Nalakhar Tshechu(15th to 17th Dec ’24)

Arrival at Paro. Paro is a fertile valley with paddy, wheat, millet, potatoes, apple, and seasonal vegetable grown as the main crops. Upon landing at the airport you will be received by our team and briefed about the tour. In the afternoon visit, Paro Rinchen Pung Dzong built-in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. Dzong played the safe zone for Bhutanese people providing food and security. Also, visit the Taa Dzong national museum of Bhutan. Before it used to be a watchtower but now it’s converted into Museum. In the evening visit the small town of Paro that stretched about 500m. Evening at Hotel.

Fly to Batpalathang airport from Paro. It is 25 minutes mountain flights from Paro to Bumthang. Bumthang is cultural capital of Bhutan and its beleived that first human settlement in Bhutan took place in Bumthang. Bumthang have lots of history and religious saints visiting the places including 6th century Kichu Monastery.

The Nalakhar Tshechu Tour or festival runs for three days in the Nalakhar village in Bumthang, the religious heartland of Bhutan. The celebration is part of the national Tshechu, one of Tibet’s biggest religious festivals. The festival runs for three days every year and is celebrated in religious sites throughout the country. People from all walks of life gather here to attend the festival. Local believe that attending the festival will gain merits and the whole family from around the village come and enjoy the festival. The festival starts with Mask dance, Secular dance performed by village girls and boys, Sports activity competition and many exciting display of local products. Evening at Hotel.

After early breakfast drive to Batpalathang airport. Fly back to Paro from Bumthang and hike Tiger Nest temple. There are 199 Temples and 426 chortens, the most important being the Tiger Nest temple and Kichu Lhakhang. We directly drive to Taktsang Base camp and from there our Hike will begin. It takes about 3 hours uphill walk through pine forest. The routes are well maintained and at time you will come across lots of tourist and locals plying the same route. You should be careful while walking as Horses also use the same route to carry the tourist. Upon reaching the temple you will be greeted by small waterfall just before the temple and upon 500 steps you will reach the temple door. Our Guide will take you inside and explain the detail history of the monastery.

On the way back we shall have our lunch at cafeteria. The cafe is located about 15 minutes walk from the monastery towards the base camp. Evening we shall spend our time at Local farm House with hot stone bath.

Nalakhar Festival tour ends here today. Our team will escort you to airport and see you off.