Thangbi Mani Tshechu Festival 2024

Meet and greet at the Paro airport and drive to the Hotel.

In the afternoon, visit to:

– Ta dzong built in 1649, an ancient watch tower which now houses the national museum of Bhutan.
– Rinpung dzong built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The dzong presently functions as the administrative centre of Paro district.
In the evening, free to stroll in the town for shopping and photography.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

In the morning, drive to the airport for flight to Bumthang.

Meet & greet at the Badbalathang airport and drive to the Hotel.

In the afternoon, visit to:

– Jambay lhakhang built by king Srongtsen Gampo of Tibet in the year 659 on the same day as Kichu lhakhang in Paro. The temple is visited by Guru Rinpoche who came to Bhutan in the 8th century.
– Chakhar lhakhang was initially built as the palace of the Indian king, Sindhu Raja.
– Tamshing lhakhang established in 1501 by Pema Lingpa. It is the most important Nyingma monastery because of its direct connection to Terton Pema Lingpa (1450-1521) and his re-incarnations.
– Kurjey lhakhang where you can see the body-print of the Guru Rinpoche on the rock housed in this temple.

In the evening, free to stroll in the town.
Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

In the Morning, drive to witness the Thangbi Mani festival 2024 (Full Day).

In the evening, drive back to Bumthang and visit to:

– The Jakar dzong which means “The castle of white bird” was built in 1667 by the Tibetan Lama Nagi Wangchuk. The First King of Bhutan Sir Ugyen Wangchuck ruled Bhutan from here.
– Kenchosum lhakhang built in the 6th century and was renovated in 1995 and so it has a modern look to it. Legend has it that the lhakhang contained a large bell that when it was rung, the sound could be heard all the way in Lhasa, Tibet. During the 17th century, the invading Tibetan armies tried to steal the bell but because it was too heavy, they dropped the bell and in the process cracked it. It is now on display at the national museum in Paro.
Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

(Distance 40 km, Drive Time 1 hour drive).

In the morning, witness the Thangbi Mani festival 2024 (Half day).

In the afternoon, drive to the beautiful valley of Tang. On the way, visit to Mebar tsho or “The burning lake”.

– Mebar tsho or “The burning lake” is located along the way to the Tang valley. It is believed that Pema Lingpa discovered the treasures hidden in this lake by Guru Rinpoche.

While in Tang valley, visit to Ogen Choling palace museum.

– The family that owns Ogen Chholing has turned the complex into a museum to preserve its legacy and provide a place for religious studies, research and solitude. The fascinating and well-captioned exhibits offer real insights into the lifestyle of a Bhutanese noble family.
In the evening, drive back to Bumthang.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

In the Morning, drive to Gangtey. On the way, visit to:

– Ta dzong, an ancient watch tower which once guarded the Trongsa dzong from internal rebellious forces and enemies. The first governor of Trongsa, Chogyal Minjur Tempa built it in 1652. Today, Ta dzong serves as the national heritage museum of the country.

– Trongsa dzong built in 1644 by Chogyal Minjur Tempa. The first two kings of Bhutan ruled the country from this ancient seat. As per the tradition, the king of Bhutan is appointed the penlop of Trongsa and then becomes the king. The dzong was strategically built by the ancient rulers to control the trade between eastern and western Bhutan.

In the afternoon, drive further to Gangtey.

While in Gangtey, visit to:

– Gangtey monastery built in 1613 by Gyaltse Pema Thinley, the grandson and mind re-incarnation of Pema Lingpa. The present Abbot, Kunzang Pema Namgyal is the ninth re-incarnation.
– Crane information center.
Explore the beautiful Phobjikha valley, the roosting ground of the rare black- necked cranes in winter.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

In the Morning, drive to Punakha.

On the way, take a view Wangdue Phodrang dzong built in 1638 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
– Chimi lhakhang also called the “temple of fertility” built in 1499 by Lama Drukpa Kuenley (The divine madman). He travelled throughout Bhutan and Tibet using songs and humor to spread his teachings of salvation through sex.
In the afternoon, visit to:

– Punakha dzong was built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. For many years until the time of the second king, it served as the seat of the government.

In the evening, hike to Khamsum Yulley monastery.

– Built by Her Majesty the Queen Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck. Perched high on a hill on the bank of the river, the chorten houses paintings belonging to Nyingmapa traditions.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

In the morning, drive to Thimphu.

A short stop at Dochu La pass with 108 stupas and view the beautiful higher Himalayas. You can see Table mountain, Mt. Masagang (7158 m), the highest mountain in Bhutan.

In the afternoon, visit to:

– Weekend market.
Witness archery match at Changlimithang stadium.
– Craft bazaar where you can buy Bhutanese handicrafts and art works.
– Tashichho dzong, seat of the national government and the central monastic body.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

In the Morning, visit to:

– Memorial chorten (1974) built in honor of the third king, late His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The paintings and statues give a rare insight into Bhutanese culture.
– Tallest statue of sitting Buddha in the world (51.5 meters) at Kuensel Phodrang.
– Changangkha lhakhang, the oldest temple of Thimphu valley.
– Takin preserve center (Takin is the national animal of Bhutan).
– Sangay gang view point.
– Dupthop lhakhang, one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan.

After lunch, visit Simply Bhutan museum for wine tasting, witness folk dances and many more.

In the evening, free to stroll in the town.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

In the Morning, visit to:

– Postal museum where you can print your photos on the official Bhutanese stamps.
– Textile museum.
– Painting school (school of 13 arts and crafts).

In the afternoon, drive to Paro. On the way, visit to:

– Tamchog lhakhang built in the 15th century by Thang Tong Gyalpo, popularly known as “The iron bridge builder”. He built 108 bridges across Tibet and Bhutan, out of which 8 were built in Bhutan. His only surviving bridge is in Duksum (Tashi Yangtse in eastern Bhutan).

In the evening, free to stroll in the town for shopping and photography.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

After breakfast, drive to Satsam Chorten and start the hike to the Tiger’s Nest (Paro Taktsang).

It is probably the most photographed monument in Bhutan. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche flew here on a back of a tigress and meditated here.

In the afternoon, visit to:

– Drugyal dzong which was once a defense post to guard Bhutan against the Tibetan forces.

– Kichu monastery, one of the 108 temples built in 659 AD by the Tibetan king Srongtsen Gampo .

Then free to stroll in the town for shopping and photography.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

After breakfast, drive to the airport and farewell (End of Thangbi Mani tshechu festival tour).