Tashigang/Mongar Festival (16 Days)

• Festival Duration: 03 Days
• Duration: 16 Days
• Detailed Itinerary
• Places Covered: Paro, Thimphu, Punakha/Wangdue, Trongsa, Jakar, Mongar, Lhuntse, Trashigang, Samdrup Jongkhar
• Map
• Altitude, Distance & Duration
• Cost 1 Pax: 3620|4370
• Cost 2 Pax: 3470|4220
• Cost 3 Pax & Above: 3020|3770

Day 01| Arrival in Paro

On arrival in Paro International airport, you will be received by ktb representative and transfer to your hotel by private car/bus. Evening stroll old Paro town and peep into some local handicrafts stores. One can also venture to try local restaurant for dinner.
Overnight: Paro | Altitude 2200m

Day 02| Paro Sightseeing

Visit Kichu Lhakhang, one from the 2 oldest temple in the country, historic Drukgyal Dzong (Fortress) and hike to Tiger’s Nest, the most revered temple in the country that literally hangs on a granite cliff overlooking the Paro Valley. Evening at leisure.
Overnight: Paro

Day 03| Paro – Thimphu (1 Hr)

Visit the National Museum, the first of its kind which has a collection from natural history to religious paintings. Visit 17th century Paro Dzong (Fortress) on foot and continue walking through the oldest wooden bridge still in use. Continue driving to Thimph.
Overnight: Thimphu | Altitude 2300m

Day 04| Thimphu sightseeing

Morning visit the weekend market (Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday), Handmade paper Mill, School of Arts and crafts where students learn 13 different arts used predominantly in Bhutan, Lunch in town. Drive pass by Memorial Chorten (temple) built in memory of the late 3rd King. Visit Changangkha Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the valley, Enclosure where national animal, Takin are kept and Zilukha Nunnery.
Overnight: Thimphu

Day 05| Thimphu – Punakha (2 ½ Hrs)

Spend morning in Thimphu. Afternoon drive through Dochula pass, the second highest road pass in your trip at 3010m. When the weather permits one can enjoy a spectacular view of the highest mountains of Bhutan at a site that stretches almost 180 degrees. After a short tea break continue to sub tropical Punakha. Afternoon visit the Souvenir Making Center and the Punakha Dzong (fortress) which houses the most elaborated temple in the country.
Overnight: Punakha | Altitude at 1350m

Day 06| Punakha sightseeing

Visit Chimi Lhakhang on foot, the temple of fertility associated with religious art of phallus. Drive up north and visit temple of Khamsu Yuley lakhang on foot passing through a suspension bridge and through a village. Return to visit the Souvenir Making Center and the Punakha Dzong (fortress), which houses the most elaborated temple in the country.
Overnight: Punakha

Day 07| Punakha – Trongsa (4 Hrs)

En route visit Wangdue town and view Wangdue Dzong, the only fortress in Bhutan that still has the original traditional roof. Drive over the Pelela pass at 3140m which forms the part of the Black Mountains that divides the country into east and west. In the afternoon visit the watch tower which houses a museum now. Evening relax in your hotel.
Overnight: Trongsa | Altitude 2200m

Day 08| Trongsa – Jakar (2.5 Hrs)

Morning visit the majestic Trongsa Dzong (Fortress), the home of the royals. Drive pass by Yotongla pass at 3425m. En route stop by the weaving place, beside the road where “Yatha”(wool weaving) is hand done which Bumthang is famous for. Evening explore the charming town of Jakar.
Overnight: Tang | Altitude at 2800m

Day 09| Jakar Sightseeing

Visit Jampay Lakhang, the one of the first 2 Buddhist temples built in the country. This is the home of the naked dance that is still performed annually. Visit the Kurjey Temple, the site where Bhutan’s royals are cremated. One can either walk cross the suspension bridge and visit the village of Parar and Tamshing or drive there. End your day with a walk passing by the Swiss farm. Evening stroll in Jakar town and try some local pancakes and noodles.
Overnight: Jakar

Day 10| Jakar – Mongar (7 Hrs)

Today drive takes you through Thrumshingla, the highest road pass in the country at 3900m making this the most spectacular drives in the country, descending 3200m just in a distance of 84 km. En route visit Ura village, made of cluster of large stone houses.
Overnight: Mongar | Altitude 1800m

Day 11| Mongar – Lhuntshe – Mongar (6hrs)

Make an excursion to the north and visit the province of Lhuntshe, ancestral home of the Bhutan’s royal family. Visit the picturesque Lhuntshe Dzong (Fortress). This region is famous for bamboo basket and silk brocade dress.
Overnight: Mongar

Day 12| Mongar – Trashigang (4 Hrs)

Drive pass by the famous Yadi loops to the province of Trashi Yangtshe famous for wooden containers made here using water-driven and treadle lathes. En route, visit Gom Kora temple.
Afternoon visit Trashigang Dzong (fortress) which is perched majestically on the tip that overlooks the deep gorge and Ranjung Monastic School. Evening stroll in town.
Overnight: Trashigang | Altitude 2100m

Day 13| Tashigang Festival

We will spend whole day in the festival which will accompany with various mask dances and folk dancers along with jokers actions in the crowd.
Overnight: Tahsigang

Day 14| Tashigang Festival

Whole day in the interesting Tashigang festival and in the afternoon we can proceed for other sightseeing or stay whole day witnessing the festival.
Overnight: Trashigang

Day 15| Trashigang – Samdrup Jongkhar (6 ½ Hrs)

Drive pass by the first Bhutanese college. En route, stop to visit the government handloom factory. Evening- relax in your hotel.
Overnight: Samdrup Jongkhar | Altitude: 180m

Day 16| Samdrup Jongkar – Guhauti (India) (4hrs)

Transfer to the Guwhati airport for your departure flight. Our tour staff will bid you farewell at the India Bhutan boarder gate.

Some useful Bhutanese phrases

Hello: Ku-zu-zam-po-la (meaning good health)
Thank You: Ka din chey la
See you: Lok jey gay
Good bye: Lus la “or” Laso la