Punakha Festival
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Thimphu Bhutan
P.O. Box 1298
+975 2 328868 (phone)
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wladventures@druknet.bt (email)

 



Punakha Festival in Bhutan

 

Punakha Dromchoe

Mimicry of 16th century Bhutanese war with Tibetans retold in festivity

8 - 15 February 2011

Trip length:
8 Days / 7 Nights
Cost:
1 person US $1540, 2 persons US $1470 each, 3 more US $1260 each.
Inclusions :
Government royalty, all meals, tea and snacks, accommodations, transport, entrance fees, guide services and sightseeing.
Exclusions :
Druk Air fares, visa fee, laundry, insurance, drinks and other personal bills.

Trip facts
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 recalling the days when in the absence of a standing army, men from the village blocks of Thimphu came forward and managed to expel the Tibetan forces out of the country ushering in a new-found internal peace and stability.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 (8 Feb, Tuesday): Arrive Paro
Druk Airways flight to Bhutan provides during a clear weather the most fascinating view of Himalayan secnery. On arrival at Paro airport, you will be greeted by our representative and transfer to hotel. After lunch, visit Paro Dzong, which was built in 1646, and visit Kyichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country and the National Museum. Overnight at hotel in Paro.


Day 2 (9 Feb, Wednesday): Paro - Punakha
Morning drive to Punakha, with a stop en route for tea at Dochu La Pass (3,100 meters). The passes are marked by a large Bhutanese Chorten and prayer flag. The pass offers the most spectacular view over the high peaks of the Himalayas on a clear day. En route stop at Metshina Village and take a 20-minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lakhang, which is a fertility temple dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley popularly known as the Devine Madman. If you wish, you may receive a special fertility blessing from a wooden phallus. Overnight at hotel in Punakha.


Day 3 (10 Feb, Thursday): Punakha - Attend full day festival
After breakfast, you will attend the Punakha Dromchoe. Enjoy an annual festival introduced by Zhabdrung to commemorate the victories over the Tibetans. Overnight at hotel in Punakha.


Day 4 (11 Feb, Friday): Punakha - Thimphu
After breakfast, you will attend a half day of the Punakha festival. Then drive for half-hour to Wangdue. Wangdue town is a typical small Bhutanese town, with bustling market and well stocked shops. Visit Wangdue Dzong, the 17th century monument. It sits atop a high ridge between the Puna Tsang Chu river and the Dang Chu river. The place is also known for its fine bamboo work, slate and stone carvings. Also visit the Rinchengang village on the opposite side of the river, which is a unique cluster of houses made up of red mud. In the late afternoon you will drive to Thimphu. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu.


Day 5 (12 Feb, Saturday): Thimphu
After breakfast you will visit the King's Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), Changgangkha Monastery, the radio tower (for a great view of Thimphu Valley and the Thimphu Dzong), and the zoo, which contains the national animal of Bhutan: the takin. From there you will visit the nunnery temple, the National Library (which houses ancient manuscripts), and the School of Arts and Crafts (also known as the painting school). After a relaxing lunch, you will visit the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, a traditional paper factory, the majestic Tashichodzong. In the evening you can explore Thimphu town. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu.


Day 6 (13 Feb, Sunday): Thimphu - Paro
In the morning you can stroll through the weekend market with the local people. Also, you may be able to catch a game of archery in progress at the Changlingmithang compound, just below the weekend market. In the evening you can drive to Paro. Overnight at hotel in Paro.


Day 7 (14 Feb, Monday): Paro
After breakfast hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan's most famous monastery. Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. It is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. Evening visit a traditional farm house which offers opportunity to mingle with local people and to get an idea on their lifestyle. Overnight at hotel in Paro.


Day 8 (15 Feb, Tuesday): Depart Paro
Drive to Paro airport for flight to onward destination.


For details contacts us:

Bhutan Travelers
Thimphu Bhutan.
P.O. Box 1298
+975 2 328868 (phone)
+975 2 328869 (fax)
wladventures@druknet.bt (email)



 
Festival Schedule 2010 & 2011
Bhutan Festivals
Punaka Festival
13-15 February 2011

Chorten Kora Festival
18 February & 4 March 2011

Gomkora Festival
13-15 March 2011
Chukha Tshechu Festival
17-19 March 2011
Paro Festival
15-19 March 2011
Ura Yakchoe Festival
14-17 May 2011
Nimalung Tshechu Festival
8-10 July 2011
Kurjey Tshechu Festival
10 July 2011

Thimphu Drupchen
12 -16 September 2010
Wangdi Tshechu Festival
15 - 17 September 2010
Thimphu Festival
17 - 19 September 2010
Tamshingphala Choepa
16 - 18 September 2010
Tangbi Mani Festival
22 - 24 September 2010
Jambay Lakhang Festival
22 - 26 October 2010
Prakar Duchhoed Festival
23 - 25 October 2010
Mongar Tshechu Festival
13 - 16 November 2010
Pemagatshel Tshechu
13 - 16 November 2010
Trashigang Tshechu
14 - 17 November 2010
Nanglakhar Tshechu
21 - 23 November 2010
Trongsa Tshechu Festival
15-17 December 2010
Lhuntse Tshechu Festival
15-17 December 2010
 
 
       
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