Mongar Festival (11 Days)
Day 1: Arrival by Druk-air
During this journey, one will experience breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Kanchen Junga and other Himalayan Peaks including sacred Jhomolhari and Mount Jichu Drakey in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport the representative of Bhutan Takin Trails will receive and help you with the arrival formalities and you will be transferred to hotel through the enchanting valley of Paro. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 2: Paro – Thimphu
Drive through the winding road northwest up the Pa Chu to Drugyel Dzong, the ruined Fort (destroyed by fire in 1951.) which once defended this valley from the Tibetan invasion. From here one can have the view of sacred Mt. Jhomolhari on clear days. On the way back make a visit to a typical Bhutanese farmhouse and stop for a view of Taktsang (tiger’s nest) Monastery where the saint Guru Padma-sambhava landed on the flying tiger and mediated there. After lunch drive to Thimphu, en route visit Ta Dzong, the national Museum. The drive to Thimphu takes around two hours along the winding road, which follows the Paro River downstream and subsequently the Thimphu River up stream till you reach the capital. Overnight in hotel.
Day 3: Thimphu – Wangdiphodrang
After breakfast drive for a visit to the National Memorial Chorten, built in the memory of the Late King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the father of modern Bhutan. Visit the Handicraft Emporium and the National Library. After lunch drive to Wangdiphodrang. Overnight in lodge/camp.
Day 4: Wangdiprodrang – Bumthang
After breakfast drive to Bumthang which crosses two passes, Pelela and Yotongla, passing Trongsa after Pelela. Pack lunch will be served on the way. Drive pass Trongsa and reach Bumthang. Overnight in hotel/camp.
Day 5: Jakar – Sightseeing
After breakfast drive around the valley for sightseeing. Visit the courtyard of Kurji Lhakhang, Jampel Lhakhang, Tamshing Lhakhang, Konchog Sum Lhakhang and visit the Swiss farm. After lunch, walk around the town. Overnight in hotel/camp.
Day 6: Jakar – Mongar
After early breakfast drive to Mongar, which is 192 km. En route if time permits, visit the Ura Lhakhang. Pack lunch will be served on the way. Overnight at Guest/camp. Alt. 1,550 m.
Day 7: Mongar Festival
Witness the festival for the full day at the Dzong with lunch break in between. Photography is prohibited. Overnight in guest house/camp.
Day 8: Mongar Festival
Witness the festival for the whole day. Photography is allowed. Overnight in guest house/camp
Day 9: Mongar – Tashigang
Morning witness the festival. After lunch drive to Tashigang which is three hours journey. Overnight in Guest house/camp.
Day 10: Tashigang Samdrup Jongkhar
After breakfast drive to Samdrup Jongkhar, the town bordering with the Indian State of Assam in the east. On the way visit the Zangdopelri Lhakhang at Kanglung. Pack lunch will be served on the way. On arrival at Samdrup Jongkhar visit the Zangdo Pelri Lhakhang there. Overnight in Guest house/camp.
Day 11 Samdrup Jongkhar – Guwahati
After breakfast drive to catch the connecting flight with the Indian Airlines for Delhi/Calcutta.