Punakha Tshechu 8N 9D

We proceed towards Paro for your onward trip. We stop at Rinchendling, (Kharbandi), about 5 kms from P/ling, and visit the Kharbandi Goenpa. Also Enroute, we visit important sites like Kamji Lhakhang, and Chhukha Dzong. We stop for Lunch in Bunakha cafeteria, and after that we proceed to Paro. Just before reaching chuzom, we can have a view Dobje Dzong, standing on the top of a cliff.  After reaching Paro, transfer to a hotel. Evening, take a stroll around Paro town, and feel the first day of your visit in to this magnificent Kingdom. Dinner and overnight in Paro.

After early breakfast, hike to Taktshang (Tiger’s Nest) monastery. We have to walk about 1hours & 30minutes up steep from the road end. The trail climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags.
After lunch, drive to the ruins of the Drukgyal Dzong 16 km up the valley built in 1647 by the great Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, father and unifier of medieval Bhutan, the dzong was destroyed by accidental fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate. Explore the ramparts and on a clear day experience an unforgettable view of Mt. Jhomolhari (7,314 m). On the way back, visit Kichu Lhakhang, built in 659 A.D by the Tibetan king Srongsen Gampo. Dinner and Overnight in Paro. You will have time to explore Paro town in the evening.

After breakfast, visit Ta Dzong (built in1656 and renovated in 1968), an ancient watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. Below the museum is the Paro Rimpung Dzong (literally meaning “Heap of Jewels”, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the centre of civil and religious authority in this valley. A short walk takes you to the base of the dzong and across a traditional cantilevered, covered bridge. A short distance further is one of the innumerable archery grounds. (Archery is the national sport of Bhutan). If we are lucky, we may catch a match in action.

The day begins with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten (1974) built in honour of our late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk and the Dupthop Lhakhang one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan. We then visit the National Library, stocked with ancient Buddhist manuscripts, and the Painting School where traditional art is still kept alive through instructions in the art of painting Thangkas (sacred Buddhist religious scrolls). After lunch we drive to the Traditional Medicine Institute where medicines are prepared according to ancient practices. Other highlights include a visit to the Tashichho Dzong, seat of the national government and the Central Monastic Body, including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan) and finally visit the Handicrafts Emporium followed by shopping for souvenirs in the shops of Thimphu. Over night in Hotel.

(72 Kms, 3 hours drive). After early breakfast, Drive to Punakha via Dochula pass. If the weather is clear, we stop for a while at Dochula pass to view Higher Himalayas. On the way, visit Chime Lhakhang, which was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley. He subdued the demons with his “Magical Thunder bolt”. The Temple is also known as “the Temple of Fertility”. After reaching Punakha, we visit Punakha Dzong built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and witness the first day of Tshechu festival. People from different places gather at this time wearing unique and colorful dresses and come to witness the various kinds of Holy dances and to get the blessings. Evening, if time permits, we can go for an excursion to Khamsung Yulley Namgyal Choling Monastery. Dinner and overnight in Hotel. 

After breakfast we will witness the morning session of the 2^nd day festival and shortly after that we proceed to Phobjikha valley.  Enroute sightseeing in the valley of Wangdiphodrang, it includes: visit to Wangdiphodrang Dzong (from outside) built in 1638. Legend relates that as the people were searching for the site of the Dzong; four ravens were seen flying away in four directions. This was considered auspicious sign, representing the spread of Buddhist religion to the four points of the compass. The Dzong is situated at the confluence of Mo Chu and Tang Chu rivers. Drive further to Gangtey. While in Gangtey, visit Gangtey Gompa. Gyaltse Pema Thinley, the grandson and mind reincarnation of Pema Lingpa founded the Temple in 1613, and Tenzin Legpai Dhendup, the second re-incarnation, built the temple. The present Abbot, Kunzang Pema Namgyal is the ninth re-incarnation. It is a Nyingmapa monastery and is affiliated to other Nyingmapa monasteries including Tamshing in Bumthang. Explore Phobjikha valley, famous for the Black Necked Cranes during winter. Dinner and over night in Guest house.

After breakfast, drive to Thimphu. Lunch, will be served on the way. In the evening, visit Sangay gang view point and Takin Preserve center. Evening at leisure.  Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

Early morning, drive to the airport and farewell.