Black Necked Crane Festival (11 days and 10 Nights)

• Take a DrukAir or Bhutan Airline flight to Paro. Following the completion of your immigration procedures, a representative from our company will meet you and serve as your tour guide for the duration of the remainder of the trip to Thimphu.
• Visit the National Memorial Chorten built in memory of the third king and offer your prayers.
• The sole mammal discovered in Bhutan, the Takin, is housed in the Takin Preserve. This goat species member is relatively uncommon. In the really high heights, found in herds (13,125ft and over).
• Visit Tashichhoe Dzong, a stronghold of the illustrious faith. Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel completed it in 1641, and His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the late King, rebuilt it into its current form between 1962 and 1969. In addition to the central monk body, it also houses the secretariat building, the throne room and the king’s office. a location where visitors may both experience and purchase products created in Bhutan. All facets of Bhutanese traditional arts and crafts are represented in the bazaar’s 80 stalls. At this bazaar, craftspeople and artists from all across the nation exhibit and sell their handmade goods. Visit further craft shops as well.

Visit the following places after breakfast

• The Institute for Zorig Chusum, also called the Arts and Crafts School or the Painting School, offers a six-year training on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. During a tour, visitors can observe students developing the many skills offered at the institution.
• Coronation Park offers a beautiful and soothing atmosphere for strolling or sitting and watching the river flow by. It is situated on the banks of the river (next to the city stadium).
• Visit the highest Buddha statue at Kuensel Phodrang and take in the expansive views of the Thimphu Valley below.
• The Folk Heritage Museum (Phelchey Toenkhyim) aims to introduce visitors to rural Bhutanese history through displays, demonstrations, educational programs, and documentation of rural life. A three-story conventional rammed mud and timber home from the middle of the 19th century that has been rebuilt serves as the museum’s main display. The house is built in the style and shape of a typical family home from that time period in the Wang area. The longevity and efficiency of the building materials are demonstrated by the age of the structure. Household items, common domestic tools, and equipment that would have been utilized by a family during that time are shown from the ground to the top floors. The museum is also growing some of the indigenous trees and plants that were utilized for a variety of domestic tasks in rural homes.
• South of Motithang, on a ridge overlooking Thimphu, is the fortress-like temple and monastic institution known as Changangkha Lhakhang. The temple was built in the 12th century on a location picked by Tibetan immigrant Lama Phajo Drugom Shigpo. Chenrezig is depicted in the statue’s centerpiece as an 11-headed incarnation. The Thimphu valley may be seen with great interest from the temple courtyard.
• Centenary farmers market- On the banks of the river, where the weekend market is held, the majority of Thimphu’s small population and many valley residents converge every Saturday and Sunday. It offers the chance to interact with locals and is a fascinating location to explore.

• Travel across Dochula Pass (3140 m) to Punakha after breakfast. The Himalayan Mountain ranges are visible from a great distance under a springtime sky that is clear.
• After that, walk by the stunning 108 chortens that Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck (the Queen Mother of Bhutan) erected on the hill for the safety and wellbeing of His Majesty, the King of Bhutan.
• One of Bhutan’s most stunning locations is the Gangtey valley. In Bhutan, where most of the valleys are closely contained, it is an incredibly unique sensation to come across such a large, flat valley devoid of any trees after a strenuous climb through dense forests. This feeling is further enhanced by the sense of boundless space. The interesting Phobjikha Valley is located on the valley floor a few kilometers beyond the Gangtey Monastery. Afterwards, go to Gangtey Goempa The Gangtey Monastery is the lone Nyingmapa monastery on the western side of the Gangtey valley of the Black Mountain, perched on a small hill that rises from the valley floor.
• The families of the 140 Gomchens who look after the monastery reside primarily in the big community that surrounds it. Pema Trinley, the grandson of the illustrious Nyingmapa saint of Bhutan known as Pema Lingpa, created Gangtey. Pema Trinley founded the monastic complex in 1613 and at that time was recognized as the first Gangtey Tulku. There are still taught the religious practices of Pema Lingpa. Tenzin Legpa Dondrup, the second Tulku (1645–1726), renovated the monastery in the shape of a Dzong while expanding Gangtey and maintaining excellent relations with the Drukpas.
• The Black-necked Crane Information Center features an observation room with high power telescope and spotting scopes for getting the best view of the cranes. It is located on the border of the forest and marsh along the main road of Phobjikha Valley. The center also has exhibits with information outlining the region’s natural and cultural history. There is a tiny gift shop where you may buy locally made crafts.

