This Channel 4 link answers some of the key questions about the difference between Sunni and Shia Islam and alarmingly, the politics on what is happening and why, in Syria…….
http://www.channel4.com/news/sunni-shia-islam-muslim-syria-middle-east-key-questions
I know that many of you who have visited Ethiopia feel the need to give something back in return for the enormous pleasure it provides as a travel destination. I feel very much the same. In 2008 I joint sponsored a very bright young lady who needed help financially to train as a nurse, and who now, five years later, is training others as a result. Today, 23 year old Genet Amare (below) from Lalibela needs similar help. Her circumstances are more desperate. She has tragically lost all her family members – her parents from disease, her brother from fighting in the war against Eritrea and most recently she lost her sister in a terrible accident. Genet is a single mother and moved to Bahar Dar to find work but because her education was cut short, her English is poor and so her chances of finding reasonably paid work is very limited. She desperately wants to train as a nurse and help others, but she needs to develop her English before she can begin her nurse training
With logistical assistance from my local Addis Ababa based agent who is acting as ‘guardian’, I have provided enough financial support to cover Genet’s immediate expenses and fees to enable her to start her English studies but need to raise funds in order to help continue to support her over the next two years. I am looking at a sponsored South Downs walk locally in the summer but any one-off or monthly donations, however small, would literally be a life-changer and be received with enormous gratitude by Genet. I can personally guarantee that every single penny received would go to help Genet achieve her dream. Thank you.
Account Name: Patrick Syder (The Genet Amare Fund)
Account Number : 48278068
Sort Code: 30-98-77
BEWARE!
Despite the contradictory advice that you might get from a number of UK tour operators, insurance companies will not insure you for travel to countries that the Foreign Commonwealth Office have issued warnings against travelling to.
Early morning light at Borobudur, 9th-century Mahayana Buddhist Temple in Magelang, Central Java
Indonesia Tour (BJ) Dossier 2021 Click to download itinerary (pdf format)
Indonesia is a vast patchwork of islands that bridge the Pacific and Indian Oceans, each with an individual story to tell. Indonesia’s alluring cultural identity is formed from a blend of influences from India, Malaya, the Dutch colonial era and hundreds of indigenous tribes each with their own spiritual beliefs and dialects. This trip is a perfect introduction to the cultural and scenic beauty of Indonesia, concentrating on the two most culturally rich yet uniquely different islands of Java and Bali. The many highlights along the way include the world famous Buddhist monument of Borobudur, the chance to see sunrise at the awe inspiring landscapes of Mount Bromo and Bali’s artistic and cultural heartland around Ubud
Day 1/ Day 2 Fly to Java, Indonesia/Arrive Yogyakarta
Departure from UK to Java. Next day arrival at Solo international airport and transfer to the Phoenix hotel, Yogyakarta for three nights . Welcome dinner at a local restaurant (B,D)
Day 3 Yogyakarta city tour and Prambanan Temple
We start the day exploring the cultural highlights of Yogyakarta with visits to the Sultan’s Palace, its gardens and the nearby Water Castle. We finish the morning at Kota Gede, famous for its silver smiths and batik factories. In the afternoon we tour the hugely impressive UNESCO Site of Prambanan, Java’s largest Hindi Temple. The Sanjaya Dynasty built the 47m high temple dedicated to the three forms of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva in the 9th century and surrounded it with several smaller temples. Dinner at a local restaurant (B,D)
Day 4 Visit Borobudur. Drive to Solo
