Paro Spring Festival
Trip length: 11 Days / 10 Nights
Trip facts
Paro Tshechhu is one of the renowned Tschecchus in the Country with large number of spectators across the Country as well as tourists. It is an opportunity for families, relatives and friends to get together and attend the Tshechhu. Your time in the Tshechhu provides ideal opportunity to explore the essence of festivals and ceremonies in Bhutanese way of life while also getting to know the familial relationships in the Bhutanese context. Apart from colourful mask dances, unfurling of large applique, Thangka is the characteristic feature of the Tshechhu. Your tour package also includes 3 days easy trek in Bumthang and a hike to Paro Taktshang.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival (Paro)
On your flight to Paro, the journey affords spectacular views of the snowcapped Himalayan Mountains including Jomolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan. If you fly via Delhi or Kathmandu, you can have a view of the Mount Everest and Mount Kachenjunga. On your arrival at Paro Airport, representative will be there to receive you. If you arrive before noon, you can start your trip after lunch after lunch. Visit the 8th century old Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the kingdom built by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. From there, drive to Drugyal Dzong, the fort of the victorious Drukpa, built after victory over combined Tibeto-Mongoloid forces in the year 1649. Though in ruins, the fort is testimony of Bhutan’s unique architectural design and rich history. Under clear sky, one can see Mount Jomolhari, Bhutan’s second highest mountain at 7, 329 m. In the evening, you can explore the town and plunge into Bhutan’s urban life. Spend overnight at Paro.
Day 2: Paro Tshechhu
Attend the whole day of Tshechhu and one of the enthusiast’s spectators. Among colourful mask dances and dances performed by monks and lay people, local spectators in their finest attires are the characteristic features of Bhutanese Tshechhus and Paro Tshechhu is not an exception. Get along some of the locals and explore more of Bhutan and the Tshechhu in particular. Overnight at hotel in Paro!
Day 3: Paro – Thimphu
To see the large applique, the Thangka at Paro Dzong, you have to get up at 3.00 AM. It will be received and unfurled at the Dzong’s courtyard with processions by Lamas and monks. After lunch, drive along the banks of Pachhu and Wangchhu crossing the Confluence to leading up to Thimphu. Visit the Memorial Chorten built in memory of the Third King of Bhutan, the Father of Modern Bhutan. Proceed to Changangkha Monastery, the custodian of the eleven headed Avalokiteshvara, Chugchizhey and then to Nunnery Temple. Visit the School of Arts and Crafts known as the Institute of Zorig Chusum, Overnight in Thimphu!
Day 4: Thimphu – Punakha
Drive to Punakha for lunch will be served at Dochula Pass at the elevation of 3, 100m. On a clear day, one can have a clear view of the Himalayas. From the Pass, drive downhill through the forests of rhododendron, fir and hemlock will reach you to Misina. Make a 20 minute walk through the terraced field leading up to the Chimi Lhakhang, the Fertility Temple. Continue your drive to Punakha. Visit Punakha Dzong built strategically at the Confluence of Phochhu and Mochhu. The Dzong, the former capital of the Country is the Winter Residence of the Chief Abbot and the Central Monastic Body. Night stay will be in a Hotel in Punakha.
Day 5: Punakha – Bumthang
We start early for drive to Bumthang from Punakha takes about 7 hours. On the way, you will have a view of Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, now under reconstruction after major fire razed the fort to the ground. The district is known for bamboo works, state and stone carving. Conquering Pelela at 3, 300m, you will stop for lunch at Trongsa. After lunch, visit the Trongsa Dzong, the ancestral palace of the Wangchuck Dynasty. Proceed to Bumthang through lush valleys and hilly forests. Along the way you will stop at a Yathra (textile weaving) factory, where the Yathras are designed with patterns unique to Bumthang, and you can even watch some of the weavers at their looms. Upon crossing two major passes of Pelela and Yutogla at either side of Trongsa, we reach Bumthang for the night.
Day 6: Bumthang Tour
Heralded as the cultural capital of the country, the district also is home to important religious sites. The visit of Guru Rinpochhe and Tertoen, treasure discoverers in succeeding years have led to establishment of several religious seats and lhakhangs in the valley. Start your tour with the visit to Jambay Lhakhang, one of the oldest in the country built in 7th Century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. Short drive to the North will take you to Kurje Lhakhang housing the body imprint of Guru Rinpochhe. Follow to Jakar Dzong located on hillock overlooking the town. On the left flank of the Chamkhar Chhu, visit Tamzhing Lhakhang built by great Tertoen, Pema Lingpa, the ancestor of the Bhutan’s hereditary Monarch. Return to the town and you may have a free walk. Overnight hotel in Bumthang!
Day 7: Bumthang – Wangdue
Begin the journey to Wangdue Phodrang from Bumthang town. We will make brief stops at scenic places at the Summits of the major Passes in Yutogla and Pelela to have a glimpse of nature and the panoramic view it presents. Visit Wangdue Dzong perched on a ridge. The Dzong, caught by major fire in June 2012 is under reconstruction. The nearby villages are known for their slate and stone carvings. Overnight hotel in Wangdue!
Day 8: Wangdue – Thimphu
Return to Thimphu via Dochula Pass. On the way, stop at the pass and visit the new Druk Wangyal Monastery, the only of its kind in the Country with elaborate paintings depicting the lineage and legacies of the present Monarchy. Continue to Thimphu and upon reaching there; visit Trashichhodzong, the Throne Room and the seat of the Chief Abbot. Overnight in Thimphu!
Day 9: Thimphu – Paro
After breakfast, visit the Centenary Farmers Market for local produce of chilies, cheese, mangoes and other vegetables are displayed for sale. The market is filled with vendors and customers of all ages and regions. Get the glimpse of Bhutan in a minute and at a glance. In the afternoon, drive to Paro for the night will be in a Hotel in Paro!
Day 10: Hike to Taktshang
Spend one whole day hiking the trails to Taktsang, the Tiger’s Nest. This magical monastery hangs to vertical granite cliff 3000 ft. above the valley floor. Legend says that Guru Padmasambhava flew here from Khengpajong in Lhuentse on the back of a tigress to meditate in the cave. The tigress was actually his favorite consort and a disciple, Yeshe Tsogyel, whom he transformed to a flying tigress for the purpose of this journey. The hike to Taktsang Monastery takes about 4 hours. From the Monastery and the adjacent area, one will have a beautiful view of the Paro valley. After descending from the Monastery, Taktsang Cafeteria is a perfect place for rest and lunch. Then you return for the Hotel at sun set for your last night in Bhutan.
Day 11: Departure
After breakfast, our transport team will reach you to the Paro International Airport for your departure. Our representative will be there to bid you farewell from Bhutan.