Spectacular Punakha Festival

Flying into Bhutan offers the most spectacular views of the Himalayan ranges, including Mt. Everest (8,848m/29,028ft), Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586m/28,169ft) and Mt. Gangkar Puensum (7,564m/24,836ft). On arrival we meet you at Paro International Airport after clearing your immigration and customs formalities. Today we travel to Thimphu (54-km) for an hour, the capital of Bhutan and transfer to your hotel for check-in. Stop off at the 13th century Tachog Lhakhang (temple) en route, built by Saint Dupthop Thangtong Gyalpo (the iron bridge builder). Continue travelling via Chhuzom (24-km) where the Pachhu and Wangchhu Rivers join. Arrive in Thimphu and tour the Folk Heritage Museum in the heart of the capital city. It is more than 150 years old and showcases the Bhutanese rural life in the olden days through exhibits, demonstrations, educational programs, and documentation. Explore the Centenary Farmers Market, a platform for Bhutanese farmers to sell farm produces, local arts, and crafts, etc. Visit the Tashichho Dzong, first constructed in 1216 AD and re-built in 1641 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (founder of Bhutan), which now houses some ministries, the office and throne room of His Majesty the King and the Central Monk Body. Enjoy a delightful evening with the Bhutan Green Travel, featuring a warm welcome drink and a dinner to kickstart your journey in style. Overnight in Thimphu.

Today we explore the best attractions of Thimphu city (2,300m), home to approximately 138,736 inhabitants. Morning begins with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten (stupa), built in 1974 in honour of the Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (1928-1972). This stupa is a prominent monument for Bhutanese daily worship in the city with its golden spires and bells. Another must see place to tick off on your list is Kuenselphodrang (the largest 169ft Buddha Dordenma statue in the world), built in 2006 and sits atop a hill, overlooking the Southern entrance to Thimphu city. Our next stop is at the Motithang Takin Reserve (national animal of Bhutan) followed by the National Textile Museum, a conservation centre devoted to the preservation and restoration of the Bhutanese textiles. Head north of Thimphu to discover the 16th century Pangri Zampa Lhakhang, the only college for learning the Bhutanese astrology. Why not pray inside the monastery and play dices to reveal what is in store for your life, like fortune-teller stuff? Overnight in Thimphu.

After breakfast, we travel (71-km) about 3 hours to Punakha, once the winter capital of Bhutan until 1955. It is situated in western Bhutan with a warm and temperate climate, bordered by Gasa to the north, Thimphu to the west and Wangdue Phodrang to the east and south. Stop off at Druk Wangyal Chortens (108 Stupas) before crossing over Dochula Pass (3,050m). On a clear day, you can enjoy panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks, including Bhutan’s highest mountain (Mt. Gangkar Puensum at 7,564m). Continue our scenic journey (52-km) to Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang Valley. Arriving in Punakha (1,350m), visit the fertility Chimi Lhakhang (temple) en route, nestled on a round hillock near a village called Sopsokha, built in 1499 by Saint Drukpa Kunley (known as the Divine Madman). The temple is about 10-km from Punakha Dzong and takes 20-minute walk through agriculture fields. Legend has it that the childless couples wishing to have a baby from across Bhutan and occasionally from overseas are blessed with a child after visiting this mysterious temple. Evening is at leisure where you’ll have some time to stroll along the streets of a small Punakha town. Overnight in Punakha.

Today attend the Punakha Drubchen/Tshechu festival for a full day. It is the unique event with a “serda” procession that re-enacts the war against Tibetan in the 17th century. This festival is dedicated to Yeshey Gempo (Mahakala) or Palden Lhamo, the two main protective deities of Drukpas (the people of Bhutan). The religious masked dances in the form of animals, fearsome deities, skulls, or just simple human beings are performed during the festival wearing spectacular costumes made of yellow silk or rich brocade, often decorated with ornaments of carved bone. Punakha Tsechu is held on the fourth day right after the popular Punakha Dubchen. If you are feeling energetic, why not take a walk to Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge built over the Phochhu River? Overnight in Punakha.

After an early breakfast, continue to the Bumthang Valley in central Bhutan, home to some of the oldest temples and monasteries in the country. You’ll at first travel to Trongsa about 4-5 hours via Pelela Pass (3,390m) and Nobding, a small town en route. It is not uncommon to encounter grazing yaks by the roadside along the East–West highway. On the way we pass by the Chendebji Chorten below the road. This 18th century monument resembles the Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu, Nepal with eyes painted at the four cardinal points. Enjoy a scenic journey, changing landscapes from the awe-inspiring mountains to lush vegetation. From the viewpoint (Thumangdra) opposite to the Tronsa Dzong, you can take photos of the beautiful landscapes and dzong. Lunchtime is at Trongsa, the ancestral home of the present Royal Family of Bhutan (where the Institutional Monarchy of Bhutan was born). Continue your journey to Bumthang about 2.5 hours via Yotongla Pass (3,425m). You have an option to explore the Yathra Weaving Centre in Chumig village en route, where the Bumthap women weave yak and sheep wools into the beautifully patterned fabric called “Yathra” including woollen mattresses (Drumzeedhen). Overnight in Bumthang.

We explore the pristine Bumthang Valley (also known as Jakar), the religious heartland of Bhutan and home to some of the oldest temples and monasteries in the country. We depart from your hotel and visit Jakar Dzong, a historic fortress built in 1549 atop a hill, offering panoramic views of Bumthang (Jakar) town and Chokhor Valley. Continuing our journey, we explore Jambay Lhakhang, a sacred temple believed to be one of the 108 temples commissioned by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century, steeped in rich history and mythology. This temple was built to subdue evil spirits of the demoness causing obstruction to the spread of Buddhism. Traversing a farm trail for 15 to 20 minutes, we reach the Kurjey Lhakhang complex, housing three temples enclosed by walls adorned with 108 chortens. Guru Rinpoche undertook profound meditation in the 8th century, taming the local demon, Phola Shelging Karpo, and aiding the ailing King of Bumthang, Sindhu Raja. Later, you may explore Bhutan's "Little Switzerland," where Mr. Fritz Maurer, one of the first Swiss expatriates in Bhutan, introduced innovations like brewing, Swiss gouda cheese production, beekeeping, and eco-friendly wood stoves. He also founded the region's first tourist guesthouse. Swiss gouda cheese and the country's only native beer, Red Panda, are produced here. If lucky, you could enjoy a beer and hear development stories from the Swiss expatriate owner. Overnight in Bumthang.

Leaving Jakar behind today, our journey leads us towards Tang Valley, which spans 33-km and takes approximately one and a half hours to reach. Nestled in the eastern region of Bumthang Valley, Tang is a hidden gem, offering unparalleled serenity and a glimpse into an off-the-beaten-path experience. En route, stop at Mebar Tsho (burning lake) located on the way to Tang village, where the renowned treasure reveller, Terton Pema Lingpa, discovered religious treasures from the lake in the late 15th century. Tang village thrives on the livelihood of its inhabitants, primarily centered around sheep rearing, cultivating wheat, barley, buckwheat (blooming with flowers in October), sweet buckwheat, potatoes, and apples. On the cliff opposite the Chel Tang Valley lies the Kunzangdra Goemba Monastery. Founded by Pemalingpa in 1488, the great treasure discoverer in Bhutan, it served as one of his residences. It takes one and a half hours to reach there by foot. Upon arrival, visit the impressive Ogyen Choling Manor House, majestically perched atop a hill, which houses a museum showcasing the ancient way of life. Tonight's accommodation offers a cozy and comfortable guesthouse, meticulously managed by the family of Ogyen Choling Heritage House (associated with a Swiss partner). Each room is equipped with modern amenities, including attached toilets and showers. The sanitary installations have been imported from Switzerland, ensuring comfort and convenience during your stay. Overnight in Tang.

After breakfast, our return journey takes us to Phobjikha Valley via Trongsa (about 4-5 hrs), home to the rare, Black-Necked Cranes that migrate from the Tibetan plateau from late October to mid-March. Take the opportunity to visit the 17th century picturesque Gangtey Gonpa (monastery) on the hillock with amazing views of the valley. The monastery is the only Nyingmapa School of Buddhism taught here in western Bhutan. Afternoon is set aside for a short and gentle nature hike (4-km) about 2 hours. The best way to soak up this magnificent valley is to head downhill from the start point (nearby the monastery) to Semchubara village. This trail takes you through beautiful forests, flower meadows and into vast plains of Phobjikha Valley, ideal for spotting some birds, grazing cows, farmhouses, people, and the local life. After passing a chorten and Khewa Lhakhang through gentle grassy slopes carpeted with purple primluas, your hike ends at the local community school. Overnight in Phobjikha.

This morning, our return journey (122-km) about 4 hours takes us to Paro, pausing en route at Dochula Pass (3,050m) and soak up the panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks, including Bhutan’s highest mountain (Mt. Gangkar Puensum at 7,564m). Continue to Paro, home to the famous Taktshang Monstery (also known as Tiger’s Nest), National Museum, Drukair and Bhutan Airlines. Time permitting, we explore the Ta Dzong (ancient watch tower), located about 6-km from Paro town, which now houses the National Museum of Bhutan. Walk down to the Paro Dzong (also known as Rinpung Dzong), which is located across the Pachhu River and about 2-km from Paro International Airport. The dzong was built in 1644 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (founder of Bhutan) to safeguard Paro Valley against Tibetan invasions. Overnight in Paro.

Bhutan’s famous Paro Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) is an unforgettable sight. No visit to Bhutan would be complete without a trip to Paro Taktshang (3,120m). It is stunning in its beauty and location. Today is a real highlight as you take a short hike to the Taktshang Monastery, clinging on a rock cliff at 900m above the Paro Valley floor. The monastery is one of the most revered pilgrimage places in Bhutan because Guru Rinpoche (one the founding fathers of Tibetan Buddhism) is believed to have flown to the site on the back of a flying tigress in the 8th century. An 11-km (round-trip) hike starts from the base of the mountain from the road point (Ramthangkha), which is 2-km drive from Paro town. Enjoy your rewarding hike about 4 hours (round-trip) with extra one hour to tour the monastery at a leisurely pace. There is a small teahouse halfway through from where a view of the spectacular monastery to enjoy! Gentle horse/pony rides are permitted till the viewpoint. The latter part of the afternoon is at leisure - why not soak up in a hot stone bath at farmhouse? Spend the night in Paro.

Your tour ends this morning after breakfast. We transfer you to Paro International Airport for your onward journey. Our guide and driver from Bhutan Green Travel will see you off. Tashi Delek (Goodbye and Good Luck)!