Thimphu Tshechu Festival, Bhutan - Bhutan Omkara Tours and Travels

Upon arrival at Paro Airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Thimphu. After a brief rest, we’ll embark on an exploration of Paro and its surroundings. Our first stop will be Kuensel Phodrang, also known as Buddha Point, where the impressive golden Buddha Dordenma Statue resides. This location offers stunning panoramic views of the Thimphu Valley. Next, we’ll visit the Craft Bazaar, a vibrant marketplace showcasing a wide array of Bhutanese art and crafts. We’ll conclude our day at the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, where you can learn about Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts that have been preserved for centuries. Overnight stay in Thimphu.

After breakfast, we’ll set off for Tashi Chodzong to participate in the Thimphu Tshechu Festival. This vibrant event features colorful masked dances, traditional music performances, and religious rituals performed by the monks, bringing Bhutanese culture and spirituality to life. It’s a cherished occasion that fosters a deep sense of community and devotion among the people of Bhutan.

Next, we’ll visit the Takin Preserve, home to Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin, which thrives in the country’s high altitudes. Following this, we’ll explore the Weekend Market, a lively hub bustling with locals, providing an authentic glimpse into Bhutanese culture. Later, we’ll witness Bhutan’s national sport, archery, at one of the best venues for experiencing both traditional and modern matches. We’ll conclude our day with an overnight stay in Thimphu.

We will journey to the city of Punakha, traveling through the scenic Dochula Pass (at 3,140 meters), where we’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges under a clear sky. This pass is also home to the 108 memorial chortens (stupas), built in honor of Bhutanese soldiers who lost their lives in battle.

Next, we’ll explore the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang monastery, constructed as a tribute to the Fourth King of Bhutan. This monastery features beautiful murals depicting significant events in Bhutanese history. In the afternoon, we’ll arrive in Punakha, a region rich in history and culture, historically significant as the former capital and a symbol of unified Bhutan.

Our next stop will be Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the Divine Madman’s Monastery, dedicated to the eccentric saint Drukpa Kunley, who preached Buddhism through unorthodox methods and humor. The temple is famous for its fertility blessings, attracting couples who seek blessings for conception and childbirth.

We’ll then visit the Punakha Dzong, a fortress-monastery that serves as the religious and administrative center of the region. The dzong’s stunning architecture, featuring whitewashed walls, golden spires, and intricate woodwork, exemplifies traditional Bhutanese craftsmanship. Finally, we’ll explore some local villages before returning to Punakha for an overnight stay.

Our day will begin with a short hike to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a stupa constructed to protect Bhutan and the world from evil spirits while promoting peace and harmony among all beings. After lunch, we’ll drive to the picturesque Limbukha village, where we’ll cross a 200-meter suspension bridge, enjoying refreshing breezes and captivating views of the dzong. Limbukha is also known for its cultivation of Bhutan’s famous red rice, celebrated for its medicinal properties. We’ll return to Punakha for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, we’ll embark on a scenic drive to Gangtey Valley, situated in the stunning Phobjikha glacial valley. Known for its breathtaking natural beauty, expansive meadows, lush forests, and the serene Phobjikha River, this region offers a perfect escape into nature. We’ll take a short hike to explore some of its key sites, including the sacred Gangtey Monastery and Khewa Lhakhang Monastery. Later, we’ll visit the Black-Necked Crane Information Centre, located on the edge of the forest, where we can observe these majestic birds through high-powered telescopes and learn about the area’s natural and cultural history. We’ll spend the night in a hotel in Gangtey.

After breakfast, we’ll head to Paro, making a brief stop to explore the Tamchog Lhakhang temple. This temple is accessed via an iron chain suspension bridge built by the 13th-century Tibetan saint Thangthong Gyalpo. Upon our arrival in Paro, we’ll visit the National Museum, located in the Ta Dzong (watchtower), which features a fascinating collection of artifacts that provide insight into the kingdom’s rich culture and heritage. Before checking into our hotel for the night, we’ll have time to explore the local handicraft stores in the city.

After breakfast, we’ll begin our hike to Taktsang Monastery, famously known as ‘Tiger’s Nest.’ The ascent to the viewpoint takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours and offers breathtaking views of the monastery perched on the cliffside. We’ll take a short break at the viewpoint cafeteria before continuing the trek to the monastery, which takes about another hour. According to local legend, Guru Rinpoche meditated in a cave here for three months after flying on the back of a tigress. The principal Lhakhang (monastery) dates back to 1692 and has been meticulously restored following a fire in 1998. After visiting the monastery, we’ll trek back downhill and drive to Drukgyel Dzong (fortress), located on a ridge in the upper Paro Valley. This fortress served as a crucial defense base until it was destroyed by fire in 1951. The ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, preserved as an important monument, offer valuable insights into Bhutan’s history and defense strategies. We’ll spend the night in Paro.

Transfer to Paro International Airport for your departure. Safe travels!