Punakha Tshechu Festival Tour 2025

Punakha Tshechu Festival – Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Paro – Thimphu Sightseeing

• Upon arrival at Paro airport, you’ll be greeted and driven to Thimphu.
• En route, make a brief stop at Tamchog Monastery, built in 1420 by Thang Tong Gyalpo.
• Visit the memorial chorten in honor of Late His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.
• Explore the Kuensel Phodrang to see the tallest sitting Buddha statue and the craft bazaar.
• Conclude the day with a visit to Tashichho Dzong, the seat of the national government.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 2: Thimphu Sightseeing

• Begin the day with a visit to Changangkha Lhakhang, an ancient temple built in the 12th century.
• Explore the Takin Preserve Center, Sangay Gang viewpoint, and Dupthop Lhakhang.
• Enjoy lunch at Simply Bhutan and witness traditional Bhutanese dances.
• Visit the postal museum and the School of 13 Arts and Crafts in the afternoon.
• Evening free for leisurely exploration of the town.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 3: Thimphu – Gangtey

• Depart for Gangtey in the morning.
• Stop at Dochu la Pass to admire the panoramic views of the Himalayas.
• Continue to Wangdue Phodrang to visit the historic dzong built in 1638.
• Upon arrival in Gangtey, visit Gangtey Gompa monastery and the Black Necked Crane Information Center.
• Spend the evening exploring the picturesque Phobjikha valley, known for its black-necked cranes.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 4: Gangtey – Punakha Tshechu Festival

• Drive to Punakha in the morning to witness the Punakha Tshechu Festival 2024.
• Explore Punakha Dzong, the winter residence of Je Khenpo, the chief abbot of Bhutan.
• Enjoy an evening walk across the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan, offering breathtaking views of the Pho chu river.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 5: Punakha Tshechu Festival (Full Day)

• Spend the morning witnessing the vibrant Punakha Tshechu Festival.
• In the evening, embark on a hike to Khamsum Yulley Monastery, built by Her Majesty the Queen Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 6: Punakha Festival & Excursion to Talo Monastery

• Witness the Punakha Tshechu Festival in the morning.
• In the afternoon, embark on an excursion to Talo Monastery, founded in 1767.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 7: Punakha – Paro Sightseeing

• Depart for Paro in the morning.
• En route, visit Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the Temple of Fertility.
• Explore Ta Dzong, which houses the National Museum of Bhutan, and Rinpung Dzong.
• Enjoy the evening strolling through Paro town.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 8: Paro Sightseeing – Hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang)

• Begin the day with a drive to Satsam Chorten, followed by a thrilling 2-hour hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
• Legend has it that Guru Padma Sambhava, the tantric mystic who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan, flew to this site on the back of a flying tigress.
• Explore Drugyal Dzong, a historic fortress built in 1647, and Kichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples.
• Spend the evening leisurely strolling through Paro town, indulging in shopping and photography.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 9: Paro – Departure

• After breakfast, bid farewell to Bhutan as you drive to the airport for your departure, marking the end of the Festival tour.