Punakha Festival Tour ( 07/08 Days )
Punakha Dromchoe is an annual festival introduced by Zhabdrung, the founder of united Bhutan to commemorate the victories over the Tibetans. During the festival, the ‘pazaps’ or local militia men, dressed in battle gear showcase a battle scene of this distant past . The Bhutanese militia under the able-guidance of Zhabdrung himself was able to defeat the invaders. During those wars, Lam Zhabdrung also sought the support of the guardian Deities, particularly Palden Lhamo and Pal Yeshey Goenbo. Punakha Drubchen therefore celebrates two important events i.e Worship of the guardian deities and presentation of the deities to the public through mask dances performed by the monks. And, Enactment of ancient military scenes by Pazaps. This festival includes masked dances; and wears special costumes made of yellow silk or rich brocade and decorated with ornaments of carved bone. For certain dances, the monks wear masks which represent fearsome deities, animals or skulls of human being. This festival takes place in the first month of the lunar year and ends with ‘Serda’, a magnificent procession which re-enacts an episode of the war against the Tibetans in the 17th century.
During the journey, the traveler will experience from the plane a attractive view of Mt. Everest, and other famous Himalayan Mountains including the sacred Mt. Jhomolhari the second highest peak in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by your Bhutanese friend. You will discuss the Tour Programme with the Tour Guide. And in the Afternoon there will be sightseeing program. Overnight stay in a hotel.
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Punakha Festival Tour Itinerary
01March/Day 01: Flight from Kathmandu or Delhi to Paro Transfer to thimphu Hotel.
Fly from Kathmandu to Paro by Buddha or Druk Air and Transfer to Thimpu. During the Flight Duration you will have great opertunatly to see left hand side of the plane breath taking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Mount Jhomolhari and Jichu Drake in Bhutan. When you arrive in Paro our representative will be pick up you from paro airport after immigration formalities and baggage arrival. Our representative transfers you to Thimphu, the modenn capital town of Bhutan which is 55Km far from Paro. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
02March/Day 02: Drive from Thimphu to Punakha explore:
After breakfast, you will drive for about an hour and we reach the Dochula Pass. This pass is renowned for the Druk Wangyel Chortens(Stupas). There are 108 stupas and the Druk Wangyel Temple. The entire stupas and the temple was built by the Queen Mother of Bhutan for the well being and long life of his majesty the Fourth living King of Bhutan. Dochula Pass is one of the most visited places en route to Punakha and Wangduephodrang, by tourists and locals as this is where most of the 1000s of prayer flags are hoisted in the wind. Also from here we get good view of the Himalayan Range of Mountains including the flat mountain plateau of Tibet.After spending some time here at the Pass, we move down hill towards Punakha. Visit the Punakha Dzong. Night at Punakha
03March/Day 03: Punakha Festival and explore:
Witness the Punakha Festival with all the traditional dances performed by the Punakha Locals and the many forms of mask dances and recitation of prayers.Tourists are permitted to click photos BUT are advised to keep a distance from the performers so that they are not distracted and disturbed with cameras chasing them on their faces. For the Bhutanese these are sacred performances and have been going on for generations irrespective of having tourists or not so we request all Guests to Bhutan to respect and follow the decorum of the festival.
04March/Day 04: Punakha Festival and explore:
Witness another day of the Punakha Festival and after lunch visit the Chimi Lhakhang. This temple is also called the Temple of Fertility, cause most visit this temple, especially if they have been unsuccessful in bearing a child. When receiving the blessing to have a child, you will be blessed on the head with an ancient sacred Wooden Phallus. This is a belief that has come true for many people. I recollect a Japanese Woman who had been married for over 5 years but did not have a child. Then she visited this temple and within a year, she was blessed with a daughter and now I believe the daughter is nearing here teens.
