THIMPU TSHECHU & BHUTAN CULTURAL TOUR

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel in a waiting vehicle.

18:00 Hrs: Meet with our representative for a brief orientation about the upcoming tour. Following the briefing, you will be driven to a traditional Nepali restaurant to enjoy a welcome dinner featuring authentic local cuisine.

After dinner, return to your hotel by private vehicle for an overnight stay.

Overnight at the Hotel Nepali Ghar / Hotel Tibet International

Meals included: Dinner

Today we are visitng three UNESCO World Heritage sites. In the morning we’ll visit   Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the “Monkey Temple” because of the monkeys that guards the hill where it lays. It is situated on the top of the hill 4 kilometers away from west of Kathmandu. It is believed the stupa is of 2,500 years old, this ancient landmark is connected to the visit of Manjushree who created Kathmandu – a lake than – by draining its waters. The sage saw a celestial lotus in bloom on the top of this hill and sacrificed it. It is an important pilgrimage center as well as the center of art, architecture, religion and culture of Mahayana Buddhism.

After sightseeing of Swayambhunath tour, we visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, the social, religious and urban focal point of the Capital City, a cluster of ancient temples, palaces, courtyards and streets that dates back to the 12th and 18th century. 

The major tourist attractions on this tour includes a visit to the Hanuman Dhoka (Hanuman gate) which takes its name from the Monkey God, Hanuman from the epic, Ramayana The palace of the Malla Kings located in the Hanuman Dhoka is of the 14th Century and was a ceremonial palace of the Shah dynasty. Important traditional Royal ceremonies including the coronation of the King of Nepal used to be conducted at Hanuman Dhoka Palace. 

Near the Hanuman Dhoka is the house of the Living Goddess Kumari - Kumari Bahal. Two painted stone Lions stand guard at the entrance. Visitors may enter the courtyard to see the Living Goddess but are forbidden to take photographs.

After the sightseeing tour of Kathmandu city, Halt for the Lunch

After Lunch, board the waiting vehicle and drive to the ancient Patan city also known as Lalitpur or the city of fine arts is about five Kilometers southeast of Kathmandu. The city is full of Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments. The major tourist attraction of Patan is the Durbar Square situated in the heart of the city and constitutes the focus of the visitor’s attraction. The square is full of ancient palaces, temples and shrines noted for their exquisite carvings. The Patan Durbar consists of three main chowks or courtyards, the central Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk and Keshav Chowk.

It holds a commanding position in the palace complex of Patan and is supposed to be the first specimen of its kind in Nepal having 21 spires and completely made of stone. Later visit the Hiranya Verna Mahavihar (Golden Temple) located inside Kwabadehal. This Lokeshwor (Lord Buddha) was built in the twelfth century by King Bhaskar Verma. Inside the upper storey of the pagoda, are the golden image of Lord Buddha and a large prayer wheel. After sightseeing tour return back to the hotel.

AM: Board the waiting vehicle and drive to airport for the flight to Paro.

Board the 45 minutes flight to paro.

Upon arrival at Paro Airport, meet our representative and board the waiting vehicle and 2 hours’ drive to Thimpu.

Thimpu is the capital city & has a population of 45,000. It is, perhaps the most unusual capital city in the world with its bustling town on the banks of its own river and set gloriously in the hills of its own valley. A regal town, Thimphu is home to the revered Bhutanese Royal family and to several foreign missions and development projects.

Participate in the 1^st day of the Thimpu Tshechu festival 

Participate in the first day of the Thimphu Tshechu festival at Tashichho Dzong; the main secretariat building which houses the throne room of His Majesty the king of Bhutan and is the country’s administrative headquarters and houses the legislative body. It is also the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan). Thimphu Tshechu festival is one of the most popular festivals in Bhutan and features dances performed by trained monks and laymen in amazing masks and costumes, Tshechus (festivals) are one of the best ways to experience the ancient living culture of Bhutan.

