8 days
Daily Tour
Unlimited
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Bhutan Festival & Heritage Discovery
Paro Tshechu Celebrations, Sacred Punakha, Thimphu Capital & the Legendary Tiger’s Nest
Bhutan, a small Himalayan kingdom nestled between the two great civilizations of India and China, is often described as “The Last Shangri-La.” Untouched by colonization and guided by the philosophy of Gross National Happiness, Bhutan has preserved its spiritual heritage, artistic traditions, and pristine environment for centuries.
Imagine a land where modern life and ancient wisdom coexist harmoniously—where cyber cafés stand beside monasteries, where Toyota vehicles share mountain roads with farmers and ponies, and where time seems to slow down. Bhutan is one of the very few places left on Earth that remains largely unspoiled, deeply spiritual, and culturally intact.
Post-pandemic, Bhutan has emerged as an ideal destination for conscious and discerning travelers—offering clean air rich with Himalayan herbs, crystal-clear rivers, deep forests, snow-capped mountains, and a peaceful rhythm of life that naturally rejuvenates the body, mind, and soul. Perfectly balanced between material progress and spiritual depth, Bhutan is truly a rare privilege to experience.
In three words, Bhutan is Mystical, Surreal, and Un-Americanized.
Flight: Kathmandu – Paro (Druk Air)
Distance: 55 km | Duration: ~1 hr 20 min | Elevation: 2,200 m
Overnight: Thimphu
Arrive at Paro International Airport aboard Druk Air, Bhutan’s national carrier, enjoying one of the world’s most scenic mountain flights over the Himalayan range. As the aircraft descends into the Paro Valley, witness breathtaking views of snow-clad peaks, lush valleys, Paro Dzong, and the National Museum.
After arrival, complete immigration and customs formalities with assistance. Your professional guide and driver will warmly welcome you and escort you on a picturesque drive to Thimphu. En route, enjoy views of terraced rice fields, apple orchards, traditional farmhouses, river gorges, and pristine mountain landscapes. After passing the confluence of the Paro and Thimphu rivers, the valley opens into Bhutan’s capital city.
Hot lunch will be arranged at one of Thimphu’s finest restaurants, depending on flight timing, followed by hotel check-in and rest. In the late afternoon, enjoy a leisurely walk along Thimphu’s main street, explore local shops, and visit the Craft Bazaar, showcasing authentic Bhutanese handicrafts created to preserve tradition and support rural communities.
Overnight at hotel in Thimphu.
Overnight: Thimphu
After breakfast, begin a guided sightseeing tour of Thimphu:
In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the Centenary Farmers’ Market, mingle with locals, stroll through town, or continue shopping for souvenirs. You may return to the hotel with your guide or walk back at your leisure.
Dinner and overnight in Thimphu.
Note: Dzongs share similar interiors; therefore, greater emphasis is placed on Punakha Dzong, considered the most architecturally impressive.
Distance: ~173 km | Duration: ~2 hrs | Elevation: 1,300 m
Overnight: Punakha
After breakfast, depart for Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan and winter residence of the Chief Abbot (Je Khenpo). It was here that Bhutan’s first king was crowned in 1907.
The drive winds through forests, villages, and mountain landscapes before reaching Dochula Pass (3,150 m), adorned with 108 memorial stupas and fluttering prayer flags. On clear days, enjoy sweeping views of the eastern Himalayan range. Visit the newly built temple dedicated to the Fourth King.
Lunch will be arranged at the Dochula cafeteria or en route. Descend into the subtropical Punakha Valley, stopping at Sopsokha Village to meet local farmers and experience rural life. Optionally, take a short walk to Chimi Lhakhang, the famous fertility temple dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley.
Transfer to your hotel in the late afternoon. Punakha’s warmer climate and lush surroundings provide a relaxing contrast to Thimphu.
Dinner and overnight in Punakha.
Overnight: Punakha
After breakfast, visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, dramatically situated at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Renowned as Bhutan’s most beautiful fortress, it showcases exquisite woodwork, murals, and sacred relics.
Enjoy a gentle walk to the Punakha Suspension Bridge, one of the longest in Bhutan, offering stunning river views and daily life glimpses of villagers crossing the bridge.
