Punakha Tshechu

DAY 1: PARO/THIMPHU

As you approach the Paro International Airport (2200 meters above sea level), you will have a spectacular—a real treat of beautiful land to your eyes—valley. When you walk out of the plane, you will be greeted by an unusually fresh and clean breeze before your guides come with a silken scarf to receive you.
From there, you will be transferred to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan.
In Thimphu (2300m), if time permits, take an orientation walk in town, do some shopping, and get settled.

Accommodations: Hotel Tara Phendeyling (or similar)

DAY 2: 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 and stop at Chhimi Lhakhang. The temple here is known as the temple of fertility because it is strongly believed that all childless couples who seek 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 years in the past. If time permits, we will visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery.

Accommodations: Zhingkham Resort (or similar)

DAY 3: PUNĀKHA

Visit Punakha Dzong to witness the festival.
The Punakha Tshechu is one of the most popular Tshechus in the nation. It is held directly after the well-known Punakha Drubchen. The spreading out of the thongdrol a large tapestry of Guru Rimpoche is the primary fascination of the festival. It is trusted that a mere sight of the thongdrol liberates an onlooker and cleanses him of his sins. Punakha Tshechu, like in all Tshechu festivals, respects Padmasambhava, also called Guru Rimpoche, the precious yogi and holy person who is credited with having presented Tantric Buddhism all through the Himalayas. The festival’s masked dances are performed by priests clad in beautiful brocade clothing and pervaded by serenades and reading of Buddhist scripts.

The climax of the celebration constitutes the unfurling of a huge cloth thangka, a hallowed parchment, delineating Padmasmabhawa and symbolism from the Buddhist pantheon. It is held on the grounds of the wonderful Punakha Dzong. The local people assembles in a soul of merriment and commended the celebration with profound confidence to witness unique masked dances and celebrations. The Tsechu is outstanding amongst other approaches to encountering the living culture of Bhutan. Punakha Tshechu has introduced in 2005 accordingly with the solicitations made by the Punakha District Administration and nearby individuals to have a Tshechu to better protect Buddhist lessons and keep alive the honorable deeds of Zhabdrung Rimpoche.
Afternoon, we will hike through rice terraces and forests to Khamsum Yueley Chorten. If time permits, we will ramble through the suspension bridge in the evening.

Accommodation: Zhingkham Resort (or similar)

DAY 5: PUNAKHA /PARO

Right after early breakfast, we will travel towards Paro. It is almost four hour 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 been built on a 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 the 15^th century and most of the present structure was built in the 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 the 8^th century, Kyichu Lhakhang.

Accommodations: Bhutan Mandala Resort (or similar)

DAY 5: TAKING 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 Padmasambhava in the 8^th century. The legend has it that he came riding on the furious tigress and subdued a demon that devoured humans living in the valley.
After the hike, we will visit a homestay and enjoy the cultural program with dinner in pure Bhutanese style in the evening.

Accommodations: Bhutan Mandala Resort (or similar)

DAY 6: DEPARTURE 

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 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