The religious Festivals are most popular sacred and very common in Bhutan. Amongst the religious festivals, the most important are known as Tshechus (literally “day ten”). The dates and duration of the Tshechu festivals vary from one district to another but they always take place on or around the 10th day of the month according to the Bhutanese calendar.
Tshechu Depicts a great deed of Guru Padmasambhava, the great Tantric Master who introduced Tantric Buddhism in Bhutan in the 8th century. Therefore the Tshechu is considered to be the festival honouring Guru. During Tshechus, the different types of dances are performed by monks as well as laymen. Besides its religious significance, it is also a yearly social gathering where the people from all the corner of Bhutan come together dressed in all their finery to rejoice.
Paro Tshechu (08 Days X 07 Nights)
Day 1: Arrive Paro On arrival in Paro international airport, our representative will receive you and transfer to your hotel. Check into your hotel. Evening toll around the town and overnight at hotel in Paro.
Day 2: Paro Festival Today you will spend the whole day at Paro festival with lunch in between. You will also take time off to visit the interior of Rinpung Dzong, built in 1645 to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. The Dzong is now being used as an administration center and school for monks. Then walk down to Rinpung Bridge (Traditonal Bridge), oldest bridge in Bhutan. Dinner and overnight stay at Paro Hotel.
Day 3: Paro Begin this day with a short drive to the ruined fortress of Drugyel dzong which still attracts visitors due to the strategic location of the fort. From this fort Bhutanese repelled several invasions by Tibetan armies. Nearby visit traditional Bhutanese Farm House which offers good insight into lifestyle of local people. Then take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery, the spot where Guru Rinpoche arrived on the back of a tigress and meditated. The temple is perched on a sheer rock face. The excursion to monastery’s view point takes about 5 hours for round trip. While return to Paro town visit enroute Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom. Overnight at hotel in Paro.
Day 4: Paro – Thimphu Check out from the hotel and drive to Thimphu, capital city of Bhutan. On arrival check into your hotel. Afternoon visit Memorial Chorten built in the memory of our late 3rd king, further drive to Buddha viewpoint. There glance a magnificient view of Thimphu. Enroute visit Changangkha lhakhang , one of the oldest temple. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu.
Day 5: Thimphu – Punakha Morning visit the traditional Hand Made Paper Mill, School of Arts and Crafts where students learn 13 different arts used predominantly in Bhutan, Folk Heritage Museum, National Library and the Traditional Institute of Medicine. Drive to the Zilukha nunnery to meet the nuns and interact with them. Lunch in the town and drive to Punakha through Dochula pass (3200 mts) If the weather permits one can enjoy a spectacular view of the highest mountains of Bhutan at a sight that stretches almost 180 degrees. Also you will find 108 stupa forming a hill surrounded by highways. Decend down to Punakha and overnight at Hotel in Punakha.
Day 6: Punakha Morning drive to visit Punakha Dzong (fortress), which houses the most elaborated temple in the country. This is a fine example of Bhutanese rich Art and Architecture. Drive further up to visit the Souvenir Making Center for girls supported by Youth Development Fund. Interact with the students and back to the hotel for lunch. After lunch could relax in the balcony of the hotel to enjoy the view and the nature. Or could go for an hour hike to the temple of Khamsum Yuley Lakhang or the temple of Chimi Lakhang, the temple of fertility associated with religious art of phallus. Overnight at Hotel in Punakha
Day 7: Punakha – Paro Retrace the drive back to Paro. After lunch, visit national museum of Paro, the first of its kind which has a collection from natural history to religious paintings. Could get some opportunity to see the traditional game like Archery match. Toll around Paro town and overnight at hotel in Paro
Day 8: Paro Depart Morning transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Your guide will bid you farewell at the airport.
