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Bhutan Festivals Tour Itinerary


DOWNLOAD PUNAKHA FESTIVAL ITINERARY (pdf) (2009 Sample Itinerary)

Please note that this is a typical itinerary, and actual activities may vary to take advantage of weather conditions, local events, and to allow serendipity to play a hand in your experience. Accommodations are as outlined in the itinerary, although we reserve the right to change these should the need arise.


DAY 1 

Arrival in Paro, Bhutan. Visit to Bhutan’s National Museum, Kyichu Lhakhang, and Drukgyel Dzong.

Walk – easy to moderate, 1-3 hours.

Our flight from Bangkok to Paro, Bhutan,affords spectacular mountain views of the serrated Himalayan peaks and their forested mountain foothills, hemming in the green bowl of the Paro valley. Wide rivers and medieval fortresses add texture to the stunning landscape. As we disembark the plane, notice the absence of noise and the pervasive sense of peacefulness that is so rarely found in cities. The bucolic Paro valley is one of Bhutan’s most scenic, and its houses are considered among the most beautiful. As a historic trade center, Paro maintains close cultural connections with neighboring Tibet.

Upon arrival, and a warm Bhutanese welcome reception, we transfer to our hotel for a light lunch and afternoon tea.Following lunch we visit the National Museum housed in the round, multistory Ta Dzong, built in 1775. Bhutan’s dzongs are perhaps the most visibly striking aspect of the kingdom, and these imposing citadels dominate the landscape in major towns, as well as house the administrative headquarters for each respective region. This dzong was once the watchtower for the massive Paro Dzong, built in the 17th century by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, Bhutan’s founder. The museum features ancient artifacts, weapons, textiles, stamps, and a collection of antique thangkhas—painted or embroidered religious images on silk.

From the museum an easy walk leads us past the magnificent Rinpung Dzong, and through Paro town. We continue through the Paro countryside, and by farms and fields of rice, mustard, buckwheat, eggplant, and, of course, chilies, before arriving at Kyichu Lhakhang. Kyichu Lhakhang, meaning “twin temples,” is believed to have been built in 659 AD by King Songtsen of Tibet, and reflects the introduction of Buddhism to Bhutan.The temple is one of 108 that were built throughout the Himalayas in one day in an effort to subdue a mighty ogress; it is still believed to hold her left foot in place today.

If time and energy allows, a short drive brings us to the Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders in the mid-17th century. This “Fortress of the Victorious Drukpa” wasbuilt in 1649 to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over Tibet, and is strategically located along the main route between Tibet and the Paro valley. If the weather is clear, we may get views of the sacred Mt. Jhomolhari (23,977 feet), which straddles the border of Tibet and Bhutan. The mountain is said to embody the goddess Tsheringma, who watches over the land.

Later this afternoon, we return to our lodge for time to relax before an orientation and welcome dinner, featuring Bhutanese cuisine.
Janka Resort, Paro


DAY 2 

Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery.

Hike – moderate, 3-4 hours on hiking trails; approximate elevation gain of 1,650 feet.

After breakfast, we hike to the legendary hermitage of Taktshang, the “Tiger’s Nest.” Clinging to a sheer cliff at 10,200 feet, this monastic retreat was built to honor the Tibetan Buddhist saint Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) who is said to have flown across the Himalayas on the back of a female tiger, landing in this spot to bring Buddhism to Bhutan. Explore some of its seven temples, many of which have been restored following damaging fires. A visit to this sacred site is an honor that few Westerners have the privilege to experience. Before descending, we enjoy lunch at the monastery’s teahouse, with stupendous views of the Paro valley below.
Janka Resort, Paro


DAY 3 

Transfer to Punakha (approximately 5 hrs.); Temple of the Divine Madman.

Walk – easy, 1-2 hours on local paths.

After an early breakfast, we take a five-hour drive to Punakha, our home for the next two nights. The road ascends the Dochu La (“la” is a mountain pass) at 10,230 feet and offers an unmatched vista of the eastern Himalayas. On the other side of the pass, the road descends through magnificent pine and rhododendron forest, meandering through some of Bhutan’s most picturesque countryside. The climate here makes a dramatic change from alpine to semi-tropical, where cacti, banana trees, and orange groves thrive. En route, we stop at a small village and take a short walk to Chime Lhakang, a temple dedicated to the Lama Drukpa Kunley, also known as the “Divine Madman” and one of Bhutan’s favorite saints. Lama Kunley traveled throughout Bhutan and Tibet performing songs, using humor, and engaging in outrageous behavior to dramatize his teachings. He believed social conventions and strict clergymen kept people from learning the heart of Buddhist teachings. This site is believed to hold fertility powers for women wanting to conceive.
Hotel Punatsangchu, Punakha


DAYS 4 & 5

Punakha Festival.