PM: Visit Dordema Stupa 

Bhutan has the largest and tallest statue of Lord Buddha and will perhaps become the eighth wonder of the world. The 169ft (51m) bronze Buddha Dorderma, symbolizing indestructibility, is erected at Changi Kunsel Phodrang overlooking the capital city, Thimphu. This project is initiated by His Eminence Trizin Tsering Rinpoche.

The statue accommodates 100,000 statues of eight-inch and 25,000 statues of twelve-inch Buddha Dordenma, made of copper and glided in gold. It is placed in a multi-layered grid boxes. The names of sponsors are inscribed separately on copper plates and displayed in the meditation hall. The well- being of future generations is dependent on the kindness and compassion of the present sponsors and Buddha makers. This project is expected to benefit self and all sentient beings. From here one can see the mountains (weather permitting) and the valley of Thimpu spread out below. Later return to the hotel.

Overnight at the Pelyang Boutique (03 Star) or Norkhil Boutique (04 Star)

Meals included: Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast

Participate in 02^nd Day Thimpu Tshechu Festival

Return to Tashichho Dzong to attend the second day of the Tshechu. Enjoy a full day of mask dances by monks, folk performances, and traditional Bhutanese music. Interact with locals and immerse in the festive atmosphere.

PM: VISIT MEMORIAL CHORTEN + FLOK HERITAGE MUSEUM

National Memorial Chorten also known as Dodrul Chorten. This iconic landmark was envisaged by the third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, as a monument to world peace and prosperity.

Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it is both a memorial to the Late King ("the father of modern Bhutan") and a monument to world peace. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy. 

Continue on to the Folk Heritage and National Textile Museums: These museums, both of which opened in 2001 provide fascinating insights into Bhutanese material culture and their way of life. Also visit the Handicrafts Emporium: This government-run enterprise displays a wide range of beautifully hand-woven textiles and craft products. It also carries a small collection of books on Bhutan, Buddhism and Himalayan culture. 

Later return to Hotel.

Overnight at the Pelyang Boutique (03 Star) or Norkhil Boutique (04 Star)

Meals included: Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast

AM: visit the Motithang mini zoo to see the rare "Takin", national animal of Bhutan. It is also called Gnu Goat OR Cattle Chamois and found in the eastern Himalayas in forested valleys to rocky, grass-covered alpine zones, at altitudes between 1,000 and 4,500 m above sea level.

Takin feed in the early morning and late afternoon, grazing on a variety of leaves and grasses, as well as bamboo shoots and flowers. They have been observed standing on their hind legs to feed on leaves over 3.1 m (10 ft) high. Salt is also an important part of their diets.

PM: Participate in 03^rd day of Thimpu Tshechu Festival

The ‘Thangka, known in Bhutan as a ‘thongdroel’ OR “Thondrul” which is a religious picture scroll of Padmasambhava “Guru Rimpoche” and is only exhibited for a few hours at daybreak on the final day of the festival enabling the people to obtain its blessing.

Later drive back to Hotel.

Overnight at Pelyang Boutique (03 Star) or Norkhil Boutique (04 Star)

Meals included: Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast

Early morning drive back to Paro. Upon arrival at Paro, Fly Paro to Bumthang.

Upon arrival at Bumthang, Check into Hotel.

Bumthang valley is considered one of the most sacred in the kingdom and innumerable legends surround the area. It is here that the kings were cremated and the present royal families trace their ancestry back to a famous saint called Pemalingpa. This is one of the most spectacular valleys in Bhutan and also the heartland of Buddhism. The Guru and his lineage of Tertons (treasure finders), have led to the sprouting of many temples in the valley. Lunch at the Hotel.

Later visit the Cheese Factory and the 1st Brewery of Bhutan.

Fritz Maurer was 29 years old and living in Bern, Switzerland when he spotted an ad in a Swiss newspaper from the Kingdom of Bhutan seeking its first steps towards modernization. A cheese-maker by training, Maurer moved to Gogona, Bhutan to help implement new dairy processing techniques. Maurer immediately fell in love with his new surroundings.

