Festivals of Bhutan - Thimphu
Festivals of Bhutan - Thimphu
Festivals of Bhutan - Thimphu
11 Days Starting and ending in Kathmandu
Visiting: Bhutan, Nepal
Tour operator:
Tour code:
AIBB
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 16
Age range:
16-99
Tour Overview
Hidden in a corner of the Himalaya, the secretive kingdom of Bhutan is an unforgettable destination with ancient traditions, spectacular mountain scenery and vibrant festivals. At these, hundreds gather to see monks in brightly coloured robes perform ritual dances. For several days there are masked dances and prayer meetings, and a general carnival atmosphere prevails. The spring departures visit Paro Festival, while the autumn departures take in Thimphu Festival.
Please note: This itinerary is valid for departures starting in Kathmandu on 11 September 2024 and 30 September 2025 attending Thimphu Festival.
Please refer to the alternative Festival itinerary for departures starting in Kathmandu on 06 September 2024 (Thimphu Festival) and 02 April 2025 (Paro Festival)
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Kathmandu
Welcome to Kathmandu, a brief stop en route to Bhutan. On arrival, you are met by a local representative for your transfer to our hotel. Please check the Joining Instructions for information on how to confirm your transfer.
The evening is free to relax.
Accommodation: Royal Singi Hotel (or similar)
Day 2 : Fly To Paro
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we fly to Paro. Our route takes us over the eastern Himalaya and, if the weather is clear, we should get a fantastic view of magnificent peaks including Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu and Kanchenjunga. The Paro Valley is considered one of the most beautiful in Bhutan, with blue pine-covered hills and attractive solidly built houses among the paddy fields.
If there is time in the afternoon, we can visit the museum and Rinpung Dzong.
Accommodation: Rema Resorts (or similar)
Day 3 : Full Day At Thimphu Festival
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We have an early start today, driving one hour from Paro to Thimphu to find our spot to enjoy the festival entertainment from.
Thimphu is considered the most popular festival in Bhutan and plays an important part in the Bhutanese lives.
We spend the whole day experiencing this vibrant festival, watching the Bhutanese gather to see monks and lay dancers dressed in colourful brocade and silk costumes, wearing painted masks re-enacting the stories of the religious and lay history of Bhutan through music and dance. For several days, there are masked dances and prayer meetings, and a general carnival atmosphere prevails as villagers arrive to meet old friends. The Bhutanese all dress in their finest national dress for the festival and one of the highlights is the riot of colours of the magnificent silks on display.
Accommodation: Pedling Hotel/Ghakyil Hotel (or similar)
Day 4 : Thimphu
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We take a break from the festivities and enjoy the sights and history of the Thimphu, the relatively new capital of the Kingdom of Bhutan. The ancient city of Punakha was replaced by Thimphu as the capital in 1961 by the third king, Druk Gyalpo Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The main sights include Kuensel Phodrang, known locally as Buddha Point, where there is a huge statue of Buddha overlooking the whole valley. Simtokha Dzong, the oldest dzong in Bhutan, built in 1629, now serves as the Institute of Language and Cultural Studies. It houses numerous statues and paintings of various religious figures and deities. You can also view Takin Reserve from above on your journey into Thimphu and visit a paper factory and weaving centre to see authentic local weaving techniques, plus the local market is interesting to explore.
Accommodation: Pedling Hotel/Ghakyil Hotel (or similar)
Day 5 : Drive To Gangtey; Visit Wangdiphodrang Dzong Monastery
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We leave Thimphu in the morning and drive east to Gangtey. The route climbs steadily on a good road to the Dochula Pass, where there are 108 chortens (Buddhist shrines).
At 10,000ft (3,050m), we can enjoy glorious views over the eastern Himalaya, weather dependent. We then descend to the valley floor and continue to sub-tropical Wangdue. We stop to visit the Wangdiphodrang Dzong, one of the larger monastery’s we visit on this trip it overlooks the picturesque river and rural agricultural fields surrounding it and has an impressive courtyard.
This afternoon, we have plenty of time to explore the Phobjikha Valley, one of the most beautiful in Bhutan. This wide-open U-shaped glacial valley is home to barking and sambar deer plus wild boars, while Himalayan black bears have also been spotted here. It is also where black-necked cranes come roost during winter. Usually arriving from Tibet towards the end of October, they announce their appearance by circling the monastery three times. Come spring, they again fly three times around the monastery before returning to Tibet.
Today’s drive is approximately 78mi (125km) and takes four to five hours, although variable road conditions may mean we spend longer on the road.
Accommodation: Phuntsho Yangkhil Lodge (or similar)
Day 6 : Morning Hike Through The Gangtey Valley. Afternoon Visit To Khewang Lhakhang
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, we set off on foot from our hotel for a walk through the Gangtey Valley (approximately 3mi/5km, two to three hours) – the climb up to the monastery involves around 1,640ft (500m) ascent. This glacial valley comprises farmlands, pastures and blue-pine forests and we may encounter herders caring for their livestock.
After lunch, we visit the 15th-century Khewang Lhakhang, on the east side of the Phobjikha Valley. It features a trio of two-storey statues depicting the past, present and future Buddhas. We can also visit the Black-Necked Crane Visitor Center, where we learn about the conservation efforts to protect these majestic birds. We also have a short visit to a farmhouse and an optional hot-stone bath, which costs approximately 830 ngultrums (US$10).
