10 Day Nimalung Tsechu
Day 1: Arrival in Paro
Upon your arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by your tour guide who will take you on a sightseeing tour of Paro. Visit Paro Rinpung Dzong, a fortress-monastery built in the 17th century, and the National Museum of Bhutan, which showcases Bhutanese art, culture, and history. In the afternoon, drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. On the way, you will stop at Tachog Lhakhang, a temple built in the 15th century, and the famous Iron Bridge. Overnight Thimphu.
Day 2: Thimphu Sightseeing
After breakfast, visit the Buddha Dordenma, a 169-feet tall statue of Buddha, and the Takin Preserve, where you can see Bhutan’s national animal, the takin. In the afternoon,visit the School of Traditional Arts, where students learn Bhutanese painting, woodcarving, and other traditional craft and Tashichho Dzong in the evening,a fortress-monastery that is the seat of Bhutan’s government and also houses the king’s throne room.
Day 3: Thimphu – Punakha
After breakfast, drive to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan. En-route, you will stop at Dochula Pass (3,100 meters) to enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayas. In Punakha, you will visit Punakha Dzong, the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan, and Chhimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility). Overnight stay in Punakha.
Day 4: Punakha – Bumthang
After breakfast, you will drive to Bumthang, one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan. En-route, you will stop at Trongsa Dzong and Ta Dzong. Overnight stay in Bumthang.
Day 5: Bumthang sightseeing
After breakfast, explore Bumthang. Vsit the Jakar Dzong, a fortress-monastery that dates back to the 17th century, and the Jambay Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. Next, visit the Tamshing Lhakhang, a temple founded in the 16th century by Pema Lingpa, a famous Bhutanese saint. Overnight in Bumthang.
Day 6: Nimalung Tsechu, Bumthang – Festival Day
After breakfast, attend Nimalung Tsechu. It is a traditional festival held annually in Nimalung Monastery in Bumthang, Bhutan. The festival takes place in the fifth lunar month of the Bhutanese calendar and lasts for three days.
During the Nimalung Tsechu, visitors can witness the traditional mask dances, or Cham, performed by monks and laypeople. The Cham is believed to represent various deities and is performed to ward off evil spirits and to bring blessings for the local community.
One of the unique features of the Nimalung Tsechu is the display of the thongdrel, a large religious tapestry that is believed to have powerful blessings. The thongdrel is only displayed during the early hours of the final day of the festival, and visitors believe that witnessing it can bring blessings for the rest of the year.
Day 7: Bumthang – Gangtey
After breakfast,drive to Gangtey, a beautiful valley known for its natural beauty and wildlife. You will visit Gangtey Monastery and the Black-Necked Crane Information Centre. Overnight stay in Gangtey.
Day 8: Gangtey – Paro
After breakfast, drive back to Paro. Along the way, you will stop at the Wangduephodrang Dzong and Paro Handicraft shops. Overnight stay in Paro.
Day 9: Hike to Tiger’s Nest
After breakfast hike up to the monastery, which is perched on a cliff at an altitude of 3,120 meters, and enjoy the breathtaking views of the valley below. The hike is moderately difficult, but the views and the experience are well worth the effort.After the hike, farewell dinner at Bhutanese farmhouse with traditional hot stone bath, which is a popular way to unwind after a long day of hiking.
Day 10: Departure
After breakfast, you will be driven to the Paro International Airport for your departure flight