Thimphu Tshechu (08 Days x 07 Nights)
Day 1: Arrive Paro – Thimphu In clear weather, flight to Bhutan provides a wonderful view of Himalayan scenery. On arrival, you will be met by our representative. After that, drive to Thimphu (55 km, 2 hours), the modern capital town of Bhutan. Then visit, The Largest and Tallest Statue of Buddha in the world, Buddha Point. Evening, stroll around Thimphu town. Dinner and overnight stay at Thimphu Hotel.
Day 2: Thimphu Tshechu After breakfast you will go to witness the 1st Day of Thimphu Tshechu (Festival) which will be held at Tendrel Thang (the festival ground in front of Thimphu Tashichhodzong). You will take off sometime from the festival to visit Tashichhoe Dzong, a fortress of the glorious religion. It was built in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel and was reconstructed into present structure by the late King, His majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the year 1962-1969. It houses the secretariat building, the throne room and the office of the king, and the central monk body. After the festival you take some time to Watch Archery match : Bhutan’s national game. Then visit National Memorial Chorten. Meet the elderly generation in circumambulation at the National Memorial Chorten. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu
Day 3: Thimphu Tshechu After breakfast visit Centenary Farmers’ Market (open from Thu-Sun only): Most of the Thimphu’s population and many valley dwellers converge on the bustling weekend market, held by the side of Wangchu River. A wide range of foodstuffs and local arts and crafts are sold at the market, which runs from Friday afternoon till Sunday evening. And then Go to Tendrel Thang to get a glimpse of the 2nd Day of Thimphu Festival and stay at the festival for about an hour or so. Afterwards drive for about 30 minutes to the base camp of Tango Monastery and hike up to the Monastery. The walk up to the Monastery is through the forest filled with Rhododendron flower trees which will be in full bloom during April month. Tango Monastery is the center for higher studies for monks. The view from Tango Monastery is breathtakingly beautiful. You will experience complete peace and serenity in this area. After visiting the monastery, walk back to the road and then drive back to Thimphu. Dinner & overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.
Day 4: Thimphu Tshechu After breakfast go to Tendrel Thang (festival ground) to witness the most spectacular last day of Thimphu Tsechu with religious dance performances mixed with folk dances and dance of Bhutanese warriors. People from all walks of life gather at the festival in their finest dresses and ornaments. After the festival visit Traditional Bhutanese paper making factory. The handmade paper making in Bhutan stemmed from the age old tradition originated in 8th century of Bhutanese history. Also visit Takin Preserve, which houses the national animal the Takin that is only found in Bhutan. If time permits visit Changankha Lhakhang (temple): This temple situated atop a small hound overlooking the Thimphu valley was built in the 13th century by the illustrious Lam Phajo Dugom Zhigpo. The temple is considered the spiritual home of children born in the Chang valley. Overnight at Hotel in Thimphu.
Day 5: Thimphu – Punakha Drive over the Dochu-La pass (3,100 meters), which on a clear day offers an incredible view of Himalayan peaks before descending into balmy Punakha valley (about 3 hrs total driving time). The drive through the countryside affords a glimpse of everyday life in this most remote of Himalayan kingdoms. In the Dochu-La area there are vast Rhododendron forests that grow to tree size and bloom in late April/early May covering the mountains in a riot of glorious spring colour. Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan. On arrival, visit Punakha Dzong, the “Palace of Great Happiness” built in 1637 by the Shabdrung, the ‘Unifier of Bhutan’. It is situated at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu (Mother and Father Rivers) and is the winter headquarters of the Je Khenpo and hundreds of monks who move en masse from Thimphu to this warmer location. The three story main temple of the Punakha Dzong is a breathtaking example of traditional architecture with four intricately embossed entrance pillars crafted from cypress and decorated in gold and silver. It was here in 1907 that Bhutan’s first king was crowned. Overnight at hotel in Punakha.
