Thimphu Festival Tour

The flight to Bhutan provides during a clear weather the most fascinating view of Himalayan scenery. On arrival in Paro, you will be greeted by our representative and escorted you to hotel. In the afternoon, visit the Rinpung Dzong, the 15th century massive fortress which now serves as administrative center of the valley. From the Dzong, you can walk down to the road head crossing a traditional wooden bridge. From here, you will be taken to Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and the most sacred shrine in the country. In the evening, you can stroll in Paro town.

Morning, drive to Thimphu and visit some important landmarks which include King’s Memorial Chorten (which was built in honor of late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck), Changangkha Monastery, traditional paper factory, Buddha Statue and the Tashi Chhoedzong, known as the “Fortress of Glorious Religion”.

After breakfast attend Festival, which is held outside the courtyard of Tashichhodzong, the main Secretariat Building, where the government ministries, the office of His Majesty the King, the Throne Room, the offices and living quarters of the monk body and its Chief Abbot are housed.

Enjoy scenic drive to Punakha. Stop at Dochula pass (3150 meters) where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas. When you arrive at Metshina Village, you can take 20-minute walk through rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, the Divine Madman’s temple popularly considered to be a temple of fertility. Take lunch in one of the restaurants and continue drive to Punakha. On arrival, visit Punakha Dzong, which is noteworthy for being one of the most beautiful Dzongs in Bhutan.

The journey to Bumthang takes you through dense forests of oak trees and rhododendrons. Throughout the journey you will come across the beautiful sceneries of rural Bhutan with scattered settlements far from the road, which makes for good photographing. Just before reaching Bumthang, you will come across Yathra (hand-woven woolen cloth) weaving centre and you can spend some time interacting with the weavers. You may visit local shops in the evening.

A full day tour in Bumthang may include the historic Jakar Dzong, Kurjey Lhakhang (associated with Guru Rimpoche, who bought Tantric Buddhism to Bhutan and Tibet), Jambay Lhakhang (dating from the 8th century) and Tamshing Lhakhang (built in 1501 by the Buddhist saint Pema Lingpa). In the afternoon, you can walk around in Bumthang town and interact with locals.

Today, you will drive to Wangdue. Lunch will be served at Chendebji which has a Chorten built in Nepalese style with eyes painted at four cardinal points. After long exhilarating drive passing through two spectacular high passes, you will arrive Wangdue.

Drive back to Paro, crossing the Dochula Pass and enjoying stunning views of the Himalayas. Stop in Thimphu for lunch and then continue drive to Paro. In Paro, visit local archery ground and watch locals playing archery.

Embark on a vigorous hike up to the Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) monastery, the most famous pilgrim site, which clings to the rock at 3180m. According to the legend, it is believed that Guru Rimpoche, the 8th century Spiritual Master, flew to this location on the back of a tigress to meditate. Lunch will be served at Cafeteria Restaurant halfway up on the mountain. Explore the monastery and hike back to Paro.

Your guide and driver will see you off at the Paro airport.