Paro Festival Bhutan
09 NIGHTS – 10 DAYS
Paro – Thimphu – Punakha – Bumthang – Wangdue – Paro
This tour takes you to Bhutan – The Land of Thunder Dragon during Paro Festival which is celebrated in honor of “Padmasambhava” born in India from a lotus flower, symbolizing the original purity of his mind. He is known as Guru Rinpoche and founding father of Tibetan Buddhism. Masked dances are performed by monks depicting his life and of other Buddhist gurus. Although this is a religious festival but you also experience true Bhutanese culture and their way of life as people from all corners come here to celebrate and socialise. Besides experiencing Paro during the special festival, you also visit Thimphu (the Capital of Bhutan), Punakha Valley – one of Bhutan’s most scenic destinations and Bumthan – The Remove Valley and Cultural Capital of Bhutan.
| Tour starts : | 21 March 2021 In Paro |
| Tour ends : | 30 March 2021 In Paro |
| Festival location : | Paro (Bhutan) |
| Festivals Dates: | 21 March – 23 March 2021 |
Tour Cost Includes:
- Double sharing room in listed or similar hotels
- Daily breakfast
- All meals for two days in luxury camp accommodation in Anantpur Sahib
- Air-Conditioned car/van/coach with driver for all transfers, city tour and excursion as per program, inclusive off fuel, parking and all interstate taxes
- Services of local English speaking guide for sightseeing tours as per itinerary
- AC Chair car train fare for Delhi to Amritsar
- Entrance fee to the monuments
- Our assistance
- All taxes
Tour Cost Excludes :
- Air fare, travel insurance
- Drinks during meals
- Other expenses of personal nature
- Anything which is not covered above under “Tour cost includes”
Hotels Envisaged:
| Place | Hotels | Hotel Category |
| Delhi | Hotel Jaypee Siddharth | 5 Star |
| Amritsar | Hotel Ramada | 4 Star |
| Anandpur Sahib | Deluxe Tents ( Swiss Tentes ) | – |
| Chandigarh | Hotel Park Plaza | 4 Star |
| Rishikesh | Aloha On Ganges | 4 Star |
1
Day: Arrival Paro : 21 March 2021
Arrival at Paro airport. You will be greeted by our representative at the airport and transferred to hotel. Your unique exotic experience of travelling to Bhutan begins even before you arrive there as you are flying along the Himalayan range offering you magnificent view of Chomolhariand Jichu Drake Mountain peaks. The first reward for your Bhutan trip is the cool, clean fresh air which you will feel as soon as you step out of the plane. After lunch, start the tour with a visit to Paro Dzong, which means fortress on a heap of jewels. The Dzong was built in 1646 by Shabdung Ngawang Namgyel. The Dzong was formerly the meeting hall for the National Assembly. The Dzong is located on a vantage point on the hillside and has two Lhakhangs (monasteries) and a Central Utse (Central tower). Rest of the day is to enjoy festivities of Paro Tshechu. In the evening, return to your hotel for overnight stay.
2
Day: Paro : 22 March 2021
Full day is at your disposal to enjoy festival at Paro which is in honour of “Padmasambhava”, popularly known as “Guru Rimpoche”. He was an Indian saint who made an immense contribution in spreading Tantric Buddhism around 800 A.D. in the Himalayan region of Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan. He is also the founder of Nyingmapa, the old School of Lamaism which even today has a number of followers. The dances are performed by monks as well as by laymen during the festival. Although this is a religious festival but this also gives an opportunity for people to socialise as people from all regions come here to celebrate. It is a very special occasion on which people are dressed in their finest traditional attire. The main highlight of the festival is masked dances which narrate events from the life of “Padmasambhava” as well as stories of other saints. Dance, folk songs, and music (cymbal, drum, flute, and yak-horn) are performed both by monks and general public . This also provides an opportunity for Bhutanese people to re-establish connection with their Gurus who have deep impact on their life. In the evening, Transfer to your hotel for overnight stay.