Early morning sunrise tour of Indonesia’s largest and most impressive Buddhist monument, Borobudur. An unforgettable experience! A vast structure with nine levels and an awe inspiring setting in the midst of a fertile valley ringed by volcanoes. The temple was built as a pilgrimage site to teach followers how to practice the Buddhist way of life.. We continue the old royal town of Solo, to see Mangkunegara Palace, a beautiful building in a distinct Javanese style of architecture which houses an interesting display of jewellery, masks, weapons and other ornaments. Overnight at the Roemahkoe Heritage hotel with dinner (B,D)
Day 5. Visit Solo markets. Drive to Malang
Morning visit to two well-established traditional Indonesian markets in Solo, renowned for their antiques and textiles, before continuing our long but interesting journey through teak plantations and lush countryside to Malang, arriving in the late afternoon. Overnight at the Santika Premiere hotel with dinner (B,D)
Day 6 Visit Malang. Drive to Mount Bromo
We enjoy the cool climate and highland scenery of Malang, a historic town dating to the 8th century and seat of the Mataram Empire. We visit the old colonial quarter and Singosari Temple, built in the 14th century. We continue our journey through traditional hillside villages to reach Bromo, set in the heart of Mount Bromo National Park at 2000 metres, and with panoramic views across the stunning range of volcanic mountains. Overnight at the Java Banana lodge with dinner (B,D)
Day 7 Optional sunrise tour over Mount Bromo. Fly to Bali
Early morning wake-up for the chance to see the sun rising over Mount Bromo. Ascent by jeep along bumpy roads for 45 minutes to a viewing platform on Mount Pananjakan (2,700 m). As the dawn arrives enjoy panoramic views over the lunar landscapes of Mount Bromo and the surrounding mountains. After the sun has risen there is theopportunity to take a horse ride along the sea of sands to the foot of Mount Bromo, where a series of steps leads to the crater rim. Return to hotel for breakfast. We return to Malang for our afternoon flight to Bali. Seven nights at the Komaneka Resort, Ubud with dinner (B,D)
Day 8 Rural Bali and Mount Batur
The Ubud region is located amongst rice paddies and steep ravines in the central foothills and as one of Bali’s major cultural centres, makes a good base for our week on the island. Today we learn about the traditions of farming and agriculture that have changed little over the centuries and visit a Balinese home for a traditional breakfast. We visit the 11th century Hindu temple at Pura Kehen, famous for its three tiers of exquisite stone carvings and continue to Kintamani to wonder at the view of Mount Batur, an active volcano, and the picturesque Lake Batur, in the crater. Dinner at a local restaurant (B,D)
Day 9 Visit Munduk and Lake Bratan
A full day trip passing through the heart of Bali on a beautifully photogenic route with lakes and lush green paddy fields. We travel to the traditional mountain village of Munduk to visit clove, coffee plantations and enjoy an included lunch. At Bedugul we see the atmospheric temple of Pura Ulun Danu Bratan on the shores of Lake Bratan and Bali’s only botanical garden. We pause at flower market at Candi Kuning village and have the opportunity to photograph the beautiful rice terraces at Jatiluwih. Dinner at a local restaurant (B,L)
Day 10 Visit temples of Southern Bali
Morning at leisure. We drive to Mengwi this afternoon to visit the 17th century Taman Ayun temple literally ‘beautiful garden’ and regarded as one of Bali’s most attractive temples and surrounded by a moat. We also visit the temple of Alas Kedaton set amongst a forest of nutmeg trees and home to monkeys and fruit bats. Our final temple visit of the day is the dramatic Tanah Lot sea temple. This is one of the splendid temples in Bali. Perching atop an enormous rock, it is completely surrounded by the waters of the Indian Ocean during high tide. Dinner at a local restaurant (B,D)
Day 11 Visit to East Coast
