Bhutan: Haa Spring Festival Group Tour

Elevation: 2250 m / 7546 ft

On your arrival in Bhutan, you will immediately experience the quaint uniqueness of
your surroundings: the green mountains, fresh air, and peaceful stillness will encompass
you about giving you a feeling that you have abandoned the world’s hustle and bustle for a
place far away captured in a time capsule.

After completing check-in formalities at Paro airport, our guide and driver will warmly
traditionally welcome you and visit the following places:

National Museum/ Ta Dzong: Visit the Museum which was the former watchtower for
the Rinpung Dzong (Dzong meaning ‘Fort’). It was converted into the National
Museum in 1968. The museum stands on a promontory overlooking the Paro Valley.

Paro/ Rinpung Dzong: Built in 1645 A.D. is now the seat of the district administration
as well as the home for the monastic school. The central tower (Utse) of the Dzong, with
its superb woodwork, is one of the most beautiful in the nation.

Evening: take a leisure walk and explore Paro Town

Distance: 65km/3hrs
Elevation: 2894 m / 9495 ft

After an early breakfast, drive 45 Minutes to Chelela Pass (the highest Motorola pass) which is a
gentle uphill climb through forests of blue pine, fir, oak, and rhododendrons till the Chelela Pass.
The pass at an elevation of 3810m provides a panoramic view of the northern and western
Himalayan Mountain ranges as well as Haa and Paro Valleys.

Attend the Haa Spring Festival, Celebration of traditional living culture, nomadic lifestyles,
unique Bhutanese cuisine, traditional sports, and religious Mask Dance performances.

Overnight at Haa

Distance: 109 km /4 hrs
Elevation: 2250m / 7382ft

After breakfast, drive to Thimphu, the Capital of Bhutan to rest and visit the following sites:

Buddha point: The Buddha Statue was built in 2006 and has a lovely view of Thimphu
city. Astrologers & locals believe this spot is one of the main meeting points of the
sacred energy vibe of the country, hence the massive statue of Buddha facing the rising
sun.

Takin Preserve: Encounter the unique Takin, Bhutan’s national animal and later enjoy
Sangaygang viewpoint where you will enjoy the magnificent view of Thimphu city.
Zilukha Nunnery: Get a glimpse of the tender yet strong, feminine side of Buddhism
in Bhutan as you visit Zilukha nunnery, which is a 2 Km drive from the Tashichho
dzong.

Centenary Farmers Market: Farmers come from all over the country to sell their
farm products on the market. With its wide assortment of fresh, organic produce, the
Farmer’s Market has become a favorite spot for tourists and a recreational place for
people from all walks of life.

Explore Thimphu Town: Evening, you can have free time on your own to walk
along the street to see the people and the local stores. Thimphu has a special charm,
and it is fascinating to sit and watch a gathering of local people in the town square,
wearing the traditional dress and going about their business in a typically unhurried
Bhutanese way.

Distance: 77 km /2.5hrs
Elevation: 1200 m / 3900ft

After breakfast, drive to Punakha. The journey will take you across Dochula pass
(3150m) where you can enjoy the spectacular views of the Eastern Himalayan
Mountain ranges. Take a walk around the 108 stupas which decorate the pass. Also
visit the Druk Wangyel stupas built by the four Queens as a tribute to the fourth King
of Bhutan.

Upon reaching Lobesa Town, visit Chimi Lhakhang: take a short hike to visit Chimed
Lhakhang in the valley of Lobesa. The temple is dedicated to the famous saint, Drukpa
Kunley is affectionately known as the Divine Madman. The phallic paintings on the
exterior walls of Bhutanese houses are attributed to the Divine Madman for his skill in
warding off evil deities using tribal sexuality and outrageous behavior.

Then later, visit the following sites:

Punakha Dzong: Visit the impressive Punakha Dzong (fortress-monastery), situated at
the confluence of the Pho and the Mo Rivers. This huge fortress was built in 1637 by
Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier of Bhutan, served as the national capital until 1966.

Suspension Bridge: Walking across the suspension bridge is an exhilarating
experience, as you feel the bridge sway slightly under your feet with each step you
take. As you cross, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and
valleys. 

Distance: 142 km/3.5hrs
Elevation: 2250 m / 7546 ft

After an early breakfast, visit Wangdue Phodrang Dzong: The impressive
Wangduephodrang Dzong perched on a ridge overlooking the Punatsangchu and
Dangchu Rivers was built in 1639. The dzong held a powerful position during the
pre-monarchy days; it is the town’s visible feature.

This journey will re-cross the Dochula Pass and past the confluence of the Thimphu
and Paro River.

Evening: take a leisure walk and explore Paro Town.

Morning after breakfast, we will take a straight drive to the north end of Paro Valley and
hike to Tiger Nest temple (Taktsang), Taktsang is the most revered temple in the
Buddhist. This magical temple clings to a vertical granite cliff 900 meters above the
valley. Legend has it that in the 8th century, Guru Rinpoche, a tantric master flew here
on the back of a tigress and meditated in a cave around which the temple is built.

In the evening, visit a traditional farmhouse for an opportunity to interact with a local
family and learn something about their lifestyle. End the day with a traditional hot stone
bath at a farmhouse as per your interest with an additional charge.

After breakfast, drive on to the airport in Paro. Seven days’ tour will end after boarding
your flight to your onward destination as you bid farewell to the beautiful Kingdom of
Bhutan.