8 Day Rhododendron Festival
Day 1: Arrival in Paro
Arrive at Paro, the only international airport in Bhutan. Once you complete immigration and customs, you will be greeted by your guide and driver, and they will transfer you to your hotel. You can spend the rest of the day exploring Paro town, getting a feel for the local culture and architecture. In the afternoon, visit the National Museum of Bhutan, located in a former watchtower above the Paro Dzong. Then, explore the Paro Dzong, a fortress-monastery that serves as the administrative center of Paro district.
Day 2: Thimphu Sightseeing
After breakfast, drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. You will visit the Buddha Dordenma, the largest statue of Buddha in the world. You will also visit the National Memorial Chorten, the National Library, the Traditional Art School, and the Folk Heritage Museum.
Day 3: Rhododendron Festival
After breakfast, drive to the Royal Botanical Park in Lamperi, located about an hour away from Thimphu. The park is home to more than 46 species of rhododendron and other plants and flowers.Upon arrival, take a guided tour of the park with a botanist who will provide you with interesting information about the plants and flowers
After the tour, head to the festival grounds where you will find many colorful stalls selling various Bhutanese handicrafts, souvenirs, and food items. Take your time to explore the area and shop for some unique items.
Attend the cultural programs, which include traditional dances, songs, and mask dances. Watch as the performers showcase their skills and enjoy the colorful costumes and elaborate masks. Depart for Punakha in the evening.
Day 4: Punakha Sightseeing
Visit the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a beautiful temple built by the Queen Mother of Bhutan. Visit the Chimmi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to the Divine Madman, and learn about his life and teachings. Then, visit the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, a magnificent fortress. In the afternoon, visit the Rinchengang village to see how traditional Bhutanese houses are built using mud and stones.You would also visit Chimi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to the famous “Divine Madman” Drukpa Kunley. Chimi Lhakhang.
Day 5: Punakha to Gangtey Valley
After breakfast, drive to the beautiful Gangtey Valley, which is home to the black-necked cranes that migrate from Tibet in winter. Make a stop at the Black Necked Crane Center, where you can learn more about these graceful birds and their conservation efforts.
Visit Gangtey Monastery, one of the largest and oldest Nyingma monasteries in Bhutan. The monastery sits on a small hill overlooking the picturesque valley and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
In the afternoon, we will embark on a nature trail hike through the Gangtey Valley. The trail is an excellent opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of Bhutan and offers a chance to spot some of the local flora and fauna. After the hike, we will return to our hotel in Gangtey for dinner and a good night’s rest.
Day 6: Gangtey to Paro
Drive back to Paro and visit the Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Bhutan. Evening at your leisure.
Day 7: Tiger’s Nest Hike
Embark on a hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest monastery, one of the most famous landmarks in Bhutan. After the hike, return to Paro. Farewell dinner at the traditional Bhutanese farm house.
Day 8: Departure
Transfer to Paro International Airport for your departure flight.