Ura Yakchoe & Domkhar Tshechu (Festival) Tour

Domkhar Tshechu is celebrated every year on 10^th – 12^th day of third month of Bhutanese calendar at Domkhar village temple in Chumey valley of Bumthang. It includes chams (masked dances) and other dances performed by people of Domkhar village. The chams include mainly the Peling Chams (composition of Terton Pema Lingpa). This three days’ festival also coincides with the death anniversary of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. On last day of the festival, a small Thongdroel representing the future Buddha Maitreya (jampa) is unfurled for the public to receive blessing.

Ura Yakchoe formally begins on the 12th of the third Bhutanese month with a procession from Gadan to Ura. The main part of the festival entails five days of public performances, sacred mask dances and a religious ceremony that forms the core part of the festival.

As a community cultural practice, Ura Yakchoe is a special event employed in the transmission of cultural ideas, values, knowledge, skills and stories from one generation to the other.

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Day 1: Arrive Paro (Bhutan) by Flight & drive to Thimphu (55km, approx. 1.1/2-hour drive)

• On arrival at Paro International Airport, received by our representative after immigration formalities & baggage collection and then transfer to Bhutan’s capital city, Thimphu. En route photo stop at Tamchog temple viewpoint & Chuzom, the confluence of Paro & Thimphu rivers.
• On arrival in Thimphu check into the hotel.
• Later visit King’s Memorial Stupa.
• Evening an exploratory walk around Thimphu city centre.
• Overnight in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320m).
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Day 2: Thimphu

• Full day exploration of Thimphu valley includes visit to, Folk Heritage Museum, Textile Museum, Institute of Zorig Chusum or Arts & Crafts School, Takin Preserve, Thimphu Post office, Buddha Dordenma and Trashichhoedzong, the beautiful medieval fortress / monastery.
• Overnight in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320m).
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Day 3: Thimphu – Gangtey (Phobjikha) (150km, approx. 5-hour drive)

• After breakfast, drive to Gangtey. En route take a short stop at Dochula pass (3,080m) enjoying stunning mountain views at the backdrop of picturesque Druk Wangyel Chortens (stupa).
• On arrival in Gangtey, check into the hotel.
• Afternoon visit famous Gangtey monastery and then take a stroll around lovely Gangtey village.
• Overnight in Gangtey (Altitude 3,000m).
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Day 4: Gangtey (Phobjikha) – Trongsa – Bumthang (153km, approx. 6-hour drive)

• Morning after breakfast, explore idyllic Phobjikha valley, famous for Black Necked Cranes.
• Then proceeds towards Bumthang via town of Trongsa. The drive crosses 3,300m Pelela pass and also stop en route at Chendbji Chorten (stupa).
• On arrival in Trongsa town, visit its majestic Dzong and then drive further to Bumthang crossing Yutongla pass (3,400m).
• On entering Bumthang, visit Chumey valley and Yathra (woollen fabric) weaving village.
• Overnight in Bumthang (Altitude 2,600m).
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Day 5: Bumthang (Domkhar Tshechu, Festival)

• After breakfast, drive to Chumey valley to witness Domkhar Tshechu (festival) celebrated at Domkhar village temple.
• Also visit of the day includes ancient temples of Jambay Lhakhang, Kurje Lhakhang, Tamshing Lhakhang.
• Overnight in Bumthang (Altitude 2,600m).
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Day 6: Bumthang (Ura Yakchoe, Festival)

• Morning after breakfast, full day excursion to Ura valley (44km, approx. 1-hour & 15 min drive one way) to witness Ura Yakchoe (festival) and explore charming Ura village.
• Overnight in Bumthang (Altitude 2,600m).
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Day 7: Bumthang – Trongsa - Punakha (210km, approx. 7-hour drive)

• After breakfast, visit Jakar Dzong, the fortress serving as administrative centre of the Bumthang valley.
• Then drive to Punakha.
• On the way at Trongsa, visit the Ta Dzong (museum).
• Evening explore Punakha & Wangdue towns and local markets.
• Overnight in Punakha (Altitude 1,300m).
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Day 8: Punakha

• After breakfast visit historic Punakha Dzong (fortress cum monastery).
• Then a walking excursion (approx. 2-hour round trip walk) to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Stupa.
• Afternoon visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery and a short walking excursion (about 30 min round trip walk) to Chimi Lhakhang or ‘Fertility Temple’.
• Overnight in Punakha (Altitude 1,300m).
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Day 9: Punakha – Paro (125km, approx. 4-hour drive)

• Morning after breakfast, drive to Paro via Dochula pass.
• Afternoon visit to Ta Dzong (National Museum) & Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) or ‘Fortress on a Heap of Jewels’.
• Evening an exploratory walk around Paro city centre.
• Overnight in Paro (Altitude 2,280m).
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Day 10: Paro

• After breakfast, walking excursion (approx. 5-hour round trip walk) to Taktsang monastery or ‘Tiger Nest’.
• Afternoon visit Kyichu & Dungtse temples.
• Overnight in Paro (Altitude 2,280m).
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Day 11: Depart Paro (Bhutan)

• Morning transfer to Paro International Airport for flight to onward destination.