We visit the 17th century Palace of Klungkung today, to view some exquisite ceiling paintings in the Hall of Justice drawn in the early Kamasan style depicting famous Hindu legends. We continue to Besakih Temple, located on the slope of Mount Agung, Bali’s highest volcano. Here, the Mother Temple of Bali houses ancestral shrines for all Hindu Balinese and consists of a complex of nearly 24 temples. At the pilgrimage site of Goa Lawah, we visit a sacred cave, whose walls vibrate with thousands of bats, is considered holy, and a temple and surrounding shrines protect the entrance. Dinner at a local restaurant (B,D)
Day 12
Artisan tour and Kecak performance
Morning at leisure. Afternoon tour to the Tirtha Empul Temple, in a beautiful setting and itself adorned with fine carvings of Garudas (mythical bird-like creatures) and bathing pools famous for their holy waters where Hindu Bali people go for purification. Later we have a tour of the Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA), opened in 1996 to promote and preserve Balinese art and culture. Founder, Agung Rai, will guide the group and be able to provide a fascinating insight as a master of Balinese art and culture. The visit is completed with a full evening performance of the Kecak or Ramayana Monkey Chant. Dinner at a local restaurant (B,D)
Day 13 Day at leisure/Optional trip to Monkey Forest and Bali Agung Show
A day at leisure to enjoy the hotel facilities or join the optional tour and visit the sacred monkey sanctuary at Padang Tegal to learn about the conservation of the islands’ long-tailed macaque community that have an important cultural significance in Balinese Hinduism. Later witness the extravagant and colourful Agung show (The Legend of Balinese Goddesses) consisting of over 150 dancers performing a spectacular show highlighting the emergence of Bali as a prosperous island and attracting people from around the globe almost a millennium ago. Farewell dinner with Balinese dance performance (B,D)
Day 14 Fly to UK
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before the transfer to the airport for your onward flight home (B)
(Included meals denoted by B Breakfast, L Lunch, D Dinner)
Land Tour Cost £2495.00 per person in a twin room (Single supplement £850.00)
Whats Included:
PLEASE NOTE – personal travel insurance, visa fees, alcoholic drinks, guide and driver gratuities and international flights are not included in the land tour cost
(visa on arrival fee is $25.00, international flights to Indonesia start from £699.00 through Flight Centre UK)
The Hamer Tribe traditionally use a red ochre clay to braid their hair, Omo Valley
This comprehensive tour concentrates on Southern Ethiopia’s beautiful Omo Valley, home to an intriguing mix of many small and distinctive tribal groups. We encounter many including the Karo, the Mursi and the Hamer – all of whom have retained their own unique customs and traditions. On this journey of discovery in comfortable 4×4 vehicles we explore stunning National Parks, picturesque tribal villages and colourful local markets. We are able to witness age-old customs and practices that remain part of everyday life in a captivating region
Grand architectural presence of Holy Trinity Cathedral, Tbilisi
The traditions of these two countries are distinct, yet have also become interwoven during their long histories. This fascinating journey allows the traveller to savour the rich heritage and warmth of the peoples of Caucasia. Armenia adopted Christianity in the early fourth century and developed a magnificent architectural heritage that continued into Islam. Georgia, the land of Jason and the Argonauts, has a rich Christian history, stunning scenery, not to mention its excellent cuisine and wine!. We travel from the shadow of Mount Ararat to the shores of the Black Sea and experience a fascinating mix of religious tradition, people and culture.
ITINERARY
Day 1 Fly to Yerevan, ARMENIA
Flight options via Frankfurt, Warsaw or Athens and arrival into Yerevan and transfer to the Aviatrans hotel located in the historic centre of the city for five nights.
