Punakha Festival Itinerary

The flight to Paro offers one of the most spectacular views of all mountain flight. One can see Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, and the peaks in Bhutan such as Jhomolhari, Jichu Drakey and Tsherim Gang. The first gift from Bhutan will be cool, clean fresh air as you step out of the airplane. You will be received by our representative and transfer you to Hotel in Paro.  After lunch visit Ta Dzong former Watch Tower which now houses the National Museum and then visit Rinpung Dzong which houses the monastic school and the office of the civil administration and walk down passing close by crossing the Bhutanese typical wooden roofed bridge to Paro town, overnight at hotel.

After breakfast, drive to Punakha – approximately 4-hour drive through picturesque valleys and mountain slopes dotted with typical Bhutanese villages. From the Dochula pass, at over 10,000ft, vast panoramic views of the high snowcapped peaks of the Bhutanese Himalaya can be enjoyed on a clear day. Continue drive down into the Punakha valley. On the way visit ChhimiLhakhang – This was founded in 15 century by  Lama Dukpa Kinley also known as divine mad man. It is half hour walk across a local village and rice field. Everyone in this kingdom believes that the Lam’s blessings will help a woman conceive. After lunch will be leisure.

After breakfast drive to Thimphu. Later visit following places

Buddha Point/ Kuensel Phodang – Is the largest Buddha statue in the country, from there you can get a good view of the Thimphu valley.

– Changangkha Lhakhang – it is right above Thimphu Valley, this temple and a monastic school was established in the 12th century on a site chosen by Lama Phajo Drugom Shigpo.

– Motithang Takin Preserve – houses the rare national animal of Bhutan. Takin is listed by international   conservation agencies as a vulnerable species and it is a rare animal found only in Bhutan, Nepal and Burma.

– Traditional Medicine Institute – In Bhutan, equal emphasis is given to both allopathic and traditional medicines. The rich herbal medicines made up from medicinal plants are prepared and dispensed here.

– National Institute for Zorig Chusum – or the school of Arts and crafts is an institute where student undertake a six year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan.

– Folk Heritage Museum – the house replicates a traditional farmhouse and is furnished as it would have been about a century ago.

– Weaving center, Changzamtog

– Bhutanese Paper factory and Overnight at hotel