Tharpaling Thangdrul
Hosted at the courtyard of Tharpaling monastery only for the day, Tharpaling Thangdrul is popular festival of Bhutan. The giant Throngdrel or the silk Thangka of Jowo Jampa and Kunkhyen Longchen Rabjam are displayed. One who witness this festival gets an insights of rituals and ceremonies of Buddhism. A Throngdroel represenating the Maitreya Bhuddha is open out for public.
Few highlights of festival.
Festival date: 7th March 2023
Location: Bhumthang
Flight to Paro (March 3)
Today we will catch the flight to Bhutan and land on the place called Paro. The 1.5 hrs. drive will take you to capital of country Thimpu. Rest of the time you could do some sightseeing at Tashichho Dzong, Drake Wangyal Khanzang Stupa and others. You will be welcomed by one of the representatives at Paro airport.
Thimpu to Punakha (March 4)
We will be driving for approximately 2.5 hours to Punakha, where the festival is taking place. Upon arrival, we can spend the remaining time exploring and visiting popular tourist spots such as the Chhimi Lhakhang temple, Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, the suspension bridge, and other places of interest in the area.
Punakha to Gangtey (March 5)
Today's plan is to travel to Gangtey, which is situated around 78 km away and should take us approximately 3 hours by road. Once we arrive at our destination, we will explore the area and visit the Gangtey Monastery, a highly respected religious institution of the Nyingmapa sect of Buddhism, also known as Gangtey Gonpa. This monastery is considered the central hub for the Pema Lingpa tradition and is located in the Wangdue Phodrang district in central Bhutan. Furthermore, Gangtey is well-known for being the natural habitat of the magnificent black-necked crane, a migratory bird that originates from the Tibetan plateau.
Gangtey to Bumthang (March 6)
We have a long journey ahead of us today, as we are required to travel for about 4.5 hours to reach Bumthang, where the festival is currently taking place. Despite the length of the drive, the reward of reaching Bumthang and participating in the celebrations will make it all worthwhile.
Festival (7-8 March)
During our time in Bumthang, we will have the opportunity to witness and enjoy the ongoing festival. We can also participate in the festival's purification rituals and immerse ourselves in this unique cultural experience.
Drive back to Thongsa (March 9)
After the delightful festival in Bumthang, our next destination will be Thongsa, and we will commence our return journey. The drive back will cover approximately 80 km and take us around 2.5 hours to complete. Upon reaching Thongsa, we will have the opportunity to visit a remarkable monastery and the textile school during the evening.
Drive back to Paro (March 10)
Today 3.5 hour drive will take you back to place called Paro. Rest of the time you can do some sightseeing at Paro. National museums, Dungstse Stupa, Ringpung Dzong and others.
Visit to Taktshang Monastery (March 11)
Located 7 km away from Paro town and have to hike 2 hour from mountain base. The monastery is built on scary cliff. The hike to monastery makes a wonderful half day excursion. The place is also known as Tiger nest. Rest of the time you can do some sightseeing as well as chill around the places of Bhutan.
Fly back to next destination (March 12)
Usually if one could get the connecting flight from Paro flying to Delhi, Bangkok or to their next destination then it’s not necessary to fly back Kathmandu.
Text box item sample content
