7 Days Punakha Festival Tour Bhutan (Drubchen & Tshechu Feb. 17-21, 2024)

Kuzuzangpo la! Welcome to Bhutan, the Last Shangri La in Pristine Himalayan Kingdom. Take a deep breath and enjoy the refreshing breeze in the happy country where 71% of the land is covered with forests. Your guide and driver in Paro will greet you at Paro International Airport, Bhutan's only international airport.

Then, your guide and driver will drive you to Paro town. You will not miss a stop at the Paro Airport Birds Eye View Point on the way  which is a great spot to enjoy a panorama view of Paro Airport, Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong), National Museum (Ta Dzong), Paro Chu River, and the stunning Paro Valley itself. Don't forget to ask your guide for more fascinating information about this remarkable airport.

After reaching Paro, you can pay a visit to Paro Dzong and Bhutan National Museum. Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong) is a magnificent fortress that stands tall and proud, serving as a beacon of history and culture in Bhutan. Rinpung Dzong was constructed in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (1594-1651), a pivotal figure in Bhutanese history who is revered as the founder of the modern Bhutanese state and a national hero. His enduring legacy continues to shape the country's identity and cultural landscape. Located near the pristine Paro Chu River, Paro Dzong can be accessed via a traditional wooden cantilever bridge, providing you with breathtaking panoramic views of the enchanting Paro Valley.

If you hike a little further, you will reach the Bhutan National Museum (Ta Dzong), which holds the distinction of being Bhutan's tallest building. Originally constructed in 1649 as a watchtower overlooking the Paro Dzong, it was later transformed into the National Museum of Bhutan in 1968. At the museum, you can immerse yourself in a rich collection of ancient artifacts such as pottery, armor, thangkas, masks, stamps, photographs, statues, costumes, relics, stone axes, and religious paintings.

For dinner, you can enjoy a dinner with a Bhutan Culture Dance Show (optional). Afterward, you can check in at your cozy hotel in Paro, where you can rest and adjust to any time difference.

Arrival Ideas:
Bhutan is situated between Tibet in China to the north and India to the south. To reach Bhutan, you can either travel by air to Paro International Airport, the country's only international airport, or by land through the entry points of Phuentsholing or Gelephu from India. Bhutan's national carrier Druk Air, Bhutan Airlines, and other international airlines, operate regular flights to Paro from major cities like Delhi (India), Kolkata (India), Bagdogra (India), Gaya (India), Guwahati (India), Dhaka (Bangladesh), Bangkok (Thailand), Kathmandu (Nepal), and Changi (Singapore). There will be some charter flights to Paro from Hong Kong (China) and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), on a seasonal basis. Around 30,000 people arrive at Paro Airport every year.

Kind Reminds:
1.You can contact us to book your flight to Paro and land directly in Bhutan.
2.Visitors of all nationalities, except those from India (require a permit), require an E-visa (40USD/pax) before entering Bhutan. All nationalities are welcome to visit Bhutan, and there are no specific restrictions on granting visas to enter the country.
3.Visitors from India are able to apply for a permit but are required to hold an Indian passport or an Indian voter ID card.
4.Visitors from Bangladesh and the Maldives also require a visa, which can be applied for and approved in advance of travel or upon arrival in Bhutan.

After breakfast, you will travel from Paro to Punakha via Dochula Pass (135 km, about 4 hours). This trip is more than just a drive; it is a voyage through changing altitudes and diverse landscapes, offering a visual spectacle. Starting from the higher altitude and cooler climate of Paro (2350m), the drive takes you along the national highway, ascending through the majestic Dochula Pass (3,120m). Upon crossing the pass, you'll descend into the warm and verdant Punakha Valley (1,330m).

En route, you will make a brief stop at Dochula Pass (3,120m ), renowned as one of the most beautiful mountain passes in Bhutan. If weather permits, you will be treated to a breathtaking panoramic view of the Himalayas, including Bhutan’s highest mountain peak, Mt. Gangkar Puensum (7,570m). At the Dochu La Pass summit, you will encounter the 108 memorial chortens (Buddhist shrines), known as Druk Wangyal Khang Zhang Chortens, were constructed as a memorial to honor the Bhutanese soldiers who lost their lives in the battle against Assamese insurgents from India, and also as an offering for global peace.

