5 Days Thimphu Festival Tour

You will be received by the Representative from Byways Tours and Travels at the airport and drive you to the hotel.

After lunch, visit the Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower, which was built in 1656 and renovated in 1968 and converted into a National Museum of Bhutan, then visit Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The Dzong presently houses administrative offices of Paro District and Monastery.

In the evening stroll around the tiny town of Paro. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

After breakfast, excursion to Tiger's Nest Monastery. Total distance 7.4 km (4.5 miles) both ways and takes minimum of 5 hours. Elevation at the starting point of the hike is 2,600m and elevation at Tiger's Nest Monastery is 3,100m above sea level.

A short drive of around 25 minutes from main town of Paro takes you to Satsam Chorten. The trail climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. We stop for a rest and have tea with cookies at Taktsang Cafeteria and then walk a short distance until we see Tiger's Nest Monastery.

The history dates back from the 8th century when Guru Rinpoche, a tantric master, flew to this place on a back of a flying tiger, said to be his favorite Tibetan consort known as Khandro Yeshe Tsogyal, and meditated in a cave nearby. The temple was built in the 17th century by the Penlop (governor) of Paro, Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgye. This incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rocky cliff that plunges 600 meters into the valley below.

After lunch, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest Buddhist temples which was built in 659 AD by a Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo.

In the evening, drive to Thimphu. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

After breakfast, witness the Thimphu Festival which is held at Tashichho Dzong. Experience the vibrant mask dances, traditional music, and colorful ceremonies that are the highlight of this sacred celebration.

After lunch, visit the tallest statue of Buddha Dordenma which is 51 meters tall. Then visit the Takin Preserve Center where you will get a chance to see our national animal, the Takin, followed by a visit to Zilukha Nunnery.

In the evening, visit the authentic Bhutanese Craft Market and Weekend Market. Finally, stroll around Thimphu City. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

After breakfast, drive to Punakha Valley via Dochula Pass (3,140m). We stop for a while at Dochula Pass where 108 stupas are built together to take photographs. If the weather is clear, in the far distance you will get a chance to see the higher Himalayan ranges.

When you reach Punakha Valley, visit Chimi Lhakhang which is also known as the "Temple of Fertility," built by Lama Drukpa Kunley who is popularly known as "The Divine Madman" in the 15th century.

After that, visit Punakha Dzong built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and situated between Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River). For many years until the time of the second king, it served as the capital of Bhutan.

The construction of the dzong was foretold by Guru Rinpoche who visited this place in the 8th century and predicted that a person named Namgyal would arrive at a hill that looks like a sleeping elephant. There was a smaller building here called Dzong Chu (Small Dzong) that housed a statue of Buddha. It is said that when Zhabdrung visited this place, he met with a Bhutanese architect called Zowe Palep and ordered the architect to sleep in front of the statue. While Palep was sleeping, the Zhabdrung took him in his dreams to Zangto Pelri (Paradise) and showed him the palace of Guru Rinpoche. From his vision, the architect conceived the design for the new dzong, which, in keeping with tradition, was never committed to paper.

The dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang which means "Palace of Great Happiness." The war materials captured during the battle with Tibetans are preserved here. Punakha is still the winter residence of the Chief Abbot (Je Khenpo) and King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck convened the First National Assembly here in 1952.

After that, drive back to Thimphu. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

Early morning, drive to Paro Airport for your departure flight. Farewell!