Paro Festival is one of the busiest festivals in Bhutan, dances are performed by trained monks and laymen wearing amazing costumes, experience the buzzing active lifestyle while visiting many historical sites in Bhutan.
The unfolding of the silk Thangka - which is so large it covers the face of the building and is considered one of the most sacred blessings in the whole of Bhutan. The 'Thangka' is a religious picture scroll known as a Thongdroel which is exhibited for a few hours, at day break of the final day of the festival, enabling the people to obtain its blessing. This holy scroll 'confers liberation by the mere sight of it' (the meaning of the word 'thongdroel' in Bhutanese). This festival is a time for Bhutanese to celebrate with their families and friends.
The 'Tsechus' are Buddhist religious festivals where masked dances depicting events from the life of Padmasambhava, the eighth century Nyingmapa Buddhist teacher (second to Buddha), and stories of other saints are staged. In Bhutan, Padmasambhava is known as 'Guru Rimpoche'. The dances are performed by trained monks and laymen wearing costumes that depict the creatures that you can expect to meet after death. Besides attending the Paro Festival we do sightseeing in Paro valley, Thimphu and Punakha visting many historical sites.
People who wish to see this festival tour, should visit the Bhutan from from April 4th to April 12th 2009.
Day to day Itinerary
Day 01 or March 29: Arrival in Kathmandu Airport (1345meters).
There you will be met by our Airport Representative and transferred to hotel by private tourist vehicle. Overnight at hotel.
There you will be met by our Airport Representative and transferred to hotel by private tourist vehicle. Overnight at hotel.
Day 02 or March 30: Sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley.
Your sightseeing trip will start at 9 AM in the morning after breakfast. We provide a private vehicle and professional tour guide. Places we visit are Pasupatinath temple, Buddhanath, Monkey temple, and Patan durbar square. The afternoon includes a final briefing and preparations for the tour. Overnight at hotel.
Your sightseeing trip will start at 9 AM in the morning after breakfast. We provide a private vehicle and professional tour guide. Places we visit are Pasupatinath temple, Buddhanath, Monkey temple, and Patan durbar square. The afternoon includes a final briefing and preparations for the tour. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03 or March 31: Kathmandu to Paro flight. Drive to Thimphu
During the flight, on a clear day, you can see breathtaking views of the Himalaya Mountains, including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan. On arrival you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. The drive to Thimphu is along a winding road following the Paro and Thimphu rivers. On the way to Thimphu you can visit Simtokha Dzong (the oldest fortress in the kingdom). You can spend the afternoon exploring Thimphu town. In the evening you can visit the majestic Tashichodzong. Overnight in Thimphu. Hotel Phuntsho Pelri
During the flight, on a clear day, you can see breathtaking views of the Himalaya Mountains, including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan. On arrival you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. The drive to Thimphu is along a winding road following the Paro and Thimphu rivers. On the way to Thimphu you can visit Simtokha Dzong (the oldest fortress in the kingdom). You can spend the afternoon exploring Thimphu town. In the evening you can visit the majestic Tashichodzong. Overnight in Thimphu. Hotel Phuntsho Pelri
Day 04 or April 01: Thimphu sightseeing
After breakfast you will visit the King's Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), Changgangkha Monastery, the radio tower (for a great view of Thimphu Valley and the Thimphu Dzong), and the Takin reserve, which contains the national animal of Bhutan. From there you will visit the nunnery temple, the National Library (which houses ancient manuscripts), and the School of Arts and Crafts (also known as the painting school). After a relaxing lunch, you will visit the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, a traditional paper factory, the Folk Heritage museum, and the Textile museum. Overnight in Thimphu. Hotel Phuntsho Pelri
After breakfast you will visit the King's Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), Changgangkha Monastery, the radio tower (for a great view of Thimphu Valley and the Thimphu Dzong), and the Takin reserve, which contains the national animal of Bhutan. From there you will visit the nunnery temple, the National Library (which houses ancient manuscripts), and the School of Arts and Crafts (also known as the painting school). After a relaxing lunch, you will visit the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, a traditional paper factory, the Folk Heritage museum, and the Textile museum. Overnight in Thimphu. Hotel Phuntsho Pelri
