In recognition of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo and the Armed Forces triumph over Indian insurgent forces stationed in southern Bhutan in 2003, the Druk Wangyal Festival was founded in 2011. Every year on December 13th, the Tsechu is held at the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang Festival Ground at Dochula Pass, some 22 kilometers from Thimphu, the capital city. The Royal Bhutan Army, not monks or laypeople, performs the Druk Wangyal Tshechu, making it a distinctive celebration. It is a testament to His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth King of Bhutan, and his astute leadership. It also honors the Royal Bhutan Army's ongoing efforts to maintain the nation's stability and sovereignty.
Day 1 : ARRIVE at PARO or THIMPHU
With a continually changing view of some of the highest mountains on earth, the flight to Paro is one of the most breathtaking mountain flights in the entire globe.
After lunch, take in the afternoon's Paro sightseeing, which includes a trip to the Ta Dzong Museum, which is home to several religious artifacts, works of art, and handicrafts and provides a fascinating overview of Bhutan's historical, cultural, and religious history. Visit the Rimpong Dzong next to see a portrait of the revered saint Milarepa, who is regarded by the Bhutanese as the master of meditation and is thought to have gained enlightenment in a single lifetime. Dzongs, formerly important strategic forts, are now substantial monasteries and district administrative hubs. After that, take a 1.5-hour journey down the Pachu River to the capital city of Thimphu. Your guide will give you a lesson in proper Bhutanese etiquette before supper at the hotel.
Spend the night in your Thimphu hotel.
Day 2 : THIMPHU
Thimphu, formerly a little town situated in a wide, productive river valley, is now the vibrant capital of the country. Enjoy a full day of sightseeing, which should include a trip to the magnificent Buddha Dordenma Statue, which is made of bronze and gold-gilded, and the National Memorial Chorten, which features artwork and statues that represent Buddhism. The Third King first established this temple as a fortress against the dangers of modernization and as a symbol of world peace. It was finished by the Royal Queen Mother as a monument for the Third King, who passed away in 1972. Continue to the Changangkha Temple from the 12th century, the National Library with its collection of Bhutanese texts from the 8th century, and Tashichhodzong, which is home to various ministries, His Majesty's secretariat, and the main body of monks.
If the weekend falls during your trip to Thimphu, you can stroll around the market to observe the wide variety of cuisine available in Bhutan, including countless baskets of hot peppers, fresh cheese, and a wide range of fresh greens. Bhutanese household goods and handicrafts are also widely available from several vendors. (This market is only open from Friday till Sunday afternoon.)
In Thimphu, spend the night at your hotel.
Day 3 : PUNAKHA - THIMPHU
After breakfast, depart Thimphu early to travel to Dochu-La pass (3,100 meters), where you can attend the magnificent Druk Wangyal Festival (45 Minutes drive, 22 km). The Druk Wangyal Tsechu is an experience unlike any other and truly showcases Bhutanese cultural customs because it is set against this stunning Himalayan mountain backdrop. Under the direction and sponsorship of Her Majesty the Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo, the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang was constructed over four years (2004–2008). The Fourth King, who personally led the forces against the insurgents, as well as the nation's regular Armed Forces are both honored by the Lhakhang for their valiant service. The Royal Bhutan Army, not monks or laypeople, performs the Druk Wangyal Tshechu, a distinctive event. It is a testament to His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth King of Bhutan, and his astute leadership. It also honors the Royal Bhutan Army's ongoing efforts to maintain the nation's stability and sovereignty.
Drive then to Lamperi's Royal Botanical Park, which is located at an elevation of 2,100 to 3,800 meters. The park, which is 47 square kilometers in size, acts as an ecological link between Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park and Jigme Dorji National Park. Travel on to Punakha, where you can spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Evening stroll in Punakha town. Punakha hotel for the night.
Day 4 : PUNAKHA
Bhutan's former capital was Punakha. The "Palace of Great Happiness" is Punakha Dzong. Punakha Dzong was constructed in 1637 by the Shabdrung, often known as the "Unifier of Bhutan," and is located where the Mo Chu and Pho Chu rivers meet (Mother and Father Rivers). It serves as the Je Khenpo's winter headquarters, with hundreds of monks migrating there in large numbers from colder Thimphu. A stunning example of traditional construction, the Punakha Dzong's three-story main temple features four cypress entrance pillars that have been elaborately embossed and then embellished with gold and silver. The coronation of Bhutan's first monarch took place here in 1907.
Enjoy a stroll to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of the Drukpa Kuenly, also known as the Divine Madman, after lunch. He inherited the moniker "Divine Madman" because he rebelled against traditional Buddhism at the time. He educated the populace that religion is an inner sense and that becoming an ordained monk is not necessary. He is also viewed as a representation of fertility, and most childless couples seek blessings at his temple. Spend the night at your Punakha or Wangduephodrang hotel.
Day 5 : PUNAKHA - PARO
Drive to Yabesa village in the morning, where you can climb past rice paddies and up to the Khamsum Yueley Namgyal Chorten, which was constructed by her Majesty the queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuk. The Chorten, which is perched high on a hill along the river, is home to paintings from the Nyingmapa Tradition. Have a picnic lunch by a lovely river. The Wangduephodrang Dzong, which was constructed in 1639 and is in a prime location, is perched on a spur where two rivers converge. The magnificent structure, which has been standing for four centuries, was devastated by fire in 2012 and is currently being rebuilt.
Travel to Paro while stopping at Semtokha Dzong. The Dzong is Bhutan's oldest structure and dates back to 1627. The Institute for Language and Culture Studies is now housed there. When you get to Paro, check into your accommodation. Spend the night in your Paro hotel.
Day 6 : PARO
Trek to Taktsang Monastery after breakfast. The path is wide, and the two-hour ascent brings you about a kilometer above the Paro valley level (for those who cannot hike we will arrange a horse for transfer up to the viewing point). When he delivered the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the eighth century, the renowned Guru Rimpoche is claimed to have flown here on the back of a tigress. The monastery was then established on the site where he later meditated there for three months. You might stop at a teahouse nearby for refreshments.
Drive to the Drukgyel Dzong ruins in the afternoon. The Shabdrung created this historical structure in the 17th century to honor his triumph over Tibetan invaders in 1644. When the weather is nice, the majestic summit of the revered Mount Jomolhari (7314m) makes for an amazing backdrop. Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo in the seventh century, on the way back to Paro.
The Haa Valley, one of Bhutan's most picturesque regions, is another option for day six's activities. Haa Valley is accessible by the stunning Chelila Pass and is distinguished by the surrounding rocky, alpine landscape. Spend the night in your Paro hotel.
Day 7 : PARO - THIMPHU and PARO
After a leisurely breakfast today, we make our way back to Thimphu to join the people in celebrating National Day at Changlimithang ground.
Bhutan celebrates the 17th of December as its National Day. The day came to be celebrated as the National Day after Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck was enthroned as the first hereditary monarch of Bhutan on 17 December 1907.
After many interesting cultural and sporting activities, the day will end with a Tashi Lebay praying for many more such days in the future. In fact, we all pray for even happier and more glorious days for Bhutan and the Bhutanese.
Drive back to Paro and Overnight at your hotel in Paro
Day 8 : DEPART PARO
Breakfast at the hotel, then drive to the airport for a flight to your onward destination.