Paro Tshechu

Arrival in Paro via Drukair (Royal Bhutan Airlines). Upon completing immigration and customs formalities, you will be greeted by a representative from Access Bhutan Tours & Treks and transferred to your hotel. After checking in and refreshing yourself, your itinerary includes:

• Visit to traditional farmhouses in Paro Valley, offering insight into the local farmer’s lifestyle.
• Kyichu Temple, one of the 108 temples built in the 7th century by Tibetan King Songsten Gampo.
• Dungtse Lhakhang (temple): A unique circular lhakhang resembling the black hat worn by Bhutanese Black Hat dancers, built by the renowned iron chain bridge builder, Drupthob Thangtong Gyalpo.
• Exploration of Paro downtown, where you can browse local stores and engage freely with the local community.

Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel in Paro.

Today, you will immerse yourself in the vibrant and symbolic Paro Tshechu Festival, considered the most divine of all Buddhist festivals in Bhutan. Dressed in traditional attire, devotees gather at Paro Dzong to express their faith and receive blessings. Monks and laypeople, adorned in intricate silk brocade costumes, perform sacred dances depicting the triumph of good over evil, accompanied by the resonant melodies of trumpets, cymbals, and flutes. These dances, unchanged for centuries, faithfully reenact visions seen by Bhutanese Buddhist saints, preserving their authenticity.

Throughout the day, you’ll witness various dances such as Lords of the Cremation Grounds, Terrifying Deities, Heroes, Novel Man and Ladies Lencham, as well as Stag and Hounds. Folk songs and humorous acts, fueled by butter tea and local barley spirit, add to the festive atmosphere.

In between festival events, you’ll enjoy lunch and have the opportunity to explore the interior of Rinpung Dzong, constructed in 1645 to safeguard the valley against Tibetan invasions. Today, it serves as an administrative center and monastic school. Afterward, you’ll stroll down to Rimpung Bridge, the oldest bridge in Bhutan.

Dinner and overnight stay in Paro will conclude this enriching day at the festival.

After breakfast, you will begin your hike to Taktsang Monastery, also known as ‘Tiger’s Nest’. The ascent to the viewpoint will take approximately 1 ½ hours, offering you a spectacular view of the monastery clinging to the cliffside. Pause for refreshments at the View Point Cafeteria before continuing onward to the monastery itself, which is about a 1-hour walk further up. Legend has it that in the 8th century, Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress from eastern Bhutan to this spot and meditated in a cave here for 3 months. The main temple of the current complex dates back to 1692. Although Taktsang suffered severe damage from a fire in 1998, it has since been meticulously restored to its former glory.

After exploring the monastery, descend back to the road, stopping for lunch once again at the View Point Cafeteria before continuing down to the road point. Drive back to your hotel in Paro to relax and unwind.

Enjoy dinner and overnight accommodation in Paro to conclude your day.

Early in the morning, before dawn, you will attend the blessing ceremony featuring the Guru Thongdroel (Thangka of Guru Rinpoche) on the most auspicious day of the Paro Tshechu festival. Witness dances such as the Heroes, Ging and Tsholing, the Eight Manifestations, the Sixteen Fairies, and Religious Songs, all performed in a magnificent display of sound and color.

After experiencing the unveiling of the Thongdroel and receiving blessings, return to your hotel for breakfast. Following breakfast, visit the National Museum located in the Ta Dzong (watchtower), where a fascinating collection of artifacts offers insight into the rich culture and heritage of Bhutan.

From the Ta Dzong, proceed to the festival ground to witness the concluding day of the Paro festival.

In the evening, travel to Thimphu, your next destination in Bhutan.

Enjoy dinner and overnight accommodation in Thimphu.

After breakfast, embark on a full day of cultural exploration in Thimphu:

1. Bhutan Postal Museum: Explore the evolution of Bhutan’s communications and postal system. You can also personalize Bhutanese postage stamps with your own photo to send unique postcards to friends and family.
2. National Museum: Discover traditional weaving and view a collection of old textiles. Witness artisans creating intricate designs.
3. Simply Bhutan or The Folk Heritage Museum: Gain insight into rural life in Bhutan through an outdoor museum experience.
4. School of Traditional Painting of Arts and Crafts: Visit where students learn the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan.
5. Archery Match at Changlimithang National Stadium: Witness Bhutan’s national sport and interact with locals.
6. Centenary Farmers’ Market (Thu-Sun): Explore stalls selling farm produce and livestock products. Interact with locals from both town and villages.
7. Memorial Chorten: Pay respects at this memorial built in 1974 for King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.
8. Tashichhoe Dzong: Visit this fortress housing the secretariat building, throne room, and central monk body.
9. Takin Preserve: See Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin, in its natural habitat.
10. Changangkha Lhakhang: Visit this 13th-century temple overlooking Thimphu valley, considered spiritually significant for children born in the Chang valley.
11. Kuenselphodrang: Visit the largest Buddha statue in Bhutan and enjoy views of Thimphu valley from Kuenselphodrang Nature Park.
12. Craft Bazaar and Handicrafts Emporium: Shop for traditional Bhutanese handicrafts, textiles, paintings, masks, ceramics, carvings, jewelry, and more.