Day 2 In Yerevan. City Tour
After a morning at leisure we spend the afternoon visiting some of the historical and architectural highlights of Yerevan including the Erebuni Fortress and the Mother Armenia monument with a panoramic view of the city. Welcome dinner at a local restaurant (B,L,D)
Day 3 Visit Echmiadzin Cathedral and Amberd Castle
This morning we visit Echmiadzin, UNESCO listed religious centre of Armenia and seat of the Armenian Patriarch. After a traditional lunch at a family house, we visit Amberd medieval castle that once served as a summer residence for Armenian noblemen, located on the slopes of Mt Aragats, the highest mountain in Armenia (B,L,D)
Day 4 Visit Khor Virap and Noravank Monasteries. Winery tour
We start the day with a drive south to the monastery of Khor Virap stunningly set against the backdrop of Mt Ararat. We continue to Noravank Monastery, situated on the hill of a twisted gorge and a place of breathtaking natural beauty but also an architectural delight with its exceptional intricate exterior carvings. We pause in Areni, a famous wine producing town where we visit a small, family-owned winery and try the wine produced here. We return to Yerevan in the late afternoon (B,L,D)
Day 5 In Yerevan. Visit Geghard Monastery and Garni Temple
This morning we start with a visit to the National Library of Yerevan, the Matenadaran, with its world-famous illuminated Armenian manuscripts dating from the 6th century. Then we journey east of Yerevan to the 13th century rock-cut monastery complex at Geghard – an important spiritual centre of Armenia in the Middle Ages. We also visit the restored 1st century AD Roman Temple at Garni before returning to Yerevan in the late afternoon with a visit to a Brandy factory for which Armenia is so famous for (B,L,D)
Day 6 Visit Lake Sevan
We have a visit to the State Museum of Armenian History and before heading north to Lake Sevan, one of the largest high-altitude lakes in the world located at 1900m. Here we visit the 9th century Sevan monastery, perched on a cliff above the lake. We continue to the nearby resort of Dilijan surrounded by lush forest and with an interesting historic centre for one night (B,L,D)
Day 7 Visit Haghpat and Sanahin Monasteries. Drive to Tbilisi, GEORGIA
Reaching the Lori province we visit the two outstanding UNESCO listed monasteries of Northern Armenia, Haghpat and Sanahin, superbly located on either side of the Debed Canyon. After lunch we head for the border to cross into Georgia and drive to Tbilisi and transfer to a hotel located in the historic city centre for three nights (B,L,D)
Day 8 Tbilisi
We have a sightseeing tour of Tbilisi today and include the architectural heritage of its Old Town, take a cable car to Narikala Fort and a visit to the National History Museum. In the afternoon there will be some free time, perhaps to take a stroll along Rustaveli Avenue, the main street of the city or return to savor the atmospheric Old Town close to our hotel. Dinner with cooking class of Khachapuri (cheese pie) and Khinkali (dumplings) in local family house (B,D)
Day 9 : Tbilisi/Gombori Pass/Vardisubani/Napareuli/Sighnaghi/Tbilisi
This morning we drive into the Kakheti region well known for its wine producing. We enjoy superb views of the Great Caucasus Mountains and valleys of Kakheti, acknowledge traditions and culture of the country and region, taste wines and delicious food. We drive over Gombori Pass and enjoy the nice view from the top. Our first stop is at local master’s where we see how traditional Georgian wine keeping jars – Qvevri are made. We taste his home-made wine and Chacha (Georgian firewater) and continue to another winery where we take a tour around a small wine museum, taste their wines, enjoy bread baking and lunch. In the afternoon we visit the fortified town of love – Sighnaghi overlooking the Alazani River Valley. Return to Tibilisi for free evening (B,L)
Day 10 Tbilisi/Gori/Tskaltubo/Gelati/Kutaisi
