Bhutan: Mongar Tshechu Festival (8th-10th December)

After breakfast, drive to Paro to catch a Domestic flight to Bumthang. The flight from Paro to Bumthang is short but a beautiful ride with a spectacular aerial view of the country’s mountains and valleys.

After landing at Bumthang, have some refreshment and visit following places:

Jakar dzong (fortress of the White-bird): Built in 17th century, Jakar dzong and its forces for centuries defended against a host of enemies from both outside and within the country. It was said that lama Nagi Wangchuck, great grandfather of Zhabdrung came to this place and was looking for a site to build his hermitage. He saw a white bird flying from the place where the dzong stands today. Hence the name “Jakar,” meaning white bird.

The Dzong is used as an administrative center for Bumthang valley, and houses the regional monk body.

Jambey Lhakhang: This monastery was built in the 7th century by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo. It is one of 108 monasteries which he built to subdue evil spirits in the Himalayan region. Its present architectural appearance dates from the early 20th century.

A short walk from thereon will take us to Kurjey Lhakhang: Located further along the valley, Kurjey Lhakhang comprises three sacred temples which are surrounded by 108 chorten walls.

We then move on towards the Tamshing Lhakhang: Located across the river from Kurjey Lhakhang, this temple was founded in 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa, a reincarnation of Guru Padmasambhava. There are very old religious paintings around the inner walls of the temple, which were restored at the end of the 19th century. We end our walk here and then drive back to the hotel.

Evening: Explore Jakar Town.

Overnight at the hotel in Bumthang. 

Driving Duration: 192 Km/7 hours 

Elevation: 1700m / 5580ft

Have breakfast at the hotel in Bumthang, drive on to Mongar Dzongkhag through Jakar and Ura valley located at an altitude of 3100 meters above sea level which portrays refreshing and picturesque sights. Then, we will be climbing the highest pass in Bhutan, Thrumshing-La Pass located at the altitude of 4000m (13123ft).

Enroute through Thrumshing-la Pass to reach Sengor valley populated with few traditional houses. Enjoy the picturesque Sengor valley surrounded by green meadows and agricultural fields. As the journey continues via road, you may also get a glimpse of Namling Waterfall flowing from the Namling cliff beneath the road. 

Upon reaching Mongar, check in to the hotel for some leisure time and after some refreshments, continue sightseeing by strolling in Mongar town or the Mongar Dzong, built in 1930 to replace the original Shongar Dzong. 

Overnight at the hotel in Mongar. 

Attend the Mongar Tshechu festival held at Mongar Dzong. People from across the district gather in vibrant traditional attire to celebrate with friends and family. The festival features many unique dances indigenous to the region. 

Join the festivities at the dzong’s courtyard and immerse yourself in the cultural experience. The Tshechu lasts for three days.

Overnight at the hotel in Mongar.

Driving Duration: 76 Km/ 2 hours 

Elevation: 1815m/5956ft

After having breakfast at the hotel, drive on to Lhuntse to spend a day on an excursion in Lhuntse by visiting the following places.  

Takila Guru statue: Visit the largest statue of Guru Padmasambhava (154 meter tall) residing on the Takila slope. The statue is surrounded by 8 big chortens and 108 smaller chortens circulating the statue of Guru Padmasambhava in a seated position. 

Lhuntse Dzong: Also known as Lhuntse Rinchentse Phodrang Dzong can be found positioned on a rocky outcrop above the Kurichhu valley. The Dzong was built by Trongsa Penlop Mingyur Tenpa in 1654. All annual festivals are held in the Dzong and as a grand celebration, the three-day festival/ tshechu is celebrated. 

Khoma village: Take a 90-minute drive up to the village to witness the weaving of brocade dress in the traditional weaving village. Khoma is renowned for producing Kishuthara, intricately patterned silk kiras. Weaving these kiras can take over a year, with some selling for up to 1000 BTN (1200 USD). 

Overnight at the hotel in Mongar.

Driving Duration: 260 km 8 hours 

Elevation: 1600m / 5250ft

The journey from Mongar to Trongsa is marked by some of the most stunning waterfalls, steep cliffs with even steeper drops, and vibrant flowers. Along the way, you’ll cross the towering Himalayas, passing through Thrumshing La at 4,000 meters and Yotong La at 4,300 meters. The constantly changing vegetation throughout the drive adds to the variety and beauty of this remarkable journey.

En-route visit Ura Village: This is one of the 4 valleys of Bumthang. The Geyden Lhakhang (temple) dominates the village and is reached by turning off the road to Mongar on a short unpaved road that leads off the main road east of the village. There are about 40 closely packed houses along cobblestone streets, giving the village a medieval atmosphere.

Overnight at the hotel in Trongsa. 

Driving Duration: 78 km 2 hours 

Elevation: 2900m / 9510ft

After breakfast, drive to Gangtey in Phobjikha, a glacial valley on the western slopes of Black Mountain national park. The valley is a designated conservation area and borders the Black Mountain National Park. Because of the large flock of black-necked cranes that winter here (from late October to late March), it is one of the most important wildlife preserves in the country. 

