Thimphu & Wangdue Tsechu

Day 1: Arrive Paro International Airport.  Afternoon visit the Drukgyel Dzong the "fort of victorious". Although in ruins, this Dzong is of great historical importance. It was here that the Bhutanese finally defeated the invading Tibetans and drove them back. From here, the peak of Jomulhari "Mountain of the Goddess" can be seen on a clear day and evening enjoys strolling around the Paro town.

Day 2: Paro – Thimphu.   Morning hike up to the Taktsang, the round trip takes about 3 ½ hours. Its worth climbing and enjoy lunch at the Cafeteria.  Afternoon, visit National Museum and Rimpung Dzong. Then drive to Thimphu, the Capital of Bhutan. Overnight stay at hotel in Thimphu.

Day 3: Thimphu Tsechu.  After an early breakfast attend the first day of the Tsechu which is held in the courtyard of Tashi Chhodzong. This is the main Secretariat Building, where the government ministries, the office of His Majesty the King, the Throne Room, the offices and living quarters of the monk body and its Chief Abbot are housed. Thimphu Tsechu. Evening, relax at the hotel or stroll through Capital city. Overnight stay at hotel Thimphu.

Day 4: Morning - attend Tsechu.   Afternoon visit the Memorial Chorten, the National Library and the Painting School where traditional arts and crafts are still kept alive. Visit the handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts and crafts are displayed and can be purchased. Overnight stay at hotel in Thimphu.

Day 5: Thimphu – Wangdue Tsechu via Punakha.  Morning drive to Wangdue festival via Punakha. Drop at Dochula Pass (3080mtrs) for a hot cup of tea / coffee. Enjoy the most spectacular view of the Eastern Himalayan mountain ranges. Enroute take a walk to Chime Lhakhang (temple of fertility) built on a spectacular site in 1499 by Ngawang Chogyel. Visit Punakha Dzong, the old capital of Bhutan. Lunch at Wangdue. After lunch, attend Wangdue festival. Overnight stay at hotel in Wangdue.

Day 6: Wangdue Tsechu.  After an early breakfast attends the 2nd day of the Tsechu which is held in the courtyard of Wangdiphodrang Dzong. Wangdiphodrang Dzong and its small town are perched on a hill between two rivers. This Dzong also houses the District Administration office of the Wangdue region and the living quarters of about 120 monks. The Dzong was built in 1638. Overnight at hotel in Wangdue.

Day 7: Wangdue – Gracious valley of Phobjikha. After breakfast drive to Phobjikha, the isolated gracious valley of Bhutan through the Black Mountain range (3278mtrs). These fertile valleys also historically important as the origination of Bonism religion (kind of believe or worship for nature by sacrifice). On route visit the Buddhist Institute at Gangtey Goenpa. Lunch at Resort. Afternoon, visit crane centre for more information and walk through a nature trail and carpet factory. Overnight at hotel in Phobjikha.

Day 8: Phobjikha – Paro. After an early breakfast, drive to Paro. Enroute visit Semtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress built in 1629 by Zhadrung Rimpoche. Presently housed for the 250 monks. Overnight at hotel in Paro.

Day 9: Morning drive to Paro International Airport for your onward destination.