Duration: 7 Days 6 Nights
Places covered: Thimphu, Paro and Punakha
Date:September 20, 2023.
Venue:Thimphu Dzong

Thimphu Drucbchen is also known as Lhamoi Dromchoe which means "great achieving prayers of female deities". It was introduced by Gyalse Ganapati, alias if Gyalse Kuenga Gyeltsen (1689-1713) the reincarnation of Jampel Dorji (1631-1681) son of Zhabdrung in 1710.

When Kuenga Gyelsten was on retreat at Chagri monastery he had a vision of Palden Lhamo, a power protective diety along with her entire assembly of subsidiary deities. So based on those experiences he has introduced the sacred dance of Palden Lhamo and retinue in early 18th century. And before that there were no such dances dedicated to Palden Lhamo.

During Lhamo Dromchoe retreat undertaken is pretty same as the one Kunga Gyelstshen took in 17th century, and the difference lies only with duration. He took 1 year retreat whereas the monks of Thimphu Dzong takes 14 days. After monks undertake Lhamo Dromchoe retreat for 2 weeks, the goddess Mahakali diety and her 20 manifestations are revealed to the public through the special dances.

This trip will cover popular districts in western Bhutan. Will have 2 nights in Paro, 3 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.

Paro Rinpung Dzong and National Museum
Paro Rinpung Dzong and National Museum wit part of Airport

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 examples 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

Thimphu Tashicho Dzong
Thimphu Tashicho Dzong During snowfall

After breakfast will drive to Dodena which is about 45 minutes drives, 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 Himalayas and also an endangered species.

Evening can stroll in Thimphu town.

Night Halt: Thimphu

Thimphu Drubchen
The mask dance representing Palden Lhamo and her retinues.

After breakfast will drive to drive to 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. Its here the festival takes place and will participate in the festival with the locals. There will be various mask dances and cultural programs.

Towards evening we can stroll around in Thimphu market.

Night Halt: Thimphu

Dochula Pass
Our Guest at Dochula Pass during snowfall

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

Our Guest inside Punakha Dzong
Our Guest inside Punakha Dzong

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 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. After that if you want can walk to Suspension Bridge spend some time. Then will go for lunch.

After lunch 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 when you want. On reaching Paro will chek-in to the hotel and rest and prepare for next day Hiking to Tigers Nest.

Night Halt: Paro

On way to Tigers Nest
The view of Paro valley from the way to 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.