Paro Tshechu Festival (Festival Date 31st March-4th May, 9 Nights/10 Days)
Day01. Arrive at Paro by Drukair
On arrival at Paro Airport, You will be received by our representative and then visit to Ta Dzong (built in 1656 and renovated in 1968),an ancient watchtower, it now houses National Museum of the kingdom and boasts antique thangkha painting, textiles and weapons & armours. On the way walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning “fortress heap of jewels” , Afternoon drive to Thimphu, “The Capital of Bhutan” Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day02. Thimphu Sightseeing
After Breakfast, visit the National Memorial Chorten built in 1974 in honour of our late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk( “Father of Modern Bhutan”) Then Visit to the Tallest Statue of Buddha in the World, sangay gang view point, Takin Preserve Centre, Dupthop Lhakhang one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan. After that visit the Institute for Zorig Chusum, commonly knew as the Painting School, Also visits the Folk & Textile Heritage Museums and the National Library which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts.
After Lunch, visit to the weekend marked and witness archery match. Then visit the Handicrafts Emporium to see exquisite artistry of traditional crafts and textiles. Evening visit to the Trashichho Dzong, seat of the national government and the Central Monastic Body, including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan)
Day03. Thimphu-Punakha (75km, 2 ½ Hours)
After Breakfast, Drive to Punakha across Dochula Pass (3050m), we will stop there for few minutes, if the weather is clear, you shall have a good view of Higher Himalayas.
After lunch, visit Chimi Lhakhang, also called the “Temple of Fertility” built in 1499 by Lam Drukpa Kuenley known as the “DIVINE MADMAN” Then visit to Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and is situated between Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River). Today the Dzong serve as a religious and administrative centre of the region. Dinner and overnight at Hotel in Punakha.
Day04. Punakha-Gangtey
After Breakfast, Drive to Gangety, on the way visit Wangdiphordang Dzong (from outside) built in 1638. Legend relates that as the people were searching for the site of the Dzong; four ravens were seen flying away in four directions. This was considered auspicious sign, representing the spread of religion to the four points of the compass. The Dzong is located on the hilltop above the confluence of the Punakha Chu and Tang Chu Rivers. Drive further to Gangtey, visit Gangtey Gompa, built in the year 1613 located at an altitude of 2900m. Today it serves as a meditation and home for the monks.
Explore Phobjikha valley, famous for the Black Necked Cranes during winter. Dinner and overnight at Hotel in Gangety.
Date05. Gangtey-Thimphu (143 km, 6 Hours Drive)
After Breakfast, Drive to Thimphu, Lunch will be served on the way. In the evening visit to the Handicrafts and local shops for shopping and photography, Dinner and overnight at Hotel in Thimphu.
Day06. Thimphu-Paro (Excursion to Paro)
After Breakfast, Drive to Paro till the satsam chorten. . From there your hikes start to Taktsang Monastery one of the most famous monastery of Bhutan floating on the high cliff. It is said that Guru Rinpoche who brought Buddhism to Bhutan arrived on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery for three months hence it is called “Tiger Nest”. Lunch at Taktsang Cafteria.
After the hike, drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress, Built in 1647 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Explore the ramparts and on a clear day experience an unforgettable view of Mt. Jhomolhari (7,314 m).On the way back visit Kichu Lhakhang built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. This temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.
Dinner and overnight at Hotel in Paro.
Day07. Paro Festival
After Breakfast, Witness the festival for whole day, you can get an opportunity to take a photograph and mingle with the local people.
Day08. Paro Festival
After Breakfast, Witness the Festival.
After lunch an excursion to Chela-La passs.(4200 m) From this point if the weather is clear you can have a good view of Mount Chomolhari & Jichu Drakey. This is one of the best places to walk for few minutes and enjoy the views.
Day09. Paro Festival
After Breakfast, Witness the festival, in the evening free for shopping and photography in the town. Dinner and overnight in Hotel.
Day10. Departure: Breakfast in Hotel, Drive to the Airport, Flight on Druk Air. TASHIDELEK