Bhutan Dragon Festival Tour
Duration
11 Nights - 12 Days
Locations
Arrival and Stay in Paro, Bhutan - Jakar - Chumey & Trongsa - Gangtey - Phobjikha Valley - Punakha & Wangdue - Thimphu Valley - Paro
Overview
The Kingdom of Bhutan is one of the world’s little known treasures. Here in the “Land of the Thunder Dragon,” quality of life is measured in terms of Gross National Happiness, instead of material success – though Bhutanese live comfortable, serene lives. Until quite recently this tiny country remained in splendid isolation, dedicated to preserving its rich Buddhist traditions and pristine landscapes. Small number of guests each year, visit to discover Bhutan’s natural and cultural wonders.
On this Dragon festival trip, you will attend at least one or multiple colourful festivals, and get insight into Bhutanese culture and tradition, while visiting its unique fortresses, monasteries and ancient temples. On few occasions, your dinners will be hosted by local families. We’ll visit local farms, villages, schools and have an opportunity to meet and learn from locales.
First introduced in 2001, Dragon Festival Tour has be modified slightly each year, to keep up with changing conditions. As the Road Widening Project has somewhat slowed the driving, this year, we added one internal flight and one extra day to allow good pace of the tour, without feeling that too much time is spent on the road. Join us on this definitive Cultural immersion Journey, among ancient monasteries and temples, Himalayan peaks and glacial rivers, rare flora and fauna and extraordinary people. We assure you that this will be one of your most memorable trip.
Itinerary
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Day 1 & 2 : Arrival and stay in Paro, BhutanUpon arrival by flight into Paro airport, meet/ greet and transfer to the hotel, where we spend two nights. Serene Paro at 7,500ft is one of Bhutan’s most fertile and most beautiful valley.
- Day 3 & 4 : Jakar (Bumthang)
A short, and scenic flight whisks into Bumthang, the spiritual and cultural heartland of the Kingdom.
- Day 5 : Chumey & Trongsa
A short drive takes us over to Chumey valley. Continuing on across Youtongla pass, arrive at Trongsa, a small town, perched above a gorge, high above the Mangdechu river with a most spectacularly sited Dzong. Normally a 3hr journey, the current road condition is likely to take more, and hence it is also a necessary stop.
- Day 6 : Gangtey - Phobjikha Valley
Phobjikha or Gangtey is a wide glacial valley with a central stream meandering through the open grassland and thickets of dwarf bamboo. Farmlands occupy the peripheral slopes where potatoes and turnips are grown. The central area is a marsh land protected as habitat for wildlife. At 2900m, this is the highest night halt on your journey. The valley is a protected (Conservation) area and is both scenically and culturally worthwhile.
- Day 7 & 8 : Punakha and Wangdue
Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang two separate towns, but they are located nearby like twin towns. The valley is at a lower elevation of about 1250m above sea level and therefore it enjoys subtropical climate; with warm summers and pleasant winters. Cactuses, Mandarin, and Bananas, Guava, grow alongside rice crops, in terraced fields, gently slopping down the hillsides; one of the most delightful sight to see.
- Day 9 & 10 : Thimpu Valley
En-route, enjoy the panorama of snow capped peaks, including the highest mountain in Bhutan from Dochula pass, over a cuppa. Then spend the next two nights in a comfortable hotel, and visit Thimpu, which is still the most relaxed capital in the world, without any traffic lights ! In addition to its many attractions, you will have time for shopping, to go the post-office to send off Postcards, see an archery match and colorful farmer's market.
- Day 11 : Thimpu - Paro (Hike to takstang)
Our journey in Kingdom culminates into a hike to iconic Taktsang (tiger’s nest) monastery, the most famous site in Bhutan. Drive short distance to Paro and begin this famous hike, for which you can also hire a riding horses.
- Day 12 : Departure
After breakfast transfer to Paro airport according to your flight times