rhododendron-festival

Rhoddendron Festival Tour

No.of Days / Duration: 6

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Day 1: Arrival Paro - Thimphu

The most spectacular mountain flights you will ever experience in a life time. Flying in from the heat of the plains of India one can witness from the left side of the aircrafts window a series of the world’s highest peaks. Your pilot will announce the names of the peaks if the weather is clear. You will descend into the high mountains and as the plane lowers you will not find any airstrip or any city but instead you will enjoy the view of the approaching valley of Paro, the alpine forests, little monasteries, temples and farm houses. Before the plane touches the runaway you will get a glimpse of the fertile valley of Paro, the Paro Dzong (Fortress) and Paro chu (river). Our representative will be at the airport to assist you and meet. Have lunch in Paro. After lunch drive to Thimphu. When in Thimphu you go to prepare for surprises where this unique capital has no traffic lights but adopted its own version of the British – Indian colonial times traffic policemen who can startle you and memorize others with his elaborate hand gestures, sometimes he may be signaling stop when it looks like go but don’t worry you can observe the flow and notice his smile as you stare at him. Evening at leisure or take a walk to the main city from Clock tower square for shopping. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 2: Thimphu sightseeing.

After breakfast you will be transter to witness Rhoddendron Festival, in Thimphu Lamperi, Dochula which is held on 14th -16th April, 2017. Autumn in Bhutan marks a series of festivities while spring has it own share of surprises for visitors. It’s the time of the year to immerse in the breathtaking beauty of spring and witness different blossoms high up the mountains besides migratory birds. For flower lovers, it is the right time to see varieties of wild Rhododendron in its full glory. Those who have walked the trail of rhododendron forests even compare it with cherry blossoms in Japan. Later, after visiting Festival you will be visiting following places:-
  • Visit King's Memorial Chorten (Stupa). This Stupa was build in the memory of our Third King of Bhutan.
  • Buddha Point (There is a statue of Buddha which is 169 feet).
Overnight in a Hotel in Thimphu

Day 3:  Thimphu-Punakha

Morning drive to low lands of Punakha valley touching Dochula pass 10,000 ft and on the stop at Hongtsho village. Stop at the immigration check point to stamp in your permit. Next to the check point you will find small local stalls selling fresh juicy local apples available for sale in plastic bags you could try some. You will be driving through the first mountain pass in the western part of Bhutan. You will find the 108 Druk Wangyal chortens on the top of the pass where the ridges are draped in colorful prayer flags greet you. You could take three rounds and offer prayers, take some best photo shots. If the weather is clear you will be able to see the highest peaks towards the north,Gangar Punsum among others is the highest unclimbed peak (24,000 ft) in the world.. If you are lucky you could see red pandas, different species of birds, you can take some photo shot close to the natural lake. Proceed down towards Punakha through Thinleygang village and upon reaching Lobesa turn left and enter Punakha valley. On the way Have Lunch at Lobesa and take a hike to Chimi Lhakhang (Temple).  This monastery is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley” Divine Madman” known for his outrageous behavior. It was built in 1499 by Ngawng Chogyal the, 14th Drukpa Hierarch. Many childless women visit this lhakhang (Temple) and seek blessings for a child. The existing footpath to Chimi Lhakhang (Temple) passes through beautiful terraces of paddy filed after crossing paddy field. You will come across a Lobesa Village with lots of traditional house.Lobesa Village is situated in valley, surrounded by paddy fields on the way to important Buddhist Shrine “Chimi Lhakhang” in Punakha. You can very well interact with local people and here also, you can visit some village houses to understand about their life style and proceed towards Chimi Lhakhang(Temple). Drive to Punakha. Overnight at a Hotel in Punakha.

Day 4: Punakha-wangdue-Paro

After lunch visit majestic Punakha Dzong placed strategically at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, the dzong was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative seat of the region. It was here that the dual system of government was introduced in the 17th century and in 1907, enthroned the first King Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuk. Drive to Wangduephodrang, you can see the third great edifice built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. But now it was sadly reduced to a rubble by a fire on June 2012. In the 17th century, Wangdue played a critical role in unifying the western, central and southern regions of the country. Drive Back to Paro. Overnight at a Hotel in Paro.

Day 5 : Hike to Tiger’s Nest

Taktshang (Tiger’s Nest) falls in top 20 places to visit in the world.  Paro is a valley of religion and myth. The most famous landmark, Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), stands on a granite cliff about 1000 m above the valley. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche, a famous Buddhist saint, flew to Paro on a tigress and meditated at Taktsang. The monastery is    considered a national treasure of Bhutan. The hike to Taktsang would take us around 2 ½ hrs to reach a cafeteria, a point from where one can enjoy great view of the monastery. Those interested can walk further 45 minutes uphill to get a closer view of the monastery. walk down back to road. The journey downward to the road would take us less 1 ½ hrs. Have lunch in Hotel. After lunch take a walk in Paro Bazar for shoping. Overnight at the Hotel in Paro.

Day 6: Departure

After Breakfast drive back to Paro International Airport. Bhutan Buddha escort will help you with exit formalities and then bid you farewell.

Cost Includes:

  • Receive and Transfer to Airport
  • Double/Twin in 3 Star Hotel
  • 3 Meals every day with Evening Tea
  • Toyota SUV for FIT & Toyota Bus for Group with Driver
  • English Speaking Guide
  • All Sightseeing
  • Museum Fees
  • Bhutan Visa
  • All Permits
  • Bottled Mineral Water

Cost Does Not Include:

  • Donations to Monasteries
  • Insurance
  • Alcohol & Beverages
  • Tips for Guide, Driver & Hotel Staff
  • Gifts & Souvenirs
  • International Telephone Calls
  • Round Trip Air fare
  • Inbound Airfare

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