Punakha Tshechu (Festival) Tour

Punakha Tshechu was introduced in 2005 by the 70th Je Khenpo Trulku Jigme Choedra and the then Home Minister, His Excellency Lyonpo Jigme Yoedzer Thinley, in response to the requests made by Punakha District Administration and local people to host a Tshechu in order to better preserve Buddhist teachings and keep alive the noble deeds of Zhabdrung Rinpoche. The festival not only play an important role in preserving Bhutan’s rich culture and traditions but also provide devout Buddhists with an opportunity for prayer and pilgrimage. It reflects the richness of the Bhutanese cultural heritage and are very special in the eyes and hearts of both Bhutanese and tourists who visit Bhutan.

1

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).
2

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).
3

Day 3: Thimphu – Punakha (75km, approx. 2.1/2-hour drive) (Punakha Tshechu, Festival)

• After breakfast, drive to Punakha, the ancient capital town of Bhutan. 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 Punakha, check into the hotel.
• Afternoon witness Punakha Tshechu (festival) and visit historic Punakha Dzong (fortress cum monastery).
• Overnight in Punakha (Altitude 1,300m).
4

Day 4: Punakha (Punakha Tshechu, Festival)

• Morning after breakfast, witness Punakha Tshechu (festival).
• Afternoon walking excursion (approx. 2-hour round trip walk) to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Stupa.
• Overnight in Punakha (Altitude 1,300m).
5

Day 5: Punakha (Punakha Tshechu, Festival)

• In the morning after breakfast, witness Punakha Tshechu (festival).
• Then a short walking excursion (about 30 min round trip walk) to Chimi Lhakhang or ‘Fertility Temple’.
• Afternoon visit to Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup temple followed by driving excursion to beautiful Talo village.
• Overnight in Punakha (Altitude 1,300m).
6

Day 6: 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).
7

Day 7: 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).
8

Day 8: Depart Paro (Bhutan)

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