Punakha Festival Tour

Punakha is located in the western part of Bhutan and this place has critical importance in the history of Bhutan since the time of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the Buddhist Saint who unified Bhutan in 17th century.

During 17th century Bhutan was invaded several times by Tibetan forces seeking to seize a very precious relic, the Ranjung Kharsapani. Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal led the Bhutanese to victory over the Tibetans and to commemorate the triumph he introduced the Punakha Drubchen. Since then Punakha Drubchen became the annual festival in Punakha.

Punakha Tshechu was introduced in 2005 in response to the requests made by Punakha District Administration and local people to host a Tshechu in order to better preserve Buddhist teachings and keep alive the noble deeds of Zhabdrung Rimpoche.

Inclusions

Hotel, transportation, guide, tea and snacks, visa fee, permits, entrance fee, mineral water (bottled), government tax and 3 meals daily.

Accommodation

3-star hotel (Bhutanese type), there is possibility of upgradation.

Exclusions

Flight ticket, insurance, tips, drinks and beverages, laundry, cellphone, internet and other personal expenditure or bills.

Insurance

We highly recommend you to obtain separate coverage of insurance from your home country since your package does not include any insurance.

Day 01: Paro – Thimphu
On arrival at Paro airport you will be received by our tour guide from Tsholung Tours and travels. Then drive to Thimphu. After check-in to hotel you will explore around the city with your tour guide. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.

Day 02: Thimphu Sightseeing
The sightseeing includes visiting memorial chorten (stupa built to commemorate late 3^rd king of Bhutan), Buddha point (largest buddha statue in the world), school of arts and craft (painting school), zoo (preserved area for the national animal of Bhutan, Takin).

In the evening, visit to Trashi Choedzong (fortress of glorious religion), it serves as the central administrative purpose and residence of central monk body. Overnight hotel in Thimhu.

Day 03 Thimphu-Punakha

Driving on the scenic hillside, stop at Dochula Pass (3140 m), in the clear sky you can enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayan Mountain ranges. Then pass by the beautiful 108 chortens built on the upraised ground by Queen Mother of Bhutan.

After refreshment at Dochula Cafeteria, drive to Punakha (former capital of Bhutan 1637-1907). It has been inextricably linked to some of the most momentous events in the Bhutanese history and deserves its reputation as one of the most beautiful and significant regions at the heart of Bhutanese culture.

After lunch, you will visit the Divine Madman’s Monastery-Chhimi Lhakhang, famously known for its fertility shrine, where one can receive a special fertility blessing.

Check in-in to a hotel in Punakha and overnight hotel in Punakha.

Day 04: Witness the Last Day of the Punakha Drubchen
After breakfast, witness the last day of Punakha Drubchen which is the most spectacular day of Punakha Drubchen which would be held at the courtyard of the Punakha Dzong. The last day of Punakha Drubchen ends with dramatic recreation of the scene from the 17th century battle with the Tibetan army.

You will also visit the Punakha Dzong, located on the island of the Pho – Chu (male river) and the Mochu (female river). The dzong was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative seat of the region. At the dzong, you can see the highest standards in woodwork.

Dinner and overnight at hotel at Punakha.

Day 05: First Day of Punakha Tsechu
After breakfast attend the first day of Punakha Tsechu (annul festival) which will be held at the courtyard of Punakha Dzong.

In the evening you may visit Punakha town and market.

Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Punakha.

Day 06: day excursion to Phobjikha 

After breakfast drive to Phobjikha valley through the dense forests of the Phobjikha Valley you arrive at Gantey village where you see the Gangtey Monastery. Phobjikha valley is part of Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park (formerly known as Black Mountains National Park), one of Bhutan’s most important nature sanctuaries.

The Black necked cranes start migration to this area from November each year. You will have refreshment and lunch at a resort/restaurant in this valley. Afternoon you can visit the Black Necked Crane Center and enjoy the fascinating sight of these birds in this beautiful scenic valley.

In the late afternoon drive back to Punakha and overnight at a hotel in Punakha.

Day 07: Punakha– Paro
After breakfast get a glimpse of the last day of Punakha tsechu and then travel to Paro.

On arrival at Paro visit Rinpung Dzong, built in 1645 to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. The Dzong is now being used as an administration center and school for monks. Then walk down to Rimpung Bridge (Traditonal Bridge), oldest bridge in Bhutan. Then visit to farm houses offers a good glimpse into the lifestyle of a farmer and where you can enjoy authentic Bhutanese dinner.

Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

Day 08: Hike to Taktsang 

In the morning take a hike to visit Taktsang monastery also known as tiger nest. Bhutan’s most famous monastery, which stands at 3100m clings on the cliff.  In 8^th century spiritual master known as Guru Rimpoche has flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktsang monastery now stands. Lunch at Taktsang café and overnight hotel in Paro.

Day 09: Depart Paro
Departing from Paro international airport to your onwards destination. Head back to your destination with memories entangled by happiness.