Punakha Dromchoe Festival Tour - 7 Days | 6 Nights
US$ 1690 / Per Person
Group Size: 2 & above
Highlights
- Attend one of Bhutan’s most significant festivals with locals.
- Festival showcased the construction of Punakha Dzong by the Zhabdrung Ngawang Namygyel who unified Bhutan as a nation state.
- Showcased the internal conflict and external invasion during the construction of the Punakha Dzong.
- Explore the key cultural sites of Thimphu, Punakha and Paro.
- Discover some of the most sacred monasteries, medieval fortresses and temples.
- Visit local farm house and taste Bhutanese cuisine.
- Hike to Tiger’s Nest.
Punakha Dromchoe Festival showcased the construction of Punakha Dzong by the Zhabdrung Ngawang Namygyel who unified Bhutan as a nation state. The internal conflict and external invasion during the construction of the fortress by the Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1637, and sacred mask dances and folk dances are performed by the central monastic Body, as well as the public of Punakha district. During the festival, the “Pazap’s” or local militia men, dress in traditional battle gear and reenact the ancient battle scene.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 (17 February, Wednesday): Arrive Paro to Thimphu
During the journey, one will experience breath-taking view of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks including the sacred Jumolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by your guide and take you to Thimphu which is 54 km from Paro Airport and about 45 minutes drive. Later in the afternoon visit the King’s Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan); Changgangkha Monastery; visit the mini zoo where you will see national animal of Bhutan Takin, and the majestic Tashichhodzong.
Day 2 (18 February, Thursday): Thimphu
After breakfast, visit Buddha statue, and is presumed to be the largest Bronze statue in the world. The three storied high throne of the statue will consists of temples on each floor. Traditional paper factory, visit Post office were you can personalize your stamp, visit weaving centre, Semtokha Dzong. Evening: Stroll through the town..
Day 3 (19 February, Friday): Thimphu to Punakha
After breakfast this morning, visit Post office were you can personalize your stamp, after post office enjoy the scenic drive to Punakha with a stop for tea at Dochu La (3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Eastern Himalayas. From the pass, drive downhill through the forests of rhododendron, fir and hemlock. You will arrive Punakha after traversing through rice field and along the bank of Punakha River. On the way to Punakha, you will stop at Metsina village and take a 20 minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, which is a fertility temple. After Lunch you will visit the Punakha Dzong, which is stunningly situated inbetween the male and female rivers like an anchored ship.
Day 4 (20 February, Saturday): Punakha Dromchoe Festival
After breakfast, you will attend the festival in Punakha. Enjoy the celebration of the mask dances by the local people and the monks.
Day 5 (21 February, Sunday): Punakha to Paro
Drive back to Paro, crossing the Dochula Pass and enjoying stunning views of the Himalayas. Stop in Thimphu for lunch and then continue drive to Paro. In Paro, visit local archery ground and watch locals playing archery.
Day 6 (22 February, Monday): Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
In the morning you will hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan’s most famous monastery situated at 3180 meters. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. The Moanstery is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. Lunch will be served at the Cafeteria. Explore the monastery and hike back to the valley in the afternoon.
Day 7 (23 February, Tuesday): Depart Paro
Drive to the airport for departure. Our representative will bid you farewell.
At a Glance
Tour duration: 7 Days | 6 Nights
Tour type: Festival Tour with Day hikes
Festival date: 19 – 21 February 2021
Activity type: Cultural tour, Attend festival, Historical sites, Village tour, Religious sites and Day hike
Places covered: Thimphu, Punakha and Paro
Maximum elevation: 3150m
Inclusions
- All meals
- Tea, coffee and snacks
- Complementary bottled water in car
- Hotels
- Transport
- Guide
- Government levy
- Visa fee
- Entrance fees
- Permits
- Sightseeing
Exclusions
- Flight tickets
- Insurance
- Tips
- Beverages other than tea and coffee
- Sleeping bag on trek
- Laundry
- Internet bill
- Phone bill
- Other bills of personal nature
Accommodation
- Accommodation in 3 star hotels (upgrade with supplement)
- Homestay accommodation certified by Tourism Council Bhutan
- Camping (optional)
Insurance
Package does not include insurance of any kinds, and that you are required to obtain separate coverage from your home country before your trip begins.
