Paro Spring Festival in the Heart of Bhutan

During the flight to Bhutan, if the weather is clear, you can enjoy beautiful views of the Himalayan mountains, including the sacred Jomolhari and Jichu Drake peaks. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. The afternoon is free for you to explore Paro town at your own pace. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

Today, you will spend the full day attending the Paro Festival, where traditional mask dances and cultural performances are presented by local people and monks. The festival is an important occasion for local families to come together. People dress in their finest traditional clothes and gather to watch the festival, meet friends and relatives, and enjoy the celebrations. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

Today, you will attend the Paro Festival for the full day. If you wake up around 3:00 a.m. and head to Paro Dzong, you will have a chance to witness the unfurling of the Thongdrol, a giant appliqué painting, followed by a procession of monks and lamas. It is believed that seeing the Thongdrol helps to cleanse sins and misfortunes and brings good fortune and positive Karma. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, you will visit the National Museum, housed in a former watchtower, and Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. From there, you will proceed to Drukgyal Dzong (Bhutan Victory Fort), which was built in 1646 to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over Tibetan invaders during the 17th century. On a clear day, you can see Mount Jomolhari, one of Bhutan’s highest mountains, rising to 23,996 feet. After lunch, you will drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. In the evening, you can stroll through Thimphu town and explore the local surroundings. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

After breakfast, you will visit the King’s Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the Third King of Bhutan, followed by Changangkha Monastery, the Nunnery Temple, the National Library, which houses ancient manuscripts, the School of Arts and Crafts, also known as the Painting School, and the Traditional Medicine Institute. After lunch, you will visit the Folk Heritage Museum and the Buddha Statue. You will also visit Tashichhodzong, the main seat of the government and the central monastic body. In the evening, you can stroll through Thimphu town and explore the local shops and surroundings. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

After breakfast, you will drive to Punakha, with a stop en route at Dochula Pass (3,100 meters). On a clear day, you can enjoy beautiful views of the Himalayas from the pass. Continue the drive to Punakha. On the way, you will stop at Metsina Village and take a 20-minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, traditionally known as a fertility temple. You will then visit Punakha Dzong, one of the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan. It was built by the first Zhabdrung, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, in 1637 and is located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Overnight at a hotel in Punakha.

After breakfast, you will proceed to Bumthang via Trongsa, the ancestral home of the royal family. The route takes you along a winding mountain road, crossing the 3,300-meter-high Pele La Pass. On the way, you will stop to see the cave where the film Travellers and Magicians was shot. You will then continue to Trongsa for lunch. After lunch, you will visit Trongsa Dzong, one of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture. From Trongsa, you will continue your drive to Bumthang, the religious heartland of Bhutan, known for its lush valleys and forested hills. Along the way, you will stop at a Yathra textile weaving factory, where the yathras are made with patterns unique to Bumthang. You can also watch the weavers working at their looms. Overnight at a hotel in Bumthang.

After breakfast, you will visit Jakar Dzong, the administrative centre of the valley, followed by Jambay Lhakhang, one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan, dating back to the introduction of Buddhism in the country. You will then visit Kurjey Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places in Bumthang. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche left his body imprint on the cave while meditating here. In the afternoon, you can stroll freely through Bumthang town and explore the local surroundings. Overnight at a hotel in Bumthang.

Today, you will make an excursion to Tang Valley, the most remote valley in Bumthang. While in Tang, you will visit the 16th-century Ugyen Chholing Palace, a country manor that has now been converted into a museum. The well-captioned exhibits offer an insight into the lifestyle of a Bhutanese noble family. You will also have the opportunity to explore some of the nearby villages. On the way back to Bumthang town, you will stop at Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake), where some of Guru Rinpoche’s treasures are believed to have been discovered in the 15th century by the famous treasure discoverer Pema Lingpa. Overnight at a hotel in Bumthang.

After an early breakfast, you will drive to Phobjikha Valley, a famous winter roosting place for the Black-necked Cranes. In Phobjikha Valley, you will hike along the Gangtey Nature Trail, one of the shortest nature trails in Bhutan. The trail starts from the Mani stone wall, similar to a Chorten, to the north of Gangtey Goenpa and ends at Khewa Lhakhang. The hike takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes and passes through pine forests and small bamboo plants. Along the way, you can enjoy beautiful views of Phobjikha Valley. It is a pleasant hike and a good choice for nature lovers. During the winter months, you may also have the chance to see the endangered Black-necked Cranes in the valley. Overnight at a hotel in Phobjikha.

After breakfast, you will drive to Paro, with a stop at Dochula Pass for lunch. You will also visit the Druk Wangyel Monastery, known for its elaborate paintings depicting the lineage of the present monarchy and their contributions to Bhutan. After the visit, you will continue the drive to Paro. In the evening, you will have free time to stroll through Paro town and explore the local shops and surroundings. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

In the morning, you will hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, Bhutan’s most famous monastery, situated at an altitude of 3,180 meters. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. The monastery is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. Lunch will be served at the cafeteria. After lunch, you will explore the monastery before hiking back down to the valley in the afternoon. In the evening, you will visit a traditional farmhouse and, if you wish, enjoy a typical Bhutanese dinner. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, you will be driven to Paro International Airport for your departure. Our representative will bid you farewell at the airport.