11 Days Paro Tshechu Festival Tour

Package Overview

Bhutan bursts into color during the spring Paro Festival, a vibrant celebration held annually.
Behold, monks and laypeople perform captivating masked dances in stunning costumes. This festival promises a contemplative event into Bhutan’s living culture. Don’t miss the unveiling of the Thangka (religious scroll) on the final day, a sight believed to bring untold blessings. Engross yourself in this unique festival that coincides with the pleasant weather of spring in Bhutan.

Day wise Itinerary

• Day 1 : ARRIVE PARO

  The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world, with a constantly changing panorama of some of the highest mountains on earth.
  
  After lunch enjoy afternoon sightseeing around Paro, including a visit to the Ta Dzong Museum. Next, drive to, 7th Century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples constructed by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo.
  
  Before dinner at the hotel, there will be an orientation on Bhutanese etiquette by your guide. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.

  • Themes Museums
• Day 2 : PARO

  After breakfast hike to Taktsang Monastery. The walk of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours uphill takes you almost a kilometer above the Paro valley floor (for those who cannot hike we will arrange a horse for transfer up to the cafeteria).
  
  In the afternoon, attend the Paro festival. You will see locals dressed in their finest clothes who have walked from miles around to attend the festivities. They come to watch masked dances, to pray, and to feast.

  • Themes Hiking
• Day 3 : PARO – THIMPHU

  Wake up very early at 2.30 am and drive to Paro Dzong to witness the thongdroel ceremony where a large religious painting of Guru Rinpoche made of cloth is unfurled on the side of the Dzong. You can stop on the way to take in the magnificent Tamchhog Lhakhang, the hereditary place of worship for Bhutan’s iron bridge builder.

  • Themes Sightseeing
• Day 4 : THIMPHU

  Enjoy a full day of sightseeing, including a visit to the National Memorial Chorten, Changangkha Temple, Zilukha Nunnery, and The National Library housing the collection of Bhutanese scriptures dating back to the 8th century.

  • Themes Sightseeing
• Day 5 : THIMPHU – TRONGSA

  Drive from Thimphu to Trongsa (7-8 hrs) over the Dochu-La pass (3,100m) and Pele La pass (3,420m) on the Black Mountain range. En-route visit beautiful Chendebji Chorten. Trongsa is the ancestral home of Bhutan’s ruling dynasty.

  • Themes Sightseeing
• Day 6 : TRONGSA – BUMTHANG

  Morning visit to Trongsa Dzong, a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture. Also, visit the Ta Dzong museum housing an incredible collection of historical artifacts of the Royal Family and a range of traditional armor.
  
  Afterward proceed towards Bumthang (2.5 hrs), the spiritual heartland of the country. The road winds steeply up to Yo Yutung La Pass (3,400m) before descending down through the dense coniferous forest to Chummy valley.

  • Themes Museums
• Day 7 : BUMTHANG

  Enjoy a day exploring some of the many sites around Bumthang. The 16th century Tang Ugyen Chholing Palace stands features a museum containing an excellent overview of traditional rural life in Bhutan.
  
  Continue on to visit the pool of Mebartso (The Lake of Fire). It is here that Pemalingpa (founder of the Nyingmapa sect) is said to have found a treasure hidden by Guru Rinpoche. Overnight at your lodge in Jakar, Bumthang.

  • Themes Sightseeing
• Day 8 : BUMTHANG – PUNAKHA

  Depart for Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan stopping along the way at Trongsa for lunch. On arrival, enjoy a stroll through the Punakha township. Overnight at your hotel in Punakha.

  • Themes Sightseeing
• Day 9 : PUNAKHA

  Visit Punakha Dzong, the “Palace of Great Happiness” built in 1637 by the Shabdrung, the ‘Unifier of Bhutan’ as predicted by the great Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava).
  
  Afterward drive a short distance for a short walk to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of the Drukpa Kuenly who is also known as the Divine Madman.

  • Themes Sightseeing
• Day 10 : PUNAKHA – PARO

  In the morning drive to Yabesa village and hike through ricefields and up to Khamsum Yueley Namgyal Chorten, built by her majesty the queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuk. Afterward, proceed to Paro

  • Themes Hiking
• Day 11 : DEPART PARO

  Breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the airport for a flight to your onward destination.

  • Themes Sightseeing

Inclusions

• Double room on twin sharing basis in government approved 3 star hotels
• Single room supplement is additional of USD 45 per night per room
• All three meals (does not cover water and other beverages ordered in hotels/restaurants)
• Bottled mineral water for the entire trip (except water ordered in the hotels and restaurants)
• Afternoon tea and snacks
• English speaking and knowledgeable guide
• Comfortable SUV and a reliable driver
• Museum entrance fees
• Visa fee and processing charges
• Tourism Development Fund
• Government taxes
• All administrative cost
• Full service & assistance before, during and after your Bhutan trip

Exclusions

• Airfare to and from Bhutan (we can arrange you tickets for you if you wish)
• Any other beverages (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) including water ordered in restaurants and hotels
• Travel or health insurance
• Wire transfer
• Laundry
• Gratuity/Tip for guides and drivers

Package Start From

• Paro, Bhutan, Asia

Terms & Conditions

This Tour is Offered by

• Thim Throm, Thimphu, Bhutan - 11001
• XXXXXX5302 View Contact
• XXXXXXXXXX@bhutanmindfulnesstours.com View Mail ID

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