Thimphu Festival

Upon arrival at Paro Airport, our representative will greet you and transfer you to a local restaurant for lunch. Following lunch, visit Paro Rinpung Dzong, a massive 15th-century fortress that now serves as the valley’s administrative and monastic center.

From the Dzong, walk down to the road crossing a traditional wooden bridge. Next, visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples built in the 7th century. In the evening, drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital.

After breakfast, spend the full day at the festival and mingle with locals dressed in their finest traditional attire. The festival takes place in the courtyard of Tashichhodzong, where you’ll witness spectacular mask dances and religious ceremonies. Throughout the day, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere as monks and laymen perform ancient sacred dances. In addition, you’ll have opportunities to interact with Bhutanese families who gather for this important celebration.

Today, enjoy a scenic drive to Punakha. From Simtokha, the road climbs to Dochula Pass (3,150m) where, on clear days, you’ll see spectacular Himalayan views. At the pass, spend time exploring the 108 stupas that dot the hilltop.

Then, drive downhill through forests of rhododendron, fir, and hemlock. Upon arrival at Metshina Village, take a short walk through rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang (the Fertility Temple). After lunch, continue to Punakha and visit Punakha Dzong, Bhutan’s most beautiful fortress.

Today, drive to the beautiful Phobjikha Valley. En route, stop in Wangdue for views of Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, which sits dramatically on a ridge. Then, continue through dense forests of oak and rhododendron to Lawala Pass (3,250m), which offers stunning Himalayan views.

From the pass, drive downhill and enjoy magnificent views of Gangtey Goenpa and Phobjikha Valley below. Upon arrival, visit Gangtey Goenpa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan. Later in the afternoon, hike through the stunning Phobjikha Valley and visit the Black-Necked Crane Information Centre. During winter, these rare cranes migrate from Tibet to this pristine valley.

After breakfast, drive to Bumthang along a spectacular winding road, passing through Pele La Pass (3,400m). Lunch will be served at Trongsa. Following lunch, visit Trongsa Dzong, the country’s largest dzong and a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture.

Then, proceed to Bumthang, often described as the spiritual heartland of Bhutan. En route, stop at Chummey Yathra textile weaving factory, where traditional yathras are designed with intricate patterns.

Today, explore Bumthang’s sacred sites, starting with Jakar Dzong, located on a ridge and built in the 15th century. Next, visit Kurjey Lhakhang, where body imprints of Guru Rinpoche from the 8th century remain preserved in rock. Then, see Jambay Lhakhang, built by Tibetan King Songtshen Gempo in the 7th century.

Afterwards, take a short hike to Tamshing Lhakhang, built in the 15th century by Buddhist saint Pema Lingpa. In the afternoon, walk around Bumthang town and interact with friendly locals.

After breakfast, drive to Wangdue. En route, stop at Chendebji Stupa, built in the 18th century by Saint Shida in Nepalese style with eyes painted at the four cardinal points. After lunch, continue to Wangdue.

After breakfast, drive to Paro. En route, stop at Dochula Pass to visit Druk Wangyal Temple perched on the hilltop. Then, enjoy lunch in Thimphu and visit the King’s Memorial Stupa and giant Buddha statue. Afterwards, continue to Paro. In the evening, stroll through charming Paro town.

Today, hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, Bhutan’s most iconic temple, perched dramatically on a cliff face at 3,100m. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche flew on a tigress’s back from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse to meditate in a cave where the temple now stands.

Midway up the mountain, enjoy lunch at the Cafeteria Restaurant. After exploring the monastery, hike back down to the valley floor.

In the morning, transfer to the airport for your departure flight. As you leave, our representative will bid you farewell with warm memories of Bhutan’s vibrant culture and the magnificent Thimphu Festival.