Paro Spring Festival

After an early breakfast, you'll embark on a memorable hike to the iconic Taktsang Monastery, also known as the "Tiger's Nest." This stunning monastery is perched on the side of a vertical cliff at an altitude of 3,000 meters north of Paro. The hike to Taktsang offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes, and it's a remarkable experience in Bhutan.

Upon returning to the hotel, you will enjoy a hearty breakfast.

Afterwards, you'll attend the Paro Festival, immersing yourself in the vibrant and spiritually rich atmosphere of this traditional Bhutanese celebration. The festival features colourful dances, elaborate costumes, and religious rituals, providing a unique insight into Bhutanese culture and Buddhism.

In the afternoon, you will visit Drukgyel Dzong, a historical site with a rich past. Unfortunately, it was destroyed by a fire, but you can still explore the remnants and imagine its former glory. Next, you will visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest and most sacred temples, which was built in the 7th century.

Overnight at Hotel [B/L/D]

Your day begins with an early morning wake-up call to witness the potential unfurling of the Throngdrel, a large applique religious image. This is a unique opportunity that may occur during your visit, typically only unveiled during Tsechus, Bhutan's main festival. Please note that the Thongdrel's appearance cannot be guaranteed, but witnessing it is considered a special and spiritually significant experience. If it is displayed this year, it will help you accumulate great merit and offer a sense of liberation from the cycle of samsara.

After this remarkable experience, return to your hotel for breakfast and then embark on a drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. Along the way, you will visit Simtokha Dzong, believed to be the first dzong ever built in Bhutan.

Upon arrival in Thimphu, check into your hotel, freshen up, and then begin your exploration of this vibrant city. Your first stops will include:

School of Traditional Arts and Crafts: Here, you'll have the opportunity to witness traditional Bhutanese crafts, which represent centuries of knowledge and skill passed down through generations.

National Institute of Traditional Medicine: Established in 1988, this institute aims to merge both allopathic and traditional systems of healing, showcasing Bhutan's commitment to holistic health.

Memorial Chorten: Also known as the Thimphu Chorten, this large Tibetan-style Buddhist monastery features golden spires and bells. It is a prominent landmark in Thimphu and one of the city's most visible religious structures.

Overnight at Hotel [B/L/D]

After an early breakfast, Today's exploration of Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, will take you to various interesting places, including:

Motithang Takin Preserve Center: Start your day by visiting this unique centre dedicated to the preservation of the takin, Bhutan's national animal. The takin is a rare and peculiar-looking creature, and this centre offers an opportunity to observe them up close.

Kuensel Phodrang (Buddha Point): Venture to Kuensel Phodrang, home to the world's largest sitting Buddha statue, standing at a remarkable height of 167 feet. The panoramic views from this vantage point are breathtaking, offering a wonderful perspective of Thimphu Valley.

National Library of Bhutan: Explore the four-storied, eight-cornered traditional building that resembles the central tower temple of a Bhutanese dzong. The National Library houses an extensive collection of invaluable Buddhist manuscripts and other important texts.

Folk Heritage Museum: Visit the Folk Heritage Museum, housed inside a 19th-century three-story traditional building. Established in 2001, this museum provides insights into the traditional Bhutanese lifestyle through its display of tools, materials, objects, equipment, and artefacts from rural Bhutanese households.

Tashichho Dzong: Your last stop of the day will be the impressive Tashichho Dzong, also known as 'the fortress of the Dharma Raja. Please note that Tashichho Dzong is open on weekdays after office hours (from 5 p.m. onwards) and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.

Overnight at Hotel [B/L/D]

Today's journey will take you from Thimphu to Punakha, covering approximately 76 kilometres and lasting around 3 hours. Along the way, you will visit several notable attractions:

Dochula Pass: As you drive towards Punakha, you will pass through the breathtaking Dochula Pass. This high mountain pass offers a 360-degree view of the stunning Himalayan mountain range. On clear winter days, the panoramic vistas are particularly impressive.

Chimi Lhakhang: Upon reaching Punakha, your first stop is Chimi Lhakhang. Nestled on a round hillock and adorned with hundreds of prayer flags, this monastery was constructed in 1499. It is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kinley, who is famously known as 'the Divine Madman' or the 'Mad Saint." Lama Drukpa Kinley was known for his unorthodox methods of teaching Buddhism, which included humour, singing, and strong sexual overtones. This temple is also known for its unique phallus symbols on walls and carved wooden phalluses on house roofs.

