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Punakha Tsechu
Tour
Group Size:
2PAX 
Duration:
10 Days 
Accommodation
Hotel 
Trip Grading:
Easy 
Trip Start:
Paro 
Trip End:
Paro 
Average Dist. per Day
100 km 
Average Time per Day
6hrs Trip Overview
Punakha festival is a typical mask dance, which is more colorful and exciting. Punakha Dromchoe is eight days long festival that is devoted to goddess Mahakala. It hosts a dramatic recreation of the scene from the 17th century battle with Tibetan Army. The local militiamen wear traditional battle gear and reenact the scene. The victory escorted in a period of newfound internal peace.
During the tour, you will visit Punakha (1800m), Thimpu and Paro (2400m). The Dzongs, Museums, Temples, farmhouse are the main places to visit in Paro and Thimpu. Excursion to Taktsang Monastery is worth-full hiking, which is admired religious place of Paro.
Tour Highlight
- Enjoy the most Spectacular Punakha Festival
- Visiting Ancient Temples, Monasteries and Dzongs (Forts).
- Visit Pristine villages and beautiful farm houses.
- Beautiful Landscapes
- Tiger Nest and more
Trip Itinerary
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Day 1
Arrive Paro - Thimphu sightseeing (08 March 2022)
Our airport representative will meet and greet at the Airport and drive to Thimphu. We visit Tamchog Monastery built-in 1420 by The Iron Bridge Builder Thang Tong Gyalpo Lama. He had built 108 bridges across Tibet and Bhutan – eight of them are in Bhutan. We explore Memorial Chorten built in honor of The Third King, Late His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The tallest statue of Sitting Lord Buddha at Kuensel Phodrang is another attraction of the day.
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Day 2
Sightseeing around Thimpu (09 March 2022)
After breakfast, we visit the oldest temple in Thimpu. It was built in the 12th century by Phajo Drugom Shigpo. We visit Takin Preserve center, Sangay gang viewpoint, and Dupthop Lhakhang, one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan. Enjoy typical Bhutanese dishes, Ara, witness Folk dances in the lunch. After lunch, we visit Postal Museum where you can print your photos on the official Bhutanese stamps. Then visit the School of 13 Arts and Crafts.
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Day 3
Thimphu – Gangtey (128 Km. 4 hours drive) (10 March 2022)
After breakfast, we drive to Gangtey. We stop at Dochu La Pass (3140 m) with 108 chortens and enjoy the view of the Himalayas. We continue to Phodrang and view the Dzong. It was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1638AD. Gangtey Gompa Monastery in Gangtey was built in 1613 by Gyaltse Pema Thinley, that we visit.
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Day 4
Gangtey – Punakha Tshechu Festival (75 Km. 1 1/2 hours drive) (11 March 2022)
After breakfast, we drive to Punakha and experience the Punakha Tshechu festival. Punakha was the former capital of Bhutan until the rule of the Second King of Bhutan. Visit Punakha Dzong built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The Dzong is the winter residence of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot of Bhutan. In the evening, walk across the Longest Suspension Bridge over the Pho Chu River (160 m). It offers a great view of the river, valley, temple.
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Day 5
Punakha Tshechu Festival Day (12 March 2022)
Full day enjoys the Punakha Tshechu festival. In the evening we hike to Khamsung Yulley Monastery built by Her Majesty the Queen Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck.
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Day 6
Punakha Festival & Excursion to Talo Monastery: (13 March 2022)
After breakfast, we join and end the Punakha Tshechu festival. Afternoon excursion to Talo Monastery founded in 1767 by Chogtul Jigme Singye, the fourth re-incarnation of Lam Thripa.
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Day 7
Punakha – Paro (128 Km. 3 1/2 hours drive) (14 March 2022)
After breakfast, we drive back to Paro. On the way, visit Chimi Lhakhang- Temple of Fertility built in 1499 by Lama Drukpa Kuenley. He is also known as The Divine Madman. He Traveled throughout Bhutan and Tibet using songs and humor to dramatize his teachings of Salvation through sex. We visit Ta Dzong built-in 1649 which now houses the National Museum of Bhutan. Then visit Rinpung Dzong built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
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Day 8
Paro Sightseeing – Hike to the Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang) (15 March 2022)
After breakfast, we drive to Satsam Chorten and 2hrs hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang). Gyaltsen Tenzin Rabgay built the primary temple around Guru Rinpoche’s meditation cave in the year 1684. Legend has it that Guru Padma Sambhava; the Tantric Mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan flew here on the back of a Flying Tigress. This trail is also a part of the beautiful Bumdra trek. During the day time we visit to Drugyal Dzong built in 1647 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. It served as a defense post against the invading Tibetan forces in ancient times. Then visit Kichu Lhakhang built-in 659 A.D by the Tibetan King Srongtsen Gampo. He built 108 temples in a single day. That pin the ogress to the earth. Six of these Temples are in Bhutan. The most prominent of them are Jambay Lhakhang in Bumthang and Kichu Lhakhang in Paro.