After that, drive to Punakha (75 km, about 2.5 hours). Along the way, you will pass near the village of Sopsokha, where a visit to Chimi Lhakhang is highly recommended. Here, you can witness the unusual traditional and cultural ceremonies. Reaching the monastery involves a short and delightful walk across rice paddies and through a small settlement of painted houses and lots of little craft shops. Constructed by the cousin of Drukpa Kunley, the temple was built to commemorate the victory of Drukpa Kunley (Mad Saint & Divine Madman) over the demon of Dochu La using his "magic thunderbolt of wisdom "(phallus). That is why you can see the symbol of the phallus scattered throughout. Chime Lhakhang is renowned as a sanctuary of fertility, and many childless women sought blessings from the lamas at the monastery. It is believed that these couples often find success in conceiving soon after their visit. If you are lucky, you may encounter the monks there blessing pilgrims or women who wish to conceive by tapping their heads with a 25cm wooden phallus. In Bhutan, it is common for local people to utilize the phallus symbol to ward off the evil eye and deter malicious gossip.

Overnight in Punakha and get ready for your next day's trip.

Punakha is located in a warm, fertile, and stunningly beautiful valley where the Mo Chhu (Mother River) and Pho Chhu Rivers (Father River) meet. Dominating the river junction is the magnificent Punakha Dzong, also known as the “Palace of Great Happiness”. If you visit Punakha in mid-February, you will have the opportunity to witness the vibrant Punakha Festivals. In 2024, the Punakha Drubchen festival will be held from Feb. 17-18, followed by the Punakha Tshechu festival from Feb. 19-21. Both festivals take place within the beautiful Punakha Dzong.

Punakha Drubchen festival (Feb. 17-18): commemorates the 17th-century victory of Bhutan over Tibetan forces.The highlight of festival is a dramatic recreation of a 17th century battle, featuring hundreds of costumed warriors. The elaborate costumes, traditional masks, and dramatic performances transport us back in time, allowing us to witness the bravery of Bhutanese soldiers.

Punakha Tshechu festival (Feb. 19-21) celebrates the deeds of Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, who is revered for introducing Buddhism to Bhutan. The Bhutanese believed that attending the festival brings blessings and helps in washing away sins. You'll see people dressed in their finest Ghos and Kiras (traditional Bhutanese attire), adorned with beautiful jewelry, joining in the festivities.The highlight of the festival is the colorful mask dances (Cham dances) and and other folk dances performed by monks and laymen.

You can also walk inside the Punakha Dzong and take your time to admire this stunning example of Bhutanese Dzong architecture. Punakha Dzong measturs180m long and 72m wide and the utse (central tower) is six storeys high. The utse usually is the highest architecture within the dzong that houses the most sacred temples and shrines and contains important religious artifacts, thangkas, statues, and texts. This Dzong has three docheys (courtyards) instead of the usual two. The first (northern) courtyard is for administrative functions and houses a huge white Victory Chorten and Bodhi tree. The second courtyard houses the monastic quarters and is separated from the first by the utse. In this courtyard, there are two halls; one of Ugyen Wangchuck (the King of Bhutan) and another hall where the King was decorated in 1905 with the Order of the Knight Commander of the Indian Empire by John Claude White. In the third (southernmost) courtyard is the temple where the remains of the Pema Lingpa (a treasure revealer, Five Terton Kings) and Shabdrung (founder of Tshechu Festival and Bhutan National Dress) are preserved. At the south end, there is the kunrey, or "hundred-pillar" assembly hall with exceptional murals that depict the life of Buddha. Optional activity: You have options to go rafting in the Po Chu and Mo Chu rivers, offering unique views of the Dzong not possible from land.

After exploring the Punakha Dzong, your journey continues with an opportunity to cross one of Bhutan’s longest pedestrian suspension bridges over the Po Chhu River. By walking across this 160-meter suspension bridge, you will be treated to breathtaking views of the lush Punakha Valley and the glacier-fed Po Chhu River below. Upon crossing the bridge, you will walk alongside terraced rice paddies and up a trail to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, perched on a beautiful ridge above the Punakha valley. It should take an hour or less to reach the chorten.You may see farmers working the fields by hand or with the assistance of an ox and plow.

The Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten (Stupa) was built in 1990 by the Queen Mother, Ashi Tsering Yangdon Wangchuck, who is the mother of the 5th King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. The purpose of its construction was to ward off evil forces and bring peace to Bhutan and the world. Unlike typical stupas, the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten is dedicated to the protective deities in Bhutanese culture. Each floor of the chorten pays tribute to different protective deities. This chorten exemplifies a harmonious blend of Bhutanese art, architecture, and traditions. It took Bhutanese carpenters, painters, and sculptors 9 years to complete this distinctive Bhutan-style pagoda. Inside Khamsum Yulley, you can admire the sculptures, and as you continue climbing the steep stairs, you will reach the top level. From there, you can venture onto the roof of Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten and enjoy expansive views of the Punakha. The landscape undergoes a dramatic transformation with the changing seasons, with lush green rice paddies in the summer transforming into captivating golden fields in the autumn. After, you will drive to Gangtey (74KM, about 2.5hrs). And stay overnight in Gangtey.

