Heritage and Artistic Journey to Eastern Bhutan

AS THE PREMIER world-class expert on this iconic Buddhist nation, Far Fung Places continues to hold the keys to the Kingdom of Bhutan. We were among the first boutique travel companies to market Bhutan to the outside world more than 25 years ago. Far Fung Places presents Bhutan to you in a way that makes it possible to understand, from an experienced perspective, why this is quite possibly the most intriguing destination on earth. We are the marketing agents for Bhutan Tourism Corporation Ltd. in the USA and an independent guide-owned company, Bhutan by Karchung.

Beyond the well-traveled western and central regions of Bhutan lies the land of the Sharchopas, the inhabitants of eastern Bhutan, who follow the ancient traditions that hark back to the founding of the Kingdom in the 17th century. Tucked away in isolated villages, weavers and artisans preserve the traditions by making exquisite textiles, lacquerware, dapa bowls, cane and bamboo works, and the long horns (dung-chen) that snake along the monastery floors.

High on flattened mountaintops perch towns that host dramatic tshechu, or festivals, to celebrate the life of Guru Rinpoche, considered Bhutan’s second Buddha, a Tantric saint, who brought Buddhism into the country. Our program highlights the Pemagatshel festival, where masked monks re-enact the moral stories of Guru Rinpoche or the teachings of Buddha through sacred dances. Bhutan’s smallest district was once on the ancient trade route between Trashigang and Assam. Today this district is known for its master artisans who create the dung-chen, the 10-foot collapsible horns used for all festivals to invoke the deities or drive away evil spirits. It is believed that this musical instrument entered Bhutan from Tibet, although written records of its arrival are not known.

Karchung, Far Fung Places’ field manager in Bhutan, leads this new journey to East Bhutan. His near encyclopedic knowledge of the country and extensive contacts are renowned. Born in Drametse, a heritage village in East Bhutan, Karchung reveals the rhythms of everyday life through lively and personal encounters with villagers in their homes.
This is an exploratory trip with daily walks and some hikes, so some degree of physical stamina is required. Explore the cool broadleaf forests spotting hornbills and other birdlife, or look for black-capped langurs. We walk around Takila, one of the most sacred places in East Bhutan, where a colossal bronze and gold statue of Guru Rinpoche was constructed high on a hill in Lhuntse. Meet a renowned potter who fashions clay pots for making ara, the national drink of Bhutan. Explore Khoma village, where the finest kushithara weavers weave their exquisite kiras in dazzling colors utilizing difficult weaving techniques. If you are drawn to nature, art, and craftsmanship at its highest levels, and have a desire to see a region of Bhutan that is the last to become Westernized, then this trip will appeal to you.

Our accommodations in the East will be best available, which could mean a four-star mountain resort or a simple guesthouse in Pemagatshel. In central Bhutan, we stay at a heritage manor in Tang Valley and a five-star hotel in Paro, the Zhiwa Ling, Bhutan’s first five-star wholly owned Bhutanese hotel.

Join Far Fung Places and Karchung for this compelling journey to East Bhutan. Read about us on our Trip Advisor® page.

Please inquire about our day-to-day itinerary for more details.

Climate

Fall is the ideal time to visit East Bhutan, as the weather turns cold and the days reveal the snow-covered peaks of the eastern Himalayas. The colors of the broadleaf forests turn mauve, peach, and orange, providing a rich palette for photographers.

We have booked five rooms for this unique new program. Once bookings reach our room allotment, we will close the trip. We require a minimum of five people to operate the trip.

Land/Air Cost