Chukha Festival

Day 01

Arrive at Paro

You will be received by the representative from Bhutan Himalayan Holidays at the airport and drive to Thimphu. On the way, visit Simtokha Fortress, built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1627. Over night in Hotel.

Day 02

Thimphu - Punakha - Thimphu (72 Kms, 3 hours drive)

After breakfast, Drive to Punakha via Dochula pass. If the weather is clear, we stop for a while at Dochula pass to view Higher Himalayas. While in Punakha, visit Punakha Fortress built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and is situated between Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River). For many years until the time of the second king, it served as the seat of the Government. The construction of the Fortress was foretold by Guru Rimpoche, who predicted, “…a person named Namgyal will arrive at a hill that looks like an elephant”. There was a smaller building here called Fortress Chu (Small Fortress) that housed a statue of Buddha. It is said that Shabdrung ordered the architect, Zowe Palep, to sleep in front of the statue, while Palep was sleeping; the Shabdrung took him in his dreams to Zangtopelri and showed him the palace of Guru Rimpoche. From his vision, the architect conceived the design for the new Fortress, which in keeping with the tradition, was never committed to paper. The Fortress was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). The war materials captured during the battle with Tibetans are preserved here. Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo and King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk convened the new national Assembly here in 1952. After Lunch, drive to Wangdi Phodrang. Enroute stop a while to view Chimi Monestry also called the “Temple of Fertility” built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley also popularly known as “Devine Mad man” in 15th century. Enroute sightseeing in the valley of Wangdiphodrang, it includes: visit to Wangdiphodrang Fortress (from outside) built in 1638. Legend relates that as the people were searching for the site of the Fortress; four ravens were seen flying away in four directions. This was considered auspicious sign, representing the spread of religion to the four points of the compass. The Fortress is situated at the confluence of Mo Chu and Tang Chu rivers. Drive back to Thimphu in the evening. Over night in Hotel.

Day 03

Thimphu - Chukha

Drive to Chukha and witness the Chukha Tshechu. In the evening back to Thimphu. Overnight in Hotel.Sunday 1st April, Day 04. Thimphu Sightseeing: After breakfast, sightseeing in Thimphu includes: visit the National Memorial Chorten, a monument dedicated to the Third King of Bhutan. His Late Majesty King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The inside paintings and statues provide a very rare insight into Buddhist Philosophy.  Excursion to the Sangaygang where you will get a spectacular view of the Capital city and you can also visit the Mini zoo the home of National animal. After lunch, Excursion to Cheri Monastery. In the evening, visit Tashichho Fortress (Fortress of the Glorious Religion), built in 1641 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and reconstructed in 1961 by the Late King, His Majesty King Jigme Dorji Wang chuck, who is regarded as Father of Modern Bhutan. Then visit Handicrafts Emporium to see the exquisite artistry of traditional crafts and textiles. Dinner and over night in Hotel.

Day 05

Paro Sightseeing

After breakfast, drive to Paro. In Paro, visit the Ta Fortress, an ancient watchtower, which has been, since 1967, the national museum of Bhutan then visit Rimpung Fortress (Paro Fortress) built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The Fortress presently houses administrative offices. After lunch, visit the Drukgyel Fortress, now in ruins was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate the victory over the Tibetan invaders in1644; the Fortress name’s means indeed “victorious Druk “. The Fortress was used as an administrative center until 1951 when a fire caused by butter lamp destroyed it. Then visit Kyichu Monestry, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred monasteries dating from the introduction of Buddhism in the 8th century and Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 06

Excursion to Taktsang Monastery

After breakfast a short drive takes us to Satsam Chorten, the trail climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. We stop for a rest and light refreshments at the Taktsang Jakhang (cafeteria) and then walk a short distance until we see, clearly and seemingly within reach, Taktsang monastery. The primary Monestry was built around Guru Rimpoche’s meditation cave in 1684 by the Penlop of Paro, Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgay, this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan in 747 AD, flew here on the back of a flying tiger, Dorji Drolo, said to be his favourite consort. Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

Day 07

Departure

Early morning, drive to the Airport and Farewell.