Thimpu Festival Tour

Visit the Memorial Chorten (a huge stupa) built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who ruled the Kingdom from 1952-1972. Visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved Visit the Wood Craft and Painting School where traditional arts and crafts are still kept alive. Visit the handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts and crafts are displayed and can be purchased. Visit Simtokha Dzong. This is one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan. It was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1629 A.D. Evening: Relax.

After an early breakfast attend the first day of the Tshechu, which is held in the courtyard of Tashichho Dzong. This is the main Secretariat Building, where the government ministries, the office of His Majesty the King, the Throne Room, the offices and living quarters of the monk body and its Chief Abbot are housed. Lunch at the hotel and watch Thimphu Tshechu. Evening: relax at the hotel or stroll through Thimphu Town.

After lunch two optional programmes are: 1) Attend the Tshechu, 2) Visit Dechen Chholing, (about 30 minutes drive from Thimphu to view the palace of the Queen Mother from a hill -top. Visitors are not allowed to enter the palace complex, especially when the Queen Mother is in residence. This is also the Headquarters of the Royal Body Guard. Dechen Chholing is a quiet place where the hermits find it ideal for meditation. One can see a number of small huts scattered right across the hill just above the Palace. Have picnic lunch in Dechen Chholing just above the palace. Evening: If the day falls on a Saturday, visit the most popular nightclub in Thimphu known as ‘All Stars’. (This is optional).

The following are two optional programmes:1) Attend Thimphu Tshechu, 2) Take a day excursion to Phajodhing, which lies on the west of Thimphu at an Alt. of 3,700m. It is about four hours walk from Thimphu and this is considered one of the most enjoyable hikes. From Phajodhing, you have a beautiful view of the Thimphu valley and the surrounding mountains. There are several monasteries and a state monastic school in Phajodhing. It is also a place of meditation for many devout Buddhists.Picnic lunch will be served at Phajodhing. Afternoon, hike back to Thimphu. Evening: Stroll freely in the town.

Morning: Attend Thimphu Tshechu. Afternoon: We have two options:1) Attend Tshechu, 2) Visit the Tibetan settlement in Hontsho (about 25 minutes drive from Thimphu) or the Indigenous Medicine Hospital in Thimphu. Evening: Free to take a stroll or do shopping.

A full day excursion to Punakha, the former Capital of Bhutan (77 Km) from Thimphu. Wangdue is 16 Km from Punakha. Visit the Dzongs in both Punakha and Wangdue. Lunch at Wangdue Guest House.

In Paro, visit the following places of interest: The National Museum (Ta-Dzong). This was actually the Watch Tower of the Paro Rinpung Dzong. It was converted to the National Museum in l968. Visit the Rinpung Dzong. This massive fortress is located on a hilltop above the Pachu (Paro River) in the Paro Valley. It houses the District Administration Office and the District Monk Body. It was built in 1645 AD. Lunch at the hotel. Visit the Drukgyal Dzong which is located 16 Km away from the Paro Town. The name Drukgyal means “Victorious”. Although in ruins, this Dzong is of great historical importance. It was here that the Bhutanese finally defeated the invading Tibetans and drove them back. From here, the peak of Jumolhari “Mountain of the Goddess” can be seen on a clear day (Alt. 7329m/24,029ft.) On the way back, visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse. Evening: Take a stroll through Paro town.

Seen off by your tour guide or tour operator.