10-Day Padtshelling Kuchey

Welcome to Bhutan! After landing at Paro, you will be greeted by your guide and transferred to Thimphu. Today is designed for you to acclimatize to the altitude with a relaxed pace.

You will check in to your hotel and enjoy your first taste of authentic Bhutanese cuisine. If time allows, you will begin your light sightseeing tour. You can visit the National Memorial Chorten, the magnificent Thimphu Dzong, and the towering Buddha Point at Kuensel Phodrang for spectacular views of the Thimphu Valley.

Today, we journey to Punakha, the ancient capital. The drive takes you through picturesque pine and cedar forests. Along the way, you'll cross the Dochula Pass, adorned with 108 memorial stupas, offering panoramic mountain views.

You'll also take a short, 20-minute walk through terraced fields to Chhimi Lhakhang, a small temple known as a fertility shrine, built in the 15th century.

Today, you will travel from Punakha to Trongsa, the sacred heart of Bhutan. You'll cross the Pelela Pass, which separates western and central Bhutan, with views of grazing yaks and expansive meadows.

You'll also stop to admire the impressive Wangdue Phodrang Dzong and the Chendebji Chorten, a 19th-century stupa built in the Nepalese style.

Bumthang is known as the spiritual heartland of Bhutan. Today is dedicated to experiencing the vibrant festivals of the region. You will have the unique opportunity to attend both the Jambay Lhakhang Drup and the Prakhar Tshechu.

During the day, you will witness traditional masked dances, cultural rituals, and the transmission of Bhutanese spiritual traditions. If time allows, you can also explore some of the valley's scenic spots and historic temples.

Today, you will visit the tranquil Ura Valley. The drive to Ura takes you through lush conifer forests and pastures, offering a serene escape into Bhutanese rural life.

You will also get a spectacular view of Mount Gangkhar Puensum, the world's highest unclimbed peak. The day includes a visit to the Ura Monastery and the quaint Shingkhar Village. You will also visit the sacred Membartsho (The Burning Lake), where Guru Padmasambhava is said to have discovered hidden treasures.

On the way to Gangtey, you will enter the Phobjikha Valley, a remote glacial valley and the winter home of the elegant Black-necked Cranes. You'll have an opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking views and peaceful environment.

Overlooking the valley is Gangtey Gonpa, a significant 17th-century monastery. Today, you will also enjoy short hikes in Phobjikha, taking in the natural beauty of the valley.

Today, you will travel from the serene Phobjikha Valley to the culturally rich Paro Valley. You'll visit the impressive Paro Dzong, a 15th-century fortress that also serves as the administrative center of the district.

You'll also explore the Ta Dzong, which was converted into the National Museum in 1968. The museum houses an impressive collection of antique paintings, textiles, and other artifacts that showcase Bhutanese heritage.

Today, you'll take a scenic drive to Haa Valley via Chele La Pass, the highest motorable pass in Bhutan, offering panoramic views of both Paro and Haa Valleys.

You will explore Haa Valley and visit Katsho Village and the local temple, Katsho Lhakhang. Since there are no tourist-standard hotels in Haa, you will return to Paro for the night.

In the morning, you'll drive to the ruins of Drukgyal Dzong, an impressive fortress built in 1647. Its evocative ruins stand as a powerful reminder of Bhutan's military victories and glorious past.

Afterward, you'll hike to the iconic Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), a sacred site where Guru Padmasambhava is believed to have flown. The day concludes with a visit to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples.

Today, we bid a fond farewell to the beautiful Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan. After breakfast, you will be transferred to Paro International Airport for your early flight.

We hope your journey has been filled with unforgettable memories, new friendships, and countless photographs. Thank you for choosing our Bhutan Festival Tours!