Highlights of Western and Central Bhutan with Paro Festival :: Bhutan Tours, Bhutan Travels, Bhutan Travel Agents, Bhutan Cultural Tours, Bhutan Adventure Travel, Bhutan Trekking, Rafting, Mount biking, Jungle Safari, Trek, Sightseeing

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Highlights of Western and Central Bhutan with Paro Festival

Paro, Thimpu, Punakha, Wangdue, Trongsa and Bumthang

Route

Paro-Thimphu-Punakha-Trongsa-Bumthang and retrace drive.

This trip comprises the highlights of Western and Central Bhutan and focuses on Paro Tsechu Tour-probably the biggest of the Tsechus of Bhutan. The Black mountain separates Western Bhutan with the rest of the country , extending roughly north-south with virgin forest providing a natural habitat for much wildlife such as Himalayan black bears, leopards, red pandas, etc and about 450 species of birds.

Western Bhutan—the heartland of the Drukpa people— is comprised of the Haa Valley, Paro Valley, Thimphu, Punakha Valley, Wangdue Phodrang and Phobjika Valley. This part of Bhutan is known for its stunning scenery with rice paddies and orchards, magnificent mountains, pristine rivers that flow through the main towns of Paro, Thimphu and Punakha, and unique two-story houses with brightly painted window designs. We will cross the high passes such as Cheli La (3988m, 13,084ft.), Dochu La (3050m, 10,007ft.), Pele La (3300m, 10,825ft), from where we will enjoy the superb views of the mountains and the valleys.
In Central Bhutan, we will visit Trongsa, and the rich broad valleys of Bumthang. We will drive over the passes of Yotang La (3400m, 11,155ft.) Shertang La (3573m, 11,723ft) and Thrumshing La (3800m, 12,465ft.). Central Bhutan is known for its buckwheat and apple production, its sturdy stone houses, and its plethora of monasteries. It’s the ideal place for walking due to its broad valleys and sloping mountains. We will visit the Trongsa Dzong—one of the most picturesque examples of Bhutanese architecture—and explore Bumthang, the cultural heartland of Bhutan and home to the some of the kingdom’s most precious and ancient Buddhist sites.

The trip coincides with the famous Paro Tsechu-probably the biggest of the Tsechus of Bhutan. Tsechus are festivals extolling the great deeds of the Buddhist Saint, Padmasambhava, popularly known as “Guru Rinpoche”. All of the districts, Dzongs and a large number of villages in the east, hold annual Tsechus, which attract people from far and wide. For the Bhutanese, attendance at religious festivals offers an opportunity to become immersed in the meaning of their religion and to gain much merit. The festivals are also occasions for seeing people, for being seen, for social exchanges, and for flaunting success. People bring out their finest clothes, their most beautiful jewelry, and enjoy picnics with abundant alcohol and meat.

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Itinerary

Day 01: Flight to Paro, Bhutan

You can choose to fly from Bangkok or Delhi or Kolkatta or Kathmandu to Paro, Bhutan. Upon arrival at Paro airport immigration, produce your visa approval letter provided by us and get your passport stamped with actual visa. Claim your baggage and walk through the customs and meet your guide outside the airport and transfer to your hotel.

This afternoon visit the national museum, which is housed in an ancient watch tower. The museum’s collection range from books, paintings, textiles, crafts, arms, utensils, stuffed animals, insects, gallery of philatelic collection and a shrine with the tree that has four sides with statues representing the four school of Lamaism; Sakya, Gelug, Nyingma and Kagyu with emphasis on Drukpa Kagyu sub sect. Overnight hotel in Paro.

Day 02: Attend Paro Tsechu.

Today, you will attend the second day of the Paro Tsechu. The Tsechu festival of Paro is probably the biggest and it is also the busiest period for tourism industry as whole.

The festival includes mask dances performed mainly by the monks and some lay people. There are some folk singing and dancing as well. Nearby, there are stalls that sell food, crafts and games. Later in the evening visit a typical farm house and stroll around the town area. Overnight hotel in Paro.

