Bumthang Ura Tsechu Festival Tour (12 Days)
Witness the vibrant cultural festivities of the Bumthang Ura Tsechu Festival, featuring masked dances, traditional music, and religious blessings in the stunning Ura Valley. This journey takes you through Bhutan’s iconic landmarks in Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Trongsa, and Bumthang, offering a deep dive into the spiritual and cultural heart of the country.
Overview
- Day 1: Arrive Paro – Thimphu
- Day 2: Thimphu
- Day 3: Thimphu – Punakha
- Day 4: Punakha
- Day 5: Punakha – Trongsa
- Day 6: Trongsa – Bumthang
- Day 7: Bumthang
- Day 8: Bumthang
- Day 9: Bumthang – Punakha
- Day 10: Punakha – Paro
- Day 11: Paro
- Day 12: Depart Paro
Day 1: Arrive Paro – Thimphu
Arrive in Paro, greeted by breathtaking Himalayan views. Visit the Ta Dzong Museum and Rinpung Dzong before driving along the Pachu River to Thimphu. Overnight in Thimphu.
Included Activities:
- Ta Dzong Museum: Displaying Bhutanese artefacts and cultural relics.
- Rinpung Dzong: A historic fortress and administrative centre.
Day 2: Thimphu
Explore Thimphu’s cultural landmarks, including the National Memorial Chorten, Changangkha Temple, and Zilukha Nunnery. Visit the Takin Preserve and Tashichhodzong. Overnight in Thimphu.
Included Activities:
- National Memorial Chorten: A monument dedicated to Bhutan’s Third King.
- Changangkha Temple: Offering stunning views of the Thimphu Valley.
- Tashichhodzong: Bhutan’s iconic fortress housing the central monk body.
Day 3: Thimphu – Punakha
Drive over the scenic Dochu-La Pass to Punakha. Visit Punakha Dzong, Bhutan’s “Palace of Great Happiness,” and Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple. Overnight in Punakha.
Included Activities:
- Dochu-La Pass: Offering panoramic views of the Himalayas.
- Punakha Dzong: An architectural masterpiece at the confluence of two rivers.
- Chimi Lhakhang: A temple dedicated to the Divine Madman.
Day 4: Punakha
Hike to Khamsum Yueley Namgyal Chorten for stunning views. Enjoy a riverside picnic before visiting local sites. Overnight in Punakha.
Included Activities:
- Khamsum Yueley Namgyal Chorten: A hilltop stupa with panoramic views.
Day 5: Punakha – Trongsa
Travel through the Pele-La Pass, stopping at Chendebji Chorten en route to Trongsa. Explore the town and enjoy the scenic surroundings. Overnight in Trongsa.
Included Activities:
- Chendebji Chorten: An 18th-century stupa with unique architecture.
Day 6: Trongsa – Bumthang
Visit Trongsa Dzong and Ta Dzong Museum before heading to Bumthang. Explore Kurjey Lhakhang and Jambay Lhakhang in the evening. Overnight in Bumthang.
Included Activities:
- Trongsa Dzong: A fortress with breathtaking views.
- Ta Dzong Museum: Featuring artefacts of Bhutan’s monarchy.
Day 7: Bumthang
Attend the Ura Festival in the Ura Valley, enjoying traditional dances, music, and blessings. Overnight in Bumthang.
Day 8: Bumthang
Take an excursion to the Tang Valley. Visit Ugyen Chholing Palace and Tang Rimochen Lhakhang. Explore the Burning Lake, a sacred site. Overnight in Bumthang.
Included Activities:
- Tang Valley: Known for its serene beauty and sacred sites.
- Burning Lake: A mystical and sacred site in Bhutan.
Day 9: Bumthang – Punakha
Visit Tamshing Lhakhang in the morning before driving to Punakha with lunch en route. Overnight in Punakha.
Day 10: Punakha – Paro
Hike to Khamsum Yueley Namgyal Chorten in the morning. After a riverside picnic, return to Thimphu and continue to Paro. Overnight in Paro.
Included Activities:
- Khamsum Yueley Namgyal Chorten: A beautiful stupa overlooking the valley.
Day 11: Paro
Hike to Taktsang Monastery and visit Drukgyel Dzong. Spend the afternoon exploring Paro’s cultural landmarks. Overnight in Paro.
Included Activities:
- Taktsang Monastery: A sacred pilgrimage site perched on a cliff.
- Drukgyel Dzong: A historic fortress with spectacular views.
Day 12: Depart Paro
Transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward journey. Tashi Delek!