Discover the exquisite Punakha Tsechu (Festival), which is hosted on the grounds of the famous Punakha Dzong. Buddhists celebrate Guru Rimpoche, the saint who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan, with a feast known as a Tsechu. To watch unique masked dances and celebrations, locals congregate in a mood of festivity, celebration, and steadfast faith. One of the best ways to experience Bhutan's ancient living culture is through the Tsechu. Visit the holy places in Punakha, Thimphu, and Paro as well as see the Black-Necked Cranes in the stunning Phobjikha Valley.
Day 1 : GET TO PARO
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. Enjoy some afternoon sightseeing in Paro after lunch, which should include a stop at the National Museum and Ta Dzong. This museum's collection of artwork, handicrafts, and religious artifacts provides a wealth of insight into Bhutan's historical and cultural past. 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, stroll across to the stunning wooden cantilever bridge that is still in service. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.
Day 2 : PARO
Trek to Taktsang Monastery after breakfast. The 1.5 to 2 hours of uphill walking on the wide track will take you high above the Paro valley. A breathtaking sight is the vista of Taktsang Monastery, which is perched 900 meters above the valley level on a sheer cliff face. When the great Guru Rimpoche brought the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the eighth century, it is stated that he flew here on the back of a tigress. There is a teahouse nearby where you can eat lunch. 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 Jokhang in Lhasa and Kyichu are both identical in design.
Alternatively, day 2 could be used to take a day trip to the Haa Valley, one of Bhutan's most beautiful regions. 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 3 : Drive across the Dochu-La pass (3,100 meters)
Drive across the Dochu-La pass (3,100 meters), which on a clear day offers an amazing vista of Himalayan peaks, before dropping into the warm Punakha valley on day three (about 4 hrs total driving time). One can get a peek at daily life in this most isolated Himalayan kingdom on the journey through the countryside. Large Rhododendron woods can reach tree size and bloom in late April or early May in the Dochu-La region, engulfing the mountains in a riot of brilliant spring color.
Bhutan's former capital was Punakha. Drive to Punakha Dzong, the "Palace of Great Happiness" when you arrive to take part in the festival. Locals who have traveled long distances to attend the celebrations will be seen, dressed to the nines. They come to the feast, pray, and see masked dances. While the festival's overarching goal is spiritual, dances more frequently take the form of dramas, presenting tales of good triumphing over evil or portraying key historical moments, particularly those related to the life of Padmasambhava, Bhutan's patron saint (also known as Guru Rinpoche). Naturally, there is also a lot of socializing.
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 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.
Day 4 : PUNAKHA
Take a stroll to the temple of the Drukpa Kuenly, commonly referred to as the Divine Madman, at Chimi Lhakhang. 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. Visit Punakha Dzong again later to participate in the ongoing masked dances and ceremonies that are performed there as part of the Punakha Festival.
Spend the night at your Punakha or Wangduephodrang hotel.
Day 5 : PUNAKHA - PHOBJIKHA VALLEY
Transfer (3 hours) to Phobjikha Valley via the crowded market city of Wangduephodrang Take a winding mountain route through forests of oak and rhododendron, cross a high pass, and descend into the lovely Phobjikha Valley. One of the few glacial valleys in Bhutan, Phobjikha is where black-necked cranes winter as they migrate from the Tibetan plateau (November to March). After lunch, visit the Gangtey Gompa (Monastery), which dates back to the 16th century, and the Phobjikha Sanctuary to see the magnificent black-necked cranes (only from November to March). Spend the night at your Phobjikha hotel.
Day 6 : PHOBJIKHA VALLEY - Thimphu
After a quick breakfast, return to Thimphu by car (5.5 hrs). Explore downtown Thimphu in the afternoon at your leisure.
Spend the night in your Thimphu hotel.
Day 7 : 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 National Memorial Chorten, which features paintings and statues that represent the Buddhist religion. 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 and the Drubthob monastery, which is home to the Zilukha Nunnery.
Visit the Takin, Bhutan's national animal, and Tashichhodzong, also known as "the castle of the magnificent religion," if you have time. It was first built in 1641 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, and it was restored in the traditional form, without plans or nails, in the 1960s, during the reign of Bhutan's third monarch. Some departments, His Majesty's secretariat, and the main body of monks are all housed in Tashichhodzong.
If your trip to Thimphu falls on a weekend, you can stroll around the market to observe the wide range of cuisine available in Bhutan, including countless baskets of hot peppers, fresh cheese, and numerous kinds of fresh greens. Bhutanese handicrafts and home goods are also widely available from several vendors. Only from Friday till Sunday afternoon is this market open. At your accommodation in Thimphu, spend the night.
Day 8 : THIMPHU - PARO
Thimphu touring should continue. Visit the National Library, which houses a collection of Bhutanese scriptures dating back to the 8th century, the Traditional Paper Factory, which shows visitors how Bhutanese paper is made, the School for Arts and Crafts, where students are taught the 13 types of Bhutanese art, and the Folk Heritage Museum, which features an intriguing replica of a medieval farmhouse.
Other morning activities include a trek to Tango and Cheri Monasteries, two of the oldest monasteries in the Thimphu area (45 minutes), or a hike to Phajoding Monastery, which offers a magnificent perspective of the Thimphu valley.
Transfer to Paro in the late afternoon. Spend the night in your Paro hotel.
Day 9 : Leave Paro
After breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport to catch your flight to the next location.