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Bhutan Cross Country Cultural and Festivals Itinerary

Day 11 — {date11}

Day Excursion around Mongar

Prayer Flags in Bhutan with Primula
Prayer flags and Primula denticulata alongside the road in Bhutan.

Today we halt for the day and enjoy the sights in and around Mongar. After breakfast we will visit the local high school of over 400 students on special invitation of the principal, a long-time friend of the tour. After their opening assembly in the courtyard where they sing the morning prayer to the God of Wisdom and national anthem, we are invited by couples into the classrooms to interact with the students. Many past participants have even given short lectures on their personal professions—the principal and teachers encourage this. We will have tea and cookies with the principal and teachers, they have told us their students rarely have an opportunity to converse with Westerners so they are very happy to host our visit. Then we move to the town's primary school for the same thing only there they perform their annual cultural program in the auditorium—the tour makes a generous cash donation in support of their annual school picnic, plus we have donated a lawn mower, paint for the exterior of the buildings and most recently have replaced their PA system in the auditorium.

After lunch there are several options that will be explained at lunch. Overnight Hotel Wangchuck for second night, pick up laundry upon return in the afternoon. Day 2 of 2-day halt, dinner, Mongar, Hotel Wangchuck.

Bhutan Connie Howard Photo
Young Bhutanese monks practice their puja music alongside the road.    (Photo by previous tour participant, Connie Howard.)