Day 05 or April 02: Thimphu to Wangdue (3-hour drive)
You will spend the morning at the Thimphu weekend, you can stroll through the market to see the variety of food of the country, including basket upon basket of fiery chilies, fresh cheese, and mangoes. In addition, many stalls contain Bhutanese handicrafts and household items. It's fun to wander the aisles, taking in the bustling atmosphere of the market. After lunch you will drive to Wangduephodrang. The drive takes you across the Dochula Pass (10,230 ft), which is marked by a large Bhutanese chorten (Buddhist monument) and prayer flags. You will stop on the pass for tea, and if the weather is clear, you will take in beautiful views of the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas. The road to Wangdue winds down from the pass, meandering through magnificent pine and rhododendron forests, giving you a glimpse of some of the most picturesque countryside in Bhutan Overnight in Wangduephodrang. Dragons's Nest
You will spend the morning at the Thimphu weekend, you can stroll through the market to see the variety of food of the country, including basket upon basket of fiery chilies, fresh cheese, and mangoes. In addition, many stalls contain Bhutanese handicrafts and household items. It's fun to wander the aisles, taking in the bustling atmosphere of the market. After lunch you will drive to Wangduephodrang. The drive takes you across the Dochula Pass (10,230 ft), which is marked by a large Bhutanese chorten (Buddhist monument) and prayer flags. You will stop on the pass for tea, and if the weather is clear, you will take in beautiful views of the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas. The road to Wangdue winds down from the pass, meandering through magnificent pine and rhododendron forests, giving you a glimpse of some of the most picturesque countryside in Bhutan Overnight in Wangduephodrang. Dragons's Nest
Day 06 or April 03: Wangdue to Bumthang (7/8-hour drive)
After breakfast you will drive to Bumthang via Trongsa. The route is along a spectacular winding road, crossing 3,300-meter-high Pele La, and at certain times of year it's possible to see yaks. In Trongsa you can visit Trongsa Dzong, the masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture, and you'll also see Ta Dzong, the watchtower built to defend this dzong. In the afternoon, you'll continue your drive to Bumthang, the religious heartland of the nation, with lush valleys and hilly forests. Along the way you will stop at a yethra (textile weaving) factory, where the yethras are designed with patterns unique to Bumthang, and you can even watch some of the weavers at their looms. Overnight in Bumthang. Wangdicholling Lodge
After breakfast you will drive to Bumthang via Trongsa. The route is along a spectacular winding road, crossing 3,300-meter-high Pele La, and at certain times of year it's possible to see yaks. In Trongsa you can visit Trongsa Dzong, the masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture, and you'll also see Ta Dzong, the watchtower built to defend this dzong. In the afternoon, you'll continue your drive to Bumthang, the religious heartland of the nation, with lush valleys and hilly forests. Along the way you will stop at a yethra (textile weaving) factory, where the yethras are designed with patterns unique to Bumthang, and you can even watch some of the weavers at their looms. Overnight in Bumthang. Wangdicholling Lodge
Day 07 or April 04: Bumthang sightseeing and hike
After breakfast you will visit Jakar Dzong, the administrative center of the valley, Jambey Lhakhang, one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan and Kurjey Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places. In the afternoon you will hike to Shukdrag monastery. The hike is about 1 hour one way. You will hike up the Thangbi valley to Shukdrag Gompa, a meditation monastery built around a sacred cave in which Guru Rinpoche, founder of Tantric Buddhism, meditated in the 8th century. You can spend the evening strolling through Bumthang town. Overnight in Bumthang.
After breakfast you will visit Jakar Dzong, the administrative center of the valley, Jambey Lhakhang, one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan and Kurjey Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places. In the afternoon you will hike to Shukdrag monastery. The hike is about 1 hour one way. You will hike up the Thangbi valley to Shukdrag Gompa, a meditation monastery built around a sacred cave in which Guru Rinpoche, founder of Tantric Buddhism, meditated in the 8th century. You can spend the evening strolling through Bumthang town. Overnight in Bumthang.