Day 6: Punakha – Wangdue – Paro Morning drive towards Wagdue, enroute visit Chimi Lhakhang, temple of the Drukpa Kuenly who is also known as the Divine Madman. He inherited the Divine Madman title since he revolted against the orthodox Buddhism in his time. He taught the people that religion is an inner feeling and it’s not necessary that one should be an ordained monk. He is also considered a symbol of fertility and most childless couples go to his temple for blessing. Then visit Wangdue Dzong. After lunch, drive to Paro (150 kms) en route visit Simtokha Dzong. This dzong, built in 1627 is the oldest in Bhutan. It now houses the Institute for Language and Culture Studies. On arrival in Paro, check into the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 7: Paro Begin this day with a short drive to the ruined fortress of Drugyel dzong which still attracts visitors due to the strategic location of the fort. From this fort Bhutanese repelled several invasions by Tibetan armies. Nearby visit traditional Bhutanese Farm House which offers good insight into lifestyle of local people. Then take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery, the spot where Guru Rinpoche arrived on the back of a tigress and meditated. The temple is perched on a sheer rock face. The excursion to monastery’s view point takes about 5 hours for round trip. While return to Paro town visit enroute Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom. In the evening visit local market and overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 8: Paro Depart After breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to onward destination. Our representative will bid you farewell.
Jambay Lhakhang Festival (10 Days x 09 Nights)
Day 1: Arrive Paro – Thimphu As the aircraft decent and land at Paro International airport you will be greeted by our guide and driver. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the capital Thimphu. En route pass by Tamchog Lhakhang iron bridge. After hotel check-in, head for gigantic Buddha Dordenma Statue. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu.
Day 2: Thimphu Enjoy a full day of sightseeing, including a visit to the National Library, which houses an extensive collection of Buddhist literature with some works dating back several hundred years: Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School): Traditional Medicine Institute, the rich herbal medicines abundant in Kingdom is prepared here: Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, the fascinating testimony of the Bhutanese material culture and living traditions: Trashichhodzong, the beautiful medieval fortress/monastery which houses most of the Government’s office and King’s Throne room. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 3: 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 Devine Madman and a sacred place where people pray for children. Next embrace the highlight – Punakha Dzong, a very beautiful Bhutanese architecture armed by the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, with rich Buddhist collections. You will also visit Suspension Bridge nearby (the longest bridge in Bhutan). Overnight at hotel in Punakha.
Day 4: Punakha – Trongsa – Bumtang Drive from Punakha to Bumthang via Trongsa (8 hrs) over the Pele La pass (3,420m) on the Black Mountain range. Enroute visit beautiful Chendebji Chorten, erected in the 18th century. The imposing Trongsa Dzong can be viewed across a deep canyon to signal your approach to the town around a curving road. Trongsa is the ancestral home of Bhutan’s ruling dynasty. After lunch, visit Trongsa Dzong, the largest Dzong in Bhutan. The view from the Dzong is spectacular and one can see across the landscape for many miles. Also visit the Ta Dzong museum housing an incredible collection of historical artefacts of the Royal Family. Continue driving to Bumthang, home to some of Bhutan’s oldest Palaces and temples. Try to stay awake until midnight to witness the opening proceedings of the Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival, including an unusual naked dance performed to sanctify the region. Overnight at your lodge in Bumthang.
Day 5: Bumtang (Jambay Lhakhang Festival) After breakfast, you will attend the full second day of the Jambay Lhakhang Drup (festival). This occasion gives an opportunity to the local businesses- there will be a number of stalls selling craftwork, jewellery, religious artifacts and thangkas. Overnight hotel in Jakar.
Day 6: Bumthang (Jambay Lhakhang Festival) After breakfast, attend the full 3rd day of Jambay Lhakhang Drub. Overnight at hotel in Bumthang.
Day 7: Bumtang – Punakha In the morning visit visit Kurjey Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places in the kingdom where Bhutan’s patron saint Guru Rimpoche meditated. Afterwards drive to Punakha, stopping for lunch along the way. Overnight at your hotel in Punakha.
