Kurjey Tsechu Bumthang

Day 1: Paro–Thimphu:

Fly to Bhutan amid the gentle terrains of the Greater Himalayas. For sure, your landing will be a little rough but there is nothing much to worry about.
At the Airport, you will be greeted by our guide and driver in the traditional Bhutanese way. Then, you will be driven toward Thimphu.
After a breather in your hotel and brief lunch, you will visit the National Memorial Chorten which was built in honor of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Then, we will drive up to Kuenselphodrang Nature Park where the 169 feet bronze statue of Buddha Dordenma, Vajra Throne Buddha is located. It is one of the largest statues of Buddha in the world. You may also visit Traditional Handmade Paper Factory in the evening.
You can enjoy the night walking around Thimphu.

Day 2: Thimphu

The capital city of Bhutan is the biggest town in Bhutan. It is a beautiful valley where people from across the country flock. Today, we will be exploring this city. And we will begin the errand with a hike to Tango Monastery.

Tango Monastery is the only tertiary education center for Buddhist monks. It is also the seat of one of the highly revered Buddhist masters known as HH Gyalsey Tenzin Rabgay.

This after, we will visit the majestic Trashichodzong which houses the office of His Majesty The King and other high-ranking officials. We will also visit Takin Park to see the national animal of Bhutan, the Takin. If time permits, we will visit Institute for Traditional Arts and Crafts and Centenary Farmers’ Market.

Day 3: Thimphu–Punakha

Your trip to Bhutan will be incomplete if you fail to visit Punakha. Thus, we will begin our journey early to Punakha today. It takes two hours from Thimphu to reach our destination. The western districts stood witness to scores of historical transitions of the country, even to the unification of the country, and Punakha has special significance.

As we travel, we will stop at Dochula and visit the Druk Wangyel Stupas. There are 108 stupas and these were built to commemorate the victory of the Indian militants in 2003. Her Majesty The Queen Mother, Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck commissioned the construction of these statues.
We will also be visiting Chimi Lhakhang at Sobsokha and offering our prayers. This temple is famous in the country for blessing children for childless couples. Thus, it is known as the temple of fertility.

This afternoon, we will visit the Majestic Punakha Dzong, the erstwhile capital center of Bhutan. Then we will visit the longest suspension bridge which is a few hundred meters away from the dzong. Our next stop will be at Changyul to see the ruins of Galem’s house.

Accommodation: Zhingkham Resort (or similar)

Day 4: Punakha-Bumthang

Traversing from the political realm to the spiritual heartland, the drive to Bumthang is an arduous one yet unfurls the natural wonders. The drive ascends us through varying vegetation that is temperate, sub-tropical, and alpine.

Our highest driving point will be a mountain pass- Pelela at 3140 meters. From there we gradually take a descent to the floor of Bumthang valley often filled with dense fog.
After crossing Trongsa, we drive by another mountain pass- Yotongla at 3550 meters.

On the way, the imposing Trongsa Dzong is seen nestling on a small hill, presenting its grandeur. During the time of civil wars, this dzong was considered the powerhouse of the eastern bloc. And it is from this very dzong that the first hereditary king of Bhutan held his office before sitting on the golden throne. Above the fortress is the ancient watch tower that oversees the dzong. However, it is now transformed into a museum designated to showcase the belongings of the Kings of Bhutan.

Day 5: Bumthang

Today, we will be heading toward the most sacred temple in Bhutan. Built in the 8^th century by Guru Padmasambhava, perhaps this temple has very special significance in the advent of Buddhism in our country.
We will be attending the Kurjey Tsechu today. It is an annual festival. It attracts thousands of people from across the country. Apart from beautiful mask dances performed by the monks, the devotees get to receive the blessing of long life and good fortune.
After lunch, we will visit Tamzhing Lhakhang to offer our prayers. From there, we will walk towards one of the oldest temples built in the 7^th century, Jambay Lhakhang.

Day 6: Bumthang-Paro

Today, we will head back to Paro via Wangdue valley. It is known as the valley of “ornamental speech” because of the local people’s innate ability to come up with verses that are elegant, poetic, and meaningful. This valley was once governed by WangdueDzong which, unfortunately, was destroyed by fire and is being entirely rebuilt. The journey is also remarkable in that we pass through varying landscapes of immense beauty, adorned with numerous shades and hues of alpine flowers.

Day 7: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery

After a quick breakfast equipping everything recommended, we set on the most awaited segment of the tour. The toil of the day before comes to play as you hike to the Tiger’s Nest.
Etched precariously on a carved granite cliff at 3120 meters, almost 1000 meters above the valley floor, Taktsang is the cultural icon of Bhutan. It is for this particular attraction, tourists flock to Bhutan and pilgrims attempt to visit the monastery at least once in a lifetime, if not more.
A legend spells that the Indian Saint, Guru Padmasambhava, worshipped in the Buddhist world as the Second Buddha, flew to this location on the back of a tigress to tame the demon there.

The switch-back trail to Taktsang offers respite through picturesque vistas of nature, the opportunity to see the last horizon, the horizon beyond the horizon, and narration by the guide on many myths and legends of Bhutan continuing the hike at a pace unbothered by time.

After finishing the trail, the mind, and body equally exhausted, you might want to get a trekker’s foot massage for a good night’s sleep. Another one could be taking a hot stone bath immersed in a wooden tub with local medicinal herbs offering a relaxing sensory journey.

And if you wish, we can visit the National Museum, the majestic Paro Dzong, and Kyichu Lhakhang. These three sites are very important monuments in Paro.

Day 10: Departure

Everything that begins must have a conclusion. Today, you will conclude your trip to Bhutan. We will pray for you and wish that you return some other day.
We will see you off from the 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