Unsatisfied with cheese alone, Maurer soon branched out into various other modernization initiatives. Bhutan’s apple surplus in the 1970s inspired Maurer to purchase two large cider presses from Switzerland. In April 1977, he was appointed as the District Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Officer. Maurer also introduced beekeeping to Bhutan in 1986 and established a brewery in Bumthang in 2006, producing a popular brew called Red Panda.

This small factory, founded by Swiss Bhutanese produces a variety of Swiss cheeses, clover honey, apple cider, wine, apple brandy and local beer. It is an interesting place to see, sample and purchase some to try.

Overnight at the Mountain Lodge 

Meals included: Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast

After breakfast, set out for the sightseeing tour of Bumthang.Nowhere other than in Bumthang, a beautiful valley in Central Bhutan, one can find as many temples and monasteries. The valley is wide and open and the hills slopes gently unlike other districts. The renowned Kurji,(where the Guru Rinpoche subdued a local demon and left his body imprint on a rock) and the Jampa Lhakhang, the oldest monastery built by Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century, are located here. The famous Yathra fabrics, woven out of sheep wool, for jackets are widely available in Bumthang. Wangdicholing, the palace where the first king was born lies just below the Jakar Dzong, or Dzong of the "White Bird".

After the sightseeing tour, return to the hotel.

Overnight at the Mountain Lodge

Meals included: Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast

After breakfast, drive Bumthang to Trongsa. The route winds through the Yutong La Pass at an elevation of 3,425 meters, offering panoramic views of dense pine forests, mountain landscapes, and glimpses of rural life. As you descend toward Trongsa, you’ll be welcomed by stunning views of the majestic Trongsa Dzong, strategically perched on a ridge above the Mangde Chhu river.

Trongsa forms the central hub of the nation and is historically the place from where attempts at unifying the country were launched. Both His Majesty King Ugyen Wangchuck, the Penlop of Trongsa, who was elected the country's first hereditary monarch and his successor, King Jigme Wangchuck, ruled the country from Trongsa’s ancient seat. The Crown Prince of Bhutan normally holds the position of the Trongsa Penlop prior to ascending the throne. The entire landscape around Trongsa is spectacular. The Trongsa Dzong, located on a ride is a sight to behold and a visit is well worth the short hike to reach it. Lunch at a local restaurant.  

After Lunch, drive for about 120 kilometers and takes around 4 hours, weaving through spectacular mountain scenery. En route, cross the Pele La Pass at an elevation of 3,390 meters, a natural boundary between central and western Bhutan. On a clear day, the pass offers stunning views of Bhutan’s snow-capped peaks. 

Upon arrival, check into hotel.

Overnight at the Phobjikha Resort (3 star) or Pinewood Resort (4 star)

Meals included: Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast

After breakfast, proceed for the sightseeing of Gangtey also known as Phobjikha. The Phobjikha Valley is a vast U-shaped glacial valley, named after the impressive Gangtey Monastery of the Nyingma sect in central Bhutan. This beautiful valley is situated at an altitude of 2800 meters and offers a great opportunity to do some nice village hikes along the floor of the valley. Noise pollution is strictly prohibited as it is also home to the rare Black Necked Cranes migrating from the Tibetan plateau to escape the harsh winter. It is believed that these cranes brings goodfortune to the people of Bhutan and so is fiercely protected.

Overnight at the Phobjikha Resort (3 star) or Pinewood Resort (4 star)

Meals included: Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast

After enjoying the serene beauty of Phobjikha Valley, begin your scenic drive to the lush subtropical valley of Punakha. The journey covers approximately 85 kilometers and takes around 3 hours, offering a dramatic change in landscape and climate. The drive starts with a gentle ascent through pine forests before crossing the Pele La Pass (3,390 m), which separates western and central Bhutan. From here, descend gradually through rhododendron-covered hills and quaint mountain villages. Along the way, you'll pass through Wangdue Phodrang, where you can make a short stop to view the rebuilt Wangdue Dzong.

Upon arrival, check into hotel.