Day 8: Punakha – Paro Drive back to Thimphu where you will enjoy lunch and have an opportunity to visit handicraft and souvenir stores. Afterwards proceed to Paro, visiting Semtokha Dzong en route. The Dzong, built in 1627, is the oldest in Bhutan. It now houses the Institute for Language and Culture studies. On arrival in Paro, check into the hotel. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.
Day 9: Paro After breakfast hike to Taktsang Monastery. The trail is broad and the walk of approximately 2 hours uphill takes you almost a kilometre above the Paro valley floor (for those who cannot hike we will arrange a horse for transfer up to the viewing point). The view of Taktsang Monastery built on a sheer cliff face 900 metres above the valley floor is a spectacular sight. The Monastery is also an important pilgrim site for the Buddhists. The great Guru Rimpoche is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. He then mediated in a cave there for three months where the monastery was later built. Nearby there is a teahouse where you can stop for refreshments. In the afternoon drive to the ruins of the 17th Century Drukgyel Dzong, an historic monument built by the Shabdrung to commemorate his victory against invading Tibetans in 1644. In fine weather the towering peak of the sacred Mount Jomolhari (7314m) appears as a stunning backdrop. On the return drive to Paro, visit 7th Century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples constructed by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.
Day 10: Paro Depart Breakfast in the hotel, and then drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination.
Punakha Tshechu (07 Days x 06 Nights)
Day 1: Arrive Paro Druk Air/ Bhutan Airline flight to Paro offers you beautiful view of mountains and landscapes. Our guide and driver will welcome you and drive to hotel. Take a rest for a while and after lunch, drive towards Ta Dzong, the National Museum where there are huge collections of antiques and relics. Just below the museum is Rinpung Dzong. Rinpung Dzong is the head of administration office in Paro and it also houses monk Dratshang. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Paro.
Day 2: Paro- Thimphu After breakfast drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. Drive towards top of the hill to see largest Buddha statue of the world in Kuensel Phodrang known as Buddha Point. The 51.5 meter statue is made out of bronze and gilded gold. After that go to Memorial chorten. There you will find hundreds of people praying everyday. Then we will drive to Sangaygang view point of whole Thimphu. While returning we can visit the mini zoo in upper Motithang where the national animal of Bhutan, Takin, is conserved. In the evening we will visit the Royal Garden that is located behind the Tashichoe Dzong. The Royal Garden was made to pay tribute to the 4th King of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck. On our way back to hotel we can visit Tashi Chhoe Dzong, the seat of government of Bhutan. Overnight hotel in Thimphu
Day 3: Thimphu- Punakha After Breakfast, drive to Punakha. Enroute visit Dochula pass. Dochula is 30 kilometers away from Thimphu. It is famous for housing 108 Druk Wangyel Chorten. The Chortens were built in 2003 to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over Indian militants and every year Dochula Tshechu is conducted. After lunch, visit Chimi lhakhang. The temple is known as “the Temple of Fertility” and is a pilgrim site for barren women. Upon reaching Punakha, visit the majestic Punakha Dzong. The fortress is a fine example of Bhutanese craftsmanship and was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. It is located right at the confluence where Pho-Chhu and Mo-Chhu meet and flow as Punatsangchhu. Ovenight at hotel in Punakha
Day 4: Punakha Tshechu Today attain the full day of Punakha festival. Punakha Tshechu brings people from far and near together to witness the mask dances and get blessing from eminent religious figures. Overnight hotel in Punakha
Day 5: Punakha- Paro Morning, go for an hour hike to the temple of Khamsum Yuley Lakhang. After lunch, drive to Paro. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 6: Paro Begin this day with a short drive to the ruined fortress of Drugyel dzong which still attracts visitors due to the strategic location of the fort. From this fort Bhutanese repelled several invasions by Tibetan armies. Nearby visit traditional Bhutanese Farm House which offers good insight into lifestyle of local people. Then take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery, the spot where Guru Rinpoche arrived on the back of a tigress and meditated. The temple is perched on a sheer rock face. The excursion to monastery’s view point takes about 5 hours for round trip. While return to Paro town visit enroute Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 7: Paro Depart Breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination.
