Tentative Festival Date: 21 – 23 September 206
Tour Itinerary
DAY 01-Arrival, Paro – Thimphu (By Car, Approx. 1.5 Hrs.)
Welcome to Bhutan. Upon arrival, be greeted by your local guide and escorted to the capital, Thimphu, passing by Tamchog Lhakang Iron Bridge En -Route. Hotel check-in, then head to the Buddha Dordenma Statue and Takin Sanctuary, where you’ll see Bhutan’s unique national animal, the takin. Continue to meet the nuns at Zilukha Nunnery. Overnight@Thimphu.
Day 02- Thimphu- Punakha (2.30hrs drive)
On your way to Punakha, stop at Dochula Pass to have a coffee break and admire the Grand 108 stupas. If in good weather, take in the enchanting views of Mt. Himalaya. Proceed to Chimmi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to the Divine Madman and a sacred Place where people pray for children. Next, embrace the highlight – Punakha Dzong, a very beautiful Bhutanese architecture surrounded by the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, with Rich Buddhist collections. Overnight@ Punakha.
Day 03-Punakha – Phobjikha (By Car, 2 Hrs drive)
Check out from the hotel after our delicious breakfast, and we will drive to the valley of black-necked cranes via Wangdue. En route, we will stop to take photos and views of Rinchengang village. Visit Gangey Gonpa and the black-necked crane centre to get a better idea and information about this endangered bird of Bhutan, which migrates from the Tibetan plateau to Phobjikha every winter. Later in the evening, we will visit a typical Bhutan farm house and have cooking class with house hoist member, Evening you will be experiencing the bhutanese hotstone bath. Overnight @ Phobjikha
Day 04-Phobjikha -Thimphu (4hrs drive)
After b/fast drive back to Thimphu, on the way, visit Wangdue phudrang Dzong. After lunch, visit the Thimphu vegetable market, Pangri zampa, where monks are studying the Buddhist astrology. Overnight@ Thimphu.
Day 05: Thimphu Festival
After b/fast visit the Thimphu Tshechu or festivals, honours Padma Sambhawa, also known as Guru Rimpoche, the precious yogi and saint who is credited with having introduced Tantric Buddhism throughout the Himalayas. The festival’s masked dances are performed by monks clad in colourful brocade attire and permeated by chants and reading of Buddhist scripts, then later visit Tashi cho dzong (fortress), the largest religious building in Thimphu, as well as the central administrative centre. Evening to Paro -Overnight @ Paro.
Day 06-Day Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Paro Hiking -This morning, hike to visit Taktsang at 3000m from sea level – (Tiger’sNest- built in 1691 by 2nd Desi Tenzin Rabgay – It said that Padma Sambava flew on Tigress to the cliff where currently temple is located), be amazed by the view of this Sacred temple hanging on the rocky cliff, and take in the beauty of Paro valley. After that, move to the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, built to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over. The Tibetan invaders. If in good weather, you’ll see a great distant view of Mt. Jhomolhari and free time in Paro town, in the evening, there will be farewell party,Bhutanese culture show. Overnight@ paro
Day 07- Departure
Say goodbye to Bhutan today. After breakfast, we will escort you to the airport for your departure.