Bhutan: Wangdue & Thimphu Tsechu Festival
Saturday 16 September – Friday 29 September 2023
Bhutan: Wangdue & Thimphu Tsechu Festival
Saturday 16 September – Friday 29 September 2023
Tashi Delek! Join in the Wangdue & Thimphu Festivals in Bhutan - known as the land of the thunder dragon lies nestled in the eastern Himalayas, landlocked between the world’s giant nations India, China, and Nepal. Untouched by the modern world, Bhutan is a majestic mountain kingdom in green valleys, rich forests and through high mountain passes. The Bhutanese known to be the most charming and welcoming will be showing you their pure Buddhist and traditional way of life, where Gross National Happiness is more important than gross domestic product.
14 days
Day 1 : To Delhi
Fly to Delhi. Please contact us for a quote for International flights to Delhi.
Day 2 : Delhi
Arrive Delhi in the morning. Meeting, assistance on arrival and transfer to Hotel Oberoi Maidens for overnight stay. In the afternoon take rickshaw ride through old Delhi and a guided tour of the Red Fort. Overnight at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3 : To Punakha
Transfer to Delhi airport and fly to Paro in the morning. The flight to Paro offers one of the most spectacular views of the Himalayas. Meeting, assistance on arrival and transfer to Punakha across the Do Chula Pass that offers the most spectacular view over the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas on a clear day.
Overnight in Punakha.
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Day 4 : To Gangtey
After breakfast depart for Gangtey. The road to Gangtey/Phobjikha Valley passes through an oak and rhododendron woodland. , Phobjikha is one of Bhutan’s few glacial valleys and the preferred home of black necked cranes migrating from the Central Asian Plateau. Explore the green protected Valley.
Overnight stay in Gangtey (Altitude 2900mm)
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Day 5 : Gangtey
Visit Gangtey Goempa and in the afternoon take the beatiful Gangtey Nature trail, and visit the Khewa Lhakhang, situated on the eastern side of the Phobjikha Valley, built by Tibetan sculptors in Tibetan style. Inside there are 3 statues of past, present, and future Buddhas. B, L, D
Day 6 : To Punakha
Today we head back to Punakha visiting Wanduephoradand Dzong (built in 1638). Visit to the magnificent Punakha Dzong, built strategically at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637, by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative center of the region.
Enjoy a visit to the Chimi Lhakhang, known as the temple of fertility where couples come to pray for a child. The trail leades across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana (field).
Overnight in Punakha (Altitude 1400m).
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Day 7 : Wangue Festival
Enjoy the first day of the Wangdue Festival, this year for the first time it will be held inside the newly restored Dzong (Monastary). The festival which is said to take place since the early 17th Century, marks a special occassion for the Bhutanese across the country gather in their best clothes, watch the mesmorising masked dances which seek to subdue the evil spirits and seek blessing from the gods.
Hike up through the fields of chilies and cabbages to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a stunning monuments recently built by the Queens and consecrated in 1999.
Visit Sangchen Dorji Lhendup Nunnery, perched on a ridge amid pine trees housing a permanent higher learning centre for nuns, where apart from religious traning, it provides life skilll training such as tailoring, embroidery, statue making and thangka painting. Interact withe the nuns and get an insight into their daily life.
Overnight in Punakha/Wangdue.
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Day 8 : Wangue Festival
Witness the second day of the Wangdue Tshechu, local village women singhing and dancing, archery bouts taking places where local men show off their skills.
In the afternoon visit to the Punakha Dzong, built strategicall at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637, by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative centre of the region.
Overnight in Punakha/Wangdue.
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Day 9 : To Thimphu
Drive to Bhutan's capital city of Thimphy and visit the Takin Reserve of Bhutan's preserved national animal upon arrival. Overflowing with serenity, the wildlife here is exquisite, like no other.
Visit the Buddha point (Kuensel Phograng) with a panoramic view of the Thimphu Valley. On the way you can enjoy the Changangkha Nature Trail.
Take an exploratory walk around Thimphu's Main Street and market area and visit the local crafts Bazaar and browse through some of Bhutan's finest traditional art.
Overnight stay in Thimphu.
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Day 10 : Thimphu Festival
Join in the festivities at Thimphu Tsechu - one of the grandest of Bhutan's festivals adn attracts the largest audidence.
In the afternoon visit the Textile Museum, which houses an outstanding display of Bhutanese textiles and costumes which reflect the diversity of the weaving and embroidery traditions found in Bhutan. In the nearby Textile Academy, there should be the opportunity to see students weaving or carrying out conservation projects. Nearby is a row of textile and craft shops - perfect opportunity to pick up some souvenirs.
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Day 11 : To Paro
After a leisurely breakfast we depart for Paro.
In the afternoon, we visit the imposing Rinpung Dzong ‘fortress on a heap of jewels’, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Nawang Namgyal. Housed in the Dzong’s ancient watchtower is the National Museum which not only contains works of art but also handcrafted objects of daily life, costumes, armour and even stamps. There is also a section devoted to Bhutanese dance and one on the flora and fauna. Continue over a charming cantilever bridge and return to Paro town, where there may be an opportunity to see an archery competition. Archery is the national sport of Bhutan and involves skilled marksmanship; dancing and singing.
Then a walk down, followed by a visit to the Kyichu Lhakhang. This temple was originally constructed in the 7 th century as a geomantic temple and is today one of the most sacred shrines in the kingdom.
Overnight stay in Paro.
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Day 12 : Paro
Today hike up to the Taktshang, Bhutan’s iconic landmark, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. Tragically damaged by fire in 1998, it has now been restored to its former glory.
Stop over in the town for last minute souvenir shopping. Overnight in Paro.
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Day 13 : To Delhi
Transfer to Paro airport for the short flight to Delhi. Meeting, assisstance on arrival and transfer to Oberoi Maidens. Overnight in Delhi. B
Day 14 : To London
Departure India.
Why not extend your stay in India? Contact us for options.
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Itinerary map
Prices
| Price per person (Double/Twin share) |
|---|
| £4,119.00 |
- International flights from Delhi-Paro-Delhi.
- Accommodation in charming hertiage hotels with ensuite facilities.
- Meals: Delhi on breakfast basis. Full Board in Bhutan.
- All transfers and sightseeing as per the itinerary
- Accompanying English speaking guide
- Governmental royalty and taxes
- Entrance fees
- Bhutan Visa Fee
- International flights to and from Delhi
- Visa for India
- Travel Insurance
- Any expense of a personal nature
- Tips & Gratuities
*Travel Insurance
It is essential to have adequate insurance in place before your departure. This should be appropriate for your age, health and destination you are visiting.
• Make sure it includes comprehensive medical and repatriation cover.
• Make sure it provides cover for your whole trip (whether one day or over a year).
• Make sure it covers you for all activities.
• Disclose pre-existing medical conditions.
• Take your policy number and the 24-hour emergency contact numbers with you.
If you have any doubts about your cover, check with your insurer. Please note Covid-19 cover is now available.
For a competitive quotation please click here
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K Bennet - India & Nepal HolidayJust to say a very big thank you for arranging our wonderful holiday in Nepal. We had a marvellous time and were so beautifully looked after. The magnificence of the mountains together with the kindness and consideration of everyone we met hopefully will call us back before too long. 10 days was just too short.