Day 08 or April 05: Bumthang to Wangdue (7/8-hour drive)
You'll begin the day at the Bumthang market, and then drive to Wangduephodrang, where you can stroll through the town and visit the shops. The nearby villages are known for their slate and stone carvings and bamboo work. Overnight in Wangduephodrang. Dragon's Nest.
You'll begin the day at the Bumthang market, and then drive to Wangduephodrang, where you can stroll through the town and visit the shops. The nearby villages are known for their slate and stone carvings and bamboo work. Overnight in Wangduephodrang. Dragon's Nest.
Day 09 or April 06: Wangdue to Punakha to Paro (4/5-hour drive)
After breakfast you will visit Punakha Dzong, which is noteworthy both for being one of the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan and also for having been built by the first Shabdrung in 1637. You will then visit Khamsum Yulephelma Chorten in Punakha, and later you will stop at Metshina Village and take a 20-30 minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lakhang, which is a fertility temple. In the afternoon you will drive to Paro. Overnight in Paro. Hotel Jors Yang
After breakfast you will visit Punakha Dzong, which is noteworthy both for being one of the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan and also for having been built by the first Shabdrung in 1637. You will then visit Khamsum Yulephelma Chorten in Punakha, and later you will stop at Metshina Village and take a 20-30 minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lakhang, which is a fertility temple. In the afternoon you will drive to Paro. Overnight in Paro. Hotel Jors Yang
Day 10 or April 07: Paro festival
You will attend the Paro festival, which is performed by local people and monks. A festival is also performed for Bhutanese to recount the history of Bhutan and Guru Rinpoche. Watching a tsechu is an act of building karma in your life. Many families get together and come out with their best dress to witness the festival. The festival will last until 3-4 in the afternoon.
You will attend the Paro festival, which is performed by local people and monks. A festival is also performed for Bhutanese to recount the history of Bhutan and Guru Rinpoche. Watching a tsechu is an act of building karma in your life. Many families get together and come out with their best dress to witness the festival. The festival will last until 3-4 in the afternoon.
Day 11 or April 08: Paro festival unfurling of the Thongdrol
Attend a last full day of the Paro festival. If you get up at 2:30 a.m. and head to Paro Dzong, you will be able to see the unfurling of the Thongdrol (giant thankas painting of Guru Rinpoche) with the procession by monks and lamas. After the festival you can visit the Kyichu Lhakhang (one of the oldest monastery), and ruined Drugyal Dzong. In the evening you can explore Paro town. Overnight in Paro. Hotel Jors Yang
Attend a last full day of the Paro festival. If you get up at 2:30 a.m. and head to Paro Dzong, you will be able to see the unfurling of the Thongdrol (giant thankas painting of Guru Rinpoche) with the procession by monks and lamas. After the festival you can visit the Kyichu Lhakhang (one of the oldest monastery), and ruined Drugyal Dzong. In the evening you can explore Paro town. Overnight in Paro. Hotel Jors Yang
Day 12 or April 09: Paro sightseeing
After breakfast hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan's most famous monastery. It is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. The hike to reach the viewpoint to the monastery makes for a nice half-day excursion. In the afternoon you will visit the National Museum (former watchtower). In the evening you can visit a traditional farmhouse and see a side of the Bhutanese culture. If you wish, enjoy a typical Bhutanese dinner. Overnight in Paro. Hotel Jors Yang
After breakfast hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan's most famous monastery. It is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. The hike to reach the viewpoint to the monastery makes for a nice half-day excursion. In the afternoon you will visit the National Museum (former watchtower). In the evening you can visit a traditional farmhouse and see a side of the Bhutanese culture. If you wish, enjoy a typical Bhutanese dinner. Overnight in Paro. Hotel Jors Yang
Day 13 or April 10: End of trip.
The trip ends, our Airport Representative will drop you to the Airport for your flight departure from Bhutan.
The trip ends, our Airport Representative will drop you to the Airport for your flight departure from Bhutan.
