Wangdue phodrang festival
The Wangdue Phodrang festival is held in the beautiful valley of Wangdue Phodrang. It usually takes place in fall for three days. Wangduephodrang Festival is famous for Raksha Mangcham or the Dance of the Ox.
Unlike other festivals in Bhutan, Wangduephodrang Festival is conducted in Tencholing Army Ground. Earlier it was conducted in Wangdue Phodrang Dzong but after it caught fire in 2012 , the venue for the Festival was changed to Tencholing Army Ground . Wangdue Phodrang Festival is full of colour, symbol and song. There is a lot of laughter, jokes and food sharing among relatives and friends. You can also wear Bhutanese attire and take part in the festival.
In this Tour you will also be exploring the valley of Thimphu, the only capital in the world without the traffic light. You will also be visiting Punakha Valley, one of the most scenic valleys of Bhutan and taking a hike to Famous Tiger Nest at Paro valley.
Duration: 5 Nights/ 6 Days
Location: Thimphu-Paro-Punakha-Wangduephodrang
DAY 1: ARRIVE AT PARO- PARO SIGHTSEEING (55Km/1.5Hrs)
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.
Paro is a beautiful valley located in Western Bhutan with an area of 2800 Sq. Kms. Breathtaking Lhakhangs and monasteries are perched on mountain hills. Two sacred rivers with its respective source at Jumolhari and Chumo phug mountains, makes their way through Paro valley enhancing its beauty and grandeur.
- National Museum of Paro, once a watchtower, built to defend Rinpung Dzong during inter valley wars of the 17th century, Ta Dzong was inaugurated as Bhutan’s National Museum in 1968. It holds fascinating collection of Arts, relics, religious thangkas paintings and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamp.
- Paro Rinpung Dzong meaning the fortress on the heap of jewels or the fort of Paro.
Later you can visit Namgay Artisanal Brewery set in the authentic Bhutanese style and enjoy different flavor of Bhutanese Beer
In the evening you can take a traditional hot stone bath & later try a hand on local archery game.
Overnight at Hotel in Paro
DAY 2: PARO TAKTSHANG (4-5 HOURS)
Today you will be hiking to one of the famous sites 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 Rinpoche 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’. The site, which has long been regarded as the sacred place, was visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in the 17th century approximately in 1646. The Lhakhang of the present monastic complex dates from 1692. The main structure was severely damaged by fire in 1998, but with the help of the local people and the government it has been put back to its glory.(Cameras are not allowed inside the monastery).
In the evening we can move to Thimphu. On the way we can stop at Tachogang Lhakhang
Overnight at Hotel in Thimphu
DAY 3: THIMPHU -WANGDUE (70KMS/ 3HOURS) – WITNESS WANGDUE FESTIVAL
- Drive via 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 a clear day, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendegang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m), Jejegangphugang (7,158m), Kangphugang (7,170m), Zongaphugang (7,060m) a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana, and finally, Gangkar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m.
- On the way stop at Lobesa for Lunch.
Festivals- Witness Wangdue festival
Festivals in General in Bhutan are rich and happy expressions of its ancient Buddhist culture. These festivals are held in all districts and most of them are in honor of Guru Rinpoche, the saint who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century. Tshechu take place on auspicious days in the Bhutanese calendar, and lasts for several days in which a series of colorful masked dances and rituals are performed.
The Tshechus are a rich form of oral tradition where the Bhutanese pass on values, mythology and spiritual beliefs through the dance dramas.
The festival is held in Wangduephodrang and is observed for three days in the autumn season. The Tshechu is well known for the Raksha Mangcham or the Dance of the Ox. Many different kinds of mask dances are performed during the festival. It concludes with the unfurling of the Guru Tshengye Thongdroel (large tapestry).
Overnight at Hotel in Punakha
DAY 4: PUNAKHA SIGHTSEEING – THIMPHU (130 KMS/ 3-4 HOURS)
- Today, after Breakfast in the morning we can begin the day with hike up through fields of rice along the banks of the Mo Chhu to the upper end of the valley to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a stunning monument recently built by the Queens and consecrated in 1999.
- Hike to Chimi Lhakhang through a nice walk along the rice field and through farm houses. The temple was built by Lama Ngawang Chogyel in 1499 and is today a popular temple where barren women come to pray for a child. The temple is popularly known as the Fertility Temple.
- Visit Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers. Punakha was Bhutan’s capital until 1955 and Punakha Dzong still serves as the winter residence of the central monk body. Bhutan’s first king, Ugyen Wangchuck, was crowned here in 1907. The fortress has withstood damage from fire, earthquake and flood over the centuries. The latest flood, in October, 1994, caused great damage to the fortress but miraculously spared its most holy statue.
- Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge – The 160 meters Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge is known for the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan, which gives you spectacular views of Punakha Dzong and the Pho Chhu Valley.
After the day excursion to Punakha valley we will move to Thimphu
Overnight at hotel in Thimphu
DAY 5: Thimphu Sightseeing
- Drive to Kuenselphodrang where world’s tallest Buddha Statue (169 feet) sits overlooking the Thimphu Valley. Enjoy the spectacular view of Thimphu city.
If energetic we can take a hike through a pristine pine forest from Kuenselphodrang to Changangkha Lhakhang
- Visit National Memorial Chorten
- Visit Thirteen Traditional Arts & Crafts
- .Visit Postal Museum where you can have stamps made with your own photo images on stamps & go back in time of postal era.
- Today’s Last destination is the Thimphu Dzong(Trashi Chhoe Dzong), the largest religious building in Thimphu which also houses the offices of the king & offices of the Bhutan’s Central Government.
- Evening you can visit the Craft Bazaar where you can buy some Bhutanese souvenir
Overnight at hotel in Thimphu
DAY 06: DEPARTURE
Our Team will pick you up early in the morning and drop you off to Airport
Festival Date
- 3rd -5th October 2022 & 22nd – 24th September, 2023
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Witness the Wangduephodrang Festival famous for Raksha Mangcham or the dance of the Judgement of the dead
Explore the valley of Thimphu, the only capital in the world without the traffic light. It is also said the eight lucky sign is embedded in the natural features to the left of Thimphu Valley
Excursion to the Punakha Valley, one of the most scenic valley of Bhutan,
Explore Paro valley with its wide open spaces and rice fields populated by many sacred sites & historical places
Visit 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 this pass.
Visit Historical Sites: Paro Dzong, Ta Dzong, ,Chimmi Lhakhang, Punakha Dzong, Kyichu Lhakhang & Buddha Statue & Tashichodzong
Hike up through fields of rice along the banks of the Mo Chhu to the upper ends of the valley to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten
Hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery or the Taktsang Goemba. Perched on a mountain cliff at 900 meters off the Paro Valley floor, it is a stunning and beautiful. It is Bhutan’s most religious and iconic landmark.
PACKAGE COST FROM
$ 1440
Package cost :
USD 1440 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