Wangdue Tshechu (08 Days x 07 Nights)
Day 1: Paro On arrival in Paro today you will be met by our representative and taken to your hotel, where you can check in and enjoy lunch. After lunch you will visit the Paro Dzong, a historic fortress that today houses the government administration offices and the district Monastic Body. Then spend the evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel in Paro
Day 2: Paro – Haa – Paro Today you will be driven to Haa via the Chelela Pass (3900m – approximately 2 hours’ drive). If the weather is clear you will have magnificent views of Mt. Jumolhari (7314 m) and Taktshang Goenpa (the ‘Tiger’s Nest’ Monastery). The Haa valley was only recently opened to visitors and remains one of Bhutan’s most pristine areas; the valley is dotted with fields of millet; barley, potatoes, wheat and farmhouses are adorned with intricately painted cornices and frames. You will be able to see the Haa Dzong and stop for pictures. After a picnic lunch you will explore the Haa valley with a visit to Chundu Lhakhang at Hatey village, which will provide an insight into the history of the valley, before returning to Paro. Overnight in Paro
Day 3: Paro – Thimphu After breakfast, you will be transferred to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. On arrival you will visit the weekend market, which is a permanent set of stalls; vendors from throughout the region arrive on Thursday afternoon and remain selling their goods until Sunday evening. It’s an interesting place to visit, where locals jostle for the best and cheapest vegetables and foodstuff. This is the only time that fresh produce is available, and the shopping is enhanced by the opportunity to catch up with the week’s gossip. Next you will visit the Folk Heritage Museum, where you will learn about rural Bhutanese life. After lunch, sightseeing begins with a visit to the Memorial Choeten, a stupa built in 1974 in honor of the 3rd King, His Late Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The stupa is one of the most elegant masterpieces built in the 20th century, with detailed religious wall paintings and sculptures. Afterwards you will visit the 14th century Changangkha Lhakhang, which is also the focus of daily worship for many Thimphu residents. You will stop at Sangaygang – the viewpoint or “Lover’s Point,” where young couples come to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the Thimphu valley. Then visit the Dupthob Lhakhang, a nunnery that has more than 70 practicing nuns. The last stop of the day will be the Handicrafts Emporium, where you will have the chance to shop for some local souvenirs. Overnight in Thimphu
Day 4: Thimphu – Punakha After breakfast you will be transferred to Punakha – the ancient capital of Bhutan. The drive takes you across Dochula Pass (3100 m), which is marked by a large Bhutanese style Choeten (a sacred structure), 108 small choetens and prayer flags. If the weather is clear you can enjoy spectacular views of the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas before passing down through magnificent pine and rhododendron forests and into Punakha. On arrival you can check into your hotel and have lunch. This afternoon enjoy a hike to Chimi Lhakhang – a temple dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenlay. It’s an easy hike (about 30 minutes each way) that takes you through rice paddies and Yuwakha village. Spend the evening at leisure. Overnight in Punakha
Day 5: Punakha (Wangdue Festival) After breakfast visit the Wangdue Dzong to witness the annual Wangue Tshechu (Festival). Evening toll around Wangue Town. Overnight at hotel in Wangdue.
