Punakha Festival Tour

Breakfast at the hotel and a drive to Taktsang Monastery to view an architectural wonder. Taktsang means Tiger’s Nest” and this spectacular building perched on a rocky ledge with a sheer drop of 3,000 ft. It is said that in the second half of the 8th century, Guru Padma Sambhava, the second Buddha, alighted here upon the back of a tigress. Enjoy picnic lunch at the Taktsang cafeteria. We now return down our path to our awaiting van and then drive 2 hours into Thimphu, capital of Bhutan. We will make a visit to The Tarkin camp, which houses Bhutans’ National animal. A visit to the Folk Heritage and National Library, where ancient manuscripts are preserved is a wonderful educational experience. Tour Tashichho Dzong, which houses the throne room central monastic body and government ministries. Overnight hotel.

After a wholesome breakfast, we prepare for our day outing. A visit to the house of incense and a wonderful hand made paper factory, as well as a stop to watch local archers at play. A tour of the Textile Museum and back to the hotel to enjoy lunch. In the afternoon we depart for Tango Monastery. Embark on a vigorous 2- hour hike up the mountain to Tango Goemba Monastery, one of my favorite experiences in Bhutan. Today Tango is home to the eight-year-old reincarnate Lama, Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgye. Meet with monks for discussions. Overnight hotel.

After breakfast, we depart Thimphu for central Bhutan, driving to Wangdue Phodrang, across Dochula Pass at 10,500 ft. Prayer flags send prayers on the wind. Enjoy spectacular views of the Eastern Himalayan Mountains. Stop for lunch at Lobesa. After lunch we will take a short hike to Chhi-Med Lhakhang in the picturesque Lobesa valley. We visit the temple of one of Bhutan’s foremost saints, Lama Drukpa Kunley, also known as the “Divine Madman”, whom you are getting to know. Continuing our drive to Wangdi and a stop to visit the Fertility Temple Chimed Lhakhang. Check in our hotel, relax and enjoy views from our balcony room overlooking Wangduephodrang and the pristine river flowing through the valley. Overnight hotel.

Breakfast and depart hotel. Today we attend a FULL day at PUNAKHA FESTIVAL. Your senses will awake upon entering the impressive courtyard of the Punakha Dzong. Load your camera and with respect to the religious festival you witness, capture its essence. We are privileged to be here among Bhutanese locals from many different areas who gather to pay respect and to be blessed at this social gathering. Dressed in their finest clothes and jewelry, all that attend this celebration of purification receive religious merit. Here we can truly appreciate the essence of Bhutanese people and a preserved steadfast culture. Arrays of colorful brocades whirl through the air as the dancers spin and dance the “thunderbolt step”. Masks of glorious demonic demons and animals arouse your senses as you watch the purification take place. Return to hotel in Wandue.

Breakfast and return to Punakha FESTIVAL in the morning. One more opportunity to reveal in this glorious festival, full of color, horns, drums, mystical dance, costumes, masks and intensity. Festival deities are invoked through benediction and luck is increased and misfortunate gone After lunch drive to Gangtey Valley, about a three-hour drive. Gangtey is the winter habitant of the famous black-necked-cranes, which migrate from Tibet and Siberia. Impressive and beautiful these large and graceful birds migrate each year from Tibet and Siberia to Gangtey Valley. Punishment imposed on anyone injuring a Black Neck Crane is lifetime imprisonment. Overnight at local guest house.

Early breakfast and depart for our visit to the roosting place of the black neck cranes and the famous Gangtey Monastery. We stop as well at a local handcrafted carpet factory and visit a farmhouse for local hospitality. Extremely enjoyable and fun. Continue our drive to Trongsa, about 5 to 6 hours drive. Overnight Guest house.

After breakfast we visit the Trongsa Dzong-the ancestral home of Bhutan monarch. After lunch we leave Trongsa and head to Jakar, in the central district of Bumthang, a 4-to 5 hour drive eastward. We cross over Yotongla Pass at 11,300 ft. Here you get your first glimpse of the Black Mountains. This drive between Trongsa and Bumthang is the most scenic and exciting leg of the journey into the clouds, as you cross-rivers and streams and pass a chorten with water-driven prayer wheels and colorful rock carvings. An hour outside of Bumthang, just after crossing the Yotongla pass, you make the first sighting of the golden-roofed Jakar Dzong, the Castle of the White Bird, with the Chamkar river cascading in one continuous waterfall down through the valley beneath. Overnight: River Lodge

Today we enjoy Bumthang sightseeing. We will drive to Tang Valley and hike to visit the Ugyenchholing Dzong- the former palace of Trongsa Penlop Tsokey Dorji. You will visit the Ugyenchholing Palace, now housing the Family Museum, a place that will transport you to another world and time. You will view permanent exhibits recreated to capture the ambience of the lifestyle of the Trongsa Penelop (Governor) Tshokey Dorji and his household.Continuing from Ugyenchholing, we reach the Rimochen Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to Guru Rimpoche, the Patron Saint of Bhutan. We also visit Rimochen Temple, another temple blessed by Guru Rimpoche and where imprints of the Saint’s foot and body can be seen on the rock. In the evening we visit a farmhouse for local hospitality and conversation. Overnight at the River Lodge Guest House

After buckwheat breakfast, we depart Bumthang, but not until we stop at the local merchant shops for fabulous textile and handmade items. Watch local weaver, experts with wooden looms, weave their magic fabric. We now depart for a day excursion to Ura Valley, one of the most beautiful of all valleys in central Bhutan. Medieval in its cobblestone streets and quaint farmhouses, Ura Valley is mystical. We explore Ura and meet with some of friendly locals, perhaps view the temple. Overnight local lodge, in the evening enjoy local dance and music and wine around bon-fire.

En route visit the Yatha Textile Centre in Chumey Valley; exquisite fabric and textile. Tonight after a relaxing dinner, we will enjoy a drive and evening tour of the Wangdu Dzong courtyard. Overnight at Dragon’s Nest.

Breakfast and continue on westward toward Thimphu. Check in our hotel and enjoy lunch. We then visit the famous weekend market, a must in Bhutan. The marketplace is alive with fresh and organic fruits, rice, chilies, wonderful textiles, handicrafts, art, and jewelry and so much fun! There are many kodak moments here. After the marketplace we experience shopping in Thimphu. This is your time to purchase special items you may want to bring home for your Bhutan treasure. Thankgas, fabric, masks and so much more. Your guide will assist you. We depart for our drive to Paro, check in our hotel and enjoy our farewell dinner at a local Paro restaurant. Overnight Hotel.

Early breakfast and depart Bhutan for your return flight