Wangdiphodrang Festival (9 Days)
Day 1: Arrival by Druk-air – Paro
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 you and help you with the visa and other formalities and drive you to hotel. Overnight in hotel.
Day 2: Paro – Sightseeing
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. Lunch at Ta Dzong, former Watch Tower which now houses the National Museum and then walk down passing close by the Paro Dzong, crossing the typical Bhutanese wooden roofed bridge to Paro town. After a short stroll in town drive back to hotel for the night halt.
Day 3: Paro – Thimphu
Drive to Thimphu following the winding road through villages, following the Paro River till the confluence till you meet the Thimphu River. Follow the Thimphu River till you reach the capital. En route visit the Simtokha Dzong which now houses the school for national language, Dzongkha. Stroll in the town. Overnight in hotel.
Day 4: Thimphu – Sightseeing
Full day in sightseeing of the Thimphu valley. Visit the Memorial Chorten built in memory of the Late King, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the Father of Modern Bhutan. Then visit the National Library, Zelukha Nunnery and the post office. Shopping for souvenirs. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 5: Thimphu – Wangdiphodrang
Drive to Wangdiphodrang, which is about three hour’s journey. Witness the opening ceremony of the festival. Photography prohibited. Overnight in lodge or camp.
Day 6: Wangdiphodrang
Witness full day festival at the courtyard of the Dzong. Programmed list will be handed over to the visitors before the festival.
Day 7: Wangdiphodrang – Thimphu
Drive to Thimphu. En route visit Punakha Dzong, the old capital of Bhutan but only till the courtyard. On the way halt at Dochula pass (alt. 3,080 m) and enjoy the magnificent views of the snow clapped mountains, if the day is clear. Continue the drive to Thimphu. Overnight in hotel.
Day 8: Thimphu – Paro
After breakfast drive to Satsam Chorten. From here hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) till the viewpoint only which will take about 2 hours. Lunch at the Taktsang cafeteria. After lunch hike back till the road point where the vehicle will meet you and drive you back to the hotel for refreshment. Overnight in hotel.
Day 9: Paro Airport for Departure
After early breakfast drive to the Airport for departure by Druk-air.