Bhutan lives in festivals. These are the times when the mountains, forests, streams and people bask in the ethereal light of colors and jubilance. Many tourists come to Bhutan to witness religious festivals held annually in dzongs throughout the country. These festivals form an inseparable part of Bhutanese culture. like most notable spectacle of these festivals, mask-dances in brilliant array of colorful silk costumes. The dancers reenact legendary events, with monks playing exotic Himalayas musical instruments.

There are three types of religious dances. Instructi-e dances telling us moral tales, dances intended to purify a place and protect it from evil spirits and dances that proclaim the victory of Buddhism and the glory of Gum Rimpoche. The Tsheehus (festivals) are celebrated for three to five days in which both monks and laymen take part in the dances. The highlight of most Bhutanese Tshechus is the brief unfurling of the dzong's huge applique thangka, representing Guru Rimpoche and his eight manifestations. Better known as a Thongdrel, the Bhutanese believe that by viewling this they are delivred from the cycles of reincarnations. At the festivals the atsaras or clowns weaving expressive masks are a welcome sight. Tshechus are also a time for the Bhutanese people to socialize with family, friends and aquaintances. These festivals both in terms of the ways of celebrations and rituals are well preserved over centuries.

TENTATIVE FESTIVAL DATES FOR 2006

Bird Watching

Bhutan is generally regarded as bird watchers paradise. With its rich natural diversity and a fine balanced eco-system, this Himalayan Kingdom harbours Some of the most exotic bird species. Bhutan has about 770 species of birds.

During winter months the endangered species of Black Necked Cranes migrate to Bhutan in the Phobjika and Bomdeling valleys travelling all the way from Siberia. The Black Necked Crane Festival is usually held in the month of November when bird lovers can gather to watch the cranes dance. An unique experience.

The immense beauty of the Himalayas is contained in Bhutan's diverse landscape. Cacading rivers, exotic conifers, fiery wild rhododendron and blue poppies, long sweeping valleys, lush green meadows, fields of maize and tall majestic mountain peaks are not mere poetic references to describe the physical environment of Bhutan;they are tangible realities in this little Himalayan kingdom. Each season has its own beauty.

Spring is rhododendron season in Bhutan. The mountain sides all over the country are ablaze in shades of red and orange. Warm days are followed by cold nights. Monsoon in Bhutan is a difficult season. In late september as the rain subsides autumn begins. It is undoubtedly the loveliest time in Bhutan. The people of Bhutan look upon their natural environment as the source of all life and treasure it with great reverence.

Bhutan boasts of rich wildlife reserves spotting unusual fauna is never an uncommon in thi s land of the thunder dragon experience.

Golden langur, the species of long tailed monkey unique to Bhutan, can often be found on the main thorough fares. Yaks are ubiquitous as are takin on higher slopes. The Himalayan blue sheep is common in Bhutan. Unusual and rare species of butterflies is a visual treat.

Yarkay Tours and Treks have impeccable customsed tours to take you through this natural wonderland of flora and fauna which is a bliss of serene solitude.

he mystery, beauty and power of the mountains can be best felt by traversing them on foot. Whether you take a two-night trek around the Bumthang valley or walk for three days from Thimphu to Paro or take a weeklong trek to the base of Mt. Chomalhari, the views, village, people and experience will be unparalled. Yarkay Tours & Treks specializes in organizing trekking tours in Bhutan. All trekkers are accompanied by trained guides, a cook and atleast one horseman. Provisions and luggage are carried by mountain horses.

Treks vary from short three day walks across low altitudes to the three week long trek that cover more than 350 kilometres and climb three of the land's highest passes. Inexperieced trekkers are recommended to do the trek from Thimphu to Paro or vice versa. Trekking in Himalayas require good physical condition. Walking becomes difficult in places of high altitudes. All trekkers are required to strictly follow rules to protect the country's environment.