Take your place at the famed mask dance performances at the Thimphu Tshechu Festival, whilst discovering the best of Bhutan. Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery, see the world's biggest Buddha Dordenma statue and explore the Punakha Valley before sitting back to watch the unique and colorful displays of traditional culture performed at the city's most popular event.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Punakha, Chimi Lhakhang Temple & Camp by the Mo Chu River
Paro – Punakha. It's an early start as we travel the road to Punakha, climbing up through pine, oak and rhododendron forest to reach Dochu La Pass (3050m). After a short break we continue onto the spectacular Punakha Valley, where we enjoy a scenic 1.5 - 2 hour walk up to Chimi Lhakhang Temple - dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley (also known as the Divine Mad Monk).
After, we visit the impressive Punakha Dzong an exemplary masterpiece of Bhutanese
architecture built at the confluence of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu Rivers. Later this afternoon we head to our campsite on the banks of the Mo Chu River, where there's free time to relax and explore the natural surrounds. In the early evening you can opt for a hot stone bath served with local drinks, followed by dinner.
Overnight: Punakha | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Punakha Valley
Punakha Valley – Thimphu. After an early breakfast, we drive along the shores of the
Mo Chu River and hike (approximately 2 - 2.5 hours) up through rice fields to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a stunning temple located on a hill with impressive views of the valley below. After exploring the area, we drive to the picturesque villages of Talo scattered along a ridge above the Punakha Valley.
This afternoon, we stop for a picnic lunch before visiting Sangchen Dorji Lhendrup Nunnery, perched on a ridge with spectacular views of the Punakha and Wangdue Valleys. In addition to religious training, the nuns are also taught skills such as embroidery, tailoring and statue making. After our visit to the nunnery we drive to Thimphu.
Overnight: Thimphu | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Masked dances of the Thimphu Tshechu (Festival)
The Tshechu Festival of Thimphu is a 3 day religious event which marks the tenth day of the lunar calendar and honors the birthday of Guru Rimpoche Padmasambhava, an Indian Saint who spread Buddhism in the country in the 8th century. Tshechus are grand occasions where entire communities come together to witness religious mask dances, receive blessings and socialize. It is said that anyone who attends a Tshechu and witnesses the colorful masked dances is profusely blessed. Every mask dance performed has a special meaning or a story behind it and many are based on stories of the life of the Guru.
Today, we drive to Tendrelthang at Tashichho Dzong and mingle with the residents of
Thimphu and nearby districts of Paro, Punakha, whom are dressed in their best attire
to witness the unique spectacle that is - the famed masked dances, and other colorful
and exciting displays of traditional culture performed on this very special day.
Overnight: Thimphu | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Memorial Chorten & Handicrafts
Thimphu is the political, social and spiritual heart of the nation and although this is
Bhutan's most modern city, it has retained the unique character of a Bhutanese town.
Today we discover the city's sites with visits to, the Memorial Chorten - a beautiful stupa built in the memory of Bhutan’s third King, Kuenselphodrang (Buddha point) - to see the world's biggest Buddha Dordenma statue and enjoy the views of Thimphu Valley, a handmade paper factory where the age old tradition of paper making is still followed.
Overnight: Thimphu | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
National Museum and Kichu Lhakhang
Thimphu - Paro. Today we drive to Paro with sightseeing en route. We'll stop at Chuzom, the confluence of Paro (Pachu) and Thimphu (Wangchu) rivers which provides incredible views of three different types of Stupas – Bhutanese, Tibetan and Nepalese. We continue, to Tachogang Iron chain bridge and Lhakhang (Temple) which was built by
Thangthong Gyalpo in the fifteenth century. The temple was likely constructed in 1420.
While the Tibetan master was meditating here, he had a vision of an emanation of Avalokiteshvara and decided to build a temple, as well as an iron suspension bridge at this location. A new temple at Tachogang was built in the seventeenth century by the
Fourth Druk Desi (local leader) Tenzin Rabgye as the original was destroyed after it served as the main seat for the Five Groups of Lamas, a coalition of local leaders who had opposed Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel (a Buddhist teacher who unified Bhutan).
Arriving into Paro we visit the National Museum, housed within the old watch tower Ta Dzong and perched on of a hilltop, overlooking the city. We continue to the famed Rinphung Dzong, the backdrop for the Hollywood film, Little Buddha. After lunch, we tour Kichu Lhakhang - one of the oldest temples in the Kingdom built in the 7th century, and lastly Dungtse Lhakhang Temple.
Overnight: Paro | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tiger's Nest Monastery
Tiger’s Nest Monastery, officially Taktshang Pelphung Monastery is regarded as one of
the most venerated and famous of Bhutan’s monasteries. It is located on the face of a
sheer 900m cliff above the floor of Paro Valley. Today, we embark on a scenic hike (approx. 4 -6 hours) to view this spectacular and unmissable sight. The monastery is only accessible by foot (you can ride a pony part of the way, but this must be arranged in advance by your guide). Once inside the Monastery, there are a temples to see and the monks that reside. After exploring the monastery we retrace our steps and return to Paro.
This evening we enjoy a traditional Bhutanese dinner at a farm house, giving you the
opportunity to interact with a local family and learn about the local cuisine of Bhutan.
Overnight: Paro | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Paro
14 September 2024. Today, our holiday sadly concludes after breakfast.
Bidding farewell to your fellow travelers, a departure transfer will take you to Paro airport
to meet your onward flight
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
Departure dates marked with a 'G' are operating. Departures are guaranteed to operate when there are 2 persons booked on the tour. 'Twin Share' prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a room. 'Single Room' prices are applicable to solo travellers or anyone wanting the privacy of a single room.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Tashi Namgay Resort, Paro
Set amidst 5 acres of lush foliage, overlooking the beautiful Paro River, Tashi Namgay is a picturesque and peaceful resort with an authentic Bhutanese ambience. The hotel offers 47 uniquely designed, spacious guest rooms, a modern gym, bar and spa where the traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath is not to be missed! Tashi Namgay is just 10 minutes drive from Paro Airport.
Mo Chu River Camp, Punakha
A short drive from Punakha, the Mo Chu River Premium Camp sit on the banks of the River Mo Chu. Our accommodation tonight is set up 8 kilometres from the centre of Punakha on the banks of the Mo Chu River. We camp in two man walk in tents (twin/double sharing), which include thick mattresses, all bedding and towels. A toilet tent is built for the evenings stay, as is a shower tent (with hot water!) and there is also the option to try out a traditional hot stone bath. There is a central area with space to relax around a camp fire and the cook team will create traditional Bhutanese meals which will be served in the dining tent.
Ramada Valley Thimphu , Thimphu
Boasting an idyllic location on the banks of the Wang Chu River, Ramada Valley Thimphu is the perfect base for exploring Thimphu. Each spacious guestroom is tastefully decorated with elements of the local culture and features free WiFi and other modern amenities alongside large windows offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The guestrooms are complemented by a range of facilities including a spa and sauna, fitness centre, bar and riverside restaurant. Dine indoors or al fresco and enjoy a range of local Bhutanese and international dishes.
Hotel Druk Thimphu Bhutan, Thimphu
Hotel Druk offers a convenient location on a street lined with tempting eateries just three kilometres from Tashichho Dzong monastery. Its guestrooms have been recently renovated and offer stunning views of the Wang Chu River and the city beyond. Each room is also fully equipped with modern amenities including free WiFi and guests can enjoy use of the hotel’s spa, gym and fitness room. The restaurant offers a fine-dining experience, with a range of authentic and tasty Bhutanese, Asian and continental dishes to choose from.
At a Glance
