punakha festival tour
Day 01: Arrive Paro by Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines (L / D)
Day 02: Paro (B / L / D)
Day 03: Paro / Thimphu (60 km, 2 hours) (B / L / D)
Day 04: Thimphu – Punakha (B / L / D)
Day 05: Punakha (B / L / D)
Day 06: Punakha/ Gangtey (70 km, 3 hours) (B / L / D)
Day 07: Gangtey / Trongsa / Bumthang (6 hours) (B / L / D)
Day 08: Bumthang (B / L / D)
Day 09: Bumthang / Wangduephodrang (205 km, 7 hours) (B / L / D)
Day 10: Wangduephodrang / Paro (125 km, 4 hours) (B / L / D)
Day 11: Paro Airport Departure (B)
BHUTAN TOUR ITINERARY
(10 Nights 11 Days)
Paro- Thimphu-Punakha – Gangtey- Trongsa – Bumthnag.
Day 01: Arrive Paro by Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines (L / D)
Druk Airways and Bhutan Airlines flight to Bhutan is one of the most spectacular in entire Himalayas. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Kolkatta, each flight is a mesmerizing aeronautical feat and offers an exciting descent into the Kingdom.
On arrival at Paro airport, immigration and custom formalities and then received by our representative and transfer to the hotel. Evening take a stroll around town’s main street. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 02: Paro (B / L / D)
After Breakfast proceeds to Taktsang Palphug Monastery more famous as Paro Taktsang is a Buddhist temple complex which clings to a cliff, 3120 meters above the sea level on the side of the upper Paro valley, Bhutan.
The Taktsang Palphug Monastery is one of the most famous touristic destinations of the country and the cultural icon of Bhutan. Visiting the Paro Taktsang Monastery is an unforgettable experience thanks to its unique location and the views of surrounding majestic mountains and emerald green valleys.
After lunch, drives up the valley to Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1647 by the Shabdrung to commemorate the Bhutanese victory over the Tibetans in war of 1644. Visit to Ta Dzong (National Museum) and then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong which has a long and fascinating history.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 03: Paro / Thimphu (60 km, 2 hours) (B / L / D)
After breakfast proceed to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan. Enroute stop at Chuzom (confluence) where Paro river joins Thimphu river. Afternoon, in Thimphu, visit National Memorial Chorten: The building of this landmark was envisaged by the third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, as a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it is both a memorial to the Late King (“the Father of modern Bhutan”) and a monument to world peace. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.
Then proceed to Buddha Dordenma is a gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha statue under construction in the mountains of Bhutan. The statue will house over one hundred thousand smaller Buddha statues, each of which, like the Buddha Dordenma itself, the Buddha Dordenma is sited amidst the ruins of Kuensel Phodrang, the palace of Sherab Wangchuck, the thirteenth Desi Druk, overlooking the southern approach to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan.
Then, visit Handicrafts Emporium, Textile and Folk Heritage Museum followed by visit to local market. Trashichhodzong, This impressive fortress/monastery houses Secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty, the King and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of Chief Abbot and central monk body also chance to witness the national flag ceremony. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 04: Thimphu – Punakha (B / L / D)
Morning, Thimphu sightseeing, visiting National Library, Painting School and Traditional Medicine Institute. After lunch, drive to Punakha, the old capital town of Bhutan. Stop enroute at Dochula pass (3,050m) that heralds the most enchanting views of Bhutan.
Lunch in Lobesa, afternoon excursion to Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who in the late 15th century used humour, songs and outrageous behaviour to dramatise his teachings and due to this also known as ‘Divine Madman’. This temple is also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon.
On arrival Punakha check into the hotel.
Day 05: Punakha
Early morning breakfast visit the Punakha and witness the festival during 17th century Bhutan was invaded several times by Tibetan forces seeking to seize a very precious relic, the Ranjung Kharsapani. Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal led the Bhutanese to victory over the Tibetans and to commemorate the triumph he introduced the Punakha Drubchen. Since then Punakha Drubchen (also known as Puna Drubchen) became the annual festival of Punakha Dzongkhag.
Day 06: Punakha/ Gangtey (70 km, 3 hours) (B / L / D)
After breakfast drive to Gangtey via Wangduephodrang. Further ahead pass through dense forests and oak, rhododendron tress, reaching at Gangtey (Phobjikha). Evening take a walk around Gangtey village and visit Gangtey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in this region. Overnight at in Gangtey
Day 07: Gangtey / Trongsa / Bumthang (6 hours) (B / L / D)
Morning explore Phobjikha valley which is famous for Black Necked Cranes. The cranes migrate here from Central Asiatic plateau to escape its harsh winters. After lunch drive to Trongsa crossing 3,300m high Pele la pass. Lunch in Trongsa, afternoon visit to Trongsa Dzong, the master piece of Bhutanese architecture and see Ta Dzong, the watch tower, built to defend this Dzong and surrounding region.
After lunch, proceed to Bumthang, the religious heartland of the nation. Evening at leisure. Dinner and overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.
Day 08: Bumthang (B / L / D)
Bumthang is the general name given to combination of four valleys – Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura with altitude varying from 2,600m to 4,000m. It is home to many of prominent Buddhist temples and monasteries.
Visit to Tamshing Lhakhang, the treasure house of interesting religious Buddhist paintings. Then visit, Jakar Dzong, the administrative centre of the valley. Afternoon visit Kurje Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places. Later visit Jambay Lhakhang, the ancient monastery dating from the introduction of Buddhism in the country.
Evening visit to local shops. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.
Day 09: Bumthang / Wangduephodrang (205 km, 7 hours) (B / L / D)
Morning after breakfast, drive to Wangdue, Lunch would be served enroute at one of the famous restaurant in Trongsa town. Evening take a stroll around Wangdue Bajo town, visiting shops, local market and mingling with people. Overnight at the hotel in Wangduephodrang.
Day 10: Wangduephodrang / Paro (125 km, 4 hours) (B / L / D)
After breakfast drive to Paro, reaching in Paro take relaxed in hotel, do some shopping.
Day 11:
After breakfast transfer to the airport for flight to onward destination.