Overview
A Bhutan Festival Tour is an excellent way to experience the vibrant culture, traditions, and spiritual richness of the country. Bhutan is known for its colorful and lively festivals, or “tshechus,” which are celebrated in various regions throughout the year. These festivals often coincide with significant religious events and provide a unique opportunity for both locals and visitors to come together in a spirit of joy and devotion.
Itinerary
Elevation at Paro: 2,200 meters.
Experience the breathtaking views of the high Himalayan peaks as you fly into Paro valley (2,300 meters). After visa formalities at the Paro airport, meet your personal guide and driver.
Visit Paro Dzong and the National Museum
Visit “Paro Dzong” also known as Paro Rinpung Dzong means “the fortress of the heap of jewels”. This structure serves as the house for the district monastic body and government administrative office of Paro.
Visit Ta Dzong, which in the past served as watchtower for Paro Dzong - for protection from invaders. Now, it is the National Museum of Bhutan housing ancient artifacts dating back to 4000 BCE.
Take a stroll through Paro town with streets lined by atypical Bhutanese traditional buildings.
The rest of the day is at leisure to unwind and absorb the beauty of this isolated kingdom.
Overnight: 3-star Hotel In Paro
(Gangtey Palace/ Similar)
After a hearty breakfast, journey to the golden Punakha valley.
Stop at Tachhog Lhakhang (the Iron Chain Bridge), a temple located across the famous iron bridge built over the meandering Pa Chhu (Paro River). The cool-sweeping breeze and bright-colored prayer flags create an invigorating ambiance. The whole set up is a visual treat to the eye.
On the way, break at Dochu La- Pass at 3,100 meters above the sea level. Enjoy a hot cup of coffee at the Druk Wangyal cafeteria while enjoying the mesmerizing panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges. If the skies are clear, the high Himalayan peaks towards the north east will be revealed in all its glory. Take in the 108 stupas beautifully adorned on the pass in the backdrop of the crystal blue skies and the breathtaking himalayan ranges.
Continue towards Punakha- On arrival, walk through the agricultural field of rice and mustard, leading to a hillock where the temple of the Divine Mad monk is located.
Overnight: 3-star hotel in Punakha (Dhumra Farm Resort or similar)
Elevation at Punakha: 1,200 meters.
Elevation at Thimphu: 2,300 meters
Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten Hike
Begin your day with a walk through the verdant farmland leading to the remarkable Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. The walk is just as refreshing as the rewarding view of the Golden Punakha valley from the Chorten. The silvery Mo Chu meandering through the wide golden field immersed in the beautiful embrace of the surrounding mountain is a suiting description of the fertile Golden Punakha valley.
Later explore the architectural striking and beautiful Punakha Dzong located magnificently at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (Male River) and Mo Chhu (Female River). Walk on the longest Suspension bridge before retracing your steps back over the Dochu La (Pass) to Thimphu.
Overnight: 3-star Hotel in Thimphu
(Thimphu Tower/Similar)
Thimphu Festival is one of the biggest festivals in Bhutan. Today we will visit Tashichho Dzong to where the Thimphu festival is held and be a part of the Colorful and lively Thimphu Festival.
The festivals or Tshechus in Bhutan are a rich form of oral tradition where the Bhutanese pass on values, mythology, and spiritual beliefs through dance or dramas. Many of the Tshechus culminate with a rare display of a giant silk appliqué Thangka (painting) depicting Guru Rinpoche or some other important Buddhist figures.
People’s deep faith and devotion make these festivals a special occasion. At the same time, it is also an opportunity to join hundreds even, thousands of Bhutanese in taking part in the most important religious and social occasion that often exudes a carnival atmosphere.
Later we can visit the gigantic Buddha Dordenma statue at Kunselphodrang from where you can get grand view of Thimphu valley.
Evening we will take an exploratory walk around Thimphu main street and market area. We will also visit archery ground and watch a National Game played by the locals with songs and dance.
Overnight: 3-star hotel in Thimphu
(Thimphu Tower or Similar)
Drive to Paro after an early morning meal.
The best of the last, the historical Taktsang hike is the focus of today’s activities. Get your energy up at breakfast this morning for a hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Venture through the pristine surrounding of the monastery resting on a cliff.
Hike up to Tiger’s Nest - one of Bhutan’s most revered pilgrim sites; be rewarded to the overwhelming sight of the monastery perched on a cliff at 3,120 meters above the sea level and 900 meters above Paro valley. Tiger’s Nest or Taktsang acquires its name from the legend of its foundation, when in the 8th Century Guru Rinpoche, widely revered as the second Buddha, arrived from Tibet flying across the mountains on the back of a tigress and meditated here for three months. He blessed and preached tantric Buddhism in Bhutan.
After the hike we will stop at the ancient Kichu Lhakhang dating back to the 7th century and discover the myths related to the construction to this Lhakhang
Our team will drop you at the airport and bid you farewell.