Phobjikha Valley is a U-shaped glacial valley on the western slopes of the Black Mountains, bordering the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park. The valley houses one of the impressive ancient Buddhist monasteries in Bhutan known as Gangtey Monastery, and as a result, some people refer to this entire region as Gangtey. Because of the large flock of black-necked cranes that winters here, it is one of the most important wildlife preserves in the country. It offers beautiful trails for hiking and nature walks, allowing visitors to experience its tranquility and natural beauty up close.

This morning, we will have a light hike on Gangtey Nature Trail (4km, 1.5-2 hours) that starts from Gangtey Monastery (3030m) and descends to Khewang Lhakhang (2850m). It is the most beautiful and shortest of the existing nature trails in Bhutan. You can immerse yourselves in the beauty of the Phobjikha Valley (2840m) with farmhouses, dense pine forests, rhododendron forests, and bamboo plants on foot and get a glimpse of the rural and pastoral lifestyle. During the winter (between late October and late February), it may be a bonus to see the rare and endangered Black-neck Cranes.Tips:1.Dress in layers and wear comfortable hiking shoes. The weather can change quickly in the mountains. 2. Respect wildlife and maintain the cleanliness of the trail.

Gangtey Monastery (Gangtey Goemba, Gangtey Gonpa) was first built in 1613 by Pema Thinley, the grandson, and re-embodiment of Pema Lingpa (the reincarnation of Guru Rinpoche, 1450-1521). It is a beautiful temple architecture that stands on the hilltop and is a great spot to view the picturesque Phobjikha Valley. The Monastery's history traces back to the prophecies made by the well-known Terton (treasure finder) Pema Lingpa in the late 15th century that a goemba (monastery) named gang-teng (hilltop) would be built on this site and that his teachings would spread from here. Now the Monastery is one of the main seats of the religious tradition based on Pema Lingpa's revelations and one of the two main centres of the Nyingmapa school of Buddhism in the country. It is said that on arrival in the Phobjikha Valley in the last week of October, the black-necked cranes circle the Gangteng Monastery three times and also repeat the process while returning to Tibet. Bhutanese have great respect for these “heavenly birds”. Each year on Nov. 11, the Black-necked Crane Festival with local songs, dramas, and masked dances is held at the courtyard of Gangtey Goemba to celebrate the arrival of the endangered bird migrating from the Tibetan Plateau.

At the end of the trail, you will find Khewang Lhakhang, located on the east side of the Phobjikha valley. This 15th-century temple is one of the oldest in the valley and it showcases three impressive two-storey statues of the past, present, and future Buddhas (dusum sangay).

Then, we will drive to the Black-necked Cranes Information Center, which has informative displays about the black-necked cranes and the valley environment. You can enter the observation room and use the telescope and spotting scopes to watch the Black-necked crane (Grus nigricollis). Every year (Oct. to Feb.), over 300 cranes migrate from Tibet to Bhutan for their winter months in Phobjikha Valley. It has been helpful for the center to protect and conserve the Black-necked crane and its species since 2003. It is a nice place to know more about the cranes and study their behavior.

In the afternoon, leave Gangtey and drive approximately 135km (about 4.5 hours)  towards the capital, Thimphu. Lastly, you will visit the Tashichho Dzong (Thimphu Dzong), which has served as the seat of the government since 1952. This magnificent fortress-like structure is located on the western bank of the Wang Chu River. It seamlessly integrates with the entire valley and stands as the ultimate center of power in Bhutan. It houses the offices of the current reigning monarch, the Fifth King (Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck), as well as the ministries of internal affairs and finance. Additionally, it serves as the residence of the spiritual leader of Bhutan, the Je Khenpo, and hosts the central religious institutions of the country. During the summer season, the Je Khenpo resides in the Thimphu Dzong, while in the winter season, they relocate to Punakha Dzong. Walking around the Dzong, you will discover that it is an impressively large structure surrounded by well-kept lawns and beautiful gardens.

Overnight in Thimphu and get ready for your next day's trip.