3
Day: Paro : 23 March 2021
In the morning, leave on foot for excursion to Taktsang Monastery. The Monastery is situated on a nearly vertical cliff at 3000 metres above sea level, north of Paro. This is also known as “Tiger’s Nest” because it is said that Guru Rimpoche had flown on the back of a tigress in 8th century and he meditated in a cave there for three months. It is at this place that monastery was built. The cave is considered to be the origin point of Buddhism in Dragon Kingdom. After enjoying the scenic beauty of the surroundings, you will gradually walk down to the valley. Overnight stay.
4
Day: Paro – Thimphu (2320 M/7,610 Ft) : 54 Km / 1 Hour : 24 March 2021
Enjoy the last day of participation in ParoTsechu for few hours at Paro Dzong. It is one of the most important day and the unfolding of the silk Thangka which is so large that it covers the face of the building, is considered to be the most sacred blessings to people in entire kingdom of Bhutan. This is exhibited only for few hours, at day break of the final day of the festival. Later drive to Thimphu and upon arrival check-in at hotel. In the afternoon, visit Memorial Chorten, built in memory of third king of Bhutan in 1974 is a prominent landmark of Thimpu. Also visit Radio Tower which offers great view of entire valley. Later visit Tashichho Dzong which is one of the most impressive edifices in whole Bhutan. (The visit to Dzong is permitted only after office hours and subject to permission). If time permits, you will visit Junshi Handmade Paper Factory before returning to your hotel for overnight stay.
5
Day: Thimpu – Punakha : 90 Km / 2 ½ Hour: 25 March 2021
After breakfast, departure for Punakha valley. It is a very scenic drive through pine, oak and rhododendron forest with stop at Dochula Pass (3150 mts) Here you will enjoy unforgettable spectacular views of Himalayas on a clear day. Continue drive to visit Chimi Lhakhan Temple which is dedicated to Lama Drukya Kunley, the divine Madman. The Temple is also known as Temple of Fertility. Later on visit impressive Punakha Dzong which was earlier known as the Druk Pungthang Dechhen Phrodang meaning “The Palace of great happiness”. The massive Dzong built in 1637 was damaged six times by different reasons. You will be amazed to see spectacular Kuenrey (assembly hall) as it is now open to visitors. Overnight stay.
6
Day: Punakha – Trongsa – Bumthang : 220 Km / 7-8 Hour : 26 March 2021
Today will be a long drive as you have to reach Bumthang which is considered to be cultural Capital of Bhutan. En-route you will drive through Trongsa across Pele-La Pass at an altitude of 3300 metres, considered to be a traditional boundary between Eastern and Western Bhutan. You will realize sudden change in vegetation with high altitude dwarf bamboo replacing mountain forest. On the way, you will stop at Chendbji Chorten which is designed on pattern of famous Swayambhunath Stupa in Kathmandu. Drive to reach Trongsa where you will visit Trongsa Dzong which is a true masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture. After lunch, we proceed to Bumthang which is situated in a fascinating valley for overnight stay.
7
Day: Bumthang – Jakar – Bumthang : 27 March 2021/h3>
Morning visit Bumthang valley and nearby Jakar. The valley is truly spectacular and being religious heartland of Bhutan, is home to some of the oldest Buddhist temples and monasteries. In the morning, we will trek to visit Tamshing Monastery which lies on other side of the river opposite Kurje Lhakhang. It is one of the oldest monasteries set up by Terton Prema Lingpa, a re-incarnation of Guru Padmasamhava in 1501. Here Saint Padmasambhava is said to have conquered a local demon and left his body imprint on a rock. Later visit Jambay Lakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, built by King Songsten in 8th century to suppress evil spirits in Himalayan kingdom. Later visit JakarDzong which was built as a monastery by Great grandfather of Zhabdrung in the year 1549. It is located on a ridge above Jakar town in the Chamkhar valley and is considered to be the largest dzong in entire Bhutan with are of more than 1500 meters. Overnight stay.
