FESTIVAL TOUR
Punakha Festival
Punakha Festival
7 Days of exclusive Punakha festival tour
What’s included?
All meals, tea and snacks, complementary bottled water in car, hotels, transport, guide, government levy, visa fee, entrance fees, permits and sightseeing. On trek includes – sleeping tents, dinning tents, toilet and shower tents, toilet seats, mats, duffle bags, cooking utensils, all meals, guide, trek chef assistants and horses.
What’s NOT included?
Flight tickets, insurance, tips, drinks and beverages, sleeping bag on trek, laundry, internet, phone and other bills of personal nature.
Day 1
Arrive Paro – Drive to Haa Valley
The flight to Paro crosses the Himalayan Mountains. As your flight descents down to the valley, you will have a magnificent view of Paro valley. After completion of arrival formalities, you will be received by our representative. We will start our sightseeing firstly, visit Ta- Dzong, which is now the National Museum of Bhutan. The museum has a wide range of ancient paintings, antics, armors etc. Next visit Paro Rinpung Dzong, 17th century fortress built by Zhabdrung now houses the monastic and administrative office of Paro district. After lunch, we will drive to Haa valley across Chelela Pass (3,810m) which is the highest motorable road in Bhutan. Overnight at farmhouse.
Day 2
Haa Valley – Thimphu
Haa is one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan. It was opened to tourists in 2001. The beauty and the tranquility of the valley are complemented by the presence of the two sacred temples – White (Karpo) and the Black (Nagpo) Temples which are among the holiest sites in Bhutan. The local guardian deity, popularly known as Ap Chungdu, is worshipped as the protector of the people of Haa. The residents propitiate the local deity every year for protection, good health and success. After visiting these two temples, we will drive to Thimphu through many beautiful villages and settlements. Evening visit to Tashichhodzong, the main secretariat building which holds the throne room of His Majesty, the King. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.
Day 3
Thimphu – Punakha
In the morning we will have sightseeing in Thimphu, with visit of Buddha Dordenma, one of the largest Buddha statues in the world. Then to Memorial Chorten, a Tibetan- style stupa built by our third King in 1974. Nunnery Temple,where we will see Nuns( Female Monks) doing meditation or chanting and reading the holy scriptures. Then we drive to Punakha over the Dochu-La Pass (3,100m), which on a clear day offers an incredible view of Himalayan peaks. From the Pass drive downhill through the forest of Rhododendrons, hemlock and fir, finally reaching Lobesa village. From Lobesa, hike through farm houses and rice fields to visit Chimi Lhakhang (Fertility Temple).This is a special temple because couples who are married for manys year and wishing to have children gets Blessing from the Divine Mad- man Phallus. Overnight hotel in Punakha.
Day 4
Punakha Festival
Attend full day festival dances and celebration with people of Punakha. It is believed that everyone must attend a Tshechu and witness the mask dances at least once in order to receive blessings and wash away their sins. Overnight hotel in Punakha.
Day 5
Punakha – Paro
After breakfast drive about 30 minutes to the north of Punakha and hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. This Chorten was built in 1990s and took period of nearly 10 years. It was built by Queen Mother and dedicated to the King and for the well-being of Bhutanese. It majestically located on a ridge, with amazing views of the country side. We will then drive to Paro. Overnight hotel in Paro.
Day 6
Paro – Hike to Taktshang
Today, we will hike up to the famous temple called Taktsang or the Tigers Nest perched on a rock face 900 meters above Paro valley. In 8th century, Guru Rinpoche, the great Indian saint who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, is believed to have arrived here flying on the back of a tigress and have meditated here for about three months. We will have lunch at the cafeteria on our way back from the monastery, and then continue our hike down to the bottom. Overnight hotel in Paro.
Day 7
Departure
After breakfast, drive to Paro International Airport to catch the flight to your next destination. Our representative will bid you farewell and we wish you a safe and pleasant journey back home and hope to see you again in Bhutan.
