Thimphu Festival & Thangbi Mani

Day 1: Arrive at Paro Intentional Airport.   On arrival at Paro International Airport, representatives of Lhuethag Adventures will receive you and escort to Paro town for lunch. After lunch, drive to Thimphu through winding valley of Paro. It takes 2-hour drive along the Paro and Thimphu rivers offering gorgeous scenic views at every turn. Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 2 – 4: Thimphu - Witness the festival in Thimphu. Religious festivals known as 'Tsechus' and 'Dromchoes' symbolizing amity, peace and compassion, are held annually at various parts of the kingdom at different times of the year. These vibrant festivals are a time for the people from various lifestyles to come together decent in all their ceremonial dress. During the festival, rare and sacred masked dances, sword dances and many rituals are performed.

Day 5: Thimphu – Trongsa.  Early in the morning, drive to Trongsa the journey takes about 6 hours through Dochula Pass (3080m). On the way stop for a photograph and spectacular view of eastern Himalayan snow capped Mountains. Enjoy snacks and tea/ coffee in Dochula cafeteria. As you drives farther, descend down to subtropical area Wangdiphodrang and again it ascends up to the Pelela Pass which is 3270m where you can see wonderful view of Himalayan Mountains and this Pass separates the western from the other regions of the country. Lunch in Chendebje. Overnight stay at Hotel in Trongsa.

Day 6: Trongsa - Bumthang.  Mornings visit the Trongsa Dzong and the Watch Tower. The Trongsa Dzong was the ancestral home of the ruling dynasty. It is also the district administration office of the Trongsa region. Chogyel Minjur Tempa built it in 1643. The Ta-Dzong, an ancient Watch Tower displays many interesting armors used by the Bhutanese soldiers during the olden days.  Soon after lunch, proceed to Bumthang which takes little over three hours. Drives uphill to Yotongla pass (11400fts) and Chumey valley; you will come across display of woolen hand woven colorful clothes. The next valley after Kilela pass is Bumthang where tales of the great teacher Guru Rimpoche dominates. On arrival to Bumthang, prepare for the festivals. Overnight stay at Hotel in Bumthang.

Day 7 – 8: Witness the Festival.  Bhutanese festivals are mostly religious and spiritual occasion in honour of Guru Padmashambhava, “one who was born from a lotus flower” popularly known as Guru Rimpoche, “The precious Teacher” but, for the people, it is a combination of prayer, blessing, rest and fun. Each district performs annual festival with their own (Tsechu & Dromchoe) that falls on the 10th day of the month of the Bhutanese calendar, lasting a few days and the entire population takes part with full spirit. The mask dances are sacred and confer blessing on the people, while the families come in their best garments to be blessed & entertained, and to socialize. The festivals are performing round the year as the dates vary from one district to another. Overnight stay at hotel in Bumthang.

Day 9: Bumthang Sightseeing.   Today, drive through the picturesque valley of Bumthang and visit Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, Tamzhing Lhakhang, and Kuenchogsum Lhakhang. Lunch in Hotel. Afternoon, Visit Jakar Dzong, built by Minjur Tempa, the 3rd Desi in 1646. (Desi means temporary ruler appointed by the Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal) and drive to Member Tso the burning lake (Tso means – Lake). Overnight stay in hotel in Bumthang.

Day 10: Bumthang – Phobjikha Valley.  Drive to Gangtey valley which takes about 6 hours journey and it is a beautiful valley situated at an altitude of 3000m/9900fts, this valley was open its route very recently. During winter, one can see the endangered species of bird (Black Naked Crane). Lunch in Chendebje. On arrival at Phobjikha, visit Gangtey Monastery, Khewa Lhakhang and carpet factory. Overnight stay at Resort.

Day 11: Phobjikha – Thimphu.  Morning, walk around the Phobjikha valley through nature trail and drive to Thimphu, on the way visit small town of Wangdiphodrang and the Dzong. Lunch at Wangdue. After lunch drive to Punakha valley and visit Punakha town and Dzong. In the evening, drive to Thimphu, on route visit Chime Lhakhang, the temple of fertility built 1649 by Ngawang Chogyel.  Overnight stay at hotel in Thimphu.

Day 12: Thimphu Sightseeing.  Morning visit the Memorial Chorten and Takin reservation centre, drive to Sangaygang for spectacular view of Thimphu valley. Visit Drupthog Goenpa Nunnery, the painting school and National Library, Folk Heritage museum and Museum of Traditional Medicines. Explore the Handicrafts Emporium and Lunch at local restaurant/ hotel. Afternoon stroll in the capital city and towards evening, visit Tashi Chhodzong, the main secretariat building. Overnight stay at Hotel in Thimphu.

Day 13: Thimphu – Paro.  Early morning drive to Paro till road head to Taktsang and take a walk up to Taktsang Monastery. The name Taktsang means "Tiger’s Den". The Monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff drop of nearly 900mtrs overlooking the Paro valley. Overnight stay at hotel in Paro.

Day 14: Paro International Airport for your onward destination.