We drive to Gori to see Stalin’s house, museum and carriage. We continue into Western Georgia which is very different from the East, with its cool springs, green fields and beautiful gardens. Our destination is the pretty ancient town of Kutaisi, where Jason and the Argonauts had stolen the Golden Fleece. We visit impressive underground grotto of stalactites and stalagmites close to Kutaisi and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gelati Monastery. In the evening we have a short walking tour of city centre. Dinner at a local restaurant or hotel. Overnight at a hotel in Kutaisi (B,D)
Day 11 Kutaisi/Uplistsikhe/Ananuri/Gudauri
Our morning starts with a short visit to Kutaisi colourful agricultural market. Then, we continue to the Uplistsikhe Caves that date to the 1st millennium BC and where the Great Silk Road used to pass through. This is an old and interesting complex with dwelling quarters, wine-cellars, bakeries, a three-nave basilica church hewn out in rock and even an antic theatre. Later drive up the famous Georgian Military Highway en route visiting Ananuri fortified church. Along the Cross Pass we arrive in Gudauri. Dinner and two night stay at a hotel in Gudauri (B,D)
Day 12: Gudauri/Kazbegi/Dariali Gorge/Sno Valley/Gudauri
Stunning drive from Gudauri along the Tergi River over Cross Pass (2395m) brings us to Kazbegi. Here we board jeeps to take us to the beautiful 14th century Trinity Church, stunningly located at 2147m, beneath the towering massif of Mt Kazbegi. We also visit the dramatic Dariali Gorge leading to the Georgian-Russian border before returning to Gudauri. Our next stop is the studio where we learn more about Georgian ‘Teka’ (wool artefact) making. We can take a short detour to Sno Valley to enjoy the beauty of the other gorge in the Great Caucasus (B,D)
Day 13: Gudauri/Mtskheta/Tbilisi
We visit Mtskheta this morning; the ancient capital and religious centre of Georgia which dates to 3000 years old and explore the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the 6th century Jvari church and the 11th century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral where the Robe of Christ is buried. We arrive in Tbilisi in the afternoon to enjoy some free time in the capital before our farewell dinner. Overnight at a hotel in Tbilisi (B,D)
Day 14 Fly London
Early transfer to the airport for our flight departure to London Heathrow with Bristish Airways (B)
Please email info@sydertravel.com for further details
Stunning carved exterior of the Armenian Church of the Holy Cross, Lake Van
A detailed journey through the Anatolian plains of Asia Minor, visiting the little discovered eastern region of Turkey where great empires have flourished and faded over the millennia, and stunning scenery and landscapes capture the imagination. This area contains the complete spectrum of chronology covering the Bronze and Iron Age, where various cultures came and left their mark including the Assyrians, Hittites and Phrygians. As well as these earlier civilisations there will be an opportunity to admire Byzantine churches and the architecture of the Seljuk and Ottoman Turks. The climax to the trip is the visit to the mountaintop of Nemrut Dagi, famed burial place of Antiochus I. Time is also spent in the ancient city of Constantinople; Istanbul today
Soft evening light on the Tolos, Sanctuary of Apollo, Delphi
Greece is regarded as the cradle of European civilisation and this cultural journey visits the wonderful sites of the Classical period. Delphi was the centre of the world for the ancient Greeks, where mortals, via the ‘oracle’, communicated with Apollo. Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games, set in an idyllic pine-forested valley and Epidaurus, the greatest healing centre and finest theatre in the ancient world. Then there’s Mycenae, and a very different experience, a place of myths and legends and of a fierce, untamed people so vividly depicted in Homer’s epics. The tour also includes the amazing Christian monasteries at Meteora; 700-year old frescoed Byzantine structures perched precariously atop sheer pinnacles of rock. The six monasteries are still very much in operation, with their black-robed monks living a traditional, simple and ascetic way of life. Finally in Athens we visit the iconic Parthenon and the hugely acclaimed new Acropolis Museum. Along the way we enjoy the nation’s world renowned cuisine, the beautiful scenery of the Peloponnese region and the warmth of its peoples and climate!
