Paro Festival
Paro Tshechu or Paro Festival is one of the biggest festivals in the country and takes place over 5 days. The Paro Festival date coincides in springtime when the peach flowers are in full bloom.The tapestry of colors, Rainbow-hued mask dancers against the striking white monastery , decorated singers and pleasant weather, makes the Paro Festival worth witnessing. It also allows for the opportunity for warm social interaction with the locals.
On the first day, all mask dances are held inside the courtyard of the Dzongs. On subsequent days, the festival will then be held at the courtyard outside the Dzong. A thongdrel (large tapestry) will be unfurled on the last day of Paro festival.
Along with the Paro festival , this 6 Night 7 Days Bhutan Tour also includes visits to some popular destinations like Thimphu, Punakha & Paro.
Duration: 6 Nights/ 7 Days
Location:Thimphu- Punakha- Paro
Day 01 : Paro – Thimphu (55kms/1.5hours)
Elevation At Thimphu : 2334mts.
Fly to Paro, Bhutan, on Druk Air, the National airline of Bhutan. If you get a seat on the left side of the plane and the weather cooperates, you may have spectacular views of the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas.
After visa formalities at the Paro airport, your guide will meet you and drive you to Thimphu. On the way visit Simtokha Dzong, the first ever fort to be built in Thimphu by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. It is believed to have been built over the demoness that is buried beneath the fort where it now stands. It was built in the year 1629 by the Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. Later drive to Thimphu which is just 10 minutes drive from here. On arrival check in at the hotel.
Later if you are not tired you can pursue a beautiful short hike through ancient trails from BBS Tower to Wangditse Monasatry. From this hike you can behold the grand view of Thimphu Valley.
The rest of the day is at leisure to unwind and absorb the beauty of this isolated kingdom.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu
Day 02 : Thimphu Sightseeing
Today , following breakfast at the hotel , you will enjoy a full day guided tour of the capital city. The morning tour includes a visit to National Library, which houses an extensive collection of Buddhist literature, Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School),where a Six-year training course is given in the 13 Traditional Arts and Crafts of Bhutan.
Drive back to the town to have a good lunch at one of the restaurant designated by Bhutan Inbound.
After lunch proceed to your next sightseeing points. It includes a visit to Kuensel Phodrang, called as Buddha Point, where you will be visiting the World’s tallest sitting Buddha Statue. Next visit is to the National Memorial Chorten where you can meet locals from various walk of life prostrating or circumabulating the Chorten.
Later in the evening visit the Fort (Tashichho Dzong) or the fortress of the Glorious Religion, and watch the impressive lowering of Flags
Overnight at hotel in Thimphu
Day 03: Thimphu – Punakha (84kms/2-3 Hours)
Elevation at Punakha :1200 mts.
Following breakfast at the hotel, drive up to Dochula Pass(3,088m/ 10,130 ft) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, the following peaks can be seen form this pass ( left to right): Masagang(7,158m),Tsendagang(6,960m),Terigang(7,060m),Jejegangphugang (7,158m), Zongphugang (7,060m) ;a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana – finally Gangkar Puensum,the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m.
Later proceed for sightseeing, It includes the hike to the famous ” Chimi Lhankhang “called as “TEMPLE OF FERTILITY”. The hike is mild and it takes you through the valley of Sopsokha and its beautiful terraced paddy fields before reaching the spot.
Later on your way back have lunch at the cafeteria . Spend about an hour before proceeding to Punakha. On arrival at Punakha check in at the hotel.Later visit to Punakha Dzong, the 17th century fortress which has played important role in building up of modern Bhutan followed by visit to local market.
Overnight at the Hotel in Punakha.
Day 04: Punakha – Paro (124 Kms/ 4-5hours)
After the morning breakfast we will drive towards Sangchen Dorji Lhendrup nunnery which houses around 150nuns. You can enjoy the valley view of Punakha from here.
From here we will head towards Paro
On arrival to Paro, have lunch at the restaurant designated by Bhutan Inbound.
Aterwards we can do some sightseeing which can include visit to Dumtse Lhakhang, The architect of the temple is very rare & it is believed to be built “on the nose of a hill that looks like a frog in order to counteract Sadag (earth-owning spirit) and Lunyen (powerful naga spirit).
Evening you can stroll in Paro town
Overnight at the Hotel in Paro.
Day 05 : Witness Paro Mask Dance Festival
Today is a special day for you as you will witness one of the most awaited festival for the Bhutanese.
You will see the local people wearing the traditional dresses called as “Gho” for men and “Kira “ for women with different designs and intricate patterns . The colors of the Mask dancer and the traditional folk music all makes it even more interesting to be there. The clowns called as Atsara ( Achariya for sanskirit meaning the master) will entertain you throughout the day with some objects in their hand and a phallus hanging from the top of their mask ready to fly over the women. Different kinds of dances will be portrayed followed by Traditional folk dance. You can mingle with the people and you can notice yourself not being able to keep your camera away from you.
Later head towards the town to have lunch at one of the restaurant designated by Bhutan Inbound.
If you like we can come back and continue watching the festival. Or choose to other sightseeing.
Overnight at hotel in Paro
Day 06: Hike To Taktshang
Today you will be hiking to one of the famous site called as the Tiger’s Nest ( Taktshang ) perched at 900m above the Paro valley.
It is a pilgrimage site which the Bhutanese try to visit at least once in a lifetime. It is believed that Guru Rinpochhoe flew on the back of a tigress from eastern Bhutan to this site and meditated in a cave here for 3 months, hence its name, ‘Tiger’s Nest’ .
In mid way to Tiger Nest we will come across the cafeteria where we can stop for some tea or coffee .At this point some may be content to snap photos and return to cafeteria or continue your hike to Tiger Nest.
Once here we should be able to enter into the monastery and view the cave where Guru Rinpochhe meditated. (cameras are not allowed inside the monastery). After visiting the monastery we will return the same way back and stop at Cafteria for lunch.
Upon reaching Paro you can soak yourself in tradiional hot stone bath whereby you can rejuvenate your tired muscles.
We will have a farm house dinner tonight. If you like you can also try a hand on local archery.
Overnight at hotel in Paro
Day 07: Departure
Our team will drop you to the airport and bid you farewell.
Festival Date
- 2nd April -6th April, 2023
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
PACKAGE COST FROM
$ 1720
Package cost :
USD 1720 per Person basis on double sharing basis
Single Room Supplement:
USD 40 per Person and per Night
PACKAGE INCLUSION
Sustainable Development Fee to the Government of Bhutan which goes towards the development of schools. hospitals. etc.,
Bhutan Visa
Accommodations in 3- star properties. (Can be upgraded to 4 & 5-star with additional Premium)
All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Certified English Speaking Bhutanese Guide.
All ground transportation
All internal taxes and charges including Entry Fees
Mineral Water while traveling
Complimentary from company:
Traditional Hot Stone Bath
PACKAGE EXCLUSION
Airfare (can be arranged with us)
Travel Insurance
Any Expenses of Personal Nature
Tips for the guide and driver