09N & 10Ds Paro festival.

Introduction

Experience the cultural richness of Bhutan with a 10-day luxury tour, including the vibrant Paro festival. Your journey begins in Paro, where you’ll be welcomed and transferred to the capital city, Thimphu. As you explore Thimphu’s cultural landmarks, including the ancient Simtokha Dzong, you’ll get a taste of Bhutan’s heritage. Venture to Dodena and hike to Tango or Cherry Monastery while enjoying the stunning scenery. Discover the National Library, Painting and Wood Craft School, and the Folk Heritage Museum. Your adventure continues to Punakha and Wangdi, with stops at Dochula Pass and Punakha Dzong, formerly the capital of Bhutan. Travel through beautiful landscapes to Bumthang, a valley with a rich historical and religious legacy. Explore monasteries, the Swiss farm, and the sacred Member Tso, known as the Flaming Lake. Return to Thimphu and perhaps visit Gangtey/Phobjikha Valley en route. In Paro, immerse yourself in the Paro festival, celebrating local culture and traditions. Attend the Thongdrol ceremony, visit historical sites, and hike to the iconic Taktsang Monastery. Your unforgettable journey concludes with cherished memories and a flight to Bangkok.

Day 01: Arrive Paro by Druk Air

Arrive Paro by Druk-Air. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by our representative and after finishing all formalities transfer to the hotel. The drive to Thimphu ( Capital ) through the winding road along the Paro and Thimphu river takes about 2 hrs. The distance is 65 kms. On the way, 6 kms before reaching Thimphu, visit the Simtokha Dzong (Dzong means Fortress ). Simtokha Dzong is one of the oldest Dzongs in Bhutan. It was built in 1629 A.D. by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel the founder of Bhutan, and was the first Dzong to be built by him. It houses one of the largest monastic and language schools in the country. This Dzong is under massive renovation but will be interesting to watch how these mammoth structures are built the traditional way. Check in at the hotel. Thimphu has several good standard hotels with all modern facilities.  O/N Thimphu

Day 02: Thimphu SS Tango & Cherry Monastery Excursion

Morning drive to Dodena the where the Chomolhari trek end,  hike to either Tango or Cherry monastery, after lunch visit the National Library where a vast collection of ancient manuscripts are preserved, the Painting and wood craft school where children are taught the traditional art of wood craft and painting and the Folk Heritage Museum. Visit the handicraft showroom nearby. O/N Thimphu

Day 03: Thimphu SS  and drive to Punakha/Wangdi

Visit the Memorial Chorten ( a huge Stupa ) built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned the Kingdom from 1952-1972. Visit Changgangkha Lhakhang built in 17^th century and one of the old monastery in the valley, drive the upper part of the valley visit Mini Zoo to see the National Animal Takin (which some looks like a mountain goat) and the view point from where one can have the magnificent view of Thimphu valley. Later visit Zulukha Nunnery, from you can have bird eyed view of Tashichhodzong ‘The parliament building”.

Later visit the Handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles and various other arts and crafts are displayed and can be purchased.

After lunch drive to Punakha and Wangdue valley (77 kms). On the way, halt at Dochula Pass ( 26 kms ) for a hot cup of tea/coffee and on a clear day one can enjoy the most spectacular view of the Eastern Himalayan mountain ranges and have blessed by 108 chorten built on the middle of the road, driver will make one or three round before he heads for Punakha.

Punakha was the former capital of Bhutan. The Punakha Dzong lies between two rivers known as Phochu and Mochu which means Male River and Female River. It is one of the most important Dzongs in Bhutan and now houses the District Administration office of the Punakha district and the winter residence of the Monk Body and its Chief Abbot. It was built in 1637 A.D. Overnight at Hotel in Wangdi/Punakha

Day 04: Punakha/Wangdi to Bumthang. (210km. 7-8hrs.)

Today have an early day, enroute visit the Wandiphodrang which lies 13 kms from Punakha. The Wangdiphodrang Dzong and its small town is perched on a hill between two rivers. This Dzong  also houses the District Administration office of the Wangdi district and the office and the living quarters of the district monk body. The Dzong was built in 1638 A.D Lunch which will be served at Trongsa, after lunch visit Dzong, which was the ancestral home of the ruling dynasty. It is also the district administration office of the Trongsa district. It was built in 1648 A.D. The landscape around Trongsa is spectacular, and for miles on end the Dzong seems to tease you so that you wonder if you will ever reach it. Backing on to the mountain and built on several levels, the Dzong fits narrowly on a spur that sticks out into the gorge of the Mangde River and overlooks the routes south and west. The view from the Dzong extends for many kilometers and in former times nothing could escape the vigilance of its watchmen. Furthermore, the Dzong is built in such a way that in the old days, no matter what direction a traveler came from, he was obliged to pass by the Dzong. This helped to augment its importance as it thus had complete control over all east-west traffic.

After crossing the Yotongla pass at 3400m enter the broad valley of Chumey and now you are officially in the valley of Bumthang. Arrangements will be made to stay in a comfortable guest house in Jakar.

Day 05: Bumthang Halt and sightseeing

Visit the historical Jakar Dzong built  by Minjur Tenpa, the third Druk Desi ( Temporal ruler ) in 1646 A.D. It was later repaired and expanded by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgay, the fourth Desi of Bhutan in 1683 A.D. It is probably one of the biggest Dzongs in Bhutan with the surrounding walls about 1 km in circumference. Visit several ancient and important monasteries such as, Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, Kencho Sum Lhakhang, Tamshing and Pema Samba Lhakhangs. Also visit the Bumthang Swiss farm and the Member Tso The flaming Lake which is considered one of the most important pilgrimage spots. Overnight at hotel.

Day 06: Bumthang to Thimphu.

Early morning transfer back to Thimphu.  If there is time, after discussing with Guide and drive you may visit to Gangtey/Phobjikha valley on the way. O/N Thimphu.

Day 07: Thimphu – Paro. 200km.

Early morning transfer to Paro to attend the 4^th day festival. Whole in the festival, all locals people are dressed in their colorful attire. Visit Dzong in the evening. o/n Paro.

Day 08: Attend 5^th and last day Festival

This is also the last day of the festival and early morning there is the unfurling of the Thongdrol ceremony, this is a large Thanka about 30m in height. The locals pray that they will be able to attend the festival the next year.

Later can visit the, National Museum, Dungste Lhakang and in the evening scroll down town. O/N Paro

Day 09: Paro Sightseeing

Morning hike to Taktsang Monastery, which hangs magically on a cliff 300 m above the valley floor lunch at Traditionally set up cafeteria. On the way back visit Drukgyul dzong which is now at ruin and also visit the Kichu Monastery one of the oldest monasteries in the country built during the 7th century and scroll around Paro valley. O/N Paro

Day 10: DEPARTURE FOR BANGKOK

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