Soft evening light on the Monastery, Petra © Patrick Syder Images
This classic Jordan tour offers a varied and comprehensive journey through the Royal Hashemite Kingdom. You will be able to visit a magnificent Crusader castle at Kerak, explore one of the best preserved Roman cities at Jerash, drive by 4WD through Lawrence of Arabia’s Wadi Rum, float on the Dead Sea, and enjoy an extended 2 day visit to Petra; the rose-red city half as old as time and the highlight of your trip. Jordan’s scenery is truly stunning, ranging from the desert sands of Wadi Rum to the green Jordan Valley and the coral rich waters of the Red Sea
ITINERARY
Day 1 Fly to Amman
Depart from Heathrow with Royal Jordanian. Evening arrival and transfer to the centrally located Geneva hotel for two nights
Day 2 Visit Amman and Jerash
We start the day at the capital’s open-air museum sited at the Citadel which houses the National Archaeological Museum, the Roman Temple of Hercules and the Roman Theatre below. We continue north of the capital to visit the fabulously well-preserved Roman city of Jerash with its evocative Theatre, grand circular Forum and the paved way leading to the impressive Temple of Artemis. Welcome dinner in typical local restaurant (B,D)
Day 3 Visit Madaba, Mt Nebo and Kerak
Depart this morning heading west and visit the monastery at Mount Nebo, from where Moses viewed the Promised Land. There is a visit to the Archaeological Park at Madaba that includes the church of St. George with its unique 6th Century mosaic map of Palestine. Heading south along the ancient Kings Highway we pause at Umm Ar-Rasas, where the small church of St Stephen houses some fine 8th century mosaics. We continue to Kerak for a visit to the Crusader castle built in the town in 1142 by Baldwin I of Jerusalem. We drive along the Desert highway to the fabled city of Petra for a three-night stay at the Petra Panorama hotel with panoramic views across the mountains that surround the ancient city (B,D)
Day 4 In Petra
The ‘Rose Red City’ of Petra is the highlight of Jordan’s ancient treasures. We have a guided tour this morning of the main magnificent facades, temples and architectural wonders of ancient Petra. In the afternoon there is the option to climb the steep steps to the stunning Monastery (B,D)
Day 5 In Petra
We have a day at leisure to enjoy walking in the site to marvel at the architectural wonders and stunning landscape that makes Petra so special and unique. You might want to climb the steps to the High Place to get the most outstanding views across the ancient city (B,D)
Day 6 Visit little Petra. Drive to Wadi Rum
This morning we visit Little Petra before leaving for Wadi Rum desert, which so inspired Lawrence of Arabia and where he wrote The Seven Pillars of Wisdom. Here we board 4 wheel-drive vehicles for a two hour excursion into the desert and enjoy exploring the dramatic landscape of fabulous rock formations and colourful desert sands before arriving at our luxury camp for a night under the stars. (B,D)
Day 7 Drive to the Dead Sea
We continue to the Dead Sea for two nights at the Crowne Plaza hotel located along the shore. An afternoon at leisure to enjoy the floating experience in the Dead Sea or perhaps the rejuvenating properties of a mud bath! (B,D)
Day 8 At leisure at the Dead Sea and visit Bethany
An opportunity to visit the recently discovered site of Bethany where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist this morning. Free afternoon to enjoy the various relaxing options available at our luxury hotel. (B,D)
Day 9 Fly to UK
We have a morning transfer to the Queen Alia airport for our return flight on Royal Jordanian Airlines to London Heathrow (B)
Black necked crane,Gangteng-Phobji Valley
The remote kingdom of Bhutan has a fascinating cultural and architectural heritage plus beautiful mountain scenery. A highlight of any visit to the country is to witness Drubchen (Festival); a colourful event accompanied by Buddhist chants and masked dances. This tour is timed to coincide with one of the least tourist visited festivals and is set in one the most spectacular valleys in Bhutan. The country continues to preserve its cultural integrity and age-old traditions as revealed in this unique and comprehensive tour, which travels through the fascinating western and central regions of the Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon.
The Annual Black-necked Crane Festival is held every year on November 11th at Gangtey Gonpa, located in the Gangteng-Phobji Valley in Bhutan’s Wangdurphodrang District.
The Black-necked crane is the only alpine crane species on the planet and is revered as a symbol of longevity in Bhutan. They are both distinctive and majestic, sporting a bright red crown, a black neck, and up to an eight-foot wingspan. They are the subject of Bhutanese folktales and songs, and their images can be found on the walls of temples across the country.
Residents in the Phobjikha Valley revere and protect these graceful creatures, whose presence is thought to bring abundant harvests and prosperity.
Black-necked crane dancers, Gangtey Monastery
3rd – 17th November 2025
The festival is organized by the Royal Society for the Protection of Nature, a national non-governmental organization, as part of the Integrated Conservation and Development Program (ICDP).The festival is an opportunity for the community to rejoice and celebrate the arrival of Black-necked cranes and is organized to raise awareness, provide economic incentives to local communities, and provide a venue for locals to renew their commitment to crane conservation. It also allows communities to showcase their cultural heritage and skills.
