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Bhutan · Festival
The journey
Join thousands of visitors from around the world and neighboring districts to experience Bhutan's biggest festival, the Thimphu Tshechu, held in the capital for three days beginning on the 10th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar. Alongside the festival celebrations, explore major attractions in Thimphu and Paro, including museums, monasteries, dzongs, and the giant Buddha Dordenma statue. This 5-day journey combines Bhutan's vibrant spiritual traditions with some of the country's most important cultural landmarks.
Join thousands of visitors from around the world and neighboring districts to experience Bhutan's biggest festival, the Thimphu Tshechu, held in the capital for three days beginning on the 10th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar.
From the itinerary
At a glance
Day by day
Upon arrival in Paro, begin your journey to the Thimphu Valley. Visit the 13 Arts and Crafts School, the Folk Heritage Museum, the National Library, the handmade paper factory, the giant Buddha Dordenma statue, and the weekend market.
Overnight stay at Peaceful Resort.
Attend the Thimphu Dromchhoe festival for the full day. Share your picnic lunch with the locals. Please inform your guide a day before the festival so this socializing event can be arranged as a surprise package.
Overnight stay at Hotel Jumolhari.
Attend the full-day festival, or visit Changangkha Lhakhang, the Takin Preservation Centre, and the Textile Museum.
In the evening, drive to Paro.
Overnight stay at Tashi Namgay.
In the morning, visit the ruins of Drugyel Dzong, the National Museum, and Paro Kyichu Lhakang.
At noon, visit Ringpung Dzong and Dungtse Lhakhang.
Overnight stay at Tashi Namgay.
Bid goodbye and depart for your onward journey.
Where this trip takes you
Thimphu Tshechu, Buddha Dordenma statue, Paro Kyichu Lhakang
The route
The fine print
Bhutan tourist tariff royalty and visa fees.
All private excursions and transfers in a superior air-conditioned vehicle.
Local English-speaking guide/tour leader.
Experienced driver.
Accommodation in carefully selected, highest-standard licensed hotels and guesthouses.
All meals in Bhutan.
All entrance fees and permits.
Any other personal expenses such as bar bills, beverages, laundry, telephone calls, and tips.
Medical/travel insurance.
Accommodation
The suggested hotels in the itinerary are 3-star properties (by local standards) in the cities, but some nights may be spent in basic guesthouses where there are no other choices. For the experience, one or two nights may even be planned in private homes and lodges while traveling to the far corners of Eastern Bhutan, where facilities are limited. The hotels are usually small, averaging 15-20 rooms, built in local architectural style with traditional decor, and provide utmost comfort. However, there is often disparity in rooms, and sometimes members of the same group may end up getting different types of rooms. You may get a better room than other group members, or vice versa. Except in private homes, you will have a private bathroom with running hot and cold water, along with heating and cooling facilities, with a few exceptions. Sometimes there can be power outages, and there may or may not be hot water. While the hotels ensure fundamental comforts, hair dryers, irons, and ironing tables may not be available in some hotels. We have to be prepared to adjust our normal routine and be mentally OK with things that may not work or be available when we want them to.
As there are limited hotels in Bhutan, the hotels listed in the itinerary are only suggestions. There is huge demand for accommodation during October and April, and if we fail to secure a reservation in the suggested hotel, we will book you in the next best available property.
There are some international resort chains like Uma, Taj, and Aman Resorts, which are luxury properties, and our tour cost does not include them. If you are interested in staying at these properties, we can certainly book them for you at an additional cost.
Meals
As your trip is an all-inclusive package, expect to eat most meals at your hotel. Buffet fans are in for a treat. Your guide can arrange dinner at tourist-standard local restaurants, but be aware that traditional Bhutanese food always features spicy chilies, and the most popular dish is ema datse, made with large green or red hot chilies in a cheese sauce. Though there is plenty of white rice, Bhutanese people prefer a local, slightly nutty red variety. At high altitudes, wheat is the staple. Several Tibetan-style dishes are common, including momos (dumplings) and thukpa (noodles). Pork fat is popular in the wilds because of its high energy content - visitors often find it almost inedible because it is usually stale. There are no slaughterhouses in Bhutan, and only a few cold storage facilities, so even keen carnivores should consider going vegetarian during their stay.
In many cases, you will eat breakfast and dinner at your hotels. In the countryside and on long drives, picnic lunches are often provided. In some cases, we will stop at roadside restaurants, which can be an adventure. Please do not overeat, and stay within your limit if you consume alcohol.
Logistics
Your 5 days finish where they began, in Paro.
Watch the film
Create your own adventure
Say goodbye to travel stress.
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