7 / 8 DAYS - PUNAKHA FESTIVAL
(Phobjikha Valley Optional)
Punakha Tshechu, as all Tshechu festivals, honors Padmasambhawa, also known as Guru Rimpoche, the precious yogi and saint who is credited with having introduced Tantric Buddhism throughout the Himalayas. The festival’s masked dances are performed by monks clad in colorful brocade attire and permeated by chants and reading of Buddhist scripts. Attending a festival is one of the best ways to experience the living culture of Bhutan. This tour takes you through the three valleys of Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha.
Adding another day of two to your itinerary gives you the opportunity to also experiencing the beautiful high valley of Phobjikha - winter sanctuary to the famed black-necked cranes that migrate in the colder months from Tibet and far north as Siberia.
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9 DAYS - PARO TSECHU (8 NIGHTS/9 DAYS)
DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO – THIMPHU
Your guide will receive you at Paro airport exit doors.
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Sight seeing Paro
- Ta Dzong Museum
- Rimpong Dzong
Drive to Thimphu (1 hr)​
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Stroll around Thimphu if time permits
Overnight at hotel in Thimphu 2400m
DAY 02: THIMPHU
Places of interest
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Big Buddha
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Hike trail overlooking Thimphu valley
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Changangkha Monastery (12C)
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National Memorial Chorten
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Folk Heritage Museum
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School of Arts & Crafts
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Textile Museum
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Takin Preserve (Takin is Bhutan's national animal)
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Weekend market (Fri - Sun)
Overnight at hotel in Thimphu 2400m
DAY 03: THIMPHU - PUNAKHA
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Visit other places of interest
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Drive to Punakha (2.5 hrs)
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Enjoy breathtaking views at Dochula Pass (3150) weather permitting
Places of interest at Punakha -
Khamsum Yuelley Monastery
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Overnight at hotel in Punakha 1300m
DAY 04: PUNAKHA
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Attend festival in the morning
Places of interest at Punakha -
Bhutan's longest suspension footbridge across the raging Pho chhu (male river)
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Chhimi Lhakhang (temple of fertility dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley aka Divine Mad Man)
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Drive to Wangdue
Overnight at hotel in Punakha 1300m
DAY 05: PUNAKHA - PARO (Phobjikha valley option below)
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Drive back over Dochula pass (3150m)
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Continue to Thimphu for a stretch of legs & souvenir shopping
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Drive to Paro
Overnight at hotel in Paro 2300m
DAY 06: PARO
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Hike to historical Taktsang Monastery - Tiger's Nest (3200m) hike approx 2 hrs
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Visit other places of interest in Paro valley
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Stroll around Paro town
Overnight at hotel in Paro 2300m
DAY 07: DEPART PARO
Drive to airport for flight to onward destination.
OPTIONAL PHOBJIKHA VALLEY ADDITION
DAY 05: PUNAKHA - PHOBJIKHA/GANGTEY
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Drive up to Phobjikha valley after breakfast
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Visit Phobjikha sanctuary to see black-necked cranes (winter months)
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Walk around the beautiful valleys many trails with the option of visiting the monastery
Overnight at hotel/lodge in Phobjikha 3000m
DAY 06: PHOBJIKHA/GANGTEY - PARO
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Drive back to Paro via Punakha & Dochula
Overnight at hotel in Paro 2300m
DAY 07: PARO
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Hike to historical Taktsang Monastery - Tiger's Nest (3200m) hike approx 2 hrs
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Visit other places of interest in Paro valley
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Stroll around Paro town
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Overnight at hotel in Paro 2300m
DAY 08: DEPART PARO
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Drive to airport for flight to onward destination.
INCLUDED IN YOUR PACKAGE
Bhutan Tourist Tariff Royalty & Visa fees.
All private excursions and transfers in air-conditioned vehicle.
Local English speaking guide/tour leader.
Experienced driver.
Accommodation in government approved hotels & guesthouses.
All meals in Bhutan.
All entrance fees and permits.
NOT INCLUDED IN YOUR PACKAGE
Airfare to and from Bhutan
Travel Insurance
Bar expenses & other expenses of personal nature such as tipping
Expenses for additional activities such as biking, rafting , ponies etc