8 DAYS PARO FESTIVAL TOUR

Day 1: Arrival by Druk-air – Paro
The flight into Bhutan will take you over the vast plains of the Indian subcontinent and then over the dense green vegetation of the Kingdom’s sub Himalayan ranges. You will get breathtaking views of the worlds highest and most majestic peaks as the plane approaches the Dragon Kingdom’s cloud scrapping airstrip at the Paro International airport at an altitude of 7330 ft.

Moments before the landing you can catch glimpses of the fertile valley of Paro and the winding Paro Chu (river) and the historical Rimpung Dzong (fortress) more popularly known as Paro Dzong. As you step out of the aircraft, you can catch your first breath of the fresh crisp Himalayan air.

Our representative will receive you once you have completed the necessary immigration and visa formalities. Our guide will then take you to your hotel and after check in and quick refreshment, time permitting, you can make a stroll through Paro Town. Overnight Paro.

Day 2: Paro Tshechu (festival)
A booklet on the Festival will be handed out to all our guests.

The festival starts today inside the Paro Dzong. You will witness the most auspicious “Black Hat Dance." It is believed that this dance was first performed to subjugate and destroy the evil King Lang Darma. One piece of the cymbals used in performing this dance is believed to have been discovered as terma (treasure). Once all the dancers are out in the ground, the terma (cymbal) is taken away and put back in a special box until the next festival.

Day 3: Paro Tshechu
Today the festival will continue outside, at the Deyankha – “open-air courtyard.” People from all over the valley will gather here in their best attires to witness the festival. The unique mask dances and the colourful outfits of the people provide excellent photo opportunities. Lunch will be served at the hotel. Overnight Paro.

Day 4: Paro Tshechu
Festival continues and those interested can remain at the festival. However, for the others, if interested, an optional day-long excursion to Taktsang (Tiger’s Lair) can be arranged. The Taktsang is about two and half hours hike. Lunch will be served at the hotel for those staying back at the festival and for those going on the excursion it will be served at the Taktsang cafeteria. Overnight Paro.

Day 5: Paro Tshechu
Festival continues and once again we have two options. Those interested in the festival can stay back, and the others, if interested, could go on a drive to Chelayla pass which is about one and half hours. On this drive one can get a magnificient view of mount Jumolhari and upon reaching the pass, we can do some ridge-walking to enjoy the clean and prestine environment. The pass also affords us fantastic photo opportunities of the beautiful Paro and Haa valleys. While lunch will be served at the hotel for those staying back at the festival, a picnic lunch will be arranged for those going to Chelayla. Overnight Paro.

Day 6: Paro – Thimphu and local sightseeing
Rise at about three am to witness the unfurling of the giant "Thongdrel" which means liberation at sight. The Thongdrel is dedicated to Guru Rimpochey. It is believed that one can be liberated from all sins just by being able to see this Thongdrel. Following the unfurling of the Thongdrel, one can witness sacred dances and ritual offerings. After this we will drive to Thimphu, the capital city. The drive is about one and half hours.

The drive from Paro to Thimphu is beautiful. The first part of the journey will follow the Paro river and provide plenty of photo opportunities. After about half an hour's drive you will reach the confluence of two rivers, one flowig from Thimphu and the other from Paro. From the confluence we will follow the Thimphu river for another hour. As you enter into Thimphu you will see the traffic being controlled by traffic men as there are no traffic lights in the Kingdom. After lunch, we will visit the Thimphu Memorial Stupa, a beautiful landmark built in memory of our late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. This will be followed by a visit to Changangkha, one of the oldest temples in Thimphu. This temple was built in the 12th century by one of the first founders of the Drukpa School. In the afternoon, we will drive to the view point of Thimphu for some photo opportunities and thereafter continue to the Nunnery where you will be able to see dedicated women practitioners. Overnight Thimphu.

Day 7: Thimphu – Sightseeing
Today we will visit the Institute of Traditional Medicine and take a tour of the facility. Here you will have the opportunity to see all kinds of herbs used for processing into medicines. If interested, a consultation can be arranged. Traditional medicine is very popular among visitors for its holistic approach to healing. After this we will visit the National Library and the Painting School. After lunch we will visit the silver crafts centre and you will have the opportunity to see craftsmen at work and buy silver souvenirs. Therafter, a program of folk and mask dances will be performed by a professional dance troupe for the group. This is a special complimentary arrangement hosted by the company. In the late afternoon, if time permits, we will visit the Tashichhodzong, the main secretariat building which houses the King’s Throne Room, the Ministeries of Finance and Home and the residence of the Je-Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and the Central Monk Body. Overnight Thimphu.

Day 8: Thimphu – Paro Airport
If we are in Thimphu, we will have to leave for Paro at about 4AM to catch the early morning Druk-air flight. Our guide will see you off with traditional Tashi Khadhar.

Tashi Delek and Bon Voyage