Day 03: Attend the festival in the morning and later hike to Taktsang Monastery. (B/L/D)

After breakfast, you are again driven to the festival ground. Enjoy the different episodes performed to commemorate the biography of Guru Rinponche. Appreciate the colors and various aspects of the festival. Later, hike up to the famed Taktsang monastery for the keen hikers.

Those who do not wish to hike up there can attend the festival, mingle with the crowds and take self guided walks.

Hike to Taktsang: Takstang Monastery, also popularly known as Tiger's nest is perched some 2,000ft/600m up on a sheer cliff overlooking the valley and was said to be where the legendary Indian saint, Guru Padmasambhava, flew from Tibet on the back of a tiger to defeat five demons, who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan. The hike is about 2 hrs to the teahouse, which can also be done on the Pony. After tea and snacks you may either opt to hike further uphill for about 45mins to get a closer look at Taktsang and the surrounding temples or just remain at the Tea house and enjoy the views.

The return trek to the road head is all downhill and takes about half the time. Depending on the available time, you may visit festival or other sights in Paro.

Day 04: Paro Festival and drive to Thimphu. (B/L/D)

In the morning, attend more festival (if it’s already not too much!!) and then drive to Thimphu (about 2 hours) in time for your late lunch. After some rest, take self guided tour to King’s Memorial Chorten and visit other sights as time permits.

Day 05-06: At Thimphu

After breakfast, begin our sightseeing with a visit to the colorful weekend market, where people from near and far come to sell or buy the fresh produce. It is where the village folks jostle with the well heeled resident of Thimphu for the best and cheapest vegetables and other food stuffs. Weekend also provides opportunity to see the traditional game of archery played in the nearby grounds.

During these two days in the capital, you will also visit the school of traditional arts and painting, the indigenous hospital, the heritage museum, textile museum, Tashicho Dzong, the nunnery at Zilukha, handicrafts workshops and shops, handmade paper factory, gold and silver smiths, memorial chorten, Zangdopelri temple, the mini zoo to see Takin and other sights as per available time and interest. Evening can spent taking self guided walks and shopping. Hotel River view.

Day 07: Drive to Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang:
Continue drive towards Wangdiphodrang & Punakha, which takes about 3 hours. As you leave Thimphu, the road climbs up to Dochula pass (Alt. 3010m), where we will stop to get a spectacular panoramic views of the snow capped mountain range of Bhutan (weather permitting!). Near the pass there are many chortens (pagoda or stupas) and hundreds of prayers flags fluttering about in the wind. After the pass the road drops through changing vegetation into semitropical lowland Punakha - Wangdi valley at around 1400m.

Punakha and Wangdue valleys are at lower elevation of approx. 1400m, and it is therefore warmer with semi-tropical climate or vegetation such as cactuses, bananas and orange grooves. Check in hotel and after lunch, visit Punakha Dzong –the former winter capital of Bhutan. The head Abbot and monks of central monastic body reside in Punakha Dzong during the winter months and in Thimphu during the summer. Time permitting, drive to the village near the junction road between Punakha and Wangdi and make a 20 minutes pleasant hike to Chimi Lhakhang temple, dedicated to the Saint Drukpa Kuenley (1455-1529), also known a the “divine madman”. He is very popular, as he taught Buddhist teachings in the way that is unlike the stiffness of clergy and society of the time; he dramatized the teachings using songs and sexual humor.

Day 08 : Drive to Bumthang (Jakar) (B/L/D)

After early breakfast, set off on the road to Jakar. The road from Punakha passes through the town of Wangdiphodrang and starts the climb from Chuzomsa steadily for about 2 hours and crosses the black mountains at Pele la pass (3420m). From here, on a clear day, you can see the Mt. Jumolhari, and other mountains across the valley. After the pass, you are now in Mangde region and people speak different dialect here. Continue drive to Trongsa, en-route stopping at Chendebji chorten and other places along the way to stretch your legs, to admire the landscape or to take pictures. Lunch at Trongsa and take a peek at the Dzong, which is considered one of the largest and certainly the most impressive of all Dzongs in Bhutan. Trongsa Dzong is a rambling collection of buildings that trail down the ridge, with remarkable street like corridors and wide stone stairs running down. It was from here that the present royal family emerged as the most powerful force at the beginning of this century. The first two hereditary kings ruled the country from here and it is still a tradition that the crown prince first serves as the Trongsa Penlop before ascending to the throne. From Trongsa, it is another 68km/ 2 ½ hours drive Jakar across Youtongla pass (3425m). After the pass, descend into Chume, the first of the four Bumthang valleys. Stop at the roadside village of Zugney to see the weaving of Yathra (deep colored wool textile, a pattern typical to these parts of the country). Overnight and dinner at Mountain Lodge or similar.