Accommodation: Phuntsho Yangkhil Lodge (or similar)
Day 7 : Drive To Punakha, Visit Chimi Lhakhang, Punakha Dzong
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We drive back westwards to subtropical Punakha, which may take about three hours. En route, we visit the Chimi Lhakhang, built in 1499 to honour Drukpa Kuenley. Nicknamed the Divine Madman or Mad Saint, he was a maverick spiritual leader, who subdued a demon controlling the Dochu La. He built a chorten where the monastery stands and was reputed to have unorthodox ways of teaching Buddhism – he advocated for phallic symbols to be painted on walls and houses, which were intended to drive away the evil eye. Most of the houses in this area are decorated with highly ornate phallic paintings. We walk through the village to the monastery with a chance to see traditional Bhutanese-style farmhouses.
We then continue to Punakha, which at 3,940ft (1,200m) is warmer than Paro or Thimphu. Punakha was once the capital of Bhutan and is still the winter residence of the monastic body. We visit the dzong, one of the most beautiful in Bhutan. This remarkable fortress between the Mo and Po Chhu rivers has survived many fires, an earthquake and several floods.
Time permitting, we drive to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten at the end of the valley, which houses representations of the tantric form of Buddhist deities. Built for the protection of the country and the present king, the chorten also offers impressive views of the valley below.
Accommodation: Sonamgang Hotel (or similar)
Day 8 : Drive To Paro, Visiting Tachogang Lhakhang Bridge, Dzongdrakha Goemba And Kyichu Lhakhang Monastery
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning, we drive for about three hours back to Paro. En route, we visit the Tachogang Lhakhang Bridge, which crosses the Paro Chhu. This 600-year-old bridge, which is popularly known as the Iron Chain Bridge, was built by Thangtong Gyalpo in the late 1300s, who is said to have built 108 bridges in Tibet and Bhutan. Made of wood and iron, this is the first bridge to have ever been built in Bhutan.
We continue our drive and come to the Dzongdrakha Goemba, also known as Mini Taktsang, a serene site above the village of Bondey on the western side of the Paro Valley. Often overlooked by tourists because of its rather old facade, this divine place comprises four shrines, while stories related to spirits, saints and magic are narrated here.
Before arriving at our hotel, we stop at Kyichu Lhakhang. Built in the seventh century, it is said to be the oldest temple in Bhutan and therefore holds great spiritual significance to the country. Legend says a king built it in one night on an ogre’s foot.
Accommodation: Rema Resorts (or similar)
Day Walk To Taktsang, Tiger’S Nest Monastery
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we hike (approximately 6.8mi/11km round trip with an elevation of approximately 915m) to Taktsang Monastery, also known as the Tiger’s Nest. This spectacular building is perched on the ledge of a cliff high above the Paro Valley.
Partly destroyed by fire in 1998, it has now been completely restored to its former magnificence. From the car park to the cafeteria viewpoint is about two hours’ uphill walk through the forest. From here, we have incredible views of the monastic buildings that cling to the cliff. For the energetic, there is the chance to walk even higher to the actual monastery. This takes another two hours and involves walking up and down stone steps. We highly recommend a trekking pole or you can buy a wooden stick at the car park. There are horses available up to the cafeteria for those who do not wish to hike but please note this is an unregulated activity and helmets are not available. We spend about an hour at the monastery looking around the temples (photography is not allowed inside) before descending to the cafeteria for lunch. After lunch, we return to the car park and drive back to our hotel. There should be some time to have a look round Paro before dinner.
Accommodation: Rema Resorts (or similar)
Day 10 : Fly To Kathmandu
Meals Included: Breakfast
We transfer to the airport to check in for our flight back to Kathmandu. The rest of the day is free for individual sightseeing or shopping. You may want to visit Durbar Square in the heart of the old city, the monkey temple at Swayambhunath, the largest Buddhist stupa on earth at Boudhanath or the Hindu temple at Pashupathinath. Another option is to take a taxi to Bhaktapur, the medieval city 10.5mi (17km) east of the capital. Bhaktapur has its own Durbar Square with many temples and statues and a maze of narrow streets, which are generally quieter than the capital.
The Exodus representative in Kathmandu can give you more information on what there is to see.
Accommodation: Royal Singi Hotel (or similar)
Day 11 : End Kathmandu
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your journey ends Kathmandu after breakfast. If you don't want the adventure to end, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
What's Included
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All breakfasts, eight lunches, eight dinners
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All accommodation
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All transport and listed activities
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Tour leader throughout
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Free arrival and departure transfers for everyone
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Bhutanese visa
What's Not Included
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Travel insurance
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Single accommodation (available on request)
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Kathmandu visas or vaccinations
Food
Breakfast is included throughout the trip plus eight lunches and eight dinners while in Bhutan.
During your adventure in Bhutan, prepare to savor a delightful array of flavors that blend Bhutanese and Western cuisines. While Bhutanese dishes are traditionally seasoned with chilies, often tempered for foreign palates, the local cuisine boasts rich and varied tastes. Enjoy a diverse selection of meat, vegetable, rice, and potato dishes, alongside iconic specialties like ema datshi—featuring chilies and cheese. If you desire a more authentic or spicier culinary experience, don't hesitate to share your preferences with your trip leader, who will endeavor to tailor meals to your liking.
Breakfasts are an assortment of cereals, eggs, toast, fruit and often some Bhutanese dishes. Lunches are taken in a restaurant and dinners are either in the hotel or at a local restaurant.
Please allow approximately 2,500-3,350 ngultrums (US$30-US$40) per day for other main meals in Kathmandu.
Accommodation
We spend 10 nights in local-style hotels, all with bathrooms and heaters. All food is included at the hotels and local restaurants and is usually a buffet – it is simple and a mixture of Bhutanese, continental and Chinese.
Check out our Q&As
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.