12 Days / 11 Nights Bhutan Tour Featuring the Prakhar Tshechu Festival
India
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Overview
Immerse yourself in Bhutan’s rich cultural tapestry and stunning landscapes over 12 days with this detailed itinerary. From vibrant festivals and ancient monasteries to scenic valleys and historic towns, this journey highlights the best of Bhutan’s heritage and natural beauty.
Tour Itinerary
Paro Airport
Day -1
Touchdown in Paro - Scenic Journey to Thimphu
- Arrival: Land at Paro International Airport, where you'll be greeted by your guide.
- Transfer to Thimphu: Approx. 50 km (31 miles), 1 to 1.5 hours by car. Enjoy the scenic drive through lush valleys and quaint villages.
- Acclimatization: Take time to relax and adjust to the altitude.
- Sightseeing:
- Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang): Admire panoramic views of Thimphu from this site featuring a monumental 169-foot Buddha statue.
- National Memorial Chorten: Visit this sacred stupa dedicated to Bhutan’s Third King, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. It’s a focal point for local worship and offers insights into Bhutanese Buddhist practices.
- Evening: Check into your hotel and savor a traditional Bhutanese dinner featuring local dishes.
- Overnight: Thimphu.
Day -2
Thimphu to Punakha
- Travel to Punakha: Approx. 72 km (45 miles), 2.5 to 3 hours by car. Enjoy the scenic drive with views of terraced fields and rivers.
- Activities:
- Dochula Pass: Stop at this scenic pass to admire the 108 chortens and spectacular Himalayan views.
- Punakha Dzong: Visit this architectural masterpiece located at the confluence of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. It’s renowned for its striking architecture and historical significance.
- Evening: Check into your hotel and relax.
- Overnight: Punakha.
Day-3
Punakha to Bumthang
- Travel to Bumthang: Approx. 200 km (124 miles), 7 to 8 hours by car. The journey takes you through diverse landscapes and mountain roads.
- Activities:
- Chhimi Lhakhang: Visit the Fertility Temple, known for its association with fertility blessings and traditional stories.
- Arrival in Bumthang: Explore the spiritual heartland of Bhutan, known for its ancient monasteries and temples.
- Evening: Check into your hotel in Bumthang and relax after the long drive.
- Overnight: Bumthang.
Day -4
Bumthang Exploration and Prakhar Tshechu Festival
- Festival Experience: Attend the Prakhar Tshechu Festival, held at Prakhar Temple in Bumthang. The festival features vibrant dance dramas, traditional performances, and religious rituals.
- Temple Visits:
- Jakar Dzong: Explore this historical fortress-monastery, offering commanding views of the Bumthang Valley.
- Kurjey Lhakhang: Visit this sacred site, famous for its connection to Guru Rinpoche and its beautiful murals.
- Evening: Enjoy the festive atmosphere and local hospitality.
- Overnight: Bumthang.
Day -5
Bumthang to Trongsa
- Travel to Trongsa: Approx. 68 km (42 miles), 2.5 to 3 hours by car.
- Activities:
- Prakhar Tshechu Thangkha: View the giant silk applique thangkha, which is displayed during the festival.
- Trongsa Dzong: Explore this majestic fortress, which has historical importance as the ancestral seat of Bhutan’s royal family. Also visit the Ta Dzong Museum, housed in the historic watchtower.
- Evening: Check into your hotel in Trongsa.
- Overnight: Trongsa.
Day - 6
Trongsa to Gangtey
- Travel to Gangtey: Approx. 100 km (62 miles), 4 to 5 hours by car. Enjoy the scenic drive through varied terrain.
- Activities:
- Phobjikha Valley: Visit this serene glacial valley, known for its winter habitat of black-necked cranes. It offers stunning natural beauty and tranquility.
- Gangtey Gonpa: Explore this 17th-century Nyingma monastery and enjoy a nature hike in the valley.
- Evening: Check into your hotel in Gangtey and relax.
- Overnight: Gangtey.
Day - 7
Gangtey Exploration
- Nature Hike: Enjoy a scenic hike through Phobjikha Valley, observing black-necked cranes and the beautiful landscape.
- Local Interaction: Explore the valley and engage with local communities, learning about their traditional lifestyles and customs.
- Evening: Return to your accommodation in Gangtey for a restful evening.
- Overnight: Gangtey.
Day -8
Gangtey to Thimphu
- Travel to Thimphu: Approx. 130 km (81 miles), 4 to 5 hours by car. Enjoy the journey back through the mountains and valleys.
- Relaxation: Spend time exploring local markets, visiting viewpoints, or relaxing at your hotel.
- Evening: Optional visit to a local café or a traditional Bhutanese restaurant.
- Overnight: Thimphu.
Day -9
Thimphu Sightseeing
- Activities:
- Heritage Museum: Learn about traditional Bhutanese rural life through exhibits of historical artifacts and household items.
- Textile Museum: Discover the art of traditional Bhutanese weaving and textile crafts.
- Takin Enclosure: Visit the enclosure to see Bhutan’s national animal, the takin.
- Centenary Farmers’ Market: Experience the vibrant local market, offering fresh produce, traditional foods, and crafts.
- Evening: Enjoy a free evening to explore or relax.
- Overnight: Thimphu.
Day -10
Thimphu to Paro
- Travel to Paro: Approx. 50 km (31 miles), 1 to 1.5 hours by car.
- Activities:
- Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong): Visit this grand fortress-monastery, known for its stunning architecture and historical significance.
- National Museum (Ta Dzong): Explore the museum housed in a historic watchtower, featuring Bhutanese art, artifacts, and cultural exhibits.
- Leisure Time: Enjoy some free time to relax or explore additional sites in Paro.
- Overnight: Paro.
Day -11
Paro Exploration
- Hiking and Visits:
- Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest): Hike to this iconic cliffside monastery. Approx. 6 km (3.7 miles) round trip, 4 to 5 hours. The trek offers breathtaking views and a visit to a sacred site where Guru Rinpoche meditated.
- Kyichu Lhakhang: Visit one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, dating back to the 7th century, and learn about its significance in Bhutanese Buddhism.
- Evening: Reflect on your journey and enjoy a final dinner in Bhutanese style.
- Overnight: Paro.
Day -12
Departure from Paro
- Activities:
- Travel to Paro International Airport: Approx. 5 km (3 miles), 15 minutes by car.
- Farewell: Transfer to the airport for your departure.
- Reflection: Depart with cherished memories of Bhutan’s cultural festivals, natural beauty, and warm hospitality.
Inclusion
- Accomodation
- Guide
- Transport
- Breakfast
Exclusion
- Monuments
Reviews
We used India Taxi Services on our recent holiday in India. Our first driver was Raj in Delhi. He was very professional & reliable. He drove carefully & safely. For the rest of our trip our driver was Karamvir. He was also very professional, reliable....
BC pls
Golden triangle plus Ranthambore safari and Goa
We have just completed a delightful and very successful 14 day holiday organised by Indo Pacific Holidays based in New Delhi. We would like to thank Abhilash at Indo Pacific, who spent many hours expertly organising our detailed trip itinerary. Plus, a s
Roderick P
Fantastic Holiday