PM: Drive for 20 minutes to reach Punakha Dzong that was built in 1637 and the winter residence of the monk body. This remarkable fortress is built between two rivers the Pho-chu (male) and the Mo-chu (female) and has survived many glacial floods and fire. The Punakha Dzong has been restored to its full glory after about 12 years of restoration work and is replete with detailed traditional carvings and colorful paintings in perfect condition. It also houses many sacred temples.

After the sightseeing tour, return to the Hotel.

Overnight at the Meriphunsum or Dhensa

Meals included: Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast

After breakfast in Punakha, drive to Paro, one of Bhutan’s most enchanting valleys. The journey spans approximately 125 kilometers and takes 4.5 to 5 hours, with a scenic climb over the famous Dochula Pass (3,100 m).

Leaving Punakha (1,200 m), the road gradually ascends through temperate forests and charming rural settlements. Upon reaching Dochula Pass, stop to admire the spectacular views of the eastern Himalayas (weather permitting) and visit the iconic Druk Wangyal Chortens—a cluster of 108 stupas built in honor of Bhutanese soldiers.

From the pass, descend into the Thimphu valley and pass through the capital before continuing westward along the Wang Chhu river valley toward Paro (2,200 m). The final stretch features stunning countryside views, traditional farmhouses, and occasional glimpses of Paro Dzong and Rinpung Dzong as you near your destination.

Upon arrival at paro, check into Hotel.

Later visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest and most beautiful temples. The temple is popularly believed to have been built in 659 by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet, to pin down the left foot of a giant ogress who was thwarting the establishment of Buddhism in Tibet. As one enters the intimate inner courtyard, there is a mural to the right of the doorway of King Gesar of Ling, the popular Tibetan warrior-king, whose epic poem is said to be the worlds longest. Ashi Kesang Wangchuck the third King’s wife, sponsored the construction of the Guru Lhakhang in 1968. It contains a 5m-high statue of Guru Rinpoche and another of Kurukulla (Red Tara), holding a bow and arrow made of flowers. The inner hall of the main Jowo Lhakhang houses an original 7th-century statue of Jowo Sakyamuni, said to have been cast at the same time as the famous statue in Lhasa. 

Rest of the day is free to browse through the Bazaars of Paro.

Overnight at the Hotel Olathang or Naksel Resort 

Meals included: Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast

After an early breakfast board the waiting vehicle and drive to Satsam Chorten (10 Kms) for a short trek to Taktsang Monastery. The Taktsang also known as “the Tiger’s Nest” was named after Guru Rimpoche miraculously flew to the cave on the back of a tigress from Khempajong in the region of Kurtoe. From Satsam, start a steady climb of about 2 hours on a well defined trail through wooded alpine forests to the Taktsang Monastery. 

According to the legend, the tigress was a form taken by a consort for the occasion. Guru Rimpoche meditated for three months in a cave in Taktsang and converted the Paro valley to Buddhism. Later, Longchen Pelki Singye, a student of Guru Rimpoche also meditated here in a cave which came to be known as Pelphug or “Pelki’s Cave. 

Taktsang is one of the holiest pilgrim sites in the Himalayas. There are 13 holy places in the complex. His Holiness, the 69th Je Khenpo Late Gayshe Gaden Rinchen was born in a cave on the way to the last viewpoint of Taktsang. 

After the visit, walk down to the Restaurant for a much deserved lunch break. Then descend to the valley floor to meet up with waiting vehicle and drive to Paro town.

EVE : Traditional Hot stone bath and Dinner at the farm House 

Overnight at the Hotel Olathang or Naksel Resort

Meals included: Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast

After breakfast board the waiting vehicle and drive to the airport to catch the flight to Kathmandu.

Upon arrival at Kathmandu International airport met by the representative and board the waiting vehicle and drive to Hotel.

EVE: FAREWELL DINNER

Overnight at the Hotel Nepali Ghar

Meals included: Dinner

After breakfast, met by representative and transferred to the airport for the onward flight home. (Reporting time is at least 3hrs before flight time)