Festivals in Bhutan – Thimphu Tshechu

Duration: 9 days / 8 nights
Location: Thimphu, Punakha & Paro

Day 1 – Arrival in Paro and transfer to Thimphu (1.2 hrs)
Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to Thimphu by private car. Check-in at your hotel. In the afternoon, visit the Memorial Chorten, a stupa built in memory of our third king. Then, visit the Buddha Viewpoint, from where you can see the entire city of Thimphu. Overnight in Thimphu | Altitude: 2,300 m

Day 2 – Thimphu Festival
We will spend the entire day at the festival, enjoying various masked and folk dances, along with performances by clowns in the crowd. Overnight in Thimphu

Day 3 – Thimphu Festival
Full day at the interesting Thimphu Festival. In the afternoon, if you prefer, you can visit other sites such as the Changangkha Lhakhang Temple, the oldest temple in the valley, and the takin preservation center. In the afternoon, visit the Textile Museum and the government handicraft emporium. Overnight in Thimphu

Day 4 – Thimphu – Punakha (2.5 hrs)
After breakfast, visit the School of Arts and Crafts, where students learn 13 different arts predominant in Bhutan, the Folk Heritage Museum, and the National Library. Transfer to Zilukha Nunnery to meet and talk with the nuns. Lunch in the city and then a two-and-a-half-hour transfer to Punakha, crossing the Dochula Pass (3,200 m). Weather permitting, enjoy spectacular views of the Eastern Himalayas and Bhutan’s highest mountains, stretching almost 180 degrees. Walk through the 108 stupas and continue to the subtropical Punakha Valley. Overnight in Punakha | Altitude: 1,350 m

Day 5 – Overnight in Punakha
Morning visit to the Punakha Dzong (fortress), which houses the most elaborate temple in the country. It is an excellent example of Bhutanese art and architecture. Visit a cottage to see how Bhutanese people live. After lunch, take a one-hour hike to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten temple, located on a hill overlooking the Punakha Valley. During the hike, you will pass through villages and observe the daily life of the locals. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Punakha. Overnight in Punakha

Day 6 – Punakha – Paro (3.5 Hrs)
Morning visit to Gangtey Gompa, the largest and only monastery of the Nyingmapa sect in western Bhutan, before continuing the approximately 6-hour journey back to Paro. Visit the 17th-century Paro Dzong on foot and continue walking across the oldest wooden bridge still in use. In the afternoon, stroll through the old village of Paro and visit some local handicraft shops to observe the Bhutanese way of life. Overnight in Paro | Altitude 2,200 m

Day 7 – Paro – Haa – Paro (6 Hrs)
Visit the Dzongdrakha temples on foot, located on the rocky cliffs. Continue the journey to Haa via Chelela Pass, the highest point of the trek at 3,800 m. Weather permitting, you can see the country’s most sacred mountain, Mt. Jomolhari (7,314 m). Visit the peaceful and timeless Haa Valley with a picnic lunch. Overnight in Paro

Day 8 – Paro Tour
Early in the morning, transfer to the base for the trek to Tiger Monastery, the country’s most revered temple, literally hanging from a granite cliff overlooking the Paro Valley. It is said to be the site where the legendary Indian saint, Guru Padmasambhava, flew from eastern Bhutan on the back of a tiger to defeat the demons of the Paro region who opposed the spread of Buddhism. Lunch will be served at the monastery cafeteria. Most of the day will be spent hiking as you ascend gradually, enjoying the breathtaking views along the way. Overnight in Paro

Day 9 – Departure
Morning transfer to the airport (15 minutes) for your departure flight. Our tour staff will see you off at the airport. Transportation and Travel Situation in Bhutan Ground transportation is provided in private vehicles based on the number of travelers. We provide clean, air-conditioned and heated vehicles. Expect rough roads with steep slopes and narrow passages; travel time may be delayed due to weather. Please consult your doctor before traveling. Local doctors are available in Bhutan if necessary. Hotels / Resorts / Tents We select the best quality hotels and accommodations available according to your budget. You will have private rooms with hot and cold showers. Guide, Driver, and Assistants Expert local guides and drivers.