The highlight of this trip is the Punakha festival, one of the highlights of Bhutan’s religious calendar and an event that is witnessed each year by only a handful of outside visitors. The Punakha Festival will provide unique possibilities and a taste of Bhutan at its most authentic.

As we enter the impressive courtyard of the Punakha Dzong, our senses awaken among the costumed Bhutanese people who have gathered from across the region to pay respect and be blessed. Dressed in their finest clothes and jewelry, the people come not only for religious merit but to join in joyful celebration and feasting. Watch this magical celebration unfold as we witness the dances, marvel at the elaborate masks and costumes, and immerse ourselves in the intense color and festive atmosphere amid horns, drums, and mystical dancers. We enjoy a picnic lunch on the festival grounds and mingle with some of the celebrants to learn more about this fascinating aspect of their culture.
Hotel Punatsangchu, Punakha


DAY 6

Transfer to Thimphu (approximately 3 hours); Thimphu sites.

Walk – easy, 2-4 hours.

Retracing our route back over the Dochu La, we drive to the capital city of Thimphu, home to Bhutan’s royal family, the Wangchuks. Before becoming Bhutan’s official capitol in 1961, Thimphu was a valley of farmers. Today it is Bhutan’s largest city, though unlike any other world capital. The city is quiet, with few streets, no stoplights, and none of the traffic problems common to other Asian capitals.

Thimphu is a city ideally explored on foot, and our afternoon walk today takes us between its many interesting sights. Before the day is through, we may visit the newly built textile museum, the Thimphu Dzong (seat of the government and main monk body), the School of Traditional Arts and Crafts, the Heritage Museum, and the Handicrafts Emporium, displaying the rich traditional crafts of the kingdom.

Our hotel is located in a quiet neighborhood on the outskirts of town overlooking the Thimphu River. Dinner this evening will feature Asian-Bhutanese cuisine at one of our favorite city restaurants.
Hotel Riverview, Thimphu


DAY 7

Cheri Goemba and the Choki School of Arts.

Hike – easy to moderate, 2-4 hours on dirt roads and trails.

This morning a short drive through the countryside surrounding Thimphu brings us to the Jigme Dorji Wildlife Sanctuary, the largest protected area in the country. The park is home to several endangered species including the takin, snow leopard, blue sheep, tiger, red panda, the Himalayan black bear, and more than 300 species of birds.

Our walk begins from the small village of Dodena. Our trail starts by crossing a covered bridge over the Wang Chhu and we climb steadily to Cheri Goemba, a small monastery perched on the hill with a view over the Thimphu Valley.Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal built this monastery in 1620, and this is where the first community of monks in Bhutan was established. The monastery is considered very sacred as it contains the ashes of Tempi Nima, the father of the first Shabdrung of Bhutan, and beautiful frescoes of Buddhist saints.

After our visit to the monastery, we descend back the way we came, keeping our eyes open for the goral (wild goat) that are often spotted on the cliffs nearby. Back at the village of Dodena we follow a riverside trail via Begana to Cabesa, home to the Choki School of Arts. The Choki School is private and provides free skills-related education in the traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan to Bhutanese children who are unable to attend or complete their formal education. After visiting the school we continue along the riverside trail and pass through small rural villages before returning to Thimphu.
Hotel Riverview, Thimphu


DAY 8 

Morning at leisure in Thimphu; Transfer to Paro.

This morning is free for independent explorations before our afternoon return to Paro. We’ll have time to go walking, relax, or explore the markets. Beautiful textiles woven in wool, silk, and cotton, along with basketry, silver jewelry, thangkas, and other traditional crafts of the Kingdom are available in various shops. Tonight, we share one last dinner together, celebrating our journey through the magical Kingdom of Bhutan.
Janka Resort, Paro


DAY 9

Departure from Paro.

An early morning departure from Paro returns us to Bangkok where we say farewell and journey home or to other exciting destinations.