{"id":1640,"date":"2017-12-13T09:38:26","date_gmt":"2017-12-13T09:38:26","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.bespokebhutantours.com\/?page_id=1640"},"modified":"2019-09-14T12:39:52","modified_gmt":"2019-09-14T12:39:52","slug":"paro-festival-2018","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"http:\/\/www.bespokebhutantours.com\/?page_id=1640","title":{"rendered":"Paro Festival"},"content":{"rendered":"

Paro Festival – 8 nights\/ 9 days Paro festival tour \u2013\u00a0April 4, 2020 – April 8, 2020<\/strong><\/p>\n

Day 1 <\/strong>: Fly to Paro transfer to Thimphu <\/strong><\/p>\n

Arrive in Paro in Western Bhutan. You will be met at the airport by your Bhutanese guide and driver for the 1.5 hour drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan.<\/p>\n

There are many places of interest to visit in Thimphu, including the National Textile Museum, Traditional Painting School, traditional paper making factory, Thimphu dzong and the National Memorial Chorten.<\/p>\n

Outside Thimphu the Buddha Dordenma sits on a hillside overlooking the city, with striking views over the Thimphu Valley.<\/p>\n

Overnight Galingka hotel, or similar<\/em><\/p>\n

Day 2 : Thimphu<\/strong><\/p>\n

Today, we will visit sites in and around Thimphu. Suggestions include the Tara temple and Astrology School.\u00a0 We can also do a short hike (1-2 hours) to temples in the Thimphu Valley, including Cheri and Tango monasteries. Since we are in Thimphu on the weekend, you may like to visit the weekend market, where the Bhutanese come to buy their fresh produce.<\/p>\n

Overnight Galingka hotel, or similar<\/em><\/p>\n

Day 3 :<\/strong>\u00a0Drive Thimphu to the Punakha Valley, 3 hours<\/strong><\/p>\n

From Thimphu, we continue east, via the Dochu La road pass. On a clear day, there are stunning views of the snow-covered Eastern Himalayas from the pass. There is a caf\u00e9 here where we can stop to take in the views.<\/p>\n

On the way to the hotel, we will stop to visit Chimi Lhakhang, the Temple of the Divine Madman, built in honour of one of Bhutan\u2019s best loved saints.<\/p>\n

Overnight: Drup Chu hotel, or similar<\/em><\/p>\n

Day 4 :<\/strong>\u00a0Punakha Valley<\/strong><\/p>\n

Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan.\u00a0 We will spend today exploring the Punakha Valley, including the magnificent dzong (pictured right) and Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery, which is set on a hillside overlooking the valley.<\/p>\n

Overnight: Drup Chu hotel, or similar<\/em><\/p>\n

Day 5 : Punakha Valley<\/strong><\/p>\n

This morning, we will do a 45 minute hike to the Khamsum Yaling Namgyel Stupa, on a hillside above the Punakha Valley.<\/p>\n

Options for this afternoon include a picnic lunch by the river, white water rafting or a game of archery or darts.<\/p>\n

Overnight: Drup Chu hotel, or similar<\/em><\/p>\n

Day 6 : Drive Punakha to the Paro Valley, 5 hours<\/strong><\/p>\n

After breakfast we will drive back to Paro. En route, we will stop to visit Simtokha Dzong, on the outskirts of Thimphu.<\/p>\n

This afternoon, enjoy free time in Paro town, where you can explore the many souvenir shops along the main street, or grab a coffee and cake in one of the newly opened cafes.<\/p>\n

Overnight hotel: Zhiwa Ling, Paro Valley<\/em>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Day 7 : Paro Tsechu (festival)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Join locals at the Paro Tsechu, the annual Buddhist festival, held in the dzong. This afternoon, relax at the hotel or enjoy a short walk through the Paro Valley.<\/p>\n

Overnight hotel: Zhiwa Ling, Paro Valley<\/em><\/p>\n

Day 8 : Tiger\u2019s Nest, Paro Valley<\/strong><\/p>\n

After breakfast, we will hike up to Tiger\u2019s Nest monastery, perched on a cliff face, 800m above the Paro valley.\u00a0 According to legend this is where Guru Rinpoche landed on the back of a flying tigress, bringing Buddhism to Bhutan for the first time. \u00a0We will visit several temples in the monastery complex, before starting our descent back down to the Paro Valley, where our car will be waiting.<\/p>\n

In the afternoon, relax at the hotel or visit sites in and around Paro town.<\/p>\n

If you would like, we can arrange a traditional hot stone bath in a rural farmhouse.<\/p>\n

Overnight hotel: Zhiwa Ling, Paro Valley<\/em><\/p>\n

Day 9 <\/strong>: International departure<\/strong><\/p>\n

Breakfast in the hotel, followed by departure for your international flight.<\/p>\n

Notes<\/strong><\/p>\n

This itinerary is intended as a guide only. We can change the program to accommodate your preferences, where possible. Walking and driving times and distances stated are approximate and may vary with individual fitness and interests and with road and weather conditions.<\/p>\n

Included:<\/strong><\/p>\n