8
Day: Bumthang – Gangtey – Wangdue: 180 Km / 7 Hour : 28 March 2021
Morning driver back towards central Bhutan and pass through beautiful Phobjikha valley and this remote valley is home to black necked cranes which migrate from Tibet during winter season. Visit the great monastery of Gangtey which is perched on a small hill overlooking the valley. Gangtey Gompa as it is called locally is surrounded by local village which is home to 140 Gomchens families who look after the monastery. It is the largest Nyingmapa monastery in entire Bhutan, founded by Pema Trinley in 17th century. Then continue drive to pass through Pelela pass again descending through open meadows and you will come across many villages and yak herders on the way. Finally, drive to Wang due which is a typical Bhutanese town. Overnight stay.
9
Day: Wangdue – Paro : 150 Km / 5 Hours : 29 March 2021
Wangdue is home to Wangdue Phodrang Dzong which is built on a spur at the confluence of two rivers, Punak Tsang Chhu and the Dang Chhu. The Dzong has a wonderful location as it overlooks the spur and you will have a magnificent view over both the north-south and east-west roads. The Dzong was built in 1638 by Zhabgdrung and holds an important place in Bhutanese history as it was once second capital of Bhutan. Unfortunately, it cough fire in 2012 and was destroyed except some remains and now it is being rebuilt. Later departure for Paro. On the way, Visit the new Druk Wangyal Monastery, which is known for elaborate paintings depicting the lineage of the present monarchy and their visionary works. The evening is free to explore the town. Overnight in Paro.
10
Day: Departure : 30 March 2021
Morning transfer to Paro airport to catch flight for onwards destination.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is this trip possible for single traveller or for private small group?
Yes, it is possible. But, the cost may be high in case of a single traveller. You may send us information in the form and we shall send you our best offer depending on number of persons in your group or for a single person.
May I choose dates according to my choice?
If you go for a private tour, you may decide the dates as per your choice but you must consider that you are on right place and right day for festival. We also need to check the availability which we shall let you know after you send us your request.
Could you provide us international flights to India?
It is better if you could buy international tickets directly through your local agent or on internet. Although we can provide you international flight tickets, but you may a get a better deal locally.
Is visa service included in your cost?
No, you have to obtain visa on your own. The visa regulations will depend on your nationality. You may contact us for further details.
Is it possible to make extension or modify tours?
Yes, it is very much possible. You can extend your stay on arrival or departure or at any other place. You may also modify the tour. You may let us know your interest and we can send you modified tour itinerary with cost.
What’s included in the cost?
Our cost normally includes hotel accommodation with breakfast, private air-conditioned car with driver which includes fuel, parking and all taxes, entrance fee to monuments, train tickets if any, guided city tours in English or in other foreign languages, viz French, German, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, Russian or other foreign languages subject to availability which we can notify at the time of reservation request. We may also include other travel related services and may also exclude guide service and entrance fee to monuments if you so wish.
Are domestic flights and trains are included in tour cost ?
Train tickets are included in our cost. But, we give supplement cost for domestic flight tickets as these days, there are dynamic fares and these are not fixed. We send you indicative fare at the time of sending you quotation which is subject to change until issue of tickets with advance purchase for which we need payment from you to issue flight tickets. You may also purchase domestic flight tickets directly on your own if you prefer.
When do I have to pay?
We usually request 25% advance upon confirmation of our services. We shall send you all payment terms at the time of sending you our offer.
I am interested. What is next step?
Click here to send us information of your trip and we shall send you soonest possible.
Why State Express
Established in 1980, State Express has been providing most reliable services to travelers all over the world for last 35 years. We are renowned for our customer first approach and unobtrusive efficiency which ensures the highest levels of customer satisfaction. We have been awarded several times by State Government for being best Tour Operator. All aspects of our tours have been carefully researched and then designed to give ultimate experience to travelers. Let our travel knowledge help you to create a wonderful experience, whether on one of our tour itineraries or a tailor made tour itinerary made exclusively for you to give you an unforgettable holiday.
Our people make the difference
Our success has been possible because of our people who are our biggest asset. We have a team of highly dedicated, sincere, hardworking who work with integrity that has made State Express one of the leading and most reliable tour companies in India. They not only have expertise and experience to meet any requirement, they also speak foreign languages and trained to offer only the best and leave nothing to chance. We know that travel to Indian sub-continent is a dream of many of our guests and our team does everything possible to make their dream true and give them an experience of their lifetime.