Day 09: Full day in Bumthang Valley (B/L/D)

After breakfast start the sightseeing tour with the drive to Jambay Ihakang, visit Chakar temple (iron castle), and continue to Kurjey monastery complex. After visiting Kurjey, we start a gentle leveled walk across the suspension bridge over the Chamkhar Chu river to Tamshing Lhakang. Walk through the village to a smaller Kunchok sum temple and then continue the walk through the farmland to swiss farm area. At this point, your vehicle will meet you and transfer to the hotel for lunch. In the afternoon, visit the new monastery of Namhai Nyingpo, the traditional hospital, Jakar Dzong, Lamay Gompa and other sights as per available time. Overnight at Mountain Lodge or similar at Jakar.

Day 10: Ura Valley Excursion
We drive up to Ura and take a leisure stroll in the clustered village. Ura has a beautiful Buddhist Monastery surrounded by typical Bhutanese farm houses which is worth seeing. We will also see yaks grazing in the rich pasture land of the Ura valley. Pack lunch in Ura and return to Bumthang in the evening.

Day 11: Drive to Trongsa.

Retrace your drive back across Yotongla pass and descend into Trongsa, which takes about 3 hours. In the afternoon visit huge and historical Trongsa Dzong (fortress), site of emergence of present Royal family of Bhutan. Also visit Ta Dzong (watch tower) which now houses the temple dedicated to Jigme Namgyel, father of the first King of Bhutan.

Day 12: Drive to Paro.

Leaving Trongsa, we return west, stopping to visit the Chendebji Chorten, a large white monument said to conceal the remnants of an evil spirit vanquished here. Continuing across the spectacular Pelela pass (3,300m), we descend into the valleys of Punakha and Wangdi. Further drive through blossoming hills and pine forests, we arrive at Dochula pass (3,100m) for another opportunity to get the panoramic views of the eastern Himalayan range, including Bhutan’s highest peak Gangkar Phuensum. Further continue drive towards Paro via Thimphu.

Day 13: Departure

Transfer to the airport in time for flight to your next destination.

Travel Note

Accommodations and facilities
There are not many choices of hotels in Bhutan. With a couple of exceptions, all hotels are small in capacity but are clean, well maintained and staffed with the friendly locals. You can expect reasonably modern en suite bathrooms with running water but you will have to bring your own toiletries, hair dryers etc.

In Thimphu, Paro and central districts all hotels are equipped with telephones, fax machines and international dialing. Bhutan is surprisingly well connected to the outside world and it may appear something of a miracle to telephone New York or London from the Bhutanese heartland, but you can.
All hotels have their own restaurant and some also have a bar. Most of the food eaten by tourists in Bhutan is eaten in the hotels. There are some freestanding restaurants in Thimphu but few elsewhere.

Expert Local Guide
Our trips feature gifted local leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonder you'd never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You'll be in good hands with them every step of the way. By the way, you should know that , unlike in some countries, driver and guide are different person.

Vehicle
Depending on group size, we use car, Japanese Hiave Van, SUVS or mini buses are which are in excellent condition.

Bhutan visa
Bhutan visa is pre-processed by us. At the time of booking, you will provide us a copy of your passport. Few days before departure, you will be sent a scanned copy of Bhutan visa clearance letter or we simply e-mail you the visa reference number. You should have visa approval letter or reference number handy while checking in Druk Air flights and also upon arrival at Paro airport. Your passport is stamped with actual visa at Paro airport. Bhutan visa fee is included in the trip cost.

