Rhododendron festival tour
The festival celebrates the rhododendrons flowers, which blossoms abundantly in Bhutan. It features the rhododendron garden walk and exhibition, local culture and cuisine, arts & crafts, traditional games, cultural programs, guided walks & activities. The festival displays different species that are in full bloom in their natural habitat.
This tour also covers the major places of attraction in Bhutan: Thimphu,Paro,Punakha & Gangtey. Starting from Paro, known for the various religious sites including the famous Tiger Nest,the tour proceeds to ‘U’ shaped- Gangtey valley via Thimpu, where you can soak yourself in its scenic grandeur
Duration: 6 Nights/ 7 Days
Location:Thimphu – Punakha – Gangtey – Chelela -Paro
Day 01 : Paro – Thimphu (55kms/1.5 Hours)
The flight into Bhutan takes you close to the great Himalayas, offering dazzling scenic views of some of the world’s highest glacial peaks. As you enter Paro valley, you will sweep past forested hills with the silvery Pa Chu (Paro river) meandering down the valley below. Paro Dzong (fortress) and Ta Dzong (watchtower) on the hills above the town will be a fine sight. Our representative will receive you and will drive to Thimphu with sightseeing along the way.
Drive towards the capital city, Thimphu.
Visit National Memorial Chorten: The building of this landmark was envisaged by the third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, as a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it is both a memorial to the Late King (”the father of modern Bhutan “) and a monument to world peace. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.
Evening visit Tashichho Dzong the impressive fortress which houses the secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty the King and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of the Chief Abbot and central monk body. Witness the Flag lowering ceremony before you enter the Dzong.
Overnight at Hotel in Thimphu.
Day 02: Thimphu
Drive to Kuenselphodrang where world’s tallest Buddha Statue (169 feet) sits overlooking the Thimphu Valley. Enjoy the spectacular view of Thimphu city.
Drive upward towards BBS tower to view the Thimphu city opposite to Kuenselphodrang.
Royal Textile Academy.
Folk Heritage Museum.
General Post Office where you can make a postage stamp with your own picture which can be posted within Bhutan.
Evening free for shopping.
Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu
Day 03: Thimphu- Punakha (71kms/3hours)
Be A Part Of The Colors & Vibes Of The Rhododendron Festival
Drive early morning at 8AM up to Dochu-la pass (3,088m/10,130ft) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the 108 chortens, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road.
If skies are clear, the high Himalayan peaks towards the north east will be revealed in all their glory.
On the way stop at Lamperi to Witness Rhododendron Festival
Rhododendron festival is an exhilarating event that marks the spring season with full bloom flowers and lush green forest in Bhutan. The festival showcases different Rhododendron species that are in full bloom. Other than the rhododendrons you can enjoy culture, food and entertainment of the local communities which live in harmony with these eco-parks.
In the evening head towards Punakha valley.
Overnight at hotel in Punakha
Day 04: Punakha Sightseeing
In morning visit Punakha Dzong, Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge and Chimi Lhakhang .
We will have a lunch at farhouse set beautifully with great view in Lapsakha village.
After lunch we can visit Talo monastry and Wolokha Nunnery
Overnight if you like you can try a homestay or a hotel.
Day 05: Punakha – Paro ( 74kms/2-3hrshours)
Return to Paro
Visit Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong) built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
If you like we can take a short hike to Zuri monastery . The hike offers a spectacular view of Paro valley.
Evening free for leisures.or you can choose to visit Namgay Artisinarl Brewery & try different flavor of Bhutanese Beer
Overnight at Hotel at Paro.
Day 06: Paro Taktshang Hike (4-6hours)
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 Cafeteria for lunch.
Upon reaching Paro you can soak yourself in traditional 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
End of your travel to Bhutan. Our team will drive you to the Airport and bid farewell.
HIGHLIGHTS
Festival Date
17th – 19th April, 2023
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Witness the vibrant Rhododendron Festival in spectacular blossom.
Visit the Dochula Pass a wonderful sight at 3100m adorned with a concentration of 108 memorial stupas known as “Druk Wangyal Chortens”. Enjoy the spectacular panoramic view of the snow-laden Himalayas from the pass.
Explore the valley of Thimphu, the only capital in the world without a traffic light. Legend has it that the eight lucky sign is embedded in the natural features to the left of the Valley
Excursion to Punakha Valley, one of the most scenic valleys of Bhutan,
Explore Paro valley with its wide-open spaces and rice fields populated by many sacred sites & Historical places
Embark on a pleasing hike from Dochula pass to Lungchutse Temple, perched on top of a mountain giving majestic views of the surrounding mountains and then descend to Hongtsho.
Visit Historical Sites: Memorial Chorten, Paro Dzong (fortress), Chimi Lhakhang, Punakha Dzong, Kichu Lhakhang, & Buddha Statue, Tachog Lhakhang & Tashichoe Dzong (Thimphu Fortress)
Other must visit places : General post office, folk museum, Royal Textile Academy, Phochu suspension bridge
Hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery or the Taktsang Monastery perched on a mountain cliff at 900 meters off the Paro Valley floor, a breathtaking sight to behold. It is Bhutan’s most religious and iconic landmark.
Enjoy a scrumptious Farmhouse Lunch
PACKAGE COST FROM
$ 1720
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