Trashigang Tshechu

Festivals are preformed to honor Buddhist saint Guru Rinpoche who brought Buddhism in the country in the 7th century. After breakfast, we will proceed to the festival site and witness the most interesting annual festival of eastern Bhutan (Tsechu) for the whole day. Trashigang Tshechu: The annual Trashigang Tshechu is one of the biggest festivals in eastern Bhutan. People from all over eastern Bhutan come to the festival. The nomadic community of Merak and Sakteng, called the Brokpas, stand out of the crowd with their unique dress and appearance. Different sacred mask dances are performed during the festival apart from other traditional folk songs and dances. The highlight of the festival is the unfurling of the thongdrel (large tapestry) of Guru Tshengyed (eight manifestation of Guru Rinpoche). Another thongdrol of Neten Chudrug (Sixteen Arhats) is also unfurled for the public. Later, explore Trashigang town and enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding valleys. Overnight in Trashigang

We will witness the festival before we proceed to Trashiyangtse.  After lunch, we will start from Trashigang. Drametse Goemba: The biggest and most important monastery in eastern Bhutan, from the highway between Trashigang and Mongar, it is around 18km/1hr drive along the dirt road, gaining around 1350m. Drametse Monastery was founded in 1511 by Ani Choten Zangmo, the grand-daughter of the famous Bhutanese saint Pema Lingpa (1450-1521), who named the place as Drametse, meaning no enmities place or peak. Gomphu Kora: Located among paddy fields below the road to Tashi Yangtse, around 1 hour’s drive from Trashigang. Guru Rimpoche meditated under the big rock and subdued an evil demon here. Chorten Kora: A 2-hour drive from Trashigang is Chorten Kora, modeled after Boudhanath stupa in Nepal, where local people and Dakpa people from Arunachal Pradesh (India) gather in February/March for a festival to circumambulate the chorten. Overnight in Trashigang

The road approaching Mongar is one of the most spectacular journeys in the country. It passes over sheer cliffs and through beautiful fir forests and green pastures. Travelers passing this route will have the opportunity to visit the Rhododendron garden. Explore Mongar town in the evening.  Overnight in Mongar.

Make an excursion to the north and visit the province of Lhuentse, the ancestral home of Bhutan’s royal family. Visit the picturesque Lhuentse Dzong (Fortress). This region is famous for its bamboo basket and silk brocade dress. Lhuentse Rinchentse Dzong : Lhuentse Dzong also known as Lhuentse Rinchentse Dzong is situated on a hilltop overlooking the Kuri River below. Gangzur village: A small village consisting of about 10 households located at about 2km from Lhuentse town, Gangzur village is known for its earthen pottery farm. Overnight in Mongar.

Today’s drive takes us through Thrumshingla, the highest road pass in the country making this the most spectacular drives in the country as we climb up from Lingmithang to Thrumshingla. En-route visit Ura village. Further about 52km, there lies a valley of white bird, Jakar. Ura Village- Ura is one of oldest villages of Bhutan located at an elevation of 3100m. You can stroll around Ura village and hop into few friendly villager’s home for tea and chit-chat. The people here still practice semi-nomadic lifestyle herding yaks and sheep. Overnight in Jakar

Bumthang is the religious heartland of the nation and home to some of its oldest Buddhist temples and monasteries.  It is famous for its brightly coloured distinctive woolen item called Yathra and district formed by four valleys. Jakar Dzong or the “Castle of the White Bird”- Dominates the Chamkhar valley and overlooks the town, 3km 1.2 miles away from Chamkhar town.

Jampay Lhakhang- One of the oldest temples built in the country. This is the home of the naked dance that is still performed annually. It is believed that the temple is built in 7th century by Songtsen Gonpo of Tibet. Kurjey Lhakhang- The site where Guru Padmasambhava left the body imprint on the rock behind the temple. Visit for its artistic works and amazing structure. Kharchu Dratsang Monastery- This is an amazing experience to see monks chanting the mantras.

The monastery has become part of an extensive effort to preserve and revitalize Bhutanese culture and heritage. Tamzing Lhakhang- Tamshing Lhakhang, founded in 1501 by Pema Lingpa, contains paintings of fundamental interest for the history of painting in this region. Is also one of the oldest temples in the valley. Swiss Cheese Farm & Red Panda Brewery- The Swiss Farm is established by Mr. Fritz Maurer. The project introduced brewing, farming machinery and fuel-efficient, smokeless wood stoves to the valley, as well as its first tourist guesthouse in Bumthang. Swiss cheese and Bhutan’s only native beer, Red Panda, is brewed here. Fees applicable.  Overnight in Bumthang

Travel west toward Punakha, crossing scenic mountain passes and valleys. As you descend, the climate becomes warmer and more subtropical. Overnight in Punakha.

• Visit the majestic Punakha Dzong, beautifully located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Walk across Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge and enjoy valley views. And then head to Chimi Lhakhang the fertility temple. Later, drive to the capital city, Thimphu, via Dochula Pass (3,100 m), weather permitting for Himalayan views. Overnight in Thimphu.

• Explore Thimphu’s cultural highlights starting with Buddha Dordenma, a massive Buddha statue offering panoramic views over the valley. Visit the Memorial Chorten, a place of daily devotion for locals, and then stop at the Takin Preserve, home to Bhutan’s national animal. Experience traditional Bhutanese craftsmanship at the Paper Factory and explore Simply Bhutan for local arts and souvenirs.After these cultural and hands-on experiences, drive to Paro for your overnight stay, preparing for the Tiger’s Nest hike the following day.

• Hike to the iconic Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery), perched dramatically on a cliff 900 meters above the Paro Valley. This sacred site is one of Bhutan’s most revered landmarks. After the hike, visit Rinpung Dzong and explore Paro town. Overnight in Paro.

• Transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward journey, concluding your immersive eastern and central Bhutan cultural experience. Tashi Delek!