• After breakfast, we’ll drive to Gangtey Goempa to see the festival of the black-necked crane, and then after lunch, we’ll go on a nature trip.

• Travel to Bumthang via Trongsa after breakfast. You’ll pass through lush stands of oak and blue pine trees as well as subtropical vegetation on the route. You will pass via the towns of Nobding and Pele la Pass on the way (3300m). Your journey will take you through picturesque rural Bhutan, complete with sporadic communities that are off the beaten path and make for excellent photo opportunities. Along the Chendebji Chorten (Stupa) route, you will also pass through open meadows, a valley populated by yak herders, and various more villages. On the way, lunch will be provided. You will tour Trongsa Dzong, Bhutan’s most spectacular dzong, after stopping for refreshments when you arrive in Trongsa. The Shabdrung built the dzong, a masterwork of architecture, in 1644.
• Following that, carry on your journey to Bumthang while across Yotong La Pass (3400 m). You may see local weavers weave Yathra at the “Yathra” Weaving Center in Zugney Village, which is located just before you arrive in Bumthang. The colorful, hand-woven woolen fabric known as “yathara” is made in this area. It frequently features geometric patterns and is made from sheep wool since sheep are raised in the Bumthang Valley. Yathra is used to create items like bags and coats. You will then be taken even further, to Bumthang Valley.

• Jambay Lhakhang (Festival): In Tibet, Bhutan, and the borderlands, temples were built on the areas of the recumbent demoness believed to be obstructing the spread of Buddhism. The most well-known of these temples are the Jokhang in Lhasa, the Kichu in Paro, Bhutan, and the Jambay Lhakhang in the Bumthang District of Bhutan. Other, less well-known temples in Bhutan have been destroyed, but it is thought that parts of the 108 temples may have been preserved in places like Kongchogsum in Bumthang, Khaine in Lhuntse, and two temples in the Haa District. Padmasambhava visited Jambay Lhakhang, and after the latter returned his life energy, King Sindhu Raja restored it.
• The Kurje Lhakhang: Sindhu Raja, the monarch of Bumthang in the eighth century, asked Guru Rinpoche, who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan, to treat him when he became ill. Guru Rinpoche learned that the local deities, particularly the potent Shelging Karpo, were to blame for the King’s illness.
• Guru pursued the gods into a cave in search of the sickness’ root cause. There, Guru meditated for three months. After conquering the gods, including the formidable Shelging Karpo, Guru left his body imprint inside the cave, giving it the name Kurjey (Body Imprint). A tall cypress tree that is thought to have grown from Guru Rinpoche’s walking stick is situated next to the monastery.

• Mebartsho (The Burning Lake): One of the major pilgrimage destinations in Bhutan is located in a tiny gorge that the Tang Rivers creates as it cuts through the first line of hills: The blazing lake, Mebartsho.The committed Bhutanese make wishes and float tiny butter lights at this holy pilgrimage destination today. On the rock, carvings of Pema Lingpa and his two sons may be seen. There is no sanctuary, but the gorge’s location itself is revered.
• Jakar Dzong: The Dzong was first constructed as a monastery in 1549 and was founded by the great-grandfather of the first Shabdrung. It was improved after the Zhabdrung solidified his hold on power in 1646. The Dzong houses the local monk body and serves as the administrative hub for the Bumthang valley today.
• Swiss Farm and Red Panda Brewery: Fritz Maurer, a Swiss national who arrived in Bhutan in the middle of the 1960s as part of the Pro Bhutan Foundation, built the Swiss Farm. He married a Bhutanese woman, opened a Swiss cheese factory, and established the brewery in 1996. The little family-owned plant makes a range of Swiss cheeses, clover honey, apple cider, wine, apple brandy, and the regional draft beer Red Panda. You can arrange for cheese and beer tastings. The family also manages an inn.