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Day 9
Paro – Departure (16 March 2022)
After breakfast, drive to the Airport and farewell.
Itinerary Info
Standard Itinerary and Private Trip
It is the notice about Standard Itinerary and Private Trip. The provided itinerary is standard, and if you want to customize it, you can do it. OR you can go through our Plan Your Holidays page.Travel Insurance and Covers
We strongly recommend you have travel insurance that covers the adventure activities such as trekking/hiking above 15,000 feet. And must include flights delayed/canceled by bad weather, accidents, evacuations, etc.Keep in Mind
Sometimes, unusual weather changes, natural disasters, flight delays, and cancellations, government rules, local political situations, health conditions of trekkers may change your itinerary. At that point, our leading guide will decide and try to minimize the impacts and run the trip smoothly, but we are not liable for any additional costs if needed.Always options for Upgrade
Please you can upgrade your accommodation and transportation service to regular. We can provide you with 5Star hotel accommodation and the best available private car/ jeep services. And also domestic flights including the Helicopter Charter.
What Includes & Excludes
Includes
- From and to airport transfer to hotel on a private tourist vehicle
- All hotel accommodation as per your itinerary in BB Plan
- Full Board Meals during the trip as per itinerary
- Apex Asia Holiday provides English speaking local guide
- Accommodation, foods, insurance, salary, equipment, and medicine for field staffs.
- Trekking/tour permits, entrance fees.
- All ground transportion as per itinerary
- All government taxes and official expenses.
Excludes
- International airfare to and from Nepal.
- Visa fees and travel insurance.
- All drinks including bottled/boiled water along the trekking route
- Tips for trekking staff (Tipping is expected).
- Personal trekking gears/equipment.
- Anything not mentioned in the price includes.
HOW ARE WE DIFFERENT?
We operate this trip with aiming:
- To improve the lifestyle of local people
- To protect the environment
- To respect and promote the culture of the local community
- To create the Volunteering Opportunities
- To donate 5% of each trip cost to the COSD Nepal organization
We hire the local people as trekking staff, which creates the opportunity to learn and share the cultures, get exposure to local traditions. You can enjoy the local product feasts in the teahouses and lodges that directly help their business.
- Namaste [Namaste is usually spoken with a slight bow and hands pressed together, palms touching and fingers pointing upwards, thumbs close to the chest] is the respectful greetings in Nepal.
- Walk-in clockwise direction around temples, monuments, MANE Stone, MANE-wall is the culture of Hinduism and Buddhism.
- Enter temples and with removing shoes and also leather.
- Ask permission to take any portrait of locals.
- Use right while giving and receiving food, eating, wiping mouth, etc.
- Please dress in loose-fitting clothes while entering temples and monasteries.
A small group of travelers led by the local trek leader, we try to minimize the impacts on natural resources and the environment during the trips. We emphasize reducing waste. Encourage travelers to use a refillable water bottle instead of a single-use bottle.
We are also a supporter of the Community Organization for Sustainable Development Nepal (COSD Nepal). And, we collect 5% of the total payment of each trek to contribute to the organization.
Volunteer Opportunity
We have a volunteer trip operating in a local school in Gorkha. Through this trip, you can directly support the children also the teachers’ educational status.
Add-on Activities
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$ 90$ 100Shivapuri Peak Hike
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$ 585$ 650Bardia National Park Tour
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$ 90White Gumba Tour
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$ 350Scenic Mountain Flight
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$ 150Kathmandu Day Tour
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$ 200Bungee Jumping in Nepal
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$ 2000Everest Heli Tour
Equipment List
Here you will get a basic idea of the equipment and items of clothing that you need to carry on the trip. Apex Asia Holidays provide you with a gratis duffel bag in Kathmandu to pack your trekking luggage.
Note:
- Non- trekking items can store at the Hotel lockers in Kathmandu.
- If you are trekking in Everest Region: Kathmandu- Lukla Flight only allows the 15KG including hand-carry bag.
- You must have to carry a down jacket from above 4000 meters to keep warms. You can hire a down jacket and sleeping bag for USD 30 with us.
Upper Body - Head / Ears / Eyes
- A cap to protect your ear and neck from sunlight
- Warm wool or synthetic hat
- Neck Warmer
- UV protective glaciers sunglasses - better to have side shield.
Hand
- A pair liner woolen gloves for mild days and heavy for morning and evening
Core Body
- Three cotton t-shirts
- Three synthetic t-shirt
- Two long sleeve polyesters, light colored shirts for sunny days.
