Bhutan Folk Festival – Itinerary
Duration : 10 Nights / 11 Days (December 11-21, 2008)
Destinations:Paro-Thimpu-Punakha-Trongsa- Phobjikha-Thimphu-Paro
 Day 01: Arrive at Paro
Arrive Paro airport by Druk Air. Reception at the airport on arrival. Transfer to Thimphu, and check in at the hotel in Thimphu (Altitude: 7609 ft).
The flight to Paro is an exciting experience in itself overlooking the majestic Himalayas. It provides an amazing landing into the Kingdom. Head off to Thimphu, the lovely capital city of Bhutan.
Stay overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 02: Thimpu - Punkaha
Today after breakfast set out for Thimphu sightseeing. The important sights to visit in Thimphu include Trashichhodzong, National Library, Painting School, Traditional Medicine Institute, Textile & Folk Heritage Museum, Handicrafts Emporium and Memorial Chorten.
Later in the day head off to Punakha - the old capital of Bhutan. While on the way visit Dochula Pass which offers a panaroamic view of the valley (Altitude: 10,004 ft).
Overnight stay at the hotel in Punakha (Altitude: 4500 ft).
Day 03-05: Attend Folk Festival Tshechu
Tshechu is a 3-day long religious and cultural festival of Bhutan, it is believed one gains merit by attending it. The festival also is a riot of color where people come together to rejoice dressed in their local attires. Mask dances, archery, cuisine, dart and other local competitions are organized and winners are awarded with prizes. It's a great oppportunity to witness local lifestyles and interact with Bhutanese people.
Day 06: Punakha-Trongsa
After breakfast, drive to Dochula pass. You can see a range of majestic Himalayan peaks towards the north east including Masagang, Tsendagang, Terigang, Jejegangphugang, Kangphugang , Zongphugang - a table mountain that dominates the solitary region of Lunana – and finally Gangkar Puensum - the highest peak in Bhutan.
Further head onwards and arrive Wangduephodrang town for lunch. Proceed to Trongsa across Pelela pass (3,300 m ), the traditional boundary between east and west. The pass is marked by a large prayer flag and the ground is covered with high altitude dwarf bamboo. Halt enroute at Chendbji Chorten an 18th century structure by a Lama called Shida. Arrive Trongsa and check into the hotel.
 Day 07: Trongsa-Phubjikha
Today after early breakfast head off to Phobjikha climbing up and passing through semi–tropical dwarf bamboo and the rhododendron trees. Arrive in the broad glacial valley of Phobjikha (Gantey). See here a variety of mountain birds. Evening take a stroll around Gangtey village and visit Gangtey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan.
Overnight at Camp / Guest House at Phobjikha.
Day 08: Phobjikha-Thimphu
Proceed a fabulous drive back through Dochula Pass. Another chances to view the mountain ranges if weather permits. Make a short stop for hot tea or coffee at Cafeteria.
Day 09: Thimphu-Paro
Today you will start the day by visiting the National memorial chorten (shrine)- a monument dedicated to the third king of Bhutan. Visit Traditional Painting School - a school for Bhutan’s thirteen traditional arts and crafts. Stop in at National Library where ancient scrolls are preserved. Visit Textile Emporium. It is worth a dekko to get to know the living national art of weaving.
Later drive to Paro. Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 10: Paro
After breakfast, start the day with short drive to Paro’s upper valley. On a clear day, you’ll have an unforgettable view of the “Goddess” Mt. Chomolhari at 23,640 feet. Later drive to Taksang Monastery - the most famous monastery in Bhutan. Taksang means “Tiger's Nest” named so because Guru Rimpoche reportedly flew to the site on the back of a flying tiger late in the 8th century. Between blue pines and a bluer sky, the monastery perches miraculously on a cliff nearly 2,700 ft above Paro’s valley floor. Break along the way for tea and snacks in small tea house. Descend in distilled afternoon light to have a scrumptious dinner.
Overnight at Paro hotel.
Day 11 Paro - Delhi
Today, after a early breakfast, say goodbye to the land of peaceful dragon – the kingdom of Bhutan, and board a flight for onward destination.
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