Festival Tour

Welcome to Paro, home to one of the world’s most breathtaking mountain flights. As you gaze out the window, you’ll be treated to an ever-changing panorama of the highest peaks on earth. After landing, our representative from Bhutan Travel Bureau will be waiting for you at the exit doors following customs formalities.

Once settled in, we’ll take you on an afternoon sightseeing tour of Paro. Our first stop will be the Ta Dzong Museum, which houses a rich collection of religious relics, works of art, and handicrafts that offer a captivating glimpse into Bhutan’s historical, cultural, and religious past. We’ll then head to Kyichu Lhakhang, a 7th-century temple built by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. This magnificent temple is reminiscent of the Jokhang in Lhasa and boasts a stunning golden image of Buddha Shakyamuni. Join us as we explore the wonders of Bhutan’s history and culture.

The Paro Tshechu festival is a vibrant celebration that honors Padma Sambhawa, the yogi and saint who introduced Tantric Buddhism to the Himalayas. Monks don colorful brocade attire and perform traditional dances infused with Buddhist scripts and chants. The pinnacle of the festival is the unveiling of a sacred thangka scroll depicting Padma Sambhawa and other Buddhist imagery. Locals from miles around flock to the festival dressed in their finest clothes to watch the masked dances, pray, and feast. The festival is an opportunity to witness the triumph of good over evil and learn about Bhutan’s patron saint. Along with the spiritual celebrations, there is also plenty of socializing to enjoy. After a day of festivities, retire to your hotel in Paro for a well-deserved rest.

Experience the rich cultural heritage of Bhutan as you start your day bright and early with a visit to the Paro Dzong to witness the thongdroel ceremony, an annual festival where a magnificent religious painting of Guru Rinpoche is unfurled on the side of the Dzong. After some time spent resting at the hotel, embark on a scenic 1.5-hour drive along the Pachu River to the capital city of Thimphu, where you’ll get a glimpse of Bhutan’s unique lifestyle. Witness the local customs and dress as you settle into your hotel before embarking on a tour of Thimphu’s most important sites, including the National Memorial Chorten, a stupa used as a place of meditation, built in memory of Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, the third king of Bhutan.

In Thimphu town, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the city’s modern amenities such as restaurants, internet cafes, nightclubs, and shopping centers while still appreciating its cultural identity and values. A perfect transition to Bhutan’s distinct lifestyle awaits you in Thimphu.

Traveling from Thimphu to Gangtey is a journey that takes you through stunning landscapes and beautiful countryside. Starting early in the morning, the drive covers a distance of 125 km and lasts for just over 5 hours. Ascending up to Dochula pass, you’ll have the opportunity to view the peaks of the eastern Himalayas, making for an unforgettable sight. As you continue on, the road descends into Wangdi and Punakha Valley, passing through the town of Wangdiphodrang and climbing up the black mountains national parks, affording you the chance to see some roadside villages. Once you reach Nobding, the road takes a turn-off from the main east-west highway and shortly after crossing the pass, the magnificent Phobjikha valley comes into view. This wide and spectacular valley is home to Gangtey Monastery which sits atop a hill, overlooking the valley and providing a breathtaking view.

Discover the breathtaking scenery and culture of Bhutan with a visit to the picturesque valley of Phobjikha, also known as the Asian Switzerland. Experience the unique lifestyle, food habits and culture of the Bhutanese people with a stay in one of the beautiful home stays nestled amidst the natural beauty of the valley. Take a leisurely walk along the Gangtey Nature Trail, a short and easy trek with enchanting views of the country, passing through charming villages and monasteries. In the Crane Center, you can spot the famous Black Necked Cranes that migrate to the region during winter, using high-power telescopes in an observation room run by the Royal Society for Protection of Nature. End your day with a visit to a local farmhouse for a delicious dinner, a spontaneous way to connect with the community and learn more about the Bhutanese way of living. Don’t miss this unforgettable experience and stay overnight in the tranquil and serene setting of Phobjikha.

As the morning arrives, we set out on a picturesque drive to Punakha, it will be 2 ¹/₂hr trip covering 73 km. Admire the colorful prayer flags and visit the Chorten and Mani Wall before relishing the breathtaking views of the Himalayas. On reaching Punakha, we visit the majestic Punakha Dzong, a historic fortress situated on an island amidst the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. The fortress houses many priceless relics from the time when Punakha was the capital of Bhutan. We then visit the Chimi Lhakhang, a charming Buddhist monastery nestled atop a scenic hillock and dedicated to the Mad Monk (Drukpa Kinley). The temple, also known as the Temple of Fertility, is believed to bless childless couples with the gift of a child upon their prayers. We spend the night in Punakha, surrounded by the serene natural beauty of Bhutan.

As you travel back to Thimphu from Punakha today, the day is yours to enjoy as you please. Perhaps you’d like to visit some of the attractions you missed during your previous stay in Thimphu, such as the National Memorial Chorten, the Tashichho Dzong, or the Buddha Dordenma statue. Alternatively, you might choose to explore the markets, indulge in local cuisine, or simply relax and take in the atmosphere of this beautiful city. Whatever your preference, our guide will be on hand to provide recommendations and assistance to ensure that you make the most of your last day in Bhutan.

Prepare yourself for an adventure as we travel to paro for a trek to one of Bhutan’s most iconic landmarks, the Taktshang Goemba, also known as the Tiger’s Nest. This breathtaking temple sits on a cliff in the Paro Valley and is considered the holiest site in Bhutan. According to legend, Guru Padmasambhava flew on the back of a tigress to meditate in the caves on the cliffside for three months. Reaching the temple after the trek offers not only a spiritual experience but also a panoramic view of the stunning Paro Valley. After lunch, you may choose to indulge in a unique Bhutanese experience with a traditional stone bath or take some free time to explore the nearby area. Spend the night in Paro, rejuvenated and enriched by this unforgettable experience.

As your Bhutan tour package comes to an end today, you can enjoy some leisure time before our knowledgeable guide transfers you to the airport for your departure flight. We hope that your visit to this beautiful country has been an unforgettable experience and that you take back wonderful memories of Bhutan. We wish you a pleasant journey home and look forward to welcoming you back for more exciting adventures in the future.