- A soft shell jacket, water resistant, with insulation, underarm ventilation zippers. The full front zipper is preferable for ventilation.
- For women two synthetic sports bras, no cotton.
- Two pairs of nylon hiking shorts.
- Underwear, stay away from cotton.
- Two pairs lightweight long underwear.
Lower Body
- Two pair trekking pants, preferably that zip on/off at the knees.
Feet
- At least four pairs of liner socks, synthetic. And three pair heavyweight socks to be worn over liner socks.
- A pair of lightweight socks, a good option for the lower / warmer parts of the trail and also on lodges at the time of dinner.
- A pair light to medium weight waterproof hiking/trekking boots. Make sure the size and should have to be avoidable for blister.
- A pair light trekking shoes or sneakers to wear in and about camps or lodge.
- Shoes
Other Essential
- Small Day Pack
Medicine and First Aid
- Ibuprofen for general aches and pains
- Extra Strength Excedrin for altitude related headaches
- Immodium or Pepto bismol capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea
- Anti-infection ointments
- Band-aids
- Lip balm (At least SPF 20)
- Sunscreen (SPF 40)
Miscellaneous but Important
- Passport and extra passport photos (2 copies)
- Airline tickets
- Durable wallet/pouch for travel documents, money & passport
- Water bottle/bladder
- Water purification Iodine tablets
- Toiletries
Important Info
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TRANSPORTATION
In Nepal, there are two kinds of transport, public and private. We mostly recommend you to use the private than the public because the roads two ways that make traffic, and the private vehicle can avoid the traffic by choosing the proper time for less traffic.
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MEALS
In Nepal, you will get the extensive food menu. From the international food menu to local foods. Dal Bhat is the main course of Nepal. Your guide will help you to choose the suitable food, on the trek and tour.
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ALTITUDE SICKNESS
Trekking is the popular trekking ventures in Nepal, which is always in the High Himalaya and where we have the chance to get altitude sickness. So, it is highly recommended to learn more about the High Altitude Sickness before you start the trek. Hurry can be deadly in Nepal Himalaya. Walk slow, and give enough time to your body to fit in the high altitude. Drinking more water and stepping slowly with rest is the best protection against altitude sickness.
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INSURANCE
It is necessary to have travel insurance before you embark on any trip. The insurance policy should include the cost of medical expenses, any damage or loss of your luggage, and cancellation.
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SAFETY
Nepal is one of the safe and more peaceful countries around the world. Even though you must have your Travel Insurance and the should cover the area which is on your itinerary.
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RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL
Traveling is the way of getting in touch with the local peoples. It is important to recognize what is acceptable in the society, such as dresses, behaviors, and language. There might be different than your own country. Most of the people can communicate in English in the cities and also some touristy towns but if you have learned a few words Nepali, like greetings “Namaste” that make a huge difference.
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HEALTH & SAFETY
Apex Asia Holidays always concern about the health and safety of the clients. Our guide carries a first aid kit with the directed medicine by the doctors. We also recommend you to discuss with your doctor about your visit at least a month ago. In case of severe or emergency, we transfer you to the nearest hospital. Safety is the first important for us as a responsible tour agency, so we do not take unnecessary risk.
Why Book With Us
- Great Value Guranteed
- Small Group Size
- Local Expert Guides
- Hassel-Free Booking
- Social Responsible
- Excellent Service
Frequently Ask Question
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What is the time zone of Nepal?
NPT (UTC+05:45)
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Do I need to tip the guide and porters? What is the standard tip?
Tips is expected by your team members and normally the standard is 10% of your total trip cost.
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Do you arrange the International and domestic flights?
Yes, we can do as per clients’ require. Normally, we arrange all domestic flights and if you required we can arrange also international tickets.
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Can I change my itinerary?
Yes, customizing the itineraries is the feature of Apex Asia Holidays. And you can also visit the Plan Your Holidays link.
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Is it possible to extend trip?
Sure, you can extend your entire trip and also you can do extended trip.
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Is it possible to use credit card during the trek/ tour?
Using card is not possible in all trekking town except Namche of Everest region. But in the cities you can use the cards.
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Can I charge the batteries of cameras, phones?
Yes, you can charge your devices, but recommended you to bring your plugs, chargers and also do not leave unattended anything while charging in a lobby or somewhere in trekking guesthouse. And if you are in camping trek it’s quite hard to charge the phone so advising to bring portable charge.
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Is there any possibility to communicate in my hometown?
Yes, you can. In the Everest and Annapurna region you can connect via Phone, Internet both is available in most of town and, in some remote routes you may need to use satellite phone that are carry by you trek guide or also get in the local town.
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Do you provide any equipment for the trek?