ITINERARY
Day 1/2 Fly from London to Kathmandu
Various flight options to Kathmandu. Next morning arrival, transfer and overnight at the historic Shanker hotel (B)
Day 3 Morning flight to Paro, BHUTAN
A spectacular mountain flight to Paro from Kathmandu with Druk Air. We visit the National Museum which holds fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings and exquisite postage stamps. Later we visit Rinpung Dzong built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan, the Dzong houses the monastic body of Paro, the office of the Dzongda (district administrative head) and Thrimpon (judge) of Paro district. Two nights in Khangkhu Resort hotel with dinner (B,L,D)
Day 4 In Paro
We visit Taktshang Monastery (5hrs hike) known as Tiger’s Nest, the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. On the way back we visit Drukgyel Dzong built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders and Kyichu Lakhang one of the oldest shrines of the Kingdom dating back to the 7th century (B,L,D)
Day 5 Fly to Bumthang
We fly to Bumthang this morning, which is the general name given to combination of four valleys – Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura with altitude varying from 2,600m to 4,000m. It is home to many of prominent Buddhist temples and monasteries. This afternoon we visit Kurje Lhakhang, where the saint Padmasambhava subdued a local demon and left his body imprint on a rock., the Jambey Lhakhang (7th century temple), Tamshing Lhakhang (housing some of the oldest wall paintings in Bhutan) and Jakar Dzong (administrative centre of the region). Two nights at the Mountain View Resort with dinner (B,L,D)
Day 6 In Bumthang
This morning we have short hike to Lhodrak Kharchhu Monastery founded by Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche in 1984 and has become part of an extensive effort to preserve and revitalize Tibetan culture. The monks regular curriculum include reading, memorizing the daily prayers, learning dharma dances, drawing mandalas, learning the melodies of sacred rituals, learning the use of ceremonial instruments and the art of making sacrificial objects, along with the basics of contemplation and instruction on the different stages of tantra. The afternoon is left at leisure to enjoy the atmosphere of the location of Bumthang (B,L,D)
Day 7 Drive from Bumthang to Trongsa
We stop at Chumey, a wide fertile valley where wheat, barley, potatoes and buckwheat are cultivated. It is particularly know for its famous wool weaving called “Bumthang Yathra”. Later we drive (2.5 hours) to Trongsa crossing Yutong-la pass (3,400m/ 11,155 ft). The road climbs steeply through coniferous forest into a wide, open cultivated valley known as the Chumey valley. Finally the road winds down the pass to Trongsa. On arrival we visit Trongsa Dzong, built in 1648 it was the seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan and Ta Dzong, recently opened fort in Trongsa. The Ta Dzong, a cylindrical stone structure rising five stories, was built in 1652 by ChogyalMinjur Tempa. with eyes painted at four cardinal points. Overnight Tendrel Resort with dinner (B,L,D)
Day 8 Drive from Trongsa to Phobjikha valley
Leaving Trongsa we head into the wide and picturesque Phobjika valley. Phobjikha is one of Bhutan’s few glacial valleys, and chosen winter home of black necked cranes (November – March) migrating from the Tibetan plateau. The valley is one of the most beautiful in Bhutan. We visit Gangtey Goempa (Monastery), the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan and explore Phobjika Valley with time to view the Black-Necked Cranes. These great birds, beloved in Bhutan and known as Trung Trung, feed along the marshy Phobijikha valley bottomlands. There are said to be only 1600 of the birds in the world, of which about 400-500 come to Bhutan in November and stay until March. The beauty of the Cranes has given rise to many myths, legends, folktales and songs.Two nights at the Gakhill Resort in Gangtey (B,L,D)
Day 9 Attend the Black-necked Crane Festival
