Paro Festival Tour

Today sightseeing in Thimphu valley including visit to the following: the National Library, housing an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts; the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School) where students undergo a 6-year training course in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts. Later visit Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, a fascinating testimony of the Bhutanese material culture and living traditions.

Afternoon visit King's Memorial Chorten continuously circumambulated by people, murmuring mantras and sspinning their prayer wheels. Construction of this landmark was the idea of Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (“the father of modern Bhutan”) who has wished to erect monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it serves both as a memorial to the Late King and as a monument to peace.

Later in the afternoon visit Trashichhoedzong, “fortress of the glorious religion”. This is the center of government and religion, site of monarch’s throne room and seat of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Built in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in 1960s in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans.

Later visit Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). Located at a short drive from Thimphu city centre, visitors can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from the Buddha point (Kuensel Phodrang). You can pay your obeisance and offer prayers to the Buddha, the largest statue in the country and then walk around and take a glimpse of the valley.

Evening can be spent strolling through local bazaar, to browse through example of Bhutan's fine traditional arts. Here you can buy hand-woven textiles, thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewelry, interesting items made from local materials.

Morning transfer to Punakha (75 km – 2.5 hour drive) across Dochula pass (3,080m). In Bhutan, the passes are marked by a large Bhutanese Chorten and prayer flag. Dochula pass offers the most spectacular view over the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas on a clear day.

Upon arrival at Punakha, visit Punakha Dzong or Palace of Great Happiness, built at the junction of the Phochu and Mochu rivers in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. This majestic dzong served as both the religious and the administrative center of Bhutan in the past. Inside are courtyards and religious statuary that hint at the depth of history and spiritual tradition embodied here.

Then visit famous Suspension Bridge.

Return to Hotel in the evening.

Morning transfer back to Paro (120 KM – about 3.5 hour drive)

After arriving in Paro, check in at the hotel.

Visit Ta Dzong (National Museum). The National Museum of Bhutan is the pride of the country. Flaunting art and traditions, it has six floors, each of them narrating a unique tale from the past. You can see paintings, art pieces, animal masks and many more facets of the rich culture. Constructed in 1649 as a watchtower against Tibetan soldiers, it was converted to the National Museum in 1968, preserving the rich history of Bhutan within its walls ever since.

A paradise for history lovers and the ideal place for those who have a keen interest in gaining more information about Bhutan, National Museum in Paro is where history meets the present. Perched above Paro Dzong, it houses all the important artefacts and belongings from the past. The conservation of the historical objects, inscriptions and artefacts are necessary to keep the future generations updated about the history of the nation.

Today enjoy one of the most famous Festivals of Bhutan called – Paro Festival.

Explore the significance of the annual Festival- Traditional Bhutanese attire (Gho & Kira)- Colorful displays Thanka and Thongdrel (silk appliqué)- Vibrant mask dances decorated with silk brocade customs- Traditional dances and folksongs

Evening return to Hotel.

After breakfast excursion to Taktsang Monastery (hike): It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognized as a most sacred place and visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime.

Along the way, visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.

Evening rest at hotel.

Morning transfer to the airport for flight to onward destination with sweet memories of Bhutan visit.