Dochula Druk Wangyel Festival

The flight into Bhutan will give you a spectacular view of the Himalayan mountain ranges. On a clear day, you can see Mount Everest, the tallest mountain in the world. Your tour guide will meet you upon arrival. The drive to Thimphu (capital city) will take you through beautiful rice terraced fields, and along the side of gushing Pa Chu and Wang Chu rivers. Afternoon visit Kuenselphodrang where a 169-feet statue of Buddha Dordenma is built and overlooks the Thimphu valley. Evening visits the Memorial Chorten built-in memory of the third King of Bhutan.

Morning visits the Folk Heritage Museum, Textile Museum, and Institute of Zorig Chusum (13 traditional crafts). In the afternoon we will visit the town and Crafts bazaar where different types of handicrafts are sold. Evening visit to the Tashichho Dzong which houses the King’s Throne Room, monastic body & Government offices.

In the morning we will drive to Dochula Pass, which at around 10,000 ft, is one of the most spectacular passes in Bhutan. Here we will witness the Dochula festival which was initiated in 2011 to celebrate the courage and achievements of the Fourth King and the Armed Forces of Bhutan during the military expedition of 2003 against foreign militants. Against the backdrop of the magnificent Himalayan mountains and the Druk Wangyel Chorten, this festival is truly one of its kind. Visit also the 60th Anniversary Park which was inaugurated in 2017 and dedicated to His Majesty the Great Fourth King for his visionary and selfless leadership. Some salient features of the park include the 11 meditation caves depicting the birth anniversary of His Majesty on the 11th day of the 11th month, the 16 step signifies the age of His Majesty taking responsibility of a King, and the 34 stones depicting the 34 years of his glorious reign. Afternoon drive to Punakha. Evening at leisure.

Punakha is the old capital of Bhutan. In the morning we will visit the Punakha Dzong, built at the junction of the two rivers Pho Chu (male river) and Mo Chu (female river). It is one of the most spectacular dzongs in the country. The Dzong serves as the winter residence for the Central Monastic Body. Drive to Chimi Lhakhang, a picturesque temple located on a small hilltop and well-known for fertility. It is often frequented by people seeking blessings for parenthood. Continue the drive onwards to Paro. If time permits, we will visit Tamchog Lhakhang, a temple built by Thangtong Gyalpo and is known for having introduced the construction of suspension bridges into Bhutan and Tibet (many of the bridges are still in use today).

After breakfast and a short drive, we will begin the 2-3 hour hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest). This magical monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff 3,000 ft above the valley floor. It is a sacred monastery for the Bhutanese people who believe that it must be visited at least once in their lifetime. In the afternoon we will drive to Drugyel Dzong, 18 kilometers away from Paro town. The Dzong, now in ruins, is a place of historical importance, from whose ramparts the Bhutanese once repelled Tibetan invaders. On a clear day, one can view the sacred Mount Chhomolari, Mountain of Goddess (24,000 ft). If time permits, visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in the country built in the 7th century AD

Early morning drive to Paro for departure. Your tour representative will see you off at the airport.