Eastern Bhutan
GOMPHU KORA FESTIVAL & MOUNTAIN TRIBES
MAR 2019 ● 12 DAYS ● 12 GUESTS
Join us for an enlightening journey through one of the last remaining Buddhist Kingdom’s and the least explored corners of Bhutan. Long shut off from the rest of the world, Eastern Bhutan has retained a culture and lifestyle that revolves around the sacred. Monks live out their reverence in glorious monasteries and nuns devote their lives to charity. Traveling through the mountains reveals mystical views of holy peaks and passes. It’s no wonder these mountain ranges are said to house deities within. Be swept away by the energy, spirit and beauty of Eastern Bhutan.
On this adventure, you will witness a land of great beauty; with wild untouched landscapes, hamlets and monasteries clinging to the sides of rugged mountains and raging rivers deep down in the valleys. Journey to remote villages with superb mountain vistas to meet mountain tribes and ethnic minorities. Experience pure happiness, a quality Bhutanese culture has obtained through carefully-preserved traditional lifestyle. Explore temples decorated with exquisite and flamboyant designs and experience the simple living of the Yak herders. Witness elaborately decorated masked dancers perform their traditional rituals to the tunes of ancient horns, drums and symbols. Listen to the enchanting songs and melodies of the local dancing girls as the Bhutanese people gather for the colorful celebrations of Gomphu Kora festival.
Complete your Bhutanese adventure by joining our expedition to Bhutan - The Hidden Shangri-La Kingdom expedition and receive a $3000 Combo Savings on our Best of Bhutan expedition.
HIGHLIGHTS
Travel through mystical landscapes with glorious mountain passes and Himalayan peaks.
Be moved by the colorful Gomphu Kora festival.
Experience authentic Bhutanese living and genuine hospitality.
Visit ancient fortresses, sacred monasteries and remote temples.
Engage with mountain tribes and Yak herders.
Walk through lush valleys with rushing rivers and superb mountain vistas.
TRIP DESIGN
In 2017 Thomas was invited by Tshering, our exceptional Bhutanese guide and friend, on a month long scouting trip across the whole country of Bhutan. Following this extensive expedition, Thomas & Tshering put together what they believe is the ultimate Bhutan expedition; including not only the iconic must-see sites, but also unique and rarely visited places and incorporating exclusive ceremonies and special events. The key was to cherry-pick the best accommodations, the greatest locations and most importantly the most wonderful life enriching experiences.
BEST OF BHUTAN
COMBINE: Eastern Bhutan - Gomphu Kora Festival & Mountain Tribes with
Bhutan - The Hidden Shangri-La Kingdom
MAR 2019 ● 18 DAYS ● 12 GUESTS
Join us on an unforgettable journey into the “Land of the Thunder Dragon” Bhutan, a Shangri-La Kingdom perched on top of the world, shrouded in mystery and magic.
Walk amongst the red-robed monks as we journey between lush valleys, each with an abundance of flora on full display and dotted with ancient temples, remote villages and majestic Dzongs. Meet the Bhutanese people, with their deep-rooted belief in Buddhism and experience their daily lives, including visits to the nomadic Yak herders and families living in remote traditional villages. Learn how the Bhutanese people have carefully-preserved traditional lifestyle in the quest for pure happiness. Stroll through artisan markets, walk through pristine forests surrounded by misty mountains rising from fast flowing rivers. Be thrilled by the rush of a river rafting excursion and hike to the gravity defying Tiger’s Nest Monastery with its jaw-dropping mountain vistas. Observe the essence of Bhutan with its unspoiled culture, environment and society and learn about the traditional ways of life that have survived unchanged by the passage of time.
For the fit and active, complete your Bhutanese adventure with the Sagala Pass Trek Post-Extension. This 2-day trek is designed for those that love hiking in the mountains.
Combine these 2 Bhutan adventures and receive a $3000 Trip Combo Savings on the Best of Bhutan expedition. Read Best of Bhutan for full details about how these trips can be combined.
ENQUIRIES
Love this itinerary and are wondering when we are returning? Don't hesitate in contacting us today.
“I have to admit that I think about our adventure all the time. It really did have a deep affect on me. The team in every location were amazing. The quality of service and knowledge to ensure we were well taken care of and happy was first class. All details for travel within India were complete, all we had to do was show up. Everyday was a new adventure, truly a once in a lifetime vacation. Thank you to the entire team and Indrajit who made the trip all that more special with his knowledge, patience and happy demeanour. The memories will last forever!”
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ITINERARY OVERVIEW
EASTERN BHUTAN - GOMPHU KORA FESTIVAL & MOUNTAIN TRIBES
Day 01 Arrive in Bangkok or Delhi en route to Paro, Bhutan
Day 02 Arrive in Paro / Dzong and Town visit
Day 03 Fly to Trashigang / Dzong and Town visit
Day 04 Cultural experience with monks in traditional village
Day 05 Merak / Mountain Tribe
Day 06 Merak / Radi Rice Terraces and Nunnery / Trashigang
Day 07 Gomphu Kora Festival
Day 08 Mongar to Ura Valley
Day 09 Ura to Bumthang / Explore Bumthang Valley / Amankora
Day 10 Bhumtang valley / Amankora
Day 10 Fly to Paro / Zhiwaling Hotel Paro
Day 12 Fly home
WILD EARTH LEADERS
Natalia Baechtold
Co-Founder, Director of Visual Media, Expedition Leader & Dive Master
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PHOTO CREDIT © Thomas & Natalia Baechtold