05March/Day 05: Punakha Festival and explore:
Early morning start towards the Phobjikha Valley. Phobjikha Valley is a lovely valley and the biggest valley in Bhutan. It is a high altitude valley at 3000 meters and is the winter roosting place of the Endangered Black Necked Cranes. These cranes come to Bhutan by early November and migrate back to Tibet early or mid February the following year. Every 11th November, the Black Necked Crane Festival is held, to create awareness on these endangered birds and coinciding with the birth anniversary of the Fourth King of Bhutan.Visit the Gangtey village and the Gangtey temple where the Crane festival is held every year.Evening drive back to Punakha for night halt.
06March/Day 06: Drive from Punakha to Paro Explore at paro:
Drive from Punakha and have lunch in Thimphu. Do some souvenir shopping or visit sites that were not visited earlier in Thimphu. After lunch or late evening, go to Paro.
07March/Day 07: Full Day Sightseeing and explore in Paro Valley
After breakfast visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which is houses National Museum in Paro. After Ta Dzong you visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning which has a long and fascinating history. After lunch, drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. The snowy dome of sacred Chomolhari, "mountain of goddess'' can be seen in all her glory from the approach road to the Dzong. You may take a short stop at Satsam Chorten for a view of famous Taktsang Monastery. You also explore 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. Evening at same hotel
08March/Day 08: Final Departure or alternatively join other program
after early breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination. Our representative will help you with exit formalities in Paro airports.
Note:
- the above itinerary is a guideline and standard suggested pattern chosen by majority of our customers. Your final itinerary will be customised according to your available time and requirements.
- the final itinerary duration and schedule may be reduced or extend depending on your time, budget, your fitness, class of service or any other preferences. The quote will be provided for you initial requirements and can be adjusted with mutual agreement should you require modifying these requirements.
- Indian and Bangladesh Nationality are not required for Bhutan visa. So we did not charge visa cost for those Nation client.
- Other Nation should required to pay $30.00 per person for visa cost.
- For further information please read: How to book Trip in Bhutan?
Cost for the Trip:
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The price for your selected Tour/trekking will vary depending on group size, trip category (bed and breakfast/ full board), your budget, individualised itinerary, accommodation (budget to 5 star), the number of guides and porters, kitchen crew, mode of transport you prefer and many other factors. The price range for the same trip can vary widely so if you would like to discuss your requirements with us we will provide you a very competitive price
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Please e-mail us for up-to-date prices for Island Peak Climbing Trip
Cost Include
- 07/08 days full board package in Tourist standard Hotel in Bhutan
- Arrival Pick up and Departure drop from Paro Airport.
- All land transportation by luxury vehicle, depending upon group size
- 3 meals a day (Breakfasts, Lunch and Dinners with tea or coffee) during the tour.
- Accommodation of Lodges, Hotel during the tour
- All kind of Permit, National Park entry fee, and movement charge
- Private Vehicle Surface transportation will be available as per itinerary
- Guide and Private vehicles will be available for paro and Thimpu Sightseeing as per above Itinerary
- Group medical supplies (First Aid kit )
- Escorted English speaking tour guide during the tour period as per Itinerary.
- Entrance Fees to museum and monuments during festival.
- Bottle of mineral water during long road drive.
- Evening tea with snacks
- All hotel taxes/ service charges
FITS surcharge - Farewell Dinner in before departure.
- Our service charges
- All necessary paper works, office Service charge and Government Taxes
- complete pre-departure information, flight ticket reconfirmation and extend visa service(if necessary)
- Snowy Horizon Special Gifts (T-shirt, Pashmina )
Cost Exclude
- International and domestic Flight Ticket
- Alcoholic beverages, Bhutan visa fee & Personal nature expenses
- Emergency rescue evacuation if required.
- Personal accident insurance or Helicopter rescue.
- Nepal entry visa fee, Visa issuance is easy at the arrival
- Mineral water, laundry, phone calls, internets.
- Bhutan visa fees US $ 30 Per person ( to be paid with tour payment)
- Tips, gifts, souvenirs.
Please read this Rule and regulation that How to Book Punakha Festival Tour?
