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: overnight at Thimphu.
Day 02- Thimphu- Punakha
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 at Punakha.
Day 03-Punakha-Thimphu (By Car, 2 1/2 Hrs.)
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 visit 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 or choose to stay at the farm house that we offer in Phobjikha. Overnight at Phobjikha, altitude 2900m.
Day 04-Phobjikha -Thimphu
After b/fast drive back to Thimphu, on the way, explore around Wangdue town. After lunch, visit the Thimphu vegetable market, Pangri zampa, where monks are studying the Buddhist astrology. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 05: Thimphu Festival
After b/fast visit the Thimphu Tshechu, as all Tshechu 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 at 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 Second Buddha, Padma Sambava – 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. Then visit a Bhutanese traditional house (farm house) where you can chat with local people, see how they live and taste some homemade wine. Also, try our Bhutanese traditional dress called gho for men and Kira for women. Later playing. Free time in Paro town, in the evening, there will Bhutanese culture show. Overnight at AS ABOVE.
Day 07- Depart for BKK
Say goodbye to Bhutan today. After breakfast, we will escort you to the airport for your departure to BKK