Ura Yakchoe Festival (Festival Date30 April-4 May, 10 Nights/11 Days)
Day01. Arrive at Paro (Altitude 2280 m)
On arrival at Paro Airport, You will be received by our representative and then drive to Thimphu. “The Capital of Bhutan” Dinner and overnight at Hotel in Thimphu.
Day02. Thimphu Sightseeing
After Breakfast, visit the National Memorial Chorten built in 1974 in honour of our late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk( “Father of Modern Bhutan”) Then Visit to the Tallest Statue of Buddha in the World, sangay gang view point, Takin Preserve Centre, Dupthop Lhakhang one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan. After that visit the Institute for Zorig Chusum, commonly knew as the Painting School, Also visits the Folk & Textile Heritage Museums and the National Library which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts.
After Lunch, visit to the weekend marked and witness archery match. Then visit the Handicrafts Emporium to see exquisite artistry of traditional crafts and textiles. Evening visit to the Trashichho Dzong, seat of the national government and the Central Monastic Body, including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan)
Day03. Thimphu-Punakha (75km, 2 ½ Hours)
After Breakfast, Drive to Punakha across Dochula Pass (3050m), we will stop there for few minutes, if the weather is clear, you shall have a good view of Higher Himalayas.
After lunch, visit Chimi Lhakhang, also called the “Temple of Fertility” built in 1499 by Lam Drukpa Kuenley known as the “DIVINE MADMAN” then an excursion to Khamsung Yulley Namgyal Choling Monastery. On the way back visit to Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and is situated between Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River). Today the Dzong serve as a religious and administrative centre of the region. Dinner and overnight at Hotel in Punakha
Day04. Punakha-Gangtey
After Breakfast, Drive to Gangety, on the way visit Wangdiphordang 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 religion to the four points of the compass. The Dzong is located on the hilltop above the confluence of the Punakha Chu and Tang Chu Rivers. Drive further to Gangtey, visit Gangtey Gompa, built in the year 1613 located at an altitude of 2900m. Today it serves as a meditation and home for the monks.
Explore Phobjikha valley, famous for the Black Necked Cranes during winter. Dinner and overnight at Hotel in Gangety.
Day05.Gangtey-Trongsa-Bumthang (200 km, 6 Hours Drive)
After Breakfast, Drive to Trongsa, visit Trongsa Dzong, the impregnable fortress, built in its present form in 1644 by Chogyal Minjur Tempa, the official who was sent by Shabdrung to unify eastern Bhutan and enlarged at the end of the 17th century by Desi Tenzin Rabgay. The Dzong is built in a traditional style with many levels into the side of the hill and can be seen from every approach to Trongsa exhibiting its strength as a defensive stronghold. Then visit the Ta Dzong, a watchtower, for the Trongsa Dzong.
Afternoon, Drive to Bumthang, Dinner and overnight at Hotel in Bumthang.
Day06. Bumthang Sightseeing
After Breakfast, visit Jakar Dzong, meaning “The Castle of White Bird” It is the largest Dzong in Bhutan. Then visit Jambey Lhakhang, built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century to subdue the evil spirits in the Himalayan region. After that visit Kurjey Lhakhang, this comprises of three Temple. The one on the right was built in 1652 by Minjur Tempa, Trongsa Penlop. This temple is dedicated to Guru Rinpoche who brought Buddhism to Bhutan and had mediated there in 8th century. The middle temple is built on the site of a cave containing a rock with the imprint of the Guru’s body, and is therefore considered to be the most holy. The third temple was built in 1990s by her Majesty Queen mother Ashi Kesang Wangmo Wangchuk. Also visit Tamshing Lhakhang (Temple of the Good Message)
After Lunch, visit Membartsho literally meaning, “The Burning Lake” then a short distance led to the Tang Valley. The Terton Pema Lingpa discovered several of Guru Rinpoche’s hidden Terma and relics here and visits to Mathra Factory & Cheese Factory. Dinner and overnight in Hotel.
Day07. Bumthang (Ura Festival)
After Breakfast, Drive to Ura valley, then witness the Festival. In the evening drive back to Bumthang. Dinner and overnight at Hotel in Bumthang.
Day8. Bumthang- Thimphu (268 km, Altitude 2320m)
After Breakfast, Drive to Thimphu, Lunch will be on the way. Dinner and overnight at Hotel in Thimphu
Day09. Thimphu-Paro
After Breakfast, Drive to Paro visit Ta Dzong (built in 1656 and renovated in 1968), an ancient watchtower, it now houses National Museum of the kingdom and boasts antique thangkha painting, textiles and weapons & armours. On the way walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning “fortress heap of jewels” , Afternoon drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress, Built in 1647 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. On the way back visit Kichu Lhakhang built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. This temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.
In the evening visit to a Traditional Bhutanese Farm House which offers good insight into life style of local people and their culture
Day10. Paro, Excursion to Taktsang Monastery
After Breakfast, a short drive to satsam chorten. From there your hikes start to Taktsang Monastery one of the most famous monastery of Bhutan floating on the high cliff. It is said that Guru Rinpoche who brought Buddhism to Bhutan arrived on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery for three months hence it is called “Tiger Nest”. Lunch at Taktsang Cafteria.
In the evening free for shopping and photography in the town.
Day11. Departure: Breakfast in Hotel, Drive to the Airport, Flight on Druk Air. TASHIDELEK