Punakha Dzong: Your next visit will be to the majestic Punakha Dzong, often referred to as 'the palace of great happiness or bliss.' Built in 1673, this dzong is the second largest in Bhutan. It holds historical and administrative significance, having served as the seat of government until 1955 when the capital was relocated to Thimphu.

Overnight at Hotel [B/L/D]

Today, you will embark on an excursion to Gangtey, a picturesque destination located at an altitude of 3000 meters. The journey covers approximately 78 kilometres and takes around 3 hours each way. Begin your day with an early morning breakfast before setting off for Gangtey. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to visit Wangdue Dzong. This impressive dzong is perched on a ridge overlooking the Punatsangchu and Dangchu rivers, commanding a dominating presence over the town of Wangdue Phrodang. The surrounding villages of Wangdi also offer cultural insights.

Explore Phobjika Valley: Upon reaching Gangtey, explore the enchanting Phobjika Valley. This vast U-shaped glacial valley is also known as the Gangteng Valley, named after the magnificent Gangteng Monastery. It is renowned as the chosen winter habitat of the rare and elegant black-necked cranes. These migratory birds flock to this valley annually from the Tibetan plateau, creating a captivating natural spectacle.

After enjoying the sights and experiences in Gangtey and the Phobjika Valley, you will return to Punakha.

Overnight at Hotel [B/L/D]

Today, you will embark on a journey from Punakha to Paro, covering a distance of approximately 143 kilometres. The drive is expected to take around 4.5 to 5 hours. 

Visit the National Museum: Your first stop will be the National Museum of Bhutan, housed in a unique circular building known as Ta-dzong. This museum was originally an ancient watchtower situated above the Paro Dzong. Explore the rich cultural and historical artefacts on display, providing insights into Bhutan's heritage.

Explore Paro Dzong: Next, visit the Paro Dzong, also known as Ringpung Dzong, which translates to 'Fortress on a Heap of Jewels.' This dzong is renowned for its impressive Bhutanese architecture and is one of the most famous and well-preserved dzongs in the country. Take your time to appreciate its architectural beauty and historical significance.

After exploring the museum and dzong, you will have some leisure time in Paro. Feel free to stroll around the town, enjoy its ambience, and perhaps do some shopping or indulge in local cuisine.

At the end of the day, you can return to your accommodation in Paro to relax and unwind. 

Overnight at Hotel [B/L/D]

The last day morning will be free and near the time of your flight. You will be at the airport within the time to board your flight for the onward trip.                                         

Ø  The Paro Spring Festival typically occurs in March or April, coinciding with the auspicious dates of the Bhutanese lunar calendar.

Ø  The main highlights include attending the Paro Spring Festival, visiting iconic landmarks such as the Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, exploring Paro Valley, and experiencing Bhutanese hospitality.

Ø  The Paro Spring Festival is celebrated with traditional masked dances, music performances, religious rituals, and vibrant cultural displays, providing insights into Bhutanese traditions and beliefs.

Ø  The tour package typically includes accommodation, transportation, meals, entrance fees to attractions, festival passes, and the services of an experienced guide.

Ø  Yes, the Paro Spring Festival is suitable for travellers of all ages. However, some activities may involve walking and moderate physical exertion.

Ø  Yes, visitors to Bhutan require a visa, and the tour operator can assist with the visa application process.

Ø  It is recommended to pack comfortable clothing suitable for both warm and cool weather, sturdy walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a camera to capture the festival moments.

Ø  Photography is usually permitted during the festival, but it's advisable to ask for permission before taking pictures of performers and inside temples.

Ø  Yes, interacting with locals during the festival is encouraged and provides opportunities to learn about Bhutanese culture and traditions firsthand.

Ø  There are no specific age restrictions for attending the festival, and families with children are welcome to participate in the celebrations.

Ø  While some activities may involve walking and hiking, the tour is generally designed to be accessible to travellers of average fitness levels.

Ø  Yes, vegetarian, and vegan food options are available, and dietary preferences can be accommodated with prior notice to the tour operator.

Ø  Yes, you can extend your stay in Bhutan, subject to visa regulations and availability of accommodation.

Ø  You can book the tour through authorized tour operators or travel agencies specializing in Bhutan tours. It's advisable to book well in advance due to the popularity of the festival and the limited availability of accommodations.