Trongsa Festival - 11 Days

Landing in the heart of the Himalaya is like nowhere in the world. On arrival received by HBT representative and extend a warm welcome in Bhutanese traditional way. Transfer to Thimphu, approximately an hour’s drive. Upon arrival we will check into the hotel, after lunch, we will visit National Memorial Chorten, the stupa built in the memory of late 3rd king. Further, we will proceed to visit the National Textile Museum, Zhorig Chusum, the school where 13 different arts are practiced and learned. We will also hop into nearby Folk Heritage Museum and perhaps time to stroll the main street for some interesting Himalayan artifacts or textiles. Overnight in Thimphu. Altitude 2400m.

After our leisurely breakfast, we will head to the north end of the valley to view Trashi Chhoe Dzong and further north to hike to Cheri Goenpa. The hike takes about 45 mins one way to reach the temple and trail passes through beautiful cantilever bridge and forest creating the chance to see birds and wild animals some time. This is the monastery where the first monastic body was established in the Kingdom. Back in town to explore some of the remaining sites like traditional paper making center, takin’s mini zoo and weaving center. Overnight in Terma Linca Resort & spa.

After breakfast, we will proceed to the festival site and witness the most interesting annual Trongsa (Tsechu) for the whole day. Festivals are preformed to honor Buddhist saint Guru Rimpoche who brought Buddhism in the country in the 7th century. Tse meaning date and chu meaning tenth are performed annually in all the districts coinciding with the tenth day of the Bhutanese calendar. Interesting and colorful mask dances are shown publicly in an open ground especially in the courtyard of the fortress, “The Dzong”, where all people gather to witness the dances. Witnessing the Tsechu is believed to accumulate the good deeds and help us to ride of the sins committed in the past. This is also a wonderful opportunity to click the Bhutanese in the best outfit with the most expensive garments and jewelry. Don’t miss to witness the unique festivals of Bhutan. Overnight in Trongsa.

After breakfast, we will proceed to the festival site and witness the most interesting annual Trongsa (Tsechu) for the whole day. Festivals are preformed to honor Buddhist saint Guru Rimpoche who brought Buddhism in the country in the 7th century. Tse meaning date and chu meaning tenth are performed annually in all the districts coinciding with the tenth day of the Bhutanese calendar. Interesting and colorful mask dances are shown publicly in an open ground especially in the courtyard of the fortress, “The Dzong”, where all people gather to witness the dances. Witnessing the Tsechu is believed to accumulate the good deeds and help us to ride of the sins committed in the past. This is also a wonderful opportunity to click the Bhutanese in the best outfit with the most expensive garments and jewelry. Don’t miss to witness the unique festivals of Bhutan. Overnight in Trongsa.

After our leisurely breakfast, we will hike to Chimi Lhakhang, temple of fertility which is associates with religious arts of phallus and after descending back down from Dochula, we will follow our way back up the dramatic Wang Chu and Paro Chu river valleys, before crossing through Paro town towards the north end of the valley. Here, set in a pine forest, you will find the Amankora lodge and its spa. We take an opportunity for a quick stroll to the nearby ruins Dzong. Evenings enjoy the facility of aman soaking yourself into the culture, spa or perhaps enjoy the Bhutanese movies that aman provides. Overnight in Paro. Altitude 2200m.

After our leisurely breakfast, we will check out from the hotel and visit watch town recently converted into Trongsa Museum. En-route we will stop at the weaving center, which is famous in the region. Evening we will explore the tiny Jakar town. Overnight in Amankora, Jakar. Altitude 2650m.

Visit Jampay Lakhang, one of the first 2 Buddhist temples built in the country. This is the home of the naked dance that is still performing annually. Visit Kurjey temple, the site where royals are cremated, one can either walk cross the suspension bridge and visit the village of Parar and Tamshing or drive there. End your day with a walk passing by the Swiss farm. Evening stroll in Jakar town and try some local pancake and noodles. Overnight in Jakar, altitude 2650m.

Today we will have an early departure for the lengthy drive to Phobjikhakha, the valley of black-necked cranes. Upon entering the valley we will pay homage to Gangtey Gonpa before checking into the resort. If time permits we will take a beautiful walk or bike around the feeder road of Phobjikha valley meeting locals and students. Evening we may enjoy talking tales of Yeti as it is very famous in the black mountain region. Overnight in Farm House in Phobjikha. Altitude 2900m.

Check out from the hotel after our breakfast and retrace our drive back to Paro via, Wangdue, Dochula, and Thimphu. On arrival in Paro, we will visit the national museum of Bhutan and Paro dzong. Evening we will explore the tiny Paro town. Overnight in Paro. Altitude 2200m.

Early morning after our delicious breakfast drive to the north end of Paro valley and hike to Tiger Nest Temple. The hike to Tiger’s Nest will take most of our day. The temple is one of the most renowned temples in the Buddhist world one of the ten most visit sites before we die. This is the most revolted temple in the country that literally hangs on a granite cliff overlooking the Paro Valley at 900m above the valley. En-route visit Kichu Lhakhang, one from the 2 oldest Buddhist temples in the country, historic Drukgyal Dzong (Fortress) and Evening at leisure. Overnight in Paro.