We spend an unforgettable day with the locals at their annual Black-necked Crane Festival. Dancers wear spectacular costumes made of yellow silk or rich brocade, often decorated with ornaments of carved bone. For certain dances, they wear masks which may represent animals, fearsome deities, skulls or just simple human beings. The festival celebrations take place in the courtyard of Gantey Gompa and focus on celebrating the arrival of the Black Neck Cranes who make the Phobjika Valley there home during the winter months. The festival centres around cultural dances and songs, often containing reference to the birds, and makes use of Bhutans traditional carved wooden masks. There is a large focus on conservation of the area and the cranes habitat during the festival. (B,L,D)
Day 10 Drive to Punakha
After breakfast we drive (5 hours) to Punahka via Dochula pass (3,100m) arriving at Wangduephodrang town in time for lunch. In the morning we cross Pelela pass (3,300 m), the traditional boundary between east and west. The passis marked by a large prayer flag and the ground is covered with high altitude dwarf bamboo. Stop en route at Chendbji Chorten, which was built in 18th century by a Lama named Shida, it is Nepalese in style. On arrival at Punakha we check-in to our hotel located right on the bank of the river. Two nights in the Zimkham Resort with dinner (B,L,D)
Day 11 In Punakha
After breakfast we hike to Khamsum Yuelay Namgyal Choeten, a moderate half hour hike through the rice paddies. Next we visit Punakha Dzong, a fortress built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1637. Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and it still is the winter residence of the Central Monk Body. Later enjoy a picnic lunch on the banks of the Punak Chhu in the stunning dzong which straddles the confluence of the Mo Chhu (Mother River) and Pho Chhu (Father River). After lunch we drive to the village of Talo for a walk in the beautiful and quiet grounds of the village temple and visit the home village of the Kingdom’s four Queens (B,L,D)
Day 12 Drive Punakha to Thimpu. Visit Thimphu
Our drive (3 hours) this morning is via the Dochula Pass (3100m). The pass is marked by a large massive choeten, 108 smaller choetens (Druk Wangyel Choetens) and prayer flags. The pass offers the most spectacular view over the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas. We arrive at Thimphu the capital town of Bhutan and the centre of government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with a mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. On arrival in Thimphu we check-in to our hotel. After lunch we We visit the National Library, which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts, some dating back several hundred years and the Textile and Folk Heritage Museum – these museums, both of which opened in 2001, provide fascinating insights into Bhutanese material culture and way of life. Two nights at the Kisa Hotel with dinner (B,L,D)
Day 13 In Thimpu
This morning we visit the National Memorial Chorten. The building of this landmark was envisaged by the third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, as a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it is both a memorial to the Late King (“the Father of modern Bhutan”) and a monument to world peace. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy. The afternoon is left free to explore the town perhaps to shop at some of the excellent souvenir market stalls (B,L,D)
Day 14 Drive to Paro
We drive to Paro (3 hours) stopping at Chuzom, the confluence of Thimphu and Paro rivers and Tschogang Lhakhang, “the temple of the excellent horse”, built in 15th century. We arrive into Paro and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at Khangkhu Resort with dinner (B,L,D)
Day 15 Paro – Kathmandu
Early morning transfer to the airport for our flight to Kathmandu. Tour ends (B)
£4,995.00 pp based on sharing a twin room
£495.00 Single Supplement
Price includes
Tour escorted from Kathmadu by Patrick Syder FRGS
Specialist Bhutanese cultural guide for the duration of the tour
All transportation by a/c bus
Return flights from Kathmandu to Paro with Druk Air
One way internal flight from Paro to Bumthang with Druk Air
Full sightseeing programme including entrance fees
Comfortable three star standard category tourist hotels
Kathmandu transit hotel on B+B basis with airport transfers
All meals in hotel or local restaurants
Bottled water daily
Porter, hotel and restaurant staff gratuities
Royalty and Tourism Development Fund Taxes
Please note tour involves some long drives and reasonably high altitudes
PLEASE NOTE – personal travel insurance, visa fees, alcoholic drinks, guide and driver gratuities, international flights to Kathmandu are not included in the land tour cost
Syder Travel 