Bhutan Internal Flights
Bhutan internal flights are manually booked in Thimphu. If time permits, we can mail you the tickets or you can collect them at the Druk Air counters at the Gateway Airports.

Trip Activity Level

The trip is mostly motor vehicle based sightseeing but you may require to take some light walk and short hikes. With exception to few passes over 10,000ft, you don’t go on any higher altitudes and hence there is no fear of altitude sickness. Anybody with regular health condition can take up this tour.

Booking and Cancellation

Booking and Cancellation
When you are sure that you are going on this trip, please, don’t delay in placing your booking. Confirmation of your booking is subject to the availability of seats on Druk Air Flights. Druk Air is the only carrier and operates with a small craft with a capacity of 100 passengers only and remains fully booked throughout the year. Particularly, during festival time, the demand is very high.

Tour Deposit: US$ 200

Final Payment: The balance and final payment is 60 days prior departure. The payment schedule may vary with

customized and private trips on case to case basis. If your trip involves internal air or train tickets, we may

have to get the tickets issued within the deadline given by the airlines and we may request you the cost of the ticket

along with the tour deposit.

Cancellation and refund

Notice of cancellation and refund request must be received in written form.
Cancellation Fees:
90 days prior departure US$ 50 per person administration fee.
60-89 days prior departure: US$ 250 or 25% of the land cost whichever is higher.

45 -59 days prior departure: US$ 450 or 50% of the land cost whichever is higher.
30-44 days prior departure US$ 600 or 75% of the land cost whichever is higher.
Less than 30 days: 100%

Airlines, trains, hotels and government controlled destinations may have their own cancellation and refund policies which will supersede High Asia Tours’ Cancellation and Refund Policies to the extent of their difference. Cancellation terms and conditions of certain services may vary which will be informed separately.

Deposit.
A deposit of US$150.00 plus the cost of internal airfares is requested along with booking application. We will also need a copy of the photo page of your passport.

Balance Payment
Balance payment is due 90 days prior to your departure. Depending on the number of applicants, we may set an early payment date. If balance of payment is not received by the requested date, we reserve the right to cancel your booking without prior notice.

Cancellations and Refund
Cancellations received 90 days prior departure will attract admin fee US$ 30.
Cancellation received less than 90 days and more than 45 days prior to the departure date will be charged 25% of the land cost.
Cancellations received less than 45 days and more than 15 days prior to the departure date will be charged 75% of the land cost.
There will be no refund on cancellations received less than 15 days.
Air ticket cancellation charges will be as per the policy of concerned airlines.

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Trip Facts

Duration:
12 Nights/13 Days

Accommodation:
Hotels and guesthouses

Activities:
 Vising Temples, Dzongs and farm house visits.
 Attend Paro Tsechu Festival
 Attend week-end market
 Short and easy hikes.

Trip Grading:
Moderate

Trip Type:
Popular

Group Size:
10 pax

Start From:
Paro

Finish In:
Paro

Highest Altitude:
Yu Tong La ( 11, 155ft/3,400m)

Best Season:
March April

Tour Cost

US$ 2899 for a single traveler
US$ 2780 per person for a party of 2 people
US$ 2420 for a party of 3 persons or more.
US$ 300 Single Room Supplement
Internal Airfares (Subject to change)
US$ 790

Trips Highlights

 Paro Festival
 Paro Rinphung Dzong.
 National Museum.
 Takstang Monastery.
 Drugyal Dzong.
 Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang Dzongs.
 Chimi Lakhang-the The Temple of Divine Madman.
 Bumthang Valleys.
 Trongsa Dzong.
 Week-end market and archery competition of Thimphu.
 Textile Museum, the Heritage Museum, mini Zoo etc in Thimphu.

Inclusive

 Accommodation on twin sharing.
 All transfers and sightseeing as on itinerary.
 Three meals a day,
 English speaking local Tour Guide.
 Sightseeing admission fee.
 Bhutan visa fee.

Exclusive

 Airfare to and out of Bhutan (Separately quoted).
 Expenses of personal nature such as drinks, tip, laundry, phone etc.
 Extra expenses or loss due to nature and unforeseen events.
 Travel Insurance

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