In Bhutan, Punakha Dromchoe always begins on the 5th day of the first month of the lunar calendar and it is one of the most significant religious social events which were introduced by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel to hoodwink Tibetan invaders in 1639. Zhabdrung Rinpoche had the Tibetans believe that he cast off Rangjung Kharsapani (the self-created image of Aveloketeshvara) into the Mochhu and the deceived Tibetan invaders had returned home convinced. Punakha Dromchoe recreates the scenario to show how the Tibetans were tricked into believing that Zhabdrung had great force at his service. The eight western clans or gewogs – Kawang, Chang, Mewang in Thimphu, and Baap, Kabjisa, Shengana, Tewang and Toeb in Punakha represents 136, including eight (generals) and eight gups as lama’s representatives during the war. History has it that Tibetan invaders were hiding and watching from above Jeligang, a hill above the cremation ground in Punakha, waiting for the perfect moment to forcibly take back the relic that Zhabdrung brought along with him in 1616. Therefore, the people come and witness the Dromchoe in their finest locally produced outfits and jewelries to celebrate and stay true to the age-old traditions. This spiritual social event brings people together unified by the common culture, traditions and beliefs.
Activities: Festival Tour & Sightseeing
Duration: 8 Nights 9 Days
Season: Winter Season
Day 01: Paro to Thimphu
Drive: 1 Hour
Altitude: Around 2300m/7590 ft
Distance: 65 km/ 39 miles
Welcome to Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon. Touching down at Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by our representatives at the arrival gate and then directly transported to Thimphu. Take it easy today as you must be tired because of long hours of flight and do the sightseeing from the car. In the evening go around the Thimphu town and have the picturesque evening walk in and around town.
Overnight: Thimphu
Day 02: Thimphu Sightseeing
Morning visit Memorial Chorten (Stupa) which was built in the memory of the third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (also called father of modern Bhutan) in 1974. Then proceed further to Kuensel Phodrang (Buddha Point), which was completed and consecrated in 2015 coinciding with the descend Day of Lord Buddha and then to National Takin Preserve (where national animal is kept) . Later, visit one of the oldest Nunneries in Bhutan (also called Drubthob Goemba). In the afternoon visit painting school (school of thirteen Arts and crafts), where the students learn thirteen different arts and crafts commonly used in Bhutan, then visit weaving centre, next to handmade paper factory and later to the weekend market (Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday).
Overnight: Thimphu
Day 03: Thimphu to Punakha
Drive: 2 ½ Hours
Altitude: 1350m/4455ft
Distance: 76 km/45.6miles
Drive through Dochula pass, which is at the elevation 3140m above the sea level. When the weather is sky blue clear, you can enjoy a scenic view of the highest unclimbed mountain in the world in Bhutan and Himalayan ranges stretching almost 180 degrees. Sooner you can break for tea for some time and resume your way to Punakha via sub-tropical Forest. Afternoon, take a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang (known as temple of fertility), which was built in 1499 by the cousin of Lama Drukpa Kuenley (Divine Madman) in his honour after he subdued the demoness of the Dochula with his ‘magic thunderbolt of wisdom’. Then visit Sangchen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery which was built by the father in-law and mother in-law of the fourth King. It is an opportunity to interact with nuns and to learn about their lives in the nunnery.
Overnight: Punakha
Day 04: Punakha Dromchoe
Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) arrives at the Dukhang in a procession. The Cham (Mask dance) master reports the program of the day followed by the instructional speech and the blessing by the Je Khenpo to the dancers. Then and there program starts with Shinje Yab Yum Cham (dance of the Lord of Death and His Consort), Dey Gyed Mang Cham and Pazab (dressed in red and black, these pazabs represents the soldiers of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namyal).
