Prakhar Duchhoed
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- Duration of Tour : 11 Days
Prakhar festival is the main festival for the people living in Chhumey, Bumthang which is located in the Central Bhutan. Several masked dances which has deep Buddhist roots are performed by the monastic body as well as the laymen from the locality. ‘Tshechu’ or the festival is always held in the great honor of Guru Padmasambhawa who is credited to have introduced Tantric Buddhism throughout the country.
Day 1 and 2: Paro to Thimphu – Halt in Thimphu
Arrival at Paro International Airport: You will be greeted by one of our guides as you exit the Airport and will drive you to Thimphu which is about an hour drive through the mystical mountains.
Motithang Takin Preserve: Takin is the national animal of Bhutan. It is a very unique animal which is found only in the Eastern Himalayas. Local people believe that Takin was created after fusing a goat and a sheep after a magical stunt by a great Buddhist Saint.
Buddha View Point: Buddha Dordenma statue sits at 169 feet tall and this bronze statue can be seen from just about anywhere in Thimphu. One of the largest statues in the world depicting a seated Buddha, it is the perfect place to enjoy stunning and beautiful panoramic views of the city.
National Memorial Chorten: A national memorial monument built in honor of the late Third King of Bhutan, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk.
Thimphu Tashichho Dzong: the magnificent fortress of Thimphu which back in the days was used as the center for administrative and monastic functions.
Jungshi Hangmade Paper Factory: you will witness the art of traditional paper making.
Simtokha Dzong: this is the oldest fortress of Bhutan and it is believed to have been built to imprison a demon that was terrorizing the locality.
Craft Bazaar: This is a place for you to see the different handicrafts and souvenirs of Bhutan.
Day 3: Thimphu to Punakha – Halt at Punakha
- Dochula Pass: Incredible 360 degrees view of the Himalayas can be seen from the Dochula Pass. It is also where the 108 Druk Wangyel Chortens are located.
- Punakha Dzong: This fortress of Punakha sits in between two rivers and was the ancient second capital of Bhutan. Punakha Dzong is a significant monument in the history of Bhutan.
- Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten: An exemplary monastery depicting the art and architecture of Bhutan took nine years to build.
Day 4 to 6: Punakha to Bumthang – Halt at Bumthang
- Prakhar Festival: For the next 2-3 days, you will witness the unique Prakhar festival which is full of mask dances and cultural showcasing which dates back to the ancient times. The festival has deep Buddhist meanings which your guide will explain in detail as you witness the festival.
- Bumthang Valley: Breathtaking Bumthang valley is located in central Bhutan and is the heartland of Buddhism.
- Kurje and Jambay Lhakang: Kurje Lhakang houses a rock that shows the great Buddhist Saint, Guru Rimpoche’s body imprint and Jambay Lhakhang dates back to 659 AD and is one of the oldest temples in the world.
- Jakar Dzong: Also known as the Castle of the White Bird, the fortress oversees the Chamkhar town.
Day 7 and 8: Bumthang to Gangtey – Halt at Gangtey
- Trongsa Dzong: The largest fortress located in central Bhutan is the Trongsa Dzong.
- Phobjikha Valley: The stunning vast valley of Gangtey is home to the endangered Black Necked Crane.
- Gangtey Goemba: This is a 17th century monatery and houses some of the ancient Tibetan architecture.
Day 9 and 10: Gangtey to Paro- Halt at Paro
- Paro Rinpung Dzong & National Museum: The fortress located on a hilltop oversees the Paro valley. Ta Dzong is also located just above the Rinpung Dzong and it is now the National Museum of Bhutan.
- Taktsang Monastery: Taktsang of the Tigress’s Nest is a world-famous monastery which is only accessible by foot. It is precariously built on a sharp cliff and it is about 2-3 hours hike from the base.
- Drugyal Dzong: Built in 1647, Drugyal Dzong is located in the northern part of Paro and holds historic significance as it was built to celebrate the victory of invading the Tibetan armies.
- Chelela Pass: This pass is the highest road pass in Bhutan at 3988 m above the sea level and divides Haa and Paro Valley. On a clear day, the great Mt Jomolhari can be seen.
Day 11: Depart from Paro
Once a rustic village sitting in a broad, fertile river valley, Thimphu is today the nation’s bustling capital. Enjoy a full day of sightseeing, including a visit to the National Memorial Chorten, completed by the Royal Queen Mother as a memorial stupa for the Third King who passed away in 1972. Continue on to 12th century Changangkha Temple, Zilukha Nunnery and The National Library housing the collection of Bhutanese scriptures dating back to the 8th century. If there is time, you may visit the nursing pen for the Takin, the national animal of Bhutan, and Tashichhodzong, ‘the fortress of the glorious religion’ housing some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body. If your visit to Thimphu coincides with the weekend, you can walk through the Thimphu Market (Open only from Friday until mid Sunday). Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.
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What's included (package)
- Bhutan visa fee
- Government royalty & taxes
- Dedicated English speaking tour guide
- Dedicated tour vehicle and driver
- 3-star accommodation (twin sharing)
- Daily 3 meals (B/L/D)
- Airport transfers
- Bottled water
- Entry fees to parks and monuments
What's Not included (package)
- Flights to and from Bhutan
- Personal expense/shopping
- Alcoholic Beverages
- 4 or 5 star hotel (extra charges will apply)
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guide and driver
2:39 pm,
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