En-route visit the following places in Trongsa: 

Trongsa Dzong: This Dzong’s architecture dominates the entire Trongsa horizon dwarfing the surrounding buildings. Built in 1648, it was the seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan. Both the first and second King ruled the country from this ancient seat. Protected from

invaders by an impenetrable valley, Trongsa Dzong is an impregnable fortress. The Dzong itself is a labyrinth of temples, corridors and offices holding court over the local community. It is built on many levels into the side of the hill and can be seen from every approach to Trongsa heralding its strength as a defensive stronghold.

Ta Dzong: Visit Ta Dzong which was the watchtower of the Trongsa Dzong. The watchtower

was converted into a Royal Museum on 10th of December 2008. The museum has on display about 224 items used over the years by the Wangchuck dynasty. You will see the Raven Crown worn by the first King and many other objects of interest.

Afterlunch, visit following places in Phobjikha valley: 

The Gangtey monastery overlooks the large green expanse of Phobjikha Valley.  The extensive complex consists of the gompa itself, the monks’ quarters, meditation centers, and schools. 

Explore around by visiting the following sites: 

Gangtey Nature Trail: The most beautiful and perpetual nature trails in Bhutan. The trail hike starts from the mani (like Chhorten) stone wall to the north of the Ganagtey Gonpa and ends in Khewa Lhakhang. The hike takes about 1 hr 30 minutes through the pine forest and small bamboo plants. So, the pristine environment provides the best hiking places for the Nature lovers.

Black Necked Crane Information Center: Situated on the edge of the forest and wetland along the main road of Phobjikha valley, the Black-Necked Crane Information Centre has an observation room equipped with a high-power telescope and spotting scopes for catching the best view of the cranes.

Overnight at the hotel in Phobjikha. 

Driving Duration: 77 km  2.5 hours 

Elevation: 1200m / 3900 ft

After breakfast, drive to Punakha. Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until and still it is the

winter seat of Je Khenpo (the chief abbot). Blessed with temperate climate and owing to its

natural drainage from Pho Chhu (male) and Mo Chhu (female) rivers, the Punakha valley

produces abundant crops and fruits.

After checking into hotel visit the following places:

Chimed Lhakhang: After lunch, take a short hike to visit Chimed Lhakhang in the valley of Lobesa. The temple is dedicated to the famous saint, Drukpa Kunley, 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.

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, and 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.

Overnight at the hotel in Punakha. 

Driving Duration : 77 km/2 hours

Elevation: 2200m/7218ft

The drive will take us via the Dochula Pass. The pass offers a panoramic view of the Himalayan Mountain range. The view is especially scenic on clear, winter days with snow capped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquility of the 108 chortens known as the Druk Wangyal Chortens.

Visit following places in Thimphu:

National Memorial Chorten: The building of this chorten was originally the idea of Bhutan’s third king, H.M. Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (“the father of modern Bhutan”), who had wished to erect a monument to world peace and prosperity but was unable to give shape to his idea in his lifetime due to pressures of state. After His Majesty’s untimely death in 1972, the Royal Family and Cabinet resolved to fulfill his wishes and erect a memorial that would perpetuate his memory and serve as a monument to peace.  

The National Memorial Chorten was consecrated on July 28, 1974. The finely executed wall paintings and delicately fashioned statues within the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy. 

Buddha Point/Kuneselphodrang: We recommend that you go to the Buddha Point early in the morning just when the sun strikes the statue so that you will see the massive Buddha in all its glory. Those visiting it may be in for a little surprise because this Shakyamuni stands 51.5 meters tall making it one of the largest statues of Buddha in the world. The statue is made of bronze and is gilded in gold. 125,000 smaller Buddha statues have been placed within the Buddha Dordenma statue: 100,000 8 inch tall and 25,000 12-inch-tall statues respectively. Each of these thousands of Buddhas have also been cast in bronze and gilded. The throne that the Buddha Dordenma sits upon is a large meditation hall.

Takin Preserve: Legend has it that a Tibetan saint by the name Drukpa Kunley, popularly called The Divine Madman created the Takin through his supernatural Tantric powers.  The Bhutanese requested Drukpa Kunley during one of his religious lectures to conjure a miracle before them. The saint agreed to do so provided he was fed for lunch: a whole cow and a whole goat. Once served, he devoured the flesh leaving the bones. He then fixed the head of the goat onto the skeleton of the cow and uttered a mantra. With this a live animal, which had the head of a goat, and the body of a cow came into being. Since then, this animal has been a common sight in the hills of Bhutan. Because of this, the Takin was adopted as the National Animal of Bhutan. The Takin Preserve is located at Motithang (upper Thimphu).

Centenary Farmers’ Market: Take a walk through this market and shop/interact with the

local farmers. Thimphu’s new weekend market is by far the largest domestic market for farmers in Bhutan. Farmers come from all over the country to sell their farm products in 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. 

Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.