PARO TSHECHU
Day 1 : PARO
Upon arrival at Paro International airport, Check in hotel. 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 Rinpung Dzong (literally meaning “Heap of Jewels”), the centre of civil and religious authority in this valley, built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
Then visit Kyichu Lhakhang. The Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the oldest lhakhangs to have been built in Bhutan. It is one of the 108 lhakhangs built by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century AD. The king is said to have built 108 lhakhangs in a day throughout the Himalayan regions, of which Kyichu lhakhang in Paro and Jampa lhakhang in Bumthang are two. Most of the remaining lhakhangs can be seen in Tibet.In the evening, explore the beautiful town of Paro.Dinner and overnight at your hotel in Paro.
Day 2 : PARO TSHECHU
Attend the first two days of the Paro Tshechu festival.
Paro Tshechu is one of the most vibrant and important religious festivals in Paro, held annually at the historic Rinpung Dzong. Celebrated in honor of Guru Rinpoche, the festival features sacred mask dances (cham) performed by monks and laymen, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. Locals and visitors gather dressed in traditional attire to receive blessings, socialize, and experience Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage. One of the highlights is the unfurling of the giant religious thangka (thongdrel), believed to cleanse sins and bring spiritual merit to those who witness it.
Day 3 : TAKTSANG HIKE
Early morning hike toward Taktsang: It is located on the face of a sheer 1000m cliff. The monastery was first built in 1692. The place is highly sacred to the Bhutanese in that they believe Guru Rinpoche, the father of Bhutanese Buddhism landed here on Back of a tigress. Taktshang Goemba is a must to visit for all the visitors as it is one of the most religious monasteries in the country. The monastery is and will not be connected with motor roads as to preserve its sacredness. After visiting the monastery, walk downhill back to the road on the way stop for lunch at the farm house.
After lunch drive to Thimphu (the capital of Bhutan)
Day 4 : THIMPHU
After breakfast drive to Dodeyna to climb through a beautiful forest track to the Tango Monastery which overlooks a forested valley and other Buddhist retreats high in the mountains.
After lunch, visit the National Memorial Chorten built in honour of Bhutan’s late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck and drive uphill to the Kuensel Phodrang to see a large statue of Buddha Shakya Muni being built.In the afternoon, you will also get an opportunity to visit National Institute of Traditional Medicines, National Insitute of Zorig Chusum (School of 13 arts & crafts), Royal Textiles Academy and local handmade paper house.In the evening explore Thimphu town.Dinner and overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.
Day 5 : THIMPHU – PUNAKHA
- After breakfast visit Simtokha dzong few kilometers from Thimphu towards Punakha: It was built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel who unified Bhutan. Then travel to Punakha through Dochula Pass 3140m. During a clear sky you all can enjoy the great view of the Himalayan Mountain range.
- Lunch at Lobesa
- After lunch visit the newly renovated Wangdue Phodrang Dzong.
- Drive toward Punakha valley.
- Evening walk through Punakha Town.
Day 6: PUNAKHA TOUR
- After breakfast at the hotel drive visit Walakha Lhendrup Cholling Nunnery, the first Buddhist institute that would allow nuns to pursue higher Buddhist studies unto the master’s level. The nunnery was completed in 2010, with more than 170 nuns. The college is built with unique features of structures skillfully carved with black marble blocks surrounding the stupa, depicting the 84 mahasiddhis, 16 arhats and the great lamas of Drukpa Kagyu lineage. Attend the ceremony at the Nunnery.
- Then visit Punakha Dzong, located on the island of the Pho-chu (Male River) and the Mochu (Female River). It is also known as Pungtang Dechen Phodrang Dzong “the palace of great happiness or bliss”. It was constructed under the command of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1637. It is the second largest Dzong in Bhutan. The Dzong houses the sacred relics of the southern Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism, including the Rangjung Kasarpani and the sacred remains of Ngawang Namgyal and the Pema Lingpa
- After lunch visit the beautiful Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten: Her Majesty built the queen mother for the wellbeing of the kingdom and the benefit of all sentient beings it. It is about an hour hike from the base up to the temple and about 30 minutes to come down. You will have the most beautiful view of Punakha from there.
Day 7 : PUNAKHA -PARO
After breakfast drive back towards Paro.
After lunch at Thimphu, a short walking tour along the beautiful Sangaygang – Wangtse walking trail. On the way, will visit the mini zoo at Motithang to see the Takin, Bhutan’s national animal at close hand.Drive to Paro in the evening.Dinner and overnight at your hotel in Paro.
Day 8 : International Departure
After breakfast at your hotel, drive to Paro International Airport for international departure.
