overnight in Phobjikha, altitude 2900m

Day 09: Phobjikha to Punakha (3 hrs drive)
As we say good bye to the Asian Switzerland, we will retrace the journey back to Punakha.  The road descends into Wangdue and Punakha taking us to one of the warmest places of Bhutan. Gangtey Gompa – The temple built over hill top, headed by Gangtey Tulku the reincarnation of Pema Lingpa. Annual festival of Gangtey is preformed in the temple courtyard every year. This is also the place for black necked crane’s festival held every year on 11-Nov, coinciding with His Majesty’s Fourth King’s Birthday. Punakha Dzong- Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo religious head of Bhutan. King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck convened the first National Assembly here in 1952.  This is one of the finest and must see Dzongs of Bhutan. The Dzong stands in between meeting point of two rivers, Phochu and Mochu making the most photogenic Dzongs of Bhutan. Punakha Suspension Bridge- Punakha suspension bridge is considered one of the longest of its kind in Bhutan. The bridge connects the dzong with the villages Shengana, Samdingkha and Wangkha on the other bank of the Po Chhu river. In these small villages, locals sell their wares in tiny, traditional shops. Visitors can stop here for a quick and authentic view of true Bhutan.  The suspension bridge is only about 15 minutes’ walk from Punakha Dzong. Overnight in Punakha, altitude 1350m

Day 10: Punakha to Thimphu (2 hrs drive)
Start the most scenic drive to Thimphu from Punakha over dochula pass which takes about two hours. Chimi Lhakhang– This temple is known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that childless couples can visit this temple to pray for better fertility to conceive the child. There are stories and incidences that many visitors dream came true however one must truly need to believe and follow the lama’s instruction. The hike though the lovely villages of Mesina gives truly amazing experience. Enjoy the gentle walks from the road head. Dochula Pass– The pass is at a popular location as it offers a stunning 180 degree panoramic view of the Great Himalayan mountain ranges. The view is especially scenic and very clear on winter days with snowcapped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquility of the 108 chortens gracing the mountain pass. Explore Thimphu City on your own :If time permits, walking through the city gives you immense joys and understanding of modern city. Good option for imported garments and local souvenir, beside unique local handicrafts. Thimphu offers mixed style of personalities taking the street walk in Thimphu- only city in the world without traffic lights. Overnight in Thimphu, altitude 2400m

Day 11: Thimphu Sightseeing
Thimphu- This bustling little city is the main centre of commerce, religion and government in the country. Thimphu is the most modern city with an abundance of restaurants, internet cafes, nightclubs and shopping centers. However it still retains its cultural identity and values amidst the signs of modernization, often referred as world only city without traffic lights. Buddha Dordenma- The Buddha Dordenma is located at a top of the hill in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park and overlooks the southern entrance to Thimphu valley. The Buddha Dordenma is a gigantic 51.5-meter tall statue, making it one of the largest statues of Buddha in the world. Arts and Crafts Vocational School- Arts and Craft School is where student learn 13 different techniques to master in Bhutanese Arts. Some of the skills required eight years to graduate. You can see live carving, painting, sculpture etc. You are allowed to take the pictures/make video. Products made by students are on display at the showroom for sales as well. The school is closed in July and December to February, beside their exams and events. Folk Heritage Museum-This museum was established in 2001 and provides visitors with fascinating insights into the Bhutanese material culture and way of life, especially the life of Bhutanese in remote parts of Bhutan. Authentic Bhutanese Crafts Bazaar- Bhutan’s first ever craft bazaar located behind Hotel Taj Tashi showcases wide range of authentic Bhutan-made arts and craft products with reasonable price range. Handicraft Emporium- Realizing the importance of socio-economic growth, handicraft emporium was set up with the command of His Majesty 3rd King, this was the first step to showcase the authentic Bhutanese handicraft products in Bhutan. You can still find some of the fine products available here at reasonable cost. Witnessing Archery Match- Archery is the national game of Bhutan, it is amazing to see Bhutanese archers hitting target from a distance of 145 meters range. Bhutan has top archers on some categories on Olympic games. Weekend Market/Centenary Farmers Market- An interesting well organized permanent set of stalls built for vegetable vendors across the country. Its open from Wednesday to Monday and closed on Tuesdays. One can find wide range of local vegetables and fruits. Other side of the river is place for indigenous goods and handicrafts section, where locally produced goods, including religious objects, cloth, baskets and hats etc from various minority groups are sold here. These shops are open from Friday to Sunday only. Clock Tower Square- Situated in the heart of town, Clock Tower Square is a popular venue for open ground events such as cultural festivals, concerts, fund- raising events, live shows and trade fairs. The place is bounded by shops, cafes, souvenir shops and restaurants, making it one of the main attractions in the Thimphu town. Overnight in Thimphu

 Day 12: Thimphu to Paro (1.5 hrs drive)
As we proceed to Paro, we will retrace the journey crossing Chuzom and further to Paro. The entire stretch of drive will refresh your mind and give you second chance to enjoy smooth and most scenic drive to Paro. Riverside Visit- visit to riverside to enjoy the crystal clear river and group video/photo is must in Paro. HBT guides will take you to the best place to enjoy at beautiful river banks of Paro. Paro Airport Bird’s Eye View Point- The Paro international airport is among the top 10 most stunning and challenging airports in the world. The view point offers an exquisite view of the Paro valley. Rinpung Dzong- ‘Fortress on a Heap of Jewels’, is ranked one of the best Bhutanese architecture. The massive buttressed walls that tower over the town are visible throughout the valley, particularly when landing at Paro Airport.  The Dzong also offers administrative seat of the district of Paro. The Dzong was built in 1644 under the order of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. National Museum of Paro- Perched above Paro Dzong it was watchtower built in 1649 to protect the undefended Paro Dzong located below, renovated in 1968 to house the National Museum. Today this museum houses the best collections of all time historical items making worth for a visit. Paro Town- Tiny Paro town actually can offer lot more, there are many authentic handicraft shops, readily available Bhutan made products, grocery and imported garment shops beside having many small restaurants around. Overnight in Paro, altitude 2200m

Day 13: Paro Sightseeing
This picturesque region in the kingdom is covered in fertile rice fields and has a beautiful, crystalline river meandering down the valley. Paro has more of historical sites, high-end tourist resort and many souvenir shops for shopping including world famous Takstang. Taktsang Gompa/Tiger’s Nest Temple– is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark and religious Buddhist site in the world. The name Taktsang translates to “The Tiger’s Nest”. The temple is one of the holiest sites in Bhutan which clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley. Although good trekkers can make it to the top in two hours, most of the guests take whole day to complete the hike. Outdoor Activities- Nicely made and well maintained activity place attached to whole sell Buddha statue store, offers wearing Bhutanese dress, playing archery and darts for guests visiting Bhutan. The center is maintained and operated by HBT herself and its free of cost for all HBT guests. Overnight in Paro

Day 14: End of the Tour
Departure from the Kingdom of Bhutan

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