Druk Wangyal Tsechu Festival - Bhutan Omkara Tours and Travels

The flight to Paro is renowned as one of the most breathtaking mountain flights globally, offering a continually shifting panorama of some of the highest peaks on Earth. Upon arrival, a representative from Bhutan Travel Bureau will meet you at the airport exit after you complete customs formalities.

After lunch, you’ll enjoy an afternoon of sightseeing in Paro, starting with a visit to the Ta Dzong Museum. This museum showcases numerous religious relics, artworks, and handicrafts, providing an insightful overview of Bhutan’s rich historical, cultural, and religious heritage. Next, you’ll explore Rimpong Dzong, where you can admire the painting of the great saint Milarepa, revered in Bhutan as a master of meditation who is believed to have achieved enlightenment in a single lifetime. Dzongs serve as significant monasteries and district administrative centers, historically functioning as strategic forts. Afterward, you’ll drive to Thimphu, the capital, a scenic 1.5-hour journey along the Pachu River. Before dinner at your hotel, your guide will provide an orientation on Bhutanese etiquette. You’ll spend the night at your hotel in Thimphu.

Once a quaint village nestled in a broad, fertile river valley, Thimphu has transformed into the bustling capital of Bhutan. Enjoy a full day of sightseeing, starting with a visit to the magnificent Buddha Dordenma Statue, crafted from bronze and gilded in gold. Next, head to the National Memorial Chorten, which symbolizes the Buddhist faith through its intricate paintings and statues. This temple was initially commissioned by the Third King as a safeguard against the negative impacts of modernization and as a monument to world peace. It was later completed by the Royal Queen Mother as a memorial stupa for the Third King, who passed away in 1972.

Continue your exploration with a visit to the 12th-century Changangkha Temple and the National Library, which houses a collection of Bhutanese scriptures dating back to the 8th century. You’ll also stop by Tashichhodzong, which serves as the seat of the central monk body, along with housing several government ministries and His Majesty’s secretariat.

If your visit to Thimphu coincides with the weekend, take the opportunity to stroll through the Thimphu Market, where you can find a delightful array of Bhutanese food, including baskets filled with fiery chilies, fresh cheese, and various greens. You’ll also discover numerous stalls offering Bhutanese handicrafts and household items. (Please note that this market operates only from Friday to mid-Sunday.) You’ll spend the night at your hotel in Thimphu.

Leave Thimphu early after breakfast and drive to Dochu-La Pass (3,100 meters) to attend the spectacular Druk Wangyal Festival, which is just a 45-minute drive (22 km) away. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Himalayan mountains, the Druk Wangyal Tsechu offers a unique experience that truly exemplifies Bhutanese cultural traditions. The Druk Wangyal Lhakhang, which honors the courageous service of the Fourth King, was built between 2004 and 2008 under the vision and patronage of Her Majesty the Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo.

This festival is particularly special as it is performed by the Royal Bhutan Army rather than monks or laypeople, paying tribute to the wise leadership of His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth King of Bhutan. It celebrates the continuous efforts of the Royal Bhutan Army in safeguarding the sovereignty and stability of the country.

After the festivities, drive towards the Royal Botanical Park at Lamperi, located at an altitude ranging from 2,100 to 3,800 meters. This expansive park (47 square kilometers) serves as a vital biological corridor connecting to the Jigme Dorji National Park and Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park.

Continue your journey to Punakha, where you will have the remainder of the day at leisure. Take some time to stroll around Punakha town in the evening, soaking in the local atmosphere. Overnight at your hotel in Punakha.

Punakha, once the ancient capital of Bhutan, is a site rich in history and culture. Begin your day by visiting the magnificent Punakha Dzong, known as the “Palace of Great Happiness.” Built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier of Bhutan, this stunning structure is located at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu rivers (Mother and Father Rivers). The Dzong serves as the winter headquarters for the Je Khenpo and hundreds of monks who move here from Thimphu to escape the colder weather.

The main temple of Punakha Dzong showcases breathtaking traditional architecture, featuring four intricately embossed entrance pillars made from cypress and adorned with gold and silver. It was within these walls that Bhutan’s first king was crowned in 1907, marking a significant moment in the country’s history.

After lunch, take a leisurely walk to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of Drukpa Kuenly, also known as the Divine Madman. Renowned for his unconventional teachings that challenged orthodox Buddhism, Drukpa Kuenly is celebrated for emphasizing that religion is an inner feeling and that one does not necessarily need to be an ordained monk to be spiritual. He is also considered a symbol of fertility, attracting many childless couples who visit the temple for blessings.

After a day filled with exploration and cultural insights, enjoy an overnight stay at your hotel in Punakha or Wangduephodrang.

In the morning, set off on a drive to Yabesa village, where you’ll embark on a scenic hike through lush rice fields leading up to the Khamsum Yueley Namgyal Chorten. This beautiful stupa, built by Her Majesty Queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuk, is perched on a hill overlooking the river and is adorned with intricate paintings belonging to the Nyingmapa tradition. Enjoy a picnic lunch at a picturesque riverside spot, surrounded by the serene beauty of nature.

After lunch, visit the Wangduephodrang Dzong, a strategic architectural marvel built in 1639, located at the confluence of two rivers. Although it suffered significant damage from a fire in 2012 and is currently under reconstruction, its historical significance and stunning location continue to attract visitors.

As you drive back to Paro, make a stop at Semtokha Dzong, the oldest Dzong in Bhutan, constructed in 1627. This impressive fortress now serves as the Institute for Language and Culture Studies, offering insights into Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage.

Upon arrival in Paro, check into your hotel for the night, ready to relax and reflect on the day’s adventures.

After breakfast, embark on a hike to the iconic Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest. The trail is broad and the uphill trek will take approximately 2 hours, leading you nearly a kilometer above the Paro valley floor. For those who prefer not to hike, arrangements can be made for a horse transfer to the viewing point. The sight of Taktsang Monastery clinging to the sheer cliff face, 900 meters above the valley floor, is truly breathtaking. This monastery holds immense significance as a pilgrimage site for Buddhists; legend has it that Guru Rimpoche flew here on the back of a tigress in the 8th century to introduce the teachings of Buddhism to Bhutan. He meditated in a cave for three months, after which the monastery was built. A teahouse nearby offers a lovely spot to pause for refreshments.

In the afternoon, drive to the almost fully reconstructed Drukgyel Dzong. Originally built by the Shabdrung in 1644 to commemorate his victory over invading Tibetans, this fortress was destroyed by fire in 1951. On a clear day, the majestic Mount Jomolhari (7,314 meters) provides a stunning backdrop to the dzong. As you make your way back to Paro, take the opportunity to visit other notable sights in the Paro valley.

Return to your hotel in Paro for an overnight stay, reflecting on the day’s remarkable experiences.

After an early breakfast, we will drive back to Thimphu to participate in the National Day celebrations at Changlimithang Ground, joining the locals in this festive occasion.

Bhutan celebrates National Day on December 17th to commemorate the enthronement of Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck as the first hereditary monarch of Bhutan in 1907. This day is marked with a variety of cultural performances and sporting activities, showcasing the rich traditions and heritage of the country.

The celebrations culminate in a heartfelt Tashi Lebay, a prayer wishing for many more prosperous days in the future. It’s a time for the people of Bhutan to reflect on their history and express hopes for continued happiness and glory.

After the festivities, we will drive back to Paro and check into your hotel for the night, allowing you to unwind and savor the memories of a day filled with culture and celebration.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be driven to Paro International Airport for your departure flight. We wish you safe travels and hope you carry wonderful memories of Bhutan with you. **Tashi Delek!**