Bhutan: Punakha Drupchen Festival & Dzong — 8 Days

You arrive at Paro International Airport, where your guide meets you for a drive through the Paro and Thimphu river valleys to Thimphu, Bhutan's capital. En route, stop at Tamchhog Lhakhang, a temple of hereditary significance as the place of worship for Bhutan's legendary iron bridge builder. In early evening, walk through Thimphu's town center, observing its mix of shops and bazaars alongside residents dressed in the national gho and kira.

Visit the National Memorial Chorten, the National Library, and the School of Traditional Arts and Crafts. The afternoon offers additional exploration of Thimphu's cultural sites, with the option to visit Dechen Phodrang, Pangri Zampa, or Simtokha Dzong, one of Bhutan's oldest fortresses, dating from 629 AD.

The morning drive to Punakha, Bhutan's old capital, crosses Dochu La Pass at 3,050 meters, where you stop for a hot drink and take in panoramic views of the Eastern Himalaya range. Upon arrival in Punakha, visit Chimi Lhakhang, a 15th-century temple built by Lama Drukpa Kunley, the Divine Madman, and known as the Temple of Fertility. The afternoon permits a visit to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten or Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery.

Today centers on the Punakha Drupchen festival held at Punakha Dzong, the Palace of Great Happiness. Built in 1637, the dzong sits strategically at the confluence of the Po Chu and Mo Chu rivers. Locals dressed in their finest clothes have traveled from across Bhutan to attend. The festival's defining event is a recreation of a 1639 battle scene. In that year, the Tibetan army invaded Bhutan to seize the Rangjung Kharsapani, a self-created image of Chenresig considered Bhutan's most precious relic. The Shabdrung devised an elaborate ceremony in which he appeared to throw the relic into the Mo Chu river; the disappointed Tibetans withdrew. During the modern festival recreation, 136 people dressed in battle garb perform a traditional dance, then shout and whistle as they descend the front stairs of the Dzong. They proceed to the river accompanied by cymbals, drums, and trumpets. At the river's edge, the Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot, throws a handful of oranges representing the relic into the water—both a reenactment of the Shabdrung's deception and an offering to the Luu, the sub-surface spirits believed to inhabit the river. Warriors then carry their generals back up into the Dzong as firecrackers explode around them, accompanied by singing and cheering.

Return to the Dzong to observe the first day of the festival. After midday, drive back to Paro.

Visit Paro's cultural landmarks, beginning with Dumtse Lhakhang and Kyichu Lhakhang temple, then visit the National Museum and the well-known Paro Rinpung Dzong perched above the valley.

A day walk takes you to Taktshang Monastery, known as the Tiger's Nest. The route passes a cafeteria viewpoint partway up, offering views of the monastery clinging to the cliff face above Paro valley.

Your guide accompanies you to Paro airport for your departure flight, with a traditional farewell of Tashi Delek.