Day 6: Punakha – Paro Morning, you can enjoy a guided hike to Khamsum Yuelay Namgyal Choeten, built in 1994 by Her Majesty Azhi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck for the well-being of the people and the country. It is a moderate hike through rice paddies and pine forests that takes about 45 minutes one way; the view of the valley from the Choeten is magnificent. You will then visit the Punakha Dzong, one of the oldest dzongs in Bhutan. If time permits toll around Khuruthang town and drive towards Paro in the late afternoon. Ovenight at hotel in Paro
Day 7: Paro Today enjoy a full day excursion to Taktshang Monastery, literally known as “Tiger’s Nest”. This is one of Bhutan’s most sacred places, and an important pilgrimage destination. The hike takes you along a trail that slowly rises above the valley, through fields and past four large prayer wheels turned by a stream. Continuing across an open meadow, you hike up a section of trail to a ridge where prayer flags rustle in the wind next to a massive prayer wheel. Just beyond is the Taktshang Cafeteria at 9,200 feet, where you can stop to enjoy a hot drink and the striking views of the Monastery across the valley. Depending on your energy level, you may relax in the pleasant atmosphere of the cafeteria until lunch or continue on for a mile of steep climbing to another dramatic viewpoint. You will return to the cafeteria for a delicious buffet of typical Bhutanese food. You may want to try Emadatsi (a chili cheese dish), vegetables with cheese sauce and other local dishes. Then return to the hotel. Overnight at Hotel in Paro
Day 8: Paro Depart After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport. Our local representative will bid you farewell.
Nimalung & Kurjey Festivals (11 Days x 10 Nights)
Day 1: Arrive Paro – Thimphu Arrive at Paro International Airport, it’s a beautiful airport directly connected to very select destinations across the world. You will be received by your guide and driver. After the greetings, drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. In the evening we will visit the Royal Garden that is located behind the Tashichoe Dzong. The Royal Garden was made to pay tribute to the 4th King of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck. On our way back to hotel we can visit Tashi Chhoe Dzong, the seat of government of Bhutan. Overnight hotel in Thimphu
Day 2: Thimphu Today’s full day of Thimphu sightseeing includes visit to Kuenselphordang, where you will see the 169 ft sitting Buddha statue; School of Holy Arts, from there we will head over to experience Bhutanese arts and crafts being taught at Zorig Chusum; Zoo to meet Takin, National animal of Bhutan. And after lunch we will visit Simply Bhutan, Simply Bhutan is a unique project that observes conservation of our culture and tradition while generating employment opportunities for young job seekers. The infrastructure portrays ancient Bhutanese architecture which is being lost to modernization. Then we will drive to Sangaygang view point of whole Thimphu. Later drive to Memorial Chorten, a stupa built in memory of the third King of Bhutan. Evening for your own leisure, overnight at hotel in Thimphu.
Day 3: Thimphu – Gangtey Depart for Gangtey/Phobjikha. The road takes us over Dochu-La pass (3,100m) where we can circumambulate the 108 stupas and, if the weather is clear, enjoy an incredible view of Himalayan peaks. On our descent after crossing Dochu-La pass, we can choose to walk down ancient paths and visit Royal Botanical Garden in Lamperi. We cross the Punatsangchhu river and climb past the ruins of Wangduephodrang Dzong. Phobjikha valley is one of Bhutan’s few glacial valleys and the chosen home of the endangered bird species – black necked crane or grus nigricollis (Nov to Mar) migrating from the Tibetan plateau. Overnight at your hotel in Phobjikha.
Day 4: Gangtey/Phobjeykha – Bumtang (Chumey) Following breakfast, visit Gangtey Gompa (monastery), which dates back to 16th Century. Enjoy a last view of this beautiful valley before departing over the Pele la pass (3,420m) on the Black Mountain range towards Trongsa. Enroute, we pass the charming villages and hamlets and visit the beautiful Chendebji chorten. Trongsa is the ancestral home of Bhutan’s ruling dynasty. Visit Trongsa Dzong, a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture. Trongsa is the largest Dzong in Bhutan and the location of where the institution of monarchy in Bhutan began. The foundations of Trongsa Dzong were laid in the 16th Century and there are now 22 temples in the complex. The view from the Dzong is spectacular and one can see across the impressive landscape for many miles. Also visit the Ta Dzong museum housing an incredible collection of historical artefacts of the Royal Family and a range of traditional armour. Continue our drive to Bumthang, the spiritual heart of the country. Bumthang is home to some of Bhutan’s oldest palaces, Buddhist temples and monasteries. We halt for today at Chumey, the first valley of Bumthang. Overnight at resort in Chumey.