Apex Asia Holidays provides you a basic equipment like Sleeping Bag, Down Jacket, for tea-house trek. And for the climbing trip we provide the basic equipment. For camping trek check it once including section.
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Is the shower facility during the tour/trek?
Yes, you can have shower during the trek. In camping trek you will get shower in shower tent which is basically provide 3-4 times in whole trek it is depending on the duration of the trek. And in a tea-house trek we will provide you attached room where is possible and the rest of town you will payable shower.
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What are the accommodations and meals like?
All the meals that you provided are hygienic and fresh. While you are in camping trek you get meals prepared by professional camping cook. And if you are doing tea-house trek you will get the main course as like in the cities. For accommodation in the camping trek you will have a tent with good qualities mattress and sleeping bag. And if you are in tea-house trek you will normal twin sharing room in basic facilities with warm mattress and blanket, and also we provide sleeping bag if you need.
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Is the drinking water okay? Or I need to use tablets?
For drinking water you can buy bottle water that purified mineral water in tea-house trek and city tour. And in camping trek the camping cook provides you boiled water. For some case of remote area trekking it would be better to have some purification tablets that you can buy in Kathmandu.
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How big is a group size?
We will try to arrange small group of willing people, which immortalized the treks. Normally we encompass 12 -16 people in a group. (This is not to apply for them who want to do Private Trip, no minimum and maximum for them.)
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Do you arrange the private trip?
Yes, of course we will arrange private tour.
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Should I need to join the group?
Joining in a group is depending on your booking and option that you choose. If you have booked for Private Trip then obviously you will not join. Otherwise normally the same trip is departing in a same day then the group will join.
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Are the staffs insured of your company?
Yes, all of the staffs and crew members are the insured.
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What sort of ground transportation you use?
Normally we assign a car up to 2 people and Jeep for up to 5 people and then Micro Bus for up to 14 PAX and Coster and Sutlej Bus depending on group size. There are some trekking routes, which are dirt road for them we assign 4WD Jeeps. It also depends on what services you opt.
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Are the treks and tours secured? What about the security?
Provide the security to our clients is principal of us. The government licensed holder guides and other crew members are carefully assign for your trip. Even though, would like to counsel you to take care of your personal equipment, bags. If you doing a tea-house trek your accommodation are in a local guesthouse, where you have to be precaution yourself at all time. And if you are in a camping trek always keep your own bags inside the tent and while in nighttime please keep your bag in the middle of the tent. The camping leader assigns a Sherpa as a guard throughout the nighttime.
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Do my guide/porter speak English?
Definitely they speak English. All the guides are professional and due to the professionalism they speak good English. The guide’s English is enough to explain about the local culture, activities, and religions.
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Do you peak me up at the Airport upon my arrival?
Yes, our airport representative welcomes you at airport and transfer to the hotel in a private tourist vehicle.
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What is the fitness required for the treks?
Generally, to trek in Nepal we should have good physical and health condition. And also able to walk 4- 7hrs in day at high altitude with your little backpack.
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When is the best season for treks in Nepal?
From March to mid of June and September to December is the best season for treks.
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Meet Local People including the “Layaps”.
Witness Archery matches.
Most scenic landscapes.
Why travel with apex asia holidays
Since 2015, we have operated unique itineraries and happy trips that are a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We focused on the fun factor and challenged you aptly to reach that great feeling of personal accomplishment while enjoying the company of like-minded travelers.
Make your journey fruitful by choosing to travel with a local company. We know each holiday is different. With the guidance of our travel experts and first-hand experience, we can customize every element of your holiday. We create travel packages that transcend our clients’ expectations. We invite you to discover what you’ve been missing. These are some of the difference that makes All-Travel unique.
Explore More
Small-Group
Join a small group of like-minded travelers that, like you, are eager to safely and confidently experience all the things that make our world worth exploring.
While traveling in a small group of up to 15 people gives an opportunity of making lifelong friendships. We can appreciate more intimate, personal connections, share experiences, and cherish memories.
Local Guides
We employ all local guides and porters because of their local knowledge expertise. They can deliver first-hand information to our valuable clients. And trekking in High Himalayas, the local guides and porters can lead you even in the extreme weather and conditions. In addition, we aim to employ the local guides to enhance their skill and empowerment them. We are always concerned about the local community to improve and support them through tourism.
Health and Saftey
Your safety is our top priority. Our trained and experienced team is always concerned with providing fresh and hygienic food, keeping First Aid, 24/7 communication services, and more. Before commencing the trek or tour, we always make sure whether the clients have good enough equipment, clothes or not.
Responsible for Tourism
Responsible tourism is significantly important because it becomes the responsibility of each individual in the tourism industry. Our dependency is on the existing environment we talk about business or livelihood. We focused on our policy to organize outdoor packages that leave less carbon footprint as possible.