This morning, you can pay a visit to the Bhutan Post Office Headquarters (General Post Office) first for fully functional stamp printed with a self-portrait. This post office is known for housing the world's largest photo book and an intriguing collection of Bhutanese stamps. It is the only place where you can obtain personalized stamps featuring your own face. (Open hours for the post office: Weekdays: 9AM - 5PM; Saturdays: 9 AM - 1 PM; Closed on Sundays).

Then, you can visit School for Arts and Crafts, also known as the Thimphu National Institute for Zorig Chusum, and delight in the abundance of Bhutan's traditional arts and skills. This institution showcases the mastery of the country's 13 arts and crafts, offering a captivating experience of Bhutan's rich artistic heritage. Students here undergo rigorous training for 4-6 years, mastering the techniques and artistic nuances of their chosen craft. The 13 art forms are Traditional Painting, Sculpturing, Wood Carving, Calligraphy, Papermaking, Bronze Casting, Embroidery, Weaving, Carpentry, Masonry, Bamboo and cane weaving, Gold/Silver Smithy, and Black smithy.

Afterward, you can further explore the Simply Bhutan Museum. This interactive museum offers a glimpse into traditional Bhutanese life. You can touch and take pictures while witnessing the culture of Bhutan through household tools and other items of Bhutanese origin. Just follow the museum docent, who dresses up in traditional clothes, to try local rice wine, observe the traditional way of building houses out of rammed earth, sip local milk tea while enjoying Bhutanese songs and folk dances, and try archery, which is Bhutan's national sport. During your visit, you will have the opportunity to meet Pema Tshering, a talented craftsman. Despite being born with cerebral palsy and congenital deformities in his spinal column, he skillfully carves wood using his feet. The museum also features souvenir stalls and a restaurant that serves Bhutanese set meals.

The National Memorial Chorten is the most visited landmark in Thimphu. Constructed in 1974 in memory of the Third King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (known as the Father of Modern Bhutan), by his mother, it reflects the late king's vision of promoting world peace and prosperity. The Chorten follows a Tibetan-style architecture and is adorned with remarkable paintings and intricate sculptures. You can observe the traditional stupa design, featuring a pyramidal pillar topped with a crescent moon and sun.

Next, you will visit the iconic landmark of Thimphu city - the Buddha Dordenma Statue (Buddha Point), which is the largest sitting Shakyamuni statue in the world. Completed in 2015, the statue embodies an ancient prophecy of radiating happiness and peace throughout the world. In addition to admiring its impressive height of 51.5 meters, constructed of bronze and gilded in gold, you will also be able to see 125,000 smaller Buddha statues placed within it. Moreover, from this vantage point, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Thimphu Valley.

After that, you will head to Thimphu (50km,1.5 hours). And stay overnight in Paro.

This morning, you will enjoy the exciting hiking tour to Tiger's Nest, the landmark of Bhutan and the most famous holy monastery in the country. It is about a 12km drive (over 0.5 hours) from Paro City to the start point of the Tiger's Nest hike route.

Usually, it may take about 2.5 hours to reach Tiger's Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang) on foot. The entire Tiger's Nest Hike takes around 5 to 6 hours, with about 4.8 km of uphill trekking and about 4.8 km of downhill walking. You have the option to rent a horse at the designated place if you prefer. Riding a horse (self-payment required) takes about 1.5 hours to reach the halfway point on the mountainside. From there, you need to say goodbye to your horse and hike for another 1.5 hours to reach the Tiger's Nest Monastery. At the halfway point, there is a Taktsang Cafeteria where you can have a buffet lunch and enjoy coffee and tea. What is more, it is the first viewpoint where you can look up Tiger's Nest Monastery, the incredible religious site of Buddhists. As the viewing position ascends, the outline of Tiger's Nest Monastery becomes increasingly clear. On the journey ahead, you can enjoy the hike in Bhutan’s forest and will see more and more prayer flags and prayer wheels, left behind by the Bhutanese people who come here to worship. You will also have a panoramic view of the beautiful Paro Valley below. If you visit in April, you will have the opportunity to see the high-altitude rhododendrons blooming, creating a stunning display of red clouds amidst the mountains.

