Punakha Tshechu

8 Days /7 Nights of Bhutan Festival Tour

Punakha is located in the western part of Bhutan and is the winter home of the Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot of Bhutan. Punakha has been of critical importance since the time of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 17th century.

Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal is known as the unifier of Bhutan as a nation state and he was the one who gave Bhutan and its people the distinct cultural identity that separates Bhutan from the rest of the world.

During 17th century Bhutan was invaded several times by Tibetan forces seeking to seize a very precious relic, the Ranjung Kharsapani. Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal led the Bhutanese to victory over the Tibetans and to commemorate the triumph he introduced the Punakha Drubchen. Since then Punakha Drubchen (also known as Puna Drubchen) became the annual festival of Punakha Dzongkhag.

The Punakha Drubchen is a unique festival because it hosts a dramatic recreation of the scene from the 17th century battle with Tibetan army. The ‘pazaps’ or local militia men, dressed in traditional battle gear and re-enact the ancient battle scene. This re-enactment harkens back to the time when in the absence of a standing army, men from the eight Tshogchens or great village blocks of Thimphu came forward and managed to expel the invading forces from the country. Their victory ushered in a period of new-found internal peace and stability.

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Day 1: Arrival in the Airport

• Our representative will greet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel.
• Visit Drugyel Dzong (now under reconstruction), you can also catch a glimpse of Mt Jomolhari.
• Dinner and overnight stay in hotel in Paro.

Food and accommodation will be according to your reservations.

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Day 2: Excursion to Paro Taktshang

• After breakfast, commence your journey towards Taktshang. Also known as the Tiger’s Nest. It is the most visited tourist destination in Bhutan.
• After lunch visit Paro Rinpung Dzong and Ta Dzong (the National Museum)

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Day 3: Paro to Punakha

• After breakfast, drive to Punakha.
• On the way to Punakha, visit Royal Botanical Park in LamPelri. Halt in Dochula pass for photography.
• After crossing lobesa visit Chimmi Lhakhang.
• Dinner and overnight stay in Hotel in Punakha.

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Day 4: Punakha Tshechu

• After Breakfast , attend the Punakha Tshechu
• After lunch, visit the Punakha Dzong, and the suspension Bridge of Punakha.
• Dinner and overnight stay in hotel in Punakha.

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Day 5 : Punakha To Phobjikha

• After an early breakfast , drive towards Phobjikha
• Lunch will be served in hotel in Phobjikha
• Visit Gangtey lhakhang in the afternoon
• Dinner and overnight stay in hotel in Phobjikha.

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Day 6 : Phobjikha to Thimphu

• After an early breakfast start your journey towards Thimphu
• Dinner and overnight stay in Thimphu

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Day 7: Thimphu to Paro

• After breakfast, visit Kuensel Phodrang, where the largest statue of sitting Buddha is located overlooking the capital city of Thimphu. Visit the Takin preservation center in Mothithang , on the way to Mothithang visit changgangkha lhakang.
• After lunch, visit Thimphu memorial chorten and Centenary Park.
• In the evening drive to Paro and Check into the hotel and rest for the day..

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Day 8 :  Airport Departure

After breakfast, drive to the airport and farewell.