FESTIVAL IN THE LAND OF DRAGON
FESTIVAL IN THE LAND OF THE DRAGON
An important festival that involves the unfurling of a massive tapestry of the Guru Rinpoche, the Punakha Tsechu is a big attraction. Ritual dances and initiation of monks are some of the spectacles visitors like to observe. Visits to monasteries, countryside, songs, and rhododendron forests are part of the tours besides mountain views.
“Tsechu”, a Bhutanese religious dance
This trip immerses us deep into the Buddhist culture of Bhutan. Each Tsechu has a base of ritual dances and constitutes a true spiritual initiation for the monks and the secular community. However, there is no separation between the sacred and the profane, and we go smoothly from the most esoteric ritual to the most joyous and unbridled fair. From dzong to dzong, from village to village, at the foot of the great Himalayas, discover the beauty absorbing culture that is Bhutan. At the end of the journey, fly back to Kathmandu, and enjoy the unmatched display of the entire Himalayan range from Kanchenjunga to Everest from the air. A journey to cherish forever!
- Itinerary built around a religious village festival
- Visit Bhutan's must-see sites, especially the dzongs,
- A country where Buddhist culture is best preserved,
- Some easy and optional walks in Bumthang and Tharpaling.
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Itinerary
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- Accommodation: Hotel
* Itinerary to be finalized according to your international flights at Delhi, Kathmandu, or Bangkok which have daily connections with Paro in Bhutan.
- Duration of drive: 4 ½ hr
- Accommodation: Hotel
We embark on a long drive through a rich rhododendron forest on what is known as the Black Hills which separates western Bhutan from central Bhutan. We cross over the Pele La Pass (3,350m). We then reach Tongsa which has an impressive Dzong at the turning of the road.
In the afternoon, we visit Tongsa Dzong and the recently opened museum in the watchtower (Ta dzong).
Duration of drive: 3hr
- Accommodation: Hotel
From Tongsa we move on to the monastery of Tharpaling, a very revered place of meditation belonging to the Nyingmapa school of Buddhism. After visiting the monastery, you can opt for an easy hike up to the Kikila Pass (3,900m). Finally, we descend through the woods to reach the Bumthang Valley and Jakardzong.
- Duration of hike: 2 ½ hr
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Duration of hike: 2hr
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Accommodation: Hotel
We walk for an hour to reach the monastery of Chime Lhakang, a small shrine located on a hill overhanging above the river.
- Duration of hike: 1hr
- Accommodation: Hotel
This day is dedicated to observing the festival of Punakha Tsechu. The unfurling of the large tapestry of Guru Rinpoche is the major attraction of the festival.
- Accommodation: Hotel
In the morning, we drive to Thimphu and stop for lunch. Then in the afternoon, we visit the dzong. Tashiccho Dzong is the home of Je Khempo, the religious leader of Bhutan. Then we take a stroll around Thimphu.
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Duration of hike: 3hr
- Accommodation: Hotel
Airport transfer for your return flight.
End of our services.
What's included
- Hotel 3 * or similar, or bivouac according to itinerary
- Full board
- Private transports
- Visa
- 33% taxes
- Permits and entries
What's not included
- Personal expenses
- International flights
- Insurance