Then, you will stand right opposite the Taktsang Goemba (Tiger's Nest Monastery) and admire Bhutan's most iconic cultural landmark, which is renowned as one of the world's top ten super monasteries. The Tiger's Nest (3,120m) is situated on the side of a cliff at a height of 900m above the Paro Valley (2,270m). According to legend, the Indian sage Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rimpoche, the founder of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism and the builder of the first monastery in Tibet - Samye Monastery) arrived at the location of Tiger's Nest Monastery in the 8th century. It is said that he rode a tigress and subdued demons before spending 3 months meditating in the mountain caves here. This eventually led to the formation of the present-day Tiger's Nest Monastery. Throughout history, this place has been considered a sacred site by Buddhist luminaries. However, it wasn't until 1692 that the current structure of Tiger's Nest Monastery took shape. In 1998, a devastating fire caused significant damage, but it was reconstructed in 2005, closely resembling the original architectural design. If you are interested you can hike into the monastery to explore more (no photo inside). Today, Tiger's Nest Monastery, one of the most visited tourist attractions in Bhutan, is revered as the holiest pilgrimage site for Bhutanese people to visit at least once in a lifetime.

After completing the Tiger's Nest hike, you will proceed to Drukgyal Dzong, where you will have the opportunity to catch a glimpse of Mount Jomolhari (7,570m). Known as the "Mountain Goddess" and the tallest mountain in Bhutan, Mt Jomolhari is considered a sacred abode for deities and spirits, earning the title of "Sacred Mountain". Know as the Fortress of the Victorious Drukpa, Drukgyal Dzong was believed to have been built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal who is the unifier and founder of the Bhutanese nation-state. The building was used as an administrative center until 1951 when a fire caused by a butter lamp destroyed it. In April 2016, to celebrate the birth of the Dragon Prince, Gyalsey His Royal Highness Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck, as well as to commemorate the arrival of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel to Bhutan in 1616 AD and the birth year of Guru Rinpoche, then Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay announced that the dzong will be restored and reinstated to its former glory upon the command of His Majesty King Jigme Khesar.

Then, it is time to visit Kyichu Lhakhang, also known as the Temple of the Thousand-armed and Thousand-eyed Avalokiteshvara. It is one of the 108 Buddhist temples built by King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century (around 659 AD), and it is believed to have been constructed to subdue the left leg of the Tibetan witch. Kyichu Lhakhang is also one of the oldest Tibetan Buddhist temples in Bhutan and serves as a venue for important celebrations of the Bhutanese royal family. In the main hall of Kyichu Lhakhang, you can see the revered statue of an eight-year-old Shakyamuni Buddha, believed to have been created during the same period as the Jowo statue in the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, Tibet. It is considered a national treasure of the Kingdom of Bhutan. Apart from housing many precious historical artifacts and Buddhist scriptures, the temple also enshrines the relic stupa of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche (1910-1991), a renowned master of the Nyingma tradition. Additionally, there is a piece of iron chain forged by Tangtong Gyalpo, who was the former head of the four major Tibetan Buddhist schools and is known as the Iron Bridge Living Buddha and the father of Tibetan opera.

If time permits and you are interested, you can also visit a local farmhouse, which provides a fascinating glimpse into the lifestyle of a farmer. Finally, head back to Paro for an overnight stay.

Optional Bhutan Paro Experiences:
1. Bhutan Traditional Hot Stone Bath (1 hour).
2. Lighting butter lamps for blessings at Kyichu Lhakhang (108 lamps).

Kind Reminds:
1. The best time to visit Tiger's Nest is from March to May and from October to December. After noon, the monastery will be hidden in the shadow of the cliffs, so it's recommended to depart early if you want to capture good photos.
2. Tiger's Nest offers horse riding services to go uphill, but the horse ride is only available up to a designated point. From there, you still need to hike to reach the monastery. When descending, you must walk the entire way as horse riding services are not provided.
3. Mobile phones and backpacks are not allowed inside Tiger's Nest Monastery. Personal belongings can be stored at the entrance. If you wish to light butter lamps, make sure to have some cash ready before storing your belongings.
4. Along the way, you may encounter stray dogs. Please be mindful, give them space, and avoid disturbing them.

Happiness is a place, wish you had gotten your happiness philosophy from the beautiful Himalayan country with us. It is time to end your 7-day Punakha Festival Tour. Your guide will escort you to Paro International Airport for your flight to your next destination.

Extension Ideas:
1.If you prefer to travel longer in Bhutan, you can extend your trip to other highlighted parts of Bhutan, such as Haa, and Bumthang.
2.If you plan to continue exploring neighboring countries in Southeast Asia, the Himalaya countries, or Asia, such as Thailand, Nepal, India, or China, don't hesitate to let us know. We can customize your itinerary and assist with travel arrangements.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) for your Bhutan tour, we are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip to Asia. Safe journey!