7 Days Changangkha Lhakhang Festival Tour

Highlight: Arrive in Bhutan and visit the National Memorial Chorten, Tashichho Dzong, and Buddha Dordenma Statue.

Welcome to Bhutan, the land of the “Thunder Dragon”.

Upon arrival at Thimphu National Memorial Chorten, you will meet your local travel guide and driver at the airport’s Arriving Hall.

Then, you will be transferred to Thimphu (2,350m), the capital city of Bhutan. Covering a total distance of around 54 kilometers, it will take you about 1 hour to get to Thimphu from Paro (2,250m).

On the way, you will first encounter a private temple - Tschogang Lhakhang, the temple of the excellent horse. Keep driving to Thimphu, you will have a short stop at Chuzom, a confluence where the Paro Chhu and Wong Chhu meet. It is decorated with three different styles of stupas, namely Tibetan, Nepalese, and Bhutanese.

After arriving in Thimphu, your guide will help you check in at the hotel. You can also take a short rest if needed.

Later, you will visit Tashichho Dzong, the eminent fortress where the national government and central monastic body are located. In addition, here sits the summer residence of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot of Bhutan.

After that, you will visit the King’s Memorial Chortern (National Memorial Chorten), a stupa built in memory of the third king in 1974. The display inside shows good statues of tantric Buddhist and its philosophy.

Stay overnight in Thimphu.

Thimphu National Memorial Chorten

Highlights: Visit National Folk Heritage Museum, Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory, Simtokha Dzong, and Motithang Takin Preserve in Thimphu.

After breakfast, you will first visit the National Folk Heritage Museum. It dedicates itself to connecting people with the rich Bhutanese folk heritage and rural history through exhibits, demonstrations, educational programs, and documentation of Bhutanese rural life. The museum will strive to disseminate the rich cultural heritage across generations by preserving it in different forms.

Next, you will head to visit Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory. The factor is located approximately 1 kilometer from Thimphu city, and uses the bark of two tree species (the Daphne tree, and Dhekap tree) in the manufacture of traditional paper. You can observe the entire process of producing handmade paper using ancient traditional methods that have been practiced for generations. Besides, you are able to try your hand at this ancient craft and make some paper of your own as a souvenir.

Later, you will drive to upper Motithang in Thimphu to visit Motithang Takin Preserve, a wildlife reserve area for takin (Budorcas taxicolor), the national animal of Bhutan. It's worthwhile taking the time to see these oddball mammals here.

You will end today’s sightseeing after visiting Simtokha Dzong. It was built by Zhabdrung to consolidate his domain and subdue the demon in 1629. Nowadays, it is often said to be the first dzong built in Bhutan.

Stay overnight in Thimphu.

Simtokha Dzong

Highlights: Experience traditional mask dances at the Changangkha Lhakhang Festival, enjoy Himalayan views from Dochula Pass, and see the 108 memorial chortens.

After breakfast, you will visit Changangkha Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Thimphu, to attend the Changangkha Lhakhang Festival. The celebration begins with prayers and offerings to the local deity Domsap, followed by traditional mask dances and cultural performances by the temple's monks. You'll have the chance to join local Bhutanese people in celebrating this colorful religious festival and experience Bhutan's living traditions firsthand.

In the afternoon, you will leave Thimphu for Punakha, enjoying a scenic drive through lush forests and winding mountain roads. Along the way, you will stop at Dochula Pass (3,100m), where you can enjoy panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayas on a clear day.

Here, you will also see the famous 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens, built under the patronage of Her Majesty the Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck. Take some time to admire the beautiful stupas and surrounding mountain scenery before continuing your journey to Punakha.

Stay overnight in Punakha.

Changangkha Lhakhang Festival

Highlights: Explore the magnificent Punakha Dzong at the confluence of two rivers and visit Chimi Lhakhang, Bhutan's famous fertility temple.

After breakfast, you will start your day with a visit to Punakha Dzong, one of the most beautiful and impressive fortresses in Bhutan. Located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, this magnificent dzong is known for its traditional Bhutanese architecture, beautiful courtyards, and rich religious heritage. You'll have time to explore the dzong and learn about its importance in Bhutanese history and Buddhist traditions.

In the afternoon, you will visit Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the Fertility Temple, located near Lobesa. Dedicated to the famous Buddhist saint Drukpa Kunley, popularly known as the Divine Madman, this temple is especially known for its blessings for fertility and family well-being. You'll enjoy a short walk through the surrounding village and fields before reaching the temple, where you can experience local religious traditions and learn about its unique cultural significance.

Stay overnight in Punakha.

Witnessing the superb Punakha Dzong

Highlights: Back to Paro to visit Drukgyel Dzong and Paro Rinpung Dzong

After breakfast, you will take a 4-hour drive back to Paro from Punakha.

Upon your arrival in Paro, you will visit Paro Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong), a fortress once built to defend the valley from invasions. Nowadays, it serves as an administration center and school for monks.

Then, you will continue to explore the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong in the north of Paro Valley. It was built in 1647 by the great Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the father and unifier of medieval Bhutan. Although it was destroyed by an accidental fire, its remains stand as a powerful reminder of Bhutan’s historic victories.

Stay overnight in Paro.

Paro Rinpung Dzong

Highlights: Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery to enjoy spectacular views from it and visit Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro.

After breakfast, you will start your hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (also known as Taktsang Monastery). Perched on the side of a cliff 900 meters above the Paro Valley, Taktsang Monastery is one of the most famous monasteries in Bhutan. The principal monastery of the present monastic complex dates from 1692. Taktsang was damaged severely by fire in 1998 but has now been fully restored to its former glory. The hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery is about 3 km one way and takes around 5 to 6 hours for the round trip.

After exploring the monastery, you will begin your return tour to Paro.

In the afternoon, you will visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most beautiful temples built by the Tibetan King Songsten Gampo in the 7th century.

Stay overnight in Paro.

Tiger’s Nest Monastery

After breakfast, your guide will meet you at the hotel and transfer you to Paro International Airport for your next destination.

The tour service end.