Punakha Festival

Day 01 - Arrival at Paro International Airport (By Druk Air flight KTM-PBH sector)

Our representative from Bhutan Himalayan Holidays will receive you at the airport and drive you to the hotel. After lunch, drive to the ruins of the Drukgyel Dzong 16 km up the valley built in 1647 by the great Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, father and unifier of medieval Bhutan. The dzong was destroyed by accidental fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate. Explore the ramparts and on a clear day experience an unforgettable view of Mt. Jomolhari (7,314 m). On the way back, visit Kichu Lhakhang, built in 659 A.D by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. Dinner/Overnight: Hotel, Paro.

Day 02 - Paro Sightseeing/Excursion to Taktsang Monastery

A very special day, with an excursion to view the spectacular Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) monastery - After breakfast a short drive to Sartsam Chorten, from there a short (1 ½ hour) hike till the viewpoint point of the monastery. 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 Lhakhang was built around Guru Rimpoche’s meditation cave in the 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, flew here on the back of a flying tiger, Dorji Drolo, said to be his favorite consort.

After Lunch, visit Ta Dzong (built in1656 and renovated in 1968), an ancient watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. Below the museum is the Paro Rinpung Dzong (literally meaning “Heap of Jewels”, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the centre of civil and religious authority in this valley. A short walk takes you to the base of the dzong and across a traditional cantilevered, covered bridge. Dinner/Overnight: Hotel, Paro.

Day 03 – Paro - Thimphu Sightseeing

After breakfast drive to the capital city Thimphu (approx. 2 hrs. drive). In Thimphu visit to the National Memorial Chorten (1974) built in memory of the late third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck by Her late Royal Grandmother Gayum Phuntsho Choden. Visit the Dupthop Lhakhang, one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan. We then visit the National Library, stocked with ancient Buddhist manuscripts, and the Painting School where traditional art is still kept alive through instructions in the art of painting Thangkas (sacred Buddhist religious scrolls). After lunch visit the Traditional Medicine Institute where medicines are prepared according to ancient practices and to Lungtenzampa to observe the Royal silver smiths and Bhutanese paper factory at work. Other highlights include a visit to the Trashichho Dzong, seat of the national government and the Central Monastic Body, including the summer residence of the Jhe Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan). Finally visit the Handicrafts Emporium followed by shopping for souvenirs in the shops of Thimphu town. Dinner/Overnight: Hotel, Thimphu

Day 04 - Thimphu - Punakha

After a late breakfast, drive to Punakha via Dochula pass. You will take a scenic drive across the Dochula Pass where you will have a superb view of the Himalayan range of mountains if the weather is clear. Driving through swarms of prayer flags fluttering in the wind you cross the pass and descend into the
sub-tropical Punakha valley. Before arriving to Punakha you will take a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang which was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley who is also known as the Devine Mad Man. He subdued the demons with his “Magical Thunder bolt”. The Temple is also known as “the Temple of Fertility”. This beautiful temple is known for increasing fertility in woman and in recent years Bhutanese women have been joined by women from other countries who journey to this temple in hopes of becoming pregnant. Aside from its significance to women the temple is located in a wide-open valley making it a beautiful short walk en route to Punakha. Dinner/Overnight: Hotel, Punakha.

Day 06 – February 24 – Punakha Festival – Gangtey - Punakha

Today is also a day to witness the Punakha festival. After lunch drive to Gangtey Valley, Phobjikha. Visit the Gangtey Gompa built in the 17th century. A few kilometers past the Gompa is the village of Phobjikha. This is the home of the endangered species Black Necked Cranes that migrate from the Tibetan plateaus in the north. Their arrival numbers have been steadily increasing over the years as the Phobjikha grounds have proved ideal and safe for them. Dinner/Overnight: Hotel, Punakha.

Day 07 – Punakha – Wangdue – Punakha

Morning witness the Punakha Tsechu (Festival). After lunch visit the Wangdue Dzong. The dzong was built in the 17th century. The dzong stands at the confluence of Punakha-Chhu and Tang-Chhu rivers. Dinner/Overnight: Hotel, Punakha.

Day 08 – February 26 – Punakha - Thimphu Sightseeing

After a late breakfastdrive to Thimphu via the Dochula Pass. Before arriving to Thimphu visit the Semtokha Dzong; the oldest Dzong in Bhutan built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1627. After lunch visit Sanjaygang viewpoint where you will have a good view of Thimphu town. On your return visit the zoo where you can see the National animal of Bhutan, Takin. Dinner/Overnight: Hotel, Thimphu.

Day 09 – Thimphu – Haa - Paro

Afterbreakfast, drive to Haa Valley.In Haa, visit the Karpo and Nagpo Monasteries and while driving to Paro, you can drive through the Chelela pass to see the beautiful scenery and walk up the pass (Above tree line for Photography). You can view Mt. Jomolhari and the beautiful scenery of the whole valley. Dinner/Overnight: Hotel Paro.

Day 10 – February 28 - Paro

Drive to Paro International Airport and farewell.