In the evening, take a leisurely stroll around Thimphu town, exploring local handicraft stores.

Enjoy dinner and overnight accommodation at a hotel in Thimphu.

After breakfast, embark on a journey to the base camp of Tango Monastery, located north of Thimphu city. Here’s the itinerary for your day:

1. Travel to Tango Monastery Base Camp: Drive to the end of the motor road where the hike to Tango Monastery begins. The journey takes you through a forest filled with oak, pine, and rhododendron trees, which bloom beautifully during the spring season.
2. Hike to Tango Monastery: Trek uphill through the serene forest to reach Tango Monastery. This site has been sacred since the 12th century and is associated with the Drukpa Kagyupa school of Buddhism. The monastery itself was constructed in 1689 by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgyal with local assistance, completing the three-storied structure in just two months.
3. Exploring Tango Monastery: Discover the monastery’s significance as a center for higher Buddhist studies for monks. Enjoy the breathtaking views and experience the tranquility of the surroundings.
4. Return to Thimphu: After visiting the monastery, hike back down to the road and then drive back to Thimphu.

Dinner and overnight stay will be at a hotel in Thimphu, where you can relax and reflect on your day’s adventures.

This itinerary allows you to delve into Bhutan’s spiritual heritage while enjoying the natural beauty of the Tango Monastery surroundings.

After breakfast, embark on a scenic journey to Punakha and Wangdue, passing through Dochula Pass (3,140 m). Here’s your detailed itinerary for the day:

1. Drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass:
   • Enjoy a 2-hour drive through Dochula Pass, where you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the Himalayan Mountain ranges on a clear day. Capture the beauty of the 108 chortens (stupas) that adorn the pass.
2. Visit Druk Wangyal Lhakhang:
   • Stop at Druk Wangyal Lhakhang, a monastery built by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, the Queen Mother of Bhutan. Take in the serene atmosphere and the intricate architecture of the monastery.
3. Refreshment at Dochula Pass Cafeteria:
   • Pause for refreshments such as tea, coffee, and snacks at the Dochula Pass Cafeteria, soaking in the surrounding mountain views.
4. Traditional Bhutanese Lunch at Lobesa Village:
   • Continue your journey to Punakha and stop at a farmhouse in Lobesa village for a traditional Bhutanese lunch. After lunch, take a leisurely walk through the nearby paddy fields (approximately 20 minutes) to reach Chhimi Lhakhang, also known as the “Devine Madman’s Monastery.” This monastery is famous for its fertility shrine and offers visitors special blessings.
5. Visit Punakha Dzong:
   • Walk for about 15 minutes to reach Punakha Dzong, situated at the confluence of the Pho Chu (male river) and Mo Chu (female river). Explore this historic fortress which served as the seat of the government until the 1950s. Admire its traditional Bhutanese architecture and learn about its cultural significance.
6. Explore the Suspension Bridge:
   • After visiting the dzong, walk to one of Bhutan’s longest suspension bridges, spanning 350 meters over the swift Pho Chu river. Adorned with prayer flags, this bridge connects Punakha town with the village on the opposite side, offering scenic views and a glimpse into local life.
7. Visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendup Lhakhang Nunnery:
   • In the evening, visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendup Lhakhang Nunnery, perched on a hilltop overlooking Punakha and Wangdue valleys. Enjoy breathtaking views and capture stunning photographs of the scenic landscape.
8. Dinner and Overnight in Punakha:
   • Conclude your day with dinner and overnight stay at a hotel in Punakha, where you can relax and reflect on the day’s experiences.

This itinerary ensures you experience the cultural, natural, and historical highlights of Punakha and Wangdue, offering a memorable journey through the heart of Bhutan.

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive through the upper Punakha valley, passing by traditional Bhutanese farmhouses. Here’s your detailed itinerary for the day:

1. Drive through Upper Punakha Valley:
   • Enjoy a leisurely drive through the picturesque upper Punakha valley, soaking in views of the rural landscapes and traditional farm life.
2. Leisure Walk to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten:
   • Begin a leisurely walk through nature to reach Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a beautiful temple built by the Queen Mother of Bhutan for peace and stability. The walk uphill to the temple takes about 1 hour, offering scenic views of the valley below.
3. Visit Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten:
   • Explore the intricate architecture and spiritual ambiance of Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten. Admire the panoramic views from the hilltop where the temple is situated, providing a breathtaking perspective of the surrounding valley.
4. Lunch:
   • After visiting the temple, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Punakha.
5. Drive back to Thimphu:
   • After lunch, drive back to Thimphu, enjoying the scenery along the way.
6. Dinner and Overnight in Thimphu:
   • Arrive in Thimphu in the evening and settle into your hotel. Enjoy dinner and overnight stay, reflecting on the day’s enriching experiences.

This itinerary allows you to explore the cultural and spiritual significance of Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten while enjoying the natural beauty of Punakha valley, followed by a relaxing drive back to Thimphu.

After breakfast, drive to Paro Airport for your onward flight.

End of Tour Program.