Day 5: Chumey – Nimalung (Nimalung Festival) Morning attend nimalung festival. During the festival, a series of mask dances are performed. After lunch drive to Membar Tsho, also known as “Burning Lake”, a site at which the famous treasure revealer Pema Lingpa revealed important sacred treasures in the 15th century. Then visit Tamshing Lhakhang ,it is a private monastery that was established in 1501 by treasure revealer Pema Lingpa. Inside, some of the probably oldest paintings in the entire country can be seen, painted by Pema Lingpa himself. Also you will find the famous iron chain, made by Pema Lingpa who was a blacksmith until he started discovering the sacred Buddhist treasures, hidden by Guru Rinpoche and his disciples many centuries ago. Evening for your own leisure. Dinner at hotel.
Day 6: Bumtang (Kurjey Festival) Drive upstream of the Chamkhar Chhu river to enjoy the festival at Kurjey Lhakhang. Historically, Guru Rinpoche was invited here to subdue evil spirits plaguing the land. Later, visit Jambay Lhakhang, erected by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century. It dates back to the origins of Buddhism in Bhutan and is one of the Kingdoms oldest temples. Other places of interest are Jakar Dzong (Dzong of the white Bird). Overnight at hotel/lodge in Bumthang.
Day 7: Bumtang – Punakha Today you drive back towards the west and return to the National Highway and drive 190 km back to Punakha. Evening for your own leisure. Overnight at hotel in Punkha.
Day 8: Punakha Visit Punakha Dzong, the “Palace of Great Happiness” built in 1637 by the Shabdrung, the ‘Unifier of Bhutan’ as predicted by the great Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava). It is situated at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu (Mother and Father Rivers) and is the winter headquarters of the Je Khenpo and hundreds of monks who move en masse from Thimphu to this warmer location. The three story main temple of the Punakha Dzong is a breathtaking example of traditional architecture with four intricately embossed entrance pillars crafted from cypress and decorated in gold and silver. It was here on 17th December 1907, Bhutan’s first king was crowned. After lunch, enjoy a short walk to Chimi Lhakhang, temple of the Drukpa Kuenly who is also known as the Divine Madman. He inherited the Divine Madman title since he revolted against the orthodox Buddhism in his time. He taught the people that religion is an inner feeling and it’s not necessary that one should be an ordained monk. He is also considered a symbol of fertility and most childless couples go to his temple for blessing. Overnight at your hotel in Punakha/ Wangduephodrang.
Day 9: Punakha – Paro Today after breakfast we drive back to Paro. In reaching Paro, visit Drugyal Dzong (a ruin of a Dzong) which is situated at the end of Paro valley about 16 kilometers outside town. This Fortress is of great historical importance as it was here that the Bhutanese defeated the invading Tibetans and drove them back. From here, the snowcovered peaks of Mount Jhomolhari (7329m) can be seen on a clear day. After that visit one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, the Kyichu Lhakhang. Built by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century, Kyichu is considered to be one of 108 temples that were built to defeat an ogress (demon) that was lying over the entire Himalayas. Overnight at hotel in Paro
Day 10: Paro Begin this day with an excursion to Taktsang Monastery, the spot where Guru Rinpoche arrived on the back of a tigress and meditated. The temple is perched on a sheer rock face. The excursion to monastery’s view point takes about 5 hours for round trip. Then visit traditional Bhutanese Farm House which offers good insight into lifestyle of local people. In the evening visit local market and overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 11: Paro Depart Breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination.