Duration: 7 Days 6 Nights
Places covered: Thimphu, Paro and Punakha
Date:February 24 to 28, 2023.
Venue:Punakha Dzong

A brief history on the construction of Punakha Dzong is showcased to the general public. The internal conflict and external invasion during the construction of the fortress by the Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1637, and sacred mask dances and folk dances are performed by the Central Monastic Body, as well as the public of Punakha district. The drubchen is organised by the Culture Section under the Dzongkhag Administration of Punakha.

This trip will cover popular districts in western Bhutan. Will have 2 nights in Paro, 2 Nights in Thimphu and 2 Nights in Punakha. Its also a mix of cultural and historical sights that will include National Museum and Ringpung Dzong in Paro, Tashichodzong, Memorial chorten, big buddha in Thimphu. In Punakha will visit Majestic Punakha Dzong and Temple of fertility. Will also have hike to the most popular Tigers Nest Monastery in Paro, also hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten in Punakha.

Will spend a day or half according to your interest at the festival place.

View from National Museum
Our Guest taking photo from National Museum with Rinpung Dzong as background

You will be received by our people at the airport. Then will drive to Ta Dzong (Watch Tower) which was converted to National Museum in 1969 by the third king. Then will visit Paro Rinpung Dzong one of the finest example of Bhutanese architecture which serves as Paro district head office as well as a monastic community. If you feel energetic then will walk down to Paa chu, cross over the cantilever bridge and get to other side where our driver will be waiting.

After lunch will drive to Thimphu. On way will stop at Tamcho to see the 15th Century Iron Chain Bridge. Then will continue to Thimphu.

Evening can stroll in Thimphu market.

Night Halt: Thimphu

View from Cheri Monastery
View from Cheri Monastery

After breakfast will drive to Dodena which is about 45 mintues drive, and then will hike to Cheri Monastery, which is the first monastery established by Zhabdrung after he came to Bhutan. The hike will take on average 45 minutes to 1 hour one way. Its a beautiful hike through the mixed forest of Oak, Pine, Rhododendrons etc.

After lunch will visit Folk and Heritage Museums, a fascinating testimony of Bhutan's living traditions. Then will visit Takin Preserve where you will find Takin, the National animal of Bhutan and it is native to only Himalayas and also the endangered species. Towards evening will visit Tashicho Dzong the beautiful fortress which houses most of the Government's office and King's Throne room. It is also the summer residence of Central Monastic Body and Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot of monastic body.

Evening can stroll in Thimphu town.

Night Halt: Thimphu

Memorial Chorten
Memorial Chorten

After breakfast will visit National Memorial Chorten which was built by Her majesty Ashi Phuntsho Choden in memory of her late son His majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk ("the father of modern Bhutan") the third king of Bhutan. Then will drive to Kuenselphodrang to see Buddha Statue which is one of the biggest sitting Buddha in the world measuring 169 feet tall. Then will drive to Punakha. On reaching Dochula will stop there. Its a beautiful pass with 108 stupas and also if the weather is good we will be able to see the Eastern Himalayas that fall within Bhutan including the highest peak in the country Mt. Gangkar Puensum (7,541 m). Then will continue to Punakha.

After lunch will drive to Kabesa and then will hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten which was constructed by Her Majesty Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangden which is dedicated to world peace. Then will drive to hotel have rest.

Night Halt: Punakha

Punakha Drubchen
Mask Dance during Punakha Drubchen

After breakfast will drive to drive to Punakha Dzong which is one of the most majestic fortresses in the country which is located between 2 rivers, Mo chu(Female river) and Pho Chu (Male river). Today it is the winter residence of the Je-Khenpo the chief abbot and also serves as the administrative center of the Punakha district. Its here the festival will take place. Will participate in the festival with the locals. There will be various mask dances and cultural programs.

Towards evening we can walk to Suspension Bridge spend some time.

Night Halt: Punakha

Sangchen Dorji Lhundrup Nunnery
View from Sangchen Dorji Lhundrup Nunnery

After breakfast will drive to Sangchen Dorji Lhundrup Nunnery; it's the place where the nuns study and from there you will have a beautiful view of Tobesa village. Then will visit Chimi Lhakhang which was blessed by Lam Drukpa Kuenley who is also known as Devine Madman for his philosophy of "Salvation Through Sex". And its also known as Temple of Fertility.

After that will drive to Paro. Will ake some stops on way as when you want. On reaching Paro will check-in into hotel and have rest and prepare for the next day Hiking to Tigers Nest.

Night Halt: Paro

Tigers Nest
Tigers Nest

Today after breakfast will drive to Taktshang Base and then will hike to Taktshang (Tiger's Nest) which is one of the most popular tourist sites. Its the place blessed by Guru Padmasambhava in the 8th century, though the monastery was only constructed in 1692 by Desi Tenzin Rabgay.

The hike will take on average 5 to 6 hours up and down.

In the evening will go for Farm Dinner and also if you want can try Traditional Hot Stone Bath.

Night Halt: Paro

Depending on the flight time will reach you to airport and seeoff.