8 Nights | 9 Days
One of the biggest festivals in the country is the Thimphu Tshechu. This festival is held in the capital city for three days beginning on 10th day of the 8th month of lunar calendar. This Tshechu is witnessed by thousands of people many of which travel from neighboring Dzongkhags (districts) to attend the festivities. The actual Tshechu is preceded by days and nights of prayer and rituals to invoke the gods.
Upon arrival at Paro International airport, you will be welcomed by our company representative and the tour guide will receive and escort you to designated Hotels in Paro or Thimphu depending on the Final Itinerary that may be agreed upon.
The drive to Thimphu – world’s smallest capital takes about an hour on a well paved two lane road that follows Paro River downstream to the confluence with Wang Chu (Thimphu River). The 60 kms road then turn upstream towards Thimphu along the Wang Chu. Check in at the designated hotel in Thimphu.
We will start our sightseeing tour visiting Memorial Chorten built in memory of the 3rd King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck who reigned the Kingdom from 1952-1972. Visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved. Further, we will visit the Zorig Chusum – 13 Arts & Crafts Institute where traditional arts and crafts are still kept alive. The visitors can see students of different trades at work like: Sculpting, Thanka Painting, Wood Carving and other skills.
Afternoon visit to the Textile Museum, Handicrafts Emporium, Crafts Bazaar where Bhutanese textiles and other arts and crafts are displayed and can be purchased. In the evening free for a leisure walk to explore Thimphu city – the world’s smallest capital and the only capital city where Traffic Lights are absent. The walk around the city is easy and would be enjoyable to experience the Bhutanese way of life.
After an early breakfast attend the first day of the Tshechu which is held in the courtyard of Tashichho Dzong. This is the main Secretariat Building, where the government ministries, the office of His Majesty the King, the Throne Room, the offices and living quarters of the monk body and its Chief Abbot are housed. In the evening, time free at leisure for own activities and relax in the hotel to acclimatization with Bhutan weather conditions.
After a leisurely breakfast, we will attend Thimphu Tshechu upto Lunch time or return back to the Festival Ground after lunch.
Afternoon: Two Optional Programs are: (1) Attend the Tshechu, (2) More Sightseeing in and around Thimphu. Detailed activities for the day will be included in the Final Tour Program. In the evening stroll in Thimphu city to see colorful people in festive moods.
Check-out from the hotel and drive to attend Thimphu Tshechu or go on a day long Excursion to Phajoding which is at an altitude of 3700m. The 3 hours hike is considered one of the most enjoyable short hikes through coniferous forests. The panoramic view of Thimphu valley and surrounding mountains will be most rewarding. There are several monasteries, state monastic Buddhist school and it is also a popular meditation place for many devout Buddhists.
Upon arrival check-in to the hotel and relax at the Hotel or visit one of the Health Club in town.
Breakfast in the hotel. Proceed for a Thimhpu Tshechu for half day. Afternoon: Two Optional Program: (1) Attend Tshechu after Lunch, (2) Visit Indigenous Medicine Hospital & do local tour in Thimphu.
In the evening free to take a stroll or do shopping. Bargaining is accepted norm in Bhutan.
Check-out from the hotel and drive to Punakha, the former Capital of Bhutan (77 Km) from Thimphu. Enjoy panoramic view of Black Mountain range at Dochu La, Visit Druk Wangyel Lhakhang, and Royal Botanical Garden on the way. Dochu La is a paradise for photographers. Details will be included in the Final Tour Program.
In the evening visit a nunnery and enjoy scenic views as the nunnery is on a hill top.
Visit Punakha Dzong, Drive upstream of Phochu for a short hike/return from the view point. Depart for Paro after Lunch at Dragon Nest Resort at Wangduephodrang.
In the evening take a stroll through Paro town. The town is flooded with handicraft shops catering to tourist interest. There also fake jewelry shops. Bargaining is accepted and part of business deals.
Breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination.