Bhutan Ura Yakchoe Festival

Trip Overview

Itinerary

Trip Itinerary
Flexible Itinerary of Ura Yakchoe Festival 18th–20th APR 2016
Day 1: Arrive Paro Drukair flights to Bhutan provide the most fascinating views of Himalayan scenery. During the flight, on a clear day, you can see breathtaking views of the Himalaya Mountains, including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan. On arrival you will be greeted by our representative and transfer to your hotel. After lunch, visit Ta Dzong built in 17th century as a watchtower for Paro Dzong. This Dzong was later converted into the national Museum in 1967 and is filled with antique Thangka paintings, textiles, weapons and armor. Then walk down the trail to visit the Paro Dzong. It was built in 17th century and now houses government offices and religious institutions. Then you will visit Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country built by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo in 8th century. In the evening you can stroll through the Paro market and town. Overnight hotel in Paro.

Day 2: Paro-Thimphu This morning you will hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan’s most famous monastery. It is absolutely breathtaking, situated at 10,400 feet and perched on the edge of a steep cliff about 3,000 feet above the Paro Valley. Guru Rinpoche, the 8th century spiritual master is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. Lunch is served in the Cafeteria Restaurant, located about halfway up on the mountain. Explore the monastery and, if you wish, you can sit for a short meditation before you hike back down to the valley floor. This evening you will drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.

Day 3: Thimphu After breakfast you will visit the King’s Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), the radio tower (for a great view of Thimphu Valley and the Thimphu Dzong), and the zoo, which contains the national animal of Bhutan: the takin. From there you will visit the nunnery temple, the School of Arts and Crafts (also known as the painting school). After a relaxing lunch, you will visit the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, a traditional Bhutanese paper factory and local gold and silver crafting unit. Evening is the free time to stroll in Thimphu town. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.

Day 4: Thimphu-Wangdue In the morning you will catch a busy weekend market at the bank of Thimphu River where people from nearby villages come here to sell their farm products. You can stroll through the market to see the variety of food of the country, including basket upon basket of fiery chilies, fresh cheese, and mangoes. In addition, many stalls contain Bhutanese handicrafts and household items. It’s fun to wander the aisle, taking in the bustling atmosphere of the market. Perhaps this market scene offers wonderful opportunity for photographs and to mingle with local people. After lunch, enjoy the scenic drive to Wangdue with a stop for tea at the Dochu La pass (10,170 feet), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the eight northern Himalayan ranges. From the pass we drive downhill through forests of rhododendron, fir and hemlock. You will arrive in Wangdue after traveling through rice field and along the bank of river. On the way, you will visit Chimi Lhakhang, which is a fertility temple dedicated to the Divine Madman (Lama Drukpa Kuenley). People across the country come to this special temple to get a fertility blessing. If you wish, receive a blessing from the Lama’s wooden phallus! Overnight hotel in Wangdue.

Day 5: Wangdue-Bumthang After early breakfast you will drive to Bumthang, the cultural heartland of the country. The route is along a spectacular winding road, crossing 10,827-feet-high Pele La pass. At certain times of the year it is possible to see yaks here. You will stop for lunch in Trongsa and afterwards visit the Trongsa Dzong, the masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture. Continuing on to Bumthang, you will pass through lush valleys and hilly forests. Along the way stop at a yathra (textile weaving) factory, where the yathras are designed with patterns unique to Bumthang, and you can watch some of the weavers at their looms. Upon arrival you check into yourr hotel and enjoy dinner and overnight hotel in Bumthang.

Day 6: Bumthang Attend full day Ura Yakcho Festival.

Day 7: Bumthang (day excursion to Tang Valley) Today, you will make an enjoyable excursion to the Tang valley, which is the most remote valley in Bumthang. While is the Tang, you will visit 16th century Ugyen Chholing Palace or the country manor, which is now turned into a museum. The well-captioned exhibits offer insights into lifestyle of a Bhutanese noble family. You will also explore nearby villages. On the way back to town, you will see Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake), where some of Guru Rinpoche’s treasures were found in the 15th century by the famous treasure discoverer Pema Lingpa. Overnight hotel in Bumthang.

Day 8: Bumthang-Punakha You begin our day at the Bumthang market, and then drive to Punakha. Along the way you will visit the typical Bhutanese town of Wangdue with its dramatic Dzong perched on a ridge at the bend of a river. The nearby villages are known for their slate and stone carvings. Overnight hotel in Punakha.

Day 9: Punakha-Thimphu After breakfast, you will visit the Punakha Dzong, which is stunningly situated in between the male and female rivers like an anchored ship. Then drive to Thimphu via Dochu La Pass. On the way, visit the new Druk Wangyal Monastery, which is the only of its kind in the country, with elaborate paintings depicting the lineage of the present monarchy and their visionary works. Afternoon is free time to explore Thimphu town and absorb the lifestyle of the people. If you are lucky, you can see an archery match going on in Changlingmithang stadium. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.

Day 10: Thimphu-Paro After breakfast, you will drive to Paro. Check into your hotel on arrival. In the afternoon, you will visit a Bhutanese farmhouse to explore the lifestyle of a Bhutanese farmer. If you wish, enjoy an “ara” a local wine produced by a brewery of wheat or rice. Overnight hotel in Paro.

Day 11: Depart Paro Early breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to onward destination.

Cost

Cost Details
Cost Includes
• 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
Cost Does Not Include
• 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