Punakha Festival

Day 1 : 13 March 2019 - PARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT - THIMPHU  

Upon arrival at the Paro International airport, you will be met by your guide. Before proceeding to Thimphu, visit Ta-Dzong (built in1656 and renovated in 1968), an ancient watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. Below the museum is the Rinpung Dzong (literally meaning “Heap of Jewels”), the centre of civil and religious authority in this valley, built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. After lunch drive through to Thimphu. The drive is along a winding road by the Paro Chu (Chu means water or river) downstream to the confluence with the Wang Chu, then it turns upstream along the Wang Chu to Thimphu, Bhutan’s scenically located capital city.

In the evening, visit the Tashichho Dzong, the seat of the national government and the Central Monastic Body which includes the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan).

Welcome dinner and overnight at your hotel  in Thimphu.

Day 2 : 14 March 2019 - THIMPHU – PUNAKHA

Drive to Punakha stop at Dochula Pass (3,140 m) to see the spectacular Druk Wangyel Chortens and the superb view of snow capped Himalayan Mountains Range(Jigme Singye Wangchuck Mountain Range) and also you can see Gasa Dzong at a distance if the weather is clear.

After lunch in Punakha town, walk about 25 minutes uphill through beautiful paddy field and farm houses to visit Chimi Lhakhang, which was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley's (the Devine Madman) cousin Lam Ngawang Chogyel in 1499. He subdued the evil sprite of Dochola and put underneath the hill where the temple is built. The Temple is also known as “the Temple of Fertility”.

Then visit Punakha Dzong. The impressive Punakha Dzong lies between two great rivers, Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River). This Dzong serves as the winter residence for the Je Khenpo, Chief Abbot of the Central Monastic Body and also the office of the district administration.

Dinner and overnight at your hotel  in Punakha.

Day 3-4 : 15-16 March 2019 - THE PUNAKHA DRUPCHEN FESTIVAL

Attend the Punakha Drubchen Festival for two days. Dinner and overnight at your hotel in Punakha.  We will also arrange walking tours and farm house visit  to suit your interests. Afternoon drive to Thimphu. Dinner and overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.

Day 5 : 16 March 2019 - THIMPHU

After breakfast drive to Dodeyna to climb through a beautiful oak forest  to the Tango Monastery which overlooks Dechencholing valley and other Buddhist retreats high in the mountains.

After lunch, visit the National Memorial Chorten built in honour of Bhutan’s late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck and drive uphill to the Kuensel Phodrang to see a large statue of Buddha built in 2005 and opened to public in 2015. In the afternoon, you will also get an opportunity to visit National Institute of Traditional Medicines, National Insitute of Zorig Chusum (School of 13 arts & crafts), Royal Textiles Academy and local handmade paper house. In the evening, proceed to Paro, dinner and overnight in Paro.  

Day 6 : 17 March 2019 - TAKTSANG MONASTERY OR TIGER’S NEST

After breakfast visit Drugyal Dzong (a ruined fortress before,but now a new Dzong has been built), 16 km away from Paro. This Dzong has great historical importance for the people of Bhutan, it was a place where the Bhutanese finally defeated the Tibetan invasion, thus the Dzong is named Drukgyel means victory.  On a clear day one can view sacred Mt. Jomolhari, which is 7214m or 21642 feet above sea level, it is also one of the world's unclimbed mountain.

We will then drive you to the base of Taksang to take a breathtaking and memorable hike through beautiful blue pine and Rhodo forest. You will stop for light refreshments at the Taktsang cafeteria before walking on to the famous, Taktsang monastery or Tiger’s Nest. The primary Lhakhang or main temple was built in 1684 by the 4th Druk Desi, Gyalse Tenzin Rabgay. This incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 m into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan in 747 AD, flew here riding on the back of a flying tigress from Kurtoe Singye Dzong in the east.

In the afternoon, you will have an opportunity to explore the beautiful town of Paro.
Dinner and overnight in Paro.

Day 7 : 18  March 2019 - PARO - PARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT 

After breakfast at your hotel, drive to Paro International Airport where your guide will accompany you to bid you farewell.