Punakha Dromchoe Tour (12 Days)

Punakha Dromchoe Tour Itinerary

Day 1 ARRIVE PARO

During the journey, the traveler will experience from the plane a spectacular view of Mt. Everest, and other famous Himalayan Mountains including the sacred Mt. Jhomolhari the second highest peak in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport you will be received by your Bhutanese friend from Makalu Adventure. Lunch at the Hotel. Discuss the Tour Programme with the Tour Guide. Afternoon sight seeing.
Overnight: Hotel in Paro

Day 2. PARO – THIMPHU

After breakfast drive to Thimphu (The capital city of Bhutan). Visit Simtokha Dzong on the way. This is one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan. It was built in 1629 AD. It houses the largest monastic schools in the country. Visit Tashichho Dzong, the main secretariat building. This massive structure houses part of the government Ministries, the office of the King and the Throne Room. It also houses the State Monastic Body and the living quarters of the Chief Abbot and the senior monks. Lunch in hotel in Thimphu.
Afternoon: Visit the Memorial Chorten (a great stupa) built in memory of the Third King of Bhutan who reigned the Kingdom from 1952-1972. Visit the mini Zoo where the national animals were kept and drive to Sangeygang where you can have a spectacular view of Thimphu valley. Visit nunnery in Zulikha. Visit the Wood Craft and Painting school where traditional arts and crafts are still kept alive through the instructions of painting and curving. Visit the Handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts and crafts are displayed and can be purchased. Visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved.
Overnight in Hotel in Thimphu

Day 3. THIMPHU – PUNAKHA

Drive to Punakha through Dochula Pass (3150m). On the way stop for a photo stop at Dochula Pass which is 26km away from Thimphu valley, and for Tea and snacks and to enjoy the most spectacular view of eastern Himalayan snow capped Mountains and also the great view of Gasa Dzong at a distance (If weather is clear). Lunch in Dochula cafeteria.
The journey continues through varying scenes of greenery all the way to Punakha. Visit Punakha town. The Punakha Dzong lies between two great rivers with the wonderful view of Punakha Dzong. The names of the rivers are Phochu (Male River) and Mochu (Female River). This Dzong serves as the winter residence for the Je Khenpo, Chief Abbot of the Central Monastic Body and also the office of the district Administration and where the festival takes place.
Over night: Hotel in Punakha

Day 4 – Day 8 WITNESS THE FESTIVAL

Religious festivals known as 'Tsechus' and 'Dromchoes' symbolizing amity, peace and compassion, are held annually at various parts of the kingdom at different times of the year. These vibrant festivals are a time for the people from various walks of life to come together decent in all their ceremonial dress. During the festival, rare and sacred masked dances, sword dances and many rituals are performed.

Day 9 PUNAKHA – GANGTEY VALLEY (Via Wangdue Phodrang)

In the morning drive to Wangdue Phodrang, visit its small town and Dzong and drive towards Gangtey valley which takes about 4 hours journey and it is a beautiful valley situated at an altitude of 3000m, this valley was open its route very recently. During winter one can see the endangered species of bird (Black Naked Crane). Lunch in Wangdue Phodrang.
Over night: Hotel in Phubjikha

Day 10 GANGTEY VALLEY – THIMPHU

In the morning walk around the valley which is very beautiful and has its own charms and drive to Thimphu, lunch in Dochula cafeteria.
Over night: Hotel in Thimphu

Day 11 THIMPHU - PARO – SIGHT SEEING

Early morning drive Paro and drive up to Satsam Chorten (10 km from Paro town) and from there walk up to Taktsang Monastery. The name Taktsang means "Tiger’s Nest ". The Monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff drop of nearly 4000 ft. and overlooks the Paro valley and the river. It is said that in the second half of the 8th century, Guru Padma Sambhava known as the second Buddha in Bhutan meditated on this spot where the Monastery is situated having alighted there on the back of a flying tigress, and visit some of the important religious site in Paro.
Picnic lunch at the Taktsang cafeteria. The round hike takes about 4 Hr. Overnight: Hotel in Paro.

Day 12. PARO – PARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT for departure

Early morning drive to Paro International Airport and your Bhutanese friends from Makalu Adventure will accompany you to bid farewell as you embark on your onward journey to back home.