Punakha Drupchen
und Tshechu

Paro - Thimphu

The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular flights through a snow-capped mountain world - with stunning views of some of the highest mountains in the world, including Mount Everest. Our guide will welcome you at the airport and take you to Thimphu. The trip takes about two hours and on the way you visit the Tamchok Lhakhang (monastery), which can only be reached via a suspension bridge with prayer flags. The Bhutanese believe that when we cross this bridge we purify ourselves from bad deeds of our past.

Upon arrival in Thimphu, you can refresh yourself in the hotel. In the evening you visit the Kings' Memorial Stupa and have the opportunity to observe the people exercising their religiousity.

Overnight in Thimphu.

(Altitude Thimphu: 2,300 m)

Thimphu

Your day begins with a visit to the main Post Office in Bhutan. The special feature here are the Bhutanese colorful and lovingly designed stamps, which are sought after by collectors all over the world. And you have the opportunity to send a postcard to your loved ones. Afterwards you visit the open air museum "Simply Bhutan", where you get closer to the everyday life and the culture of Bhutan. A very lively experience in which you can participate immediately. Lunch is served in the museum's traditional restaurant.
Afterwards, take a walk through the Takin Conservation Area, where you will also see the national animal of Bhutan, the same Takin. From here, head to the Kunsel Phodrang, a 50-meter high seated Buddha statue, where you can enjoy views of the entire Thimphu Valley.

In the evening there is the Tashichho Dzong on the program, seat of the Bhutanese government and summer residence of the monks. The majestic architecture with the balanced proportions, the traditional decoration and the paintings impress every visitor.

Later you will have time for a stroll in the city and, for example, a visit to a craft shop.

Overnight in Thimphu.

Thimphu - Punakha

Today you cross the Dochu-La (pass / 3,100 meters) - on a clear day you have a spectacular view of the mountains of the Himalayas - and drive back down into the valley of Punakha. Punakha is the ancient capital of Bhutan. Upon arrival, you will experience the final day of the Punakha Drupchen Festival, which recreates the victorious battle for Bhutan's independence. Cheering people in their most beautiful clothes live with this. An impressive experience!
Later you will walk to the temple Chimi Lhakhang. This is also seen as a symbol of fertility, childless couples come here for blessing. The hike takes a little less than an hour.

Overnight in Punakha.

(Height Punakha: 1,300 m)

Punakha Festival

In the early morning we will go to Punakha Dzong to attend the first day of Punakha Tsechu. The Dzong, or Palace of Great Happiness, was built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the unifier and founder of Bhutan. It is located at the confluence of Mo Chu and Pho Chu (Mother and Father River). Dzong's three-story main temple is a stunning example of traditional Bhutanese architecture. In 1907, the first king of Bhutan was crowned here. You will experience the impressive mask dances and other folk dances in honor of Shabdrung Rimpoche. Young and old participate in the festival. This experience will impress you in the long term!
In the afternoon drive to the northern part of the Punakha Valley for a long walk to beautiful

Khamsum Stupa.

Overnight in Punakha.

Punakha - Gangtey

Today you drive through Wangdue Phodrang and visit the local monastery fortress, perched on a ridge above a river and offering a wonderful view of the valley and the mountains. Then, your path will lead you on serpentines up into the mountains - through oak and rhododendron forests and over a high pass - and then into the valley Phobjikha. The valley is one of the most beautiful high valleys of Bhutan and offers a resting place to the rare black-necked cranes in winter. The bird is under protection, lives in the Tibetan mountain country in the warm season and overwinters in Bhutan. Explore the beautiful valley and visit 15th-century Gangtey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan.

Overnight in Gangtey.

(Altitude Gangtey: 3,000 m)

Gangtey - Paro

In the early morning drive again direction Paro. Upon arrival in Paro, visit the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang Temple, one of the oldest in Bhutan, built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo.

Overnight in Paro.

(Altitude Paro: 2,200 m)

Hike to the Taktsang Monastery
(Tigernest)

In the morning you walk to the monastery Taktsang - to the famous "Tigernest". The monastery is built at about 3,000 meters altitude on a rocky outcrop and offers a magnificent view of the Paro valley. It is said that in the second half of the eighth century Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) flew to this spot on the back of a tigress and spread the teachings of Buddhism in Bhutan. The hike takes about 1.5 to 2 hours uphill - more than 500 steps up and through a valley. The view and the experiences make up for it. It goes through pine forests and past prayer flags, again and again you have the view of the valley of Paro. Those who like to ride horses can lend one and cover part of the way.

On the way back to Paro visit the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang Temple - one of the 108 temples built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo.

Overnight in Paro.

Departure

Depending on the departure time you still have time to explore Paro. Then drive to the airport and say goodbye.