Established in around the 1670s to commemorate the birth of Guru Rinpoche, Thimphu Tsechu is considered the biggest three-day festival to be held in Bhutan. The festival is not only celebrated in the Tendrel Thang (celebration ground) at Trashichoedzong but also around the city, huge discount sales, fairs, variety shows, street shows and many more are some of the festive activities. Thousands of people from Thimphu and also from other districts make it for the three-day festival to celebrate and receive blessings.
On arrival in Paro international airport, you will be received by our Asia Bhutan Travels representative and drive to Thimphu by private car/bus. Check into your hotel. The afternoon we proceed to visit Memorial Chorten, stupa build in the memory of our late 3rd king. Further, we will proceed to Buddha Dhordenma viewpoint, from where we can see the entire Thimphu city.
Overnight at Thimphu
After early breakfast drive to Thimphu Dzong, today we will spend the whole day in the festival which will accompany with various mask dances and folk dancers along with Atsara (clowns) actions in the crowd.
Overnight at Thimphu.
Today whole day in the interesting Thimphu festival or in the afternoon we can proceed for other sightseeing like visiting Buddha Point, Changangkha Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the valley. Visit takin’s preservation center. Evening, we will visit the textile museum and government handicraft emporium.
Overnight in Thimphu.
After breakfast, visit the School of Arts and crafts where students learn 13 different arts used predominantly in Bhutan. Visit the Folk Heritage Museum and the National Library. Drive to the Zilukha nunnery to meet the nuns and interact with them.
Lunch in the town and thereafter, proceed to drive two and a half hour for Punakha crossing Dochula pass (3100 m). If the weather permits one can enjoy a spectacular view of snowcapped Eastern Himalaya as well as the highest mountains of Bhutan that stretches almost for about 180 degrees. Walk around the 108 stupas and continue to the sub-tropical valley of Punakha.
Overnight at Punakha.
Visit Punakha Dzong (fortress) in the morning which houses the most elaborate temple in the country. The structure is a fine example of Bhutan’s rich Art and Architecture. Visit a farmhouse to see the Bhutanese living styles. After lunch, proceed for an hour hike to the temple of Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten which is perched on a hill from where you’ll see the Punakha valley. Along the hike route, pass through the villages and the locals in their daily lives. Return to hotel for overnight in Punakha.
Overnight at Punakha.
After breakfast drive to Paro, on the way en route Chimmi Lhakhang, the temple of the Drukpa Kuenley who is also known as the Divine Madman. He inherited the Divine Madman title since he revolted against the orthodox Buddhism in his time. After reaching Paro, visit Gangtey Gompa, the largest and the only monastery of the Nyingmapa sect in western Bhutan before continuing your drive back to Paro for approximately 6 hours. Later afternoon, visit the 17th century Paro Dzong (Fortress) on foot and continue walking through the oldest wooden bridge still in use. Stroll around the old Paro town and peep into some local handicrafts stores and to see the lifestyle of the Bhutanese people.
Overnight at Paro
Visit the temples of Dzongdrakha on foot which studs the rock cliff. Continue driving to Haa over the Chelela Pass, the highest point of the trip at 3800m. If the weather permits, one can view the most sacred mountain in the country Mt. Jomolhari (7314m), the second highest unclimbed mountain in the world. Visit the quiet, timeless Haa valley with a picnic lunch.
Overnight at Paro.
Early morning drive to the base for the hike up to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, the most revered temple in the country that literally hangs on a granite cliff overlooking the Paro valley. It is said to be where the legendary saint, Guru Padmasambhava, flew from eastern Bhutan on the back of a tiger to overcome the demons of Paro region who were opposing the spread of Buddhism.
Lunch at the cafeteria.
Most of the day will go on the hike as you ascend gradually taking in the breathtaking views along the way.
Overnight at Paro.
daily tariff:USD 250 Per person per night
surcharges:
Solo Traveller: USD 40 per night
Dual Traveller: USD 30 per person per night
Three travellers and above: surcharges not applicable
Visa fees: One time payment of USD 40 per person.
daily tariff:USD 200 Per person per night
surcharges:
Solo Traveller: USD 40 per night
Dual Traveller: USD 30 per person per night
Three travellers and above: surcharges not applicable
Visa fees: One time payment of USD 40 per person.
A minimum of 3 star accommodation (4 & 5 star may require an additional premium).
All meals
A licensed Bhutanese tour guide for the extent of your stay
All internal transport (excluding internal flights)
Camping equipment and haulage for trekking tours
