Punakha Dromchoe
Trip length: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Trip facts
Punakha Dromchoe is an annual festival introduced by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate the victories over the Tibetans. During the festival, the ‘pazaps’ or local militia men, dressed in battle gear showcase a battle scene of this distant past recalling the days when in the absence of a standing army, men from the village blocks, particularly those of the Western Bhutan from where the Tibetans attacked came forward and managed to expel the Tibetan forces out of the country ushering in a new-found internal peace and stability.
Day 1: Arrival
Aboard on a flight to Paro affords fascinating view of the Himalayan sceneries. On arrival at Paro airport, you will be greeted by representative and transfer to hotel. After lunch, visit Paro Dzong, which was built in 1646 and the Ta Dzong, the watch tower now converted to National Museum housing rare traditional artifacts. Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in the Country built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7 th century AD to propagate Dharma. Overnight in hotel in Paro!
Day 2: Paro – Punakha
After breakfast, drive to Punakha via Thimphu crossing Dochu La Pass at 3, 100m. Stop for tea at the Pass and have a glimpse of 108 chortens and prayer flags. Under a clear sky, one can have a spectacular view of the Himalayas from the summit. En route stop at Misina and take a 20 minute walk through the rice fields leading up to Chimi Lhakhang, the Fertility Temple. Continue drive to Punakha for the night!
Day 3: Punakha Dromchoe
Attend the Punakha Dromchoe, the well-known and much awaited festival in the Country. It is an annual event first introduced by the great Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the architect of Bhutan to commemorate victory over intruding Tibetan forces. Feel the taste and get into the festival among the local folks adorned with best of the attires. Overnight in Punakha!
Day 4: Punakha – Thimphu
Attend a half day of the Punakha Dromchoe and witness the proceedings of the day marked with dances adorned with colourful brocades and dresses. Get in contact with the locals and know their feeling and attachment to the event. In the afternoon, drive to Thimphu, the capital of the Country for the night stay will be in a hotel.
Day 5: Thimphu Tour
Start your capital tour with the visit to Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the Third King. Proceed to Changangkha Monastery housing the Chugchi Zhe, the eleven headed Avalokiteshvara, Traditional Paper Making Factory and Kuensel Phodrang to have the glimpse of giant Buddha Statue overlooking the Thimphu City. Drive to Trashichhodzong, the Throne Room and the seat of the Chief Abbot of the Central Monastic Body. After lunch, visit Centenary Farmer’s Market and see the variety of vegetables displayed for sale. Make a trip around the Handicrafts Emporium and get hold of some unique handicrafts of Bhutan that are produced by local craftsmen. In the evening, you may stroll freely in the town. Overnight will be in a Hotel in Thimphu!
Day 6: Thimphu – Paro
After breakfast, hike to Wangdueste Monastery. It starts from Radio Tower and passes through pine forests affording stunning view of the North Thimphu valley stretching for about two hours trek. On your way, you will come across Takins, the national animal of Bhutan, a rare species to be found in the Himalayas and elsewhere in the world. Return to the Radio Tower at Sangaygang for our transport team will be there to reach you to the town. After lunch, drive to Paro along the flanks of Wangchhu and Pachhu. In the evening, you may have leisurely walk in Paro town. Overnight in the Hotel!
Day 7: Hike to Taktshang
Hiking the trails to Taktsang, the Tiger’s Nest is a whole new experience. 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. From here, proceed directly to Drukgyal Dzong, the fortress of the victorious Bhutan. Even though now in ruins, the Dzong has rich blend of history built after the defeat of Tibetan forces under the leadership of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Walk in and around the town in the evening. Overnight in the Hotel!
Day 8: Departure, (20 Feb, Wednesday)
After breakfast, our transport team will reach you to Paro International Airport and our representative will bid goodbye to you from Bhutan.