The Punakha Tshechu is one of the most popular Tshechu in the country. It is held right after the popular Punakha Drupchen. The Unfurling of the Thongdrel of Guru Rinpoche on the last day is the main attraction of the festival. It is believed that the mere sight of Thongdrel liberates the onlookers and cleanses of his sins., This tour also covers the major places of attraction in Bhutan: Thimphu,Paro,Punakha & Gangtey. Starting from Paro, known for the various religious sites including the famous Tiger Nest,the tour proceeds to ‘U’ shaped- Gangtey valley via Thimphu, where you can soak yourself in its scenic grandeur.
Day 01: Paro - Thimphu (55kms/1.5 hours)
▶
The flight into Bhutan takes you close to the great Himalayas, offering dazzling scenic views of some of the world’s highest glacial peaks. As you enter Paro valley, you will sweep past forested hills with the silvery Pa Chu (Paro river) meandering down the valley below. Paro Dzong (fortress) and Ta Dzong (watchtower) on the hills above the town will be a fine sight. Our representative will receive you and will drive to Thimphu with sightseeing along the way.
Day 02: Thimphu
▶
Drive to Kuenselphodrang where world’s tallest Buddha Statue (169 feet) sits overlooking the Thimphu valley. Enjoy the spectacular view of Thimphu city.,Visit the zoo at Motithang to gaze upon Takin, the National animal of Bhutan.
Day 03: Thimphu- Phobjikha (135kms/5hours)
▶
Drive via Dochu-lapass(3,088m/10,130ft) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the 108chortens, maniwall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on theroad.,On the way stop at Punakha/Nobding for Lunch.,After Lunch, proceed to Phobjikha, one of the most pleasant glacial valleys in Bhutan.
Day 04: Gangtey- punakha (78kms/3hours)
▶
Visit Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers. Punakha was Bhutan’s capital until 1955 and Punakha Dzong still serves as the winter residence of the central monk body. Bhutan’s first king, Ugyen Wangchuck, was crowned here in 1907. The fortress has withstood damage from fire, earthquake and flood over the centuries. The latest flood, in October, 1994, caused great damage to the fortress but miraculously spared its most holy statue.
Day 05: Witness Punakha Tshechu
▶
Festival (Tshechu) meaning the tenth day of a month in a Bhutanese lunar calendar is a special occasion for the Bhutanese. It is usually held for 3 days – 5 days on a tenth day of a month coinciding with the birth anniversary of Guru Rinpoche (The Second Lord Buddha) who is credited in Bhutan for introducing Tantric Vajrayana Buddhism in Bhutan. It is performed to honor Guru Rinpoche. The families gather together and takes a picnic lunch from home and set out to witness the festival. The Bhutanese try to look their best in their traditional attire which is called as Gho for men and Kira for women. Costumes worn by the people and the mask dancers are both very colorful. People from all age group comes to witness the festival. Different segments of mask dances will be performed followed by Traditional folk dance during each break.
Day 06: Punakha- Paro (140kms/5hours)
▶
Take a scenic drive back to Paro. On the way back you can drop by Royal Botanical Park, Lamperi. It is a breath taking 125 acres’ botanical garden with 46 species of rhododendron flower. You can choose to boating here. The best time to visit this place will be between April and June. The park also has trekking routes, walk around the Baritsho lake, tree house and camping space for visitors. The annual rhododendron festival is held here.
Day 07: Paro Taktshang Hike (4-6hours)
▶
Today you will be hiking to one of the famous sites called as the Tiger’s Nest (Taktshang) perched at 900m above the Paro valley.It is a pilgrimage site which the Bhutanese try to visit at least once in a lifetime. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress from eastern Bhutan to this site and meditated in a cave here for 3 months, hence its name, ‘Tiger’s Nest’. The site, which has long been regarded as the sacred place, was visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in the 17th century approximately in 1646. The Lhakhang of the present monastic complex dates from 1692. The main structure was severely damaged by fire in 1998, but with the help of the local people and the government it has been put back to its glory.
Day 08: Departure
▶
End of your travel to Bhutan. Our team will drive you to the Airport and bid farewell.