Overnight: Punakha
Day 05: Day Excursion to Phobjikha
Drive: 3 Hours
Altitude: 2900 m/9570 ft
Distance: 78 km/ 46.8 miles
After breakfast drive to the roosting ground of black-necked crane in Phobjikha valley. Black-necked cranes are one of the most endangered species of birds in the world. These birds winter in south-central Tibet, north-eastern Yunnan province in China and in some parts of Bhutan as well. After you enter Phobjikha valley, visit Gangtey Goenpa, in 15th century treasure discoverer Pema Lingpa prophesied that a Goenpa named gang-teng (hill top) would be built on this site. Thus, his teaching would flourish far and wide from here. Gangtey is the only Nyingma monastery found in western Bhutan. Then take a Phobjikha Nature Trail hike from the Goenpa which takes around 1 ½ hours. It is simply a very beautiful hike and you can have a breathtaking view down in the valley and suppose you are lucky and in the right season you could see the black necked cranes in the valley.
Overnight: Punakha
Day 06: Punakha Dromchoe
The Dromchoe concludes with Serda (The Great Punakha Procession). Serda is a magnificent solemn procession and the most spectacular part of the ceremonies held in Punakha. All the monks and lamas, wearing the great red headdress of the Drukpa Kagyud order, leave the Dzong to the sound of the trumpets and drums. Every year on the 9th day of the 1st month, one of the most famous chapters in Bhutan’s history is recounted, the story of the battle or rather a cunning victory that Bhutanese won against the Tibetans more than a few centuries ago. Today, during the Dromchoe, a handful of oranges symbolizes the precious relic that the Je Khenpo throws into the river. A few people disrobe on the banks and jump into the river as it carries away the oranges, thus recalling the poor Tibetans who were drowned.
Overnight: Punakha
Day 07: Punakha to Paro
Drive: 3½ Hours
Altitude: 2200m/7260 ft
Distances: 218 km/ 130 miles
In the morning retrace back to Paro valley via Dochula pass. Paro is a very beautiful valley which encapsulates within Jomolhari Mountain (7,314 metres), reigns snow-capped mountains in the northern valley and forms glacial lake through which Pa Chu (Paro River) flows. Afternoon, visit legendary Kyichu Lhakhang, which is believed to have been built in the year 659 by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. When he married the Chinese princesses Wencheng in 641, her dowry included the Jowo Sakyamuni, a priceless statue of the Buddha as a size of a small baby. As the statue was transported via Lhasa, it became struck in the mud and no one could remove it. The princess divined that the obstruction was being caused by a huge supine demoness, lying on her back. In order to pin down the ogress to the earth forever and to convert Tibetan people to Buddhism. It is believed that he has established 108 temples in a single day.
And then drive to the ruined historic Drukgyal Dzong which was built by Zhabdrung Rinpoche in 1649 to commemorate the victory over Tibetan Invaders in 1644. Later, take a traditional hot stone bath. The Bhutanese people believe that this stone bath relieves the joint pains and eases back aches. Have a complete relaxing evening and prepare for the tiger’s nest hike.
Overnight: Paro
Day 08: Taktsang Hike
After breakfast, the car will drop you to the basement of the excursion to view spectacular and the most famous Taktshang monastery. You can climb up to the monastery through beautiful pine forests, many of the trees with the beautiful hanging of mosses (also called Old man’s beard) and pass through an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. Stop at Taktshang Cafeteria for a stunning view of the monastery and break for coffee as well. Then after some time resume your hike and continue until you see clearly within reach of the monastery. It is believed that in 8th century, Guru Rinpoche, the tantric mystic flew here on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Kurtoe to Taktshang to subjugate demons and all evil spirits obstructing to flourish Buddhism and blessed them as the protector of the doctrine. It is also believed Guru Rinpoche has meditated here for three months and took his last manifestation in the form of Guru Dorje Dragpo (fierce thunderbolt) during subjugation. Later in the evening go around in the town and grasp some souvenirs from Bhutan.
Overnight: Paro
Day 09: Departure
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to the Airport. Our team will see you off at the Airport.
