Chhukha Tshechu

DAY 1: PARO/THIMPHU

As you fly in Bhutan, you will be treated visually with high snow-clad mountain peaks, untouched dense forest and lush green paddy field.
When you walk out of the airport terminal, our guide will be greeting you in traditional Bhutanese ways—offering a silk scarf—and usher you to the car. Then, you will be travelling towards Thimphu.
In Thimphu (2300m), if time permits, we will take an orientation walk in town, do shopping and get settled in.

Meals Included: Dinner
Accommodations: Hotel Tara Phendeyling (or similar)

DAY 2: THIMPHU/CHHUKHA  (chhukha tshechu)

Today, we will have to rise early and drive towards Chhukha.

The Chhukha Ngedrup tse Dzong observes a three- day Tshechu comprising of different masked dances and cultural items as an offering to the Guru Padmasambhava every year. Thousands of devotees congregate at the courtyard of the newly built Dzong to witness the religious Chams which are considered sacred and believed that onlookers will be liberated and washed off of their past sins. The best part of the Tshechu is that on the last day of the Tshechu a massive Thongdrol (appliqué tapestry) of Guru is unfurled from the Utse of the Dzong for the devotees. Thongdrol means liberation at sight.

In the evening, after the tshechu, we will drive back to Thimphu

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Evening
Accommodations: Hotel Tara Phendeyling (or similar)

DAY 3: THIMPHU/PUNĀKHA

Today, we will leave Thimphu for Punakha.
We will first stop at Docula Pass (3150m) and visit Druk Wangyel Chortens. Here, there are 108 stupas and it was built under the command of Her Majesty the Queen Mother, Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, to celebrate the victory over Indian Militants in 2003.
Then, we will descend down and stop as Chhimi Lhakhang. The temple here is known as the temple of fertility because it is strongly believed that all of the childless couples who seek the blessings will be granted their wishes.
This afternoon, we will visit the majestic Punakha Dzong (1200m). This fortress served as the capital of Bhutan for year in the past. If time permits, we will visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Zhingkham Resort (or similar)

DAY 4: PUNĀKHA

Punakha is known for its natural beauty. To explore its unusually exotic landscape that even rhymes in some of the classical Bhutanese songs, we will hike through rice terraces, usually golden fields, and forests to Khamsum Yueley Chorten.
After that, we will ramble through the suspension bridge over Pho Chhu.
The signature feature of Punakha is the confluence of the two rivers and without experiencing river rafting on one of the river, you would feel half contented. Thus, in the afternoon programme, we have a river rafting. You will raft on the white waters of Mochhu river under the guidance of some of the trained rafters.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Zhingkham Resort (or similar)

DAY 5: PUNAKHA/PARO

Right after early breakfast, we will travel towards Paro. It is almost four hours journey.
On our way, if time permits, we will stop at Semtokha to visit the oldest dzong in the country which was built in 1629 by the father of Bhutan, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel.
Then, after lunch at Paro, we will go to Paro Dzong. This dzong is believed to have built on the heap of jewels, the name Paro Rinpung Dzong is derived from this. Today, it is the seat of the district administration. The first structure was built in 15^th century and the mostf of the present structure was built in 17^th century.
Then, we will visit the National Museum which was once a watch tower. After that, we will visit one of the oldest temples built in 8^th century, Kyichu Lhakhang.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Bhutan Mandala Resort (or similar)

DAY 6: TAKSANG HIKE

Travel to Bhutan and if you go back without hiking to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, famously known as Taktsang Monastery (2900M), you have not completed your Bhutan trip. Thus, today, we will hike to the monastery. It will take at least 2 hours to reach the monastery.
The monastery was built by Guru Padmasambava in 8^th century. The legend has it that he came riding on the furious tigress and subdued a demon that devoured human living in the valley.
After the hike, we will visit a home-stay and enjoy cultural program with dinner in pure Bhutanese style in the evening.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Bhutan Mandala Resort (or similar)

DAY 7: DEPATURE 

In Bhutan, there is a saying that a journey that begins must end. Thus, your journey to Bhutan comes to an end today. We will see you off at Paro International Airport.

• Bhutan Royalties, tourist fees, Visa fees, and taxes.
• Accommodations in listed or similar hotels (pleasant hotels 3-4 star type) during the tour and in tents during the trek.
• All meals, including evening tea/coffee, etc throughout the trip.
• All land transfers, and sightseeing with entrance fees.
• Experienced Culture Tour Guide.
• Bottled water in the vehicle and other camp services.

NOT INCLUDED

• Flights in and out of Bhutan.
• Travel insurance, Drink, Visa fees, Laundry