Our infrastructure
We have complete infrastructure to provide you best rate and services to you. We are an IATA approved and authorized agents for all domestic airlines and Indian Railways. We have our own cars vans and coaches with experienced drivers. We have multi lingual staff to ensure that our guests do not face any language problem. We also have associate offices in all major tourist centers to provide assistance in shortest possible time.
Our fleet of vehicles & drivers
We undoubtedly have one of the best and most modern fleet of cars, vans, 4X4s and large coaches. Surface travel is a very important aspect in India as you spend lot of your time while travelling on the road and therefore given us an edge over other tour companies who have to rely on other transport companies to provide this service to their clients. We have our own garage and all our vehicles are well maintained to give you hassle free journey.
Besides having the best fleet, it is our drivers who truly make the difference as they play a crucial role in making a tour successful. Even if you stay in best of the hotels and travel in most comfortable and luxurious vehicles, if you do not have a good driver, it may spoil your experience. We have our team of drivers who are part of State Express and have been working with us for years and they are trained, dedicated and motivated to take care of our guests and make them comfortable. That is the reason that more than 90% of our guests thank us and appreciate them after returning to their home.
Our choice of hotels
We take utmost care in selection of hotels that we recommend to our clients and include in our list of suggested hotels. We inspect these hotels regularly to be sure of their quality of product and services. We give lot of emphasis on the location and the people who run those hotels. We want to give you clients an experience of heritage and palace hotels which are unique and not available in other part of the world.
Our tour itineraries
All our tour itineraries are designed by experts to give you an opportunity to see most wonderful sites in number of days at your disposal at the same time giving you time to explore the places in your own way. We have a number of itineraries to choose from which covers all India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Tibet. We also include mode of travel and approximate time taken between places to ensure that you do not have any surprises during the tour. Our specialists will also work with you to create an itinerary of your choice either by modifying our readymade tour itineraries or prepare an exclusive tailor made tour for you based on your interest and liking keeping in mind local conditions.
24×7 assistance during the tour
We provide you clients real 24×7 assistance during the tour. This is not a marketing gimmick but we have someone in our office always to assist you in case of any emergency anytime. We also provide cell phone numbers of our executive who you may contact even during odd hours when you need them for anything urgent. We have associate offices in all major cities of India to provide you assistance in minimum possible time.
Response time
We know that response time is key to our success and we value it a lot. Even at initial stages before reservation, you will get replies from us in not more than 24 working hours. We shall always be there whenever you need us during the tour.
Personalised Service
Apart from professional service, we believe in emphasising on personalised service. That is to make our guests feel at home in a foreign country and also feel that they have friends here who they can trust for any need. Our customer executives remain in constant touch with our guests during the tour to give them comfort and trust that we are always with them.
Good value for money
We know that there are so many travel companies providing their services and unless we provide good value for money to our clients, they will not be satisfied. Our own fleet of cars, vans and coaches and best special discounted rates with hotels due to our volumes enables us to offer value for money.
Call us at ++91 11 47674000 or email us on info@statexp.in
1. Check availability
Go through the tour details in our website carefully. If you are interested, send us an email to check availability and get the final quotation or for any other information that you may need to decide. We can also design a special private tour just for you based on your requirement.
2. Make your reservation
Once you have received all details and confirmed availability with us, you need to send us advance deposit for guaranteed reservation on the tour besides other details as requested. You can send the same to us through credit card or bank remittance. You will need to send us balance amount as per payment details which you will receive from us at the time of reservation.
3. Book your flights
You can then book your international flight, buy appropriate travel insurance and obtain necessary visa. We can book domestic flight or train if you arrive in any other city in India at extra cost. Our representative will come to receive you at airport or any other location in the city where the tour begins and you will be dropped at airport or other location of your choice in the city where tour ends.
4. Pre & Post tour services
We can also provide you hotel accommodation, airport transfer or any other travel related services if you arrive earlier or leave later than the tour dates. Feel free to contact us by sending us mail at info@statexp.in for the rate for any such services or for any other information.