• Attend the festival in the morning before heading to Punakha.
• The Chimi Lhakhang: The Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who used humor, music, and wild behavior to dramatize his teachings in the late 15th century, is honored at the Chimi Lhakhang, which is located on a mound in the middle of the valley. He is also known as the “Divine Madman” because of this. This building is sometimes referred to as the fertility temple. It is popularly held that if a couple that wants a child and does not yet have one prays at this temple, they will typically be blessed with a child fairly soon. From the road to the temple, it takes around 30 minutes to cross a field. To get to the tiny community of Pana, which means “field,” the trail crosses through rice fields. The route then traverses more farms and a small creek as it descends to Yoaka before climbing swiftly to Chimi Lhakhang.
• The Punakha Dzong: When the monk body relocates to Thimphu in the summer and during the Punakha Festival, the Dzong is open to visitors. The dzong is a significant historical structure and represents a united Bhutan. From 1637 to 1907, Punakha served as Bhutan’s capital. Punakha Dzong, which Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal strategically erected in 1637 at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers to act as the regional administrative and religious hub, has been significant in the history of Bhutan.
• Punakha has a well-deserved reputation as one of the most stunning and important areas at the center of Bhutanese culture because it has been intimately connected to some of the most crucial moments in Bhutanese history.

• Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten – A stunning hike leads to the opulent Khamsum Yuelley Namgel Chorten, which was constructed to drive away evil energies and encourage peace, stability, and harmony in the midst of the world’s change. The Chorten is the dominant structure in the upper Punakha Valley, dominating views of the Mo Chhu, the rocky peaks of Gasa, and beyond may be seen from here.
• Drive to the village of Limbukha, then walk across the 200-meter-long suspension bridge while enjoying a breath-taking view of the Dzong. As you approach the Dompala Hills, continue on the farm houses’ gentle ascent. In the midst of chirpine trees, the view of the Dzong, Pho, and Mo rivers and the neighboring community is magnificent. To reach Limbukha, it takes a further 2.5 hours of climbing. Farmers in Limbukha cultivate the renowned red rice of Bhutan, which is said to have therapeutic properties. Clean mountain spring is required for this particular rice in order to keep the flavor and nutritional content.
• Limbukha is renowned for its appreciation of serenity and peace. According to legend, the “limpus” or Limbukha residents constantly offered to serve as peace mediators during medieval conflicts. This is also demonstrated during the annual Serda festival, when men are seen traveling to Gangtey Valley with peace flags rather than swords and fireworks.

• Get going early. Check into your accommodation as soon as you arrive in Paro, and then drive to the fortress to take in the festival. Among the largest celebrations held in the nation is the Paro Tshechu. The Dzong’s courtyard serves as the location for the mask dances on the first day. The event is held in the days that follow in the courtyard adjacent to the dzong.
• Ta Dzong, where the National Museum is located (watchtower). Here, an interesting collection of antiquities offers a superb introduction to the Kingdom’s rich tradition and culture. A beautiful example of traditional Bhutanese architecture is the Paro Dzong. A “fortress that lies on a heap of diamonds,” Rinpung Dzong is another name for it. With its inwardly sloping walls that rise to an astonishing height, this majestic dzong situated above the Paro River is a fine example of Bhutanese architecture. On the site of a monastery erected by Guru Rinpoche, who is regarded as the “second Buddha,” the dzong was constructed in the 16th century. Continue your descent from the dzong to Nyamai Zampa, the country of Bhutan’s oldest traditional cantilever bridge.
• Wander through Paro town in the evening and stop by local handmade shops.

• After breakfast, travel to the monastery’s base. Depending on your level of fitness, the hike up to the viewpoint will take between 1 and 1 1/2 hours, and from there, you’ll have a breathtaking view of the monastery clinging to the cliffside. Visit the View Point Cafeteria to rest and recharge. After that, continue climbing for another hour to reach the monastery. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche traveled here from eastern Bhutan in the eighth century on the back of a tigress, where he spent three months in solitary meditation. The main Lhakhang (monastery) of the current monastic complex was constructed in 1692. Taktsang suffered significant fire damage in 1998, but it has since been totally restored to its former splendor. After seeing the monastery, return to the road by making a stop for lunch at the cafeteria at the viewpoint before continuing to the road’s end. and then return to the hotel.
• Visit Kyichu Temple, one of the 108 temples that Tibetan King Songsten Gampo built in the seventh century, on the route there. According to legend, a huge demonic being guarded the entire region of Tibet and the Himalayas and was preventing Buddhism from spreading. King Songtsen Gampo made the decision to destroy her by erecting 108 temples, one for each of her body’s 108 points. 12 of the 108 temples were constructed in line with detailed blueprints. As a result, the demon’s very heart was covered by the Jokhang temple in Lhasa, which was constructed in the year AD 638.

• Take flight from Paro to your other destinations.