7 Days Cultural Tour (Including the Wangdue Festival)

Many places in the world offer beautiful scenery, interesting architecture and colourful cultures. Nonetheless, few can match Bhutan for its undisturbed eco-system and intact medieval way of life. It’s probably the only country in the world where tourism has not yet left its mark.

We have timed this trip with one of the many local festivals - the Wangdue Tshechu, a great opportunity to appreciate Bhutan at it’s colourful best. It’s autumn, and an excellent time to travel in Bhutan. (The trip is organised from Bangkok-Bhutan-Bangkok).

Day One: Bangkok – Paro- Thimphu
Fly from Bangkok to Paro, the gateway into Bhutan. 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. It will reveal breathtaking views of the world's highest and most majestic peaks, including mount Everst and Kanchenjunga. As you approach the Dragon Kingdom’s cloud scrapping airstrip at the Paro International airport, you can catch glimpses of the fertile valley of Paro and the winding Paro Chu (river) and the historical Paro Dzong. As you step out of the aircraft, you can inhale the fresh and crisp Himalayan air. Paro is at an altitude of 7330ft. From here we will drive to Thimphu (2500M), the capital city of Bhutan. The drive will take about one and half hours. The first part of the journey will follow the Paro river with lots of photo opportunities. After about half an hour of driving you will reach the confluence of two rivers, one fl owing from Thimphu and the other from Paro. From this junction onward, we follow the Thimphu river for another one hour. As you enter into Thimphu, you will see the first traffic, controlled by traffic men as there are no traffic lights in Bhutan. Overnight Thimphu.

Day two: Thimphu local sightseeing
We will visit the Memorial Stupa in Thimphu, a beautiful landmark in the valley. The stupa was built in memory of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. This will be followed by a visit to the Institute of Traditional Medicine and a tour of the facility. Here you will have the opportunity to see all kinds of herbs used for processing into medicines. If time permits, we will drive to Changangkha, one of the oldest temple built in the 12th century, by the son of the founder of the Drukpa Kagyud School. This will be followed by a visit to the Zilukha Nunnery where you will see dedicated women practitioners.

After lunch we will witness folk and mask dances performed by a professional dance troupe. This is a special complimentary arrangement hosted by the company. Time permitting, we could then visit the Textile Museum. In the evening, an optional visit to a handicraft emporium could be arranged. Overnight Thimphu.

Day three: Thimphu to Punakha
Today we will start early for Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan. The journey will take about three hours. It will take you across the Dochula Pass (3050M) with a spectacular view of the eastern Himalayas. The pass is also marked by 108 stupas dedicated to world peace by Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, the Queen of Bhutan. The descent from here will take us through sub-tropical vegetation and into Punakha. After checkin and lunch, we will visit the Punakha Dzong and Khamsumyelung Temple. The hike to Khamsumyelung will take about 45 minutes. Here you will see some of the finest work of Bhutanese art.

The Punakha Dzong, built in 1637, was once the old capital of Bhutan and is today the winter residence of the Central Monastic Body. The Dzong occupies an important place in the history of monarchy in Bhutan as the first King of Bhutan, King Ugyen Wangchuck was crowned here in 1907. The Dzong also houses Bhutan's most sacred relic, the Ranjung Kharsapani (the self created image of Avolokitesvara). The inner-most sanctum of the temple houses the Marchen Lhakhang, containing the embalmed body of the Shabdrung, the first secular leader of Bhutan. Today the Dzong also serves as the headquarter to the District Administration. Overnight Punakha.

In the evening, the group can indulge in traditional hot stone water bath for experience. It can be arranged upon request with the hotel management on payment basis.

Day four: At the Punakha Festival
Festivals have special significance in Bhutan and it’s not a kind of local entertainment. All festivals have special religious meanings and people come to witness them - dressed in the best of traditional outfits, adding to the colour. Festivals are a solemn affair and constitute a part of the living culture.

A booklet on the festival will be provided to all the members explaining the significance of the event.

Day five: Witness the giant Thongdrel unfold at Wangdue and drive to Paro
The day will start early, to witness the giant “Thongdrel” which is unfurled on the wall of the Wangdue Dzong at about 3 or 4AM. The Thongdrel is taken down before sunrise. Thongdrel means liberation at sight. It is believed that being able to see the Thongdrel will liberate us from all sufferings and sins. The central theme of the Thongdrel is the Guru Rimpochey flanked by his two female consorts, His eight different manifestations and the Buddha Amitabha on the top.

After witnessing the Thongdrel, we will drive through Thimphu, en route to Paro, and stop for lunch at the Swiss Bakery. In Paro we will visit the National museum, located in the Ta Dzong (old watch tower for the Paro Dzong), originally built in 1656. This is the only museum in Paro and has the country's best collection of ancient Thankas (religious wall hangings), religious paintings and artefacts, fine textiles, weapons and stamps. It also houses the unique temple of the tree of life, representing the four different sects of Buddhism, as practised in the country. If time permits, the group can go for a promenade through Paro Town. Overnight Paro.

Day six: Paro local Sightseeing
Drukgyel Dzong
The day begins with a drive through Paro valley to see the Drukgyel Dzong, a historical Dzong for the Bhutanese. This was the place where the last of the Tibetan invaders were repelled, hence the name “Drukgyel Dzong” meaning the “Fortress of the victorious Drukpas”.

On a clear day one can see the 24000 ft domed majestic Jumolhari in the background of the fortress, blessing the Paro valley. It is believed that the goddess Jumo resides on this sacred mountain.

On the way to Drukgyel Dzong, you will be able to see the Kichu Lhakhang, which was built in 659 (7th century) by the Tibetan King Tshongtsen Gampo. It is believed he built 108 temples across the Himalayas and Kichu happens to be one of the last remaining ones. Further up the valley you will see the majestic Taktsang (Tigers Lair), clinging onto bare rock face.

Taktsang (Tigers Lair)
A short diversion from the main road will take us across the Paro river and to the base of Taktsang. If some of the group members are interested, riding ponies can be arranged. Generally, most people prefer to hike. It takes about two and half hours to reach the Taktsang view point. The view of the surrounding mountains and the valley below is just awesome. We stop at the Taktsang view point for tea and snacks and enjoy the view of the Tigers Lair. Special visit permits can be arranged if notified in advance. Following the visit, lunch will be served at the Taktsang cafeteria. After lunch we will descend down to the valley and if time permits, the group will have time to be on their own for the rest of the evening. Overnight at Paro.

Day seven: Departure
Our guide will help you with the departure formalities at the airport and bid you goodbye with traditional Tashi Khadhar.

Tashi Delek and Bon Voyage.