Lunch will be served in Khuruthang town, followed by a visit to Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery, perched on a ridge overlooking the valley. The nunnery houses impressive statues and provides both spiritual education and vocational training for nuns.
Return to the hotel for leisure, relaxation, or a quiet evening stroll.
Dinner and overnight in Punakha.
Distance: ~138 km | Duration: ~4 hrs | Elevation: 2,100 m
Overnight: Paro
After breakfast, drive back to Paro via Dochula Pass, offering another opportunity to enjoy Himalayan vistas. Stop for refreshments or lunch at the pass cafeteria, depending on timing.
Upon arrival in Paro, visit:
Check in to your hotel and enjoy free time exploring Paro town and shopping for souvenirs.
Dinner and overnight in Paro.
Overnight: Paro
After an early breakfast, drive to the trailhead for the iconic Taktsang Monastery, dramatically perched on a cliff 900 meters above the valley floor. The hike takes approximately 3 hours uphill (with rest stops) and about 1–1.5 hours downhill.
Built in the 17th century, Taktsang is one of Bhutan’s most sacred pilgrimage sites. Your guide will explain its spiritual significance and history. Lunch will be served at the hillside cafeteria during the descent or can reach down to the valley and transfer for lunch in a farm house or a restaurant. Return to the hotel for rest and relaxation.
Dinner and overnight in Paro.
Overnight: Paro
After breakfast, attend the vibrant Paro Tsechu Festival, held in the courtyard of Paro Rinpung Dzong. This sacred festival features masked dances performed by monks and laymen, depicting Buddhist teachings and legends.
Enjoy the colorful atmosphere, traditional costumes, folk songs, and cultural performances. After the festival, walk along a scenic stone path to the traditional wooden cantilever bridge, where your vehicle will transfer you to town for lunch. Afternoon is free for shopping and preparation for next day flight. Farewell Dinner.
Overnight in Paro.
After breakfast, your guide will assist with airport formalities and bid you farewell as you depart Bhutan with unforgettable memories.
Tashi Delek!
We wish you a safe and pleasant journey onward.
There are 19 languages spoken in Bhutan, but the national language is Dzongkha. English is used throughout Bhutan’s education system, so it is widely used and understood.
Bhutan is a year-round destination. There are four seasons: summer (June to August), autumn (September to November), winter (December to February) and spring (March to May). But because of the range of altitudes in the country, and the influence of the north Indian monsoons, the climate is incredibly varied.
In the south, the humid, subtropical climate is fairly consistent year-round, with temperatures between 15oC and 30oC. Central Bhutan, with its temperate forests, has a more seasonal climate, with warm summers and cool, dry winters. The northern regions are much colder during winter. Because of the high altitude, mountain peaks are snowy year-round and the lower reaches remain cool in summer.
In summer, the Indian monsoon season runs from late June or July to late September, mostly affecting the southern regions. Most farming activities take place in the summer, when crops thrive in verdant landscapes.
Autumn, from late September or early October to late November, follows the rainy season. It is characterised by bright, sunny days and some early snowfall at higher elevations. It’s the season of feasts and festivals as farmers reap the fruits of their work.
From late November until March, the crisp, clear and sunny winter sets in, with frost throughout much of the country and snowfall common above elevations of 3,000 metres. The winter northeast monsoon brings gale-force winds at the highest altitudes through high mountain passes, giving Bhutan the name Drukyul, which means Land of the Thunder Dragon in Dzongkha (Bhutan’s national language).
Bhutan’s generally dry spring starts in early March and lasts until mid-April. It is a botanist’s delight, with nature in full bloom. Summer weather commences in mid-April with occasional showers and continues to late June.
Visitors of all nationalities, except those from India, require a visa before entering Bhutan. For all visitors, except those from Bangladesh and the Maldives, this visa must be applied for and approved in advance of travel. Visitors from Bangladesh and the Maldives also require a visa, but this can be applied for and approved either in advance of travel or upon arrival in Bhutan.
Visitors from India are able to apply for a permit but are required to hold an Indian passport or an Indian voter ID card. For Indian nationals under the age of 18, a passport or a birth certificate can be used to enter and they must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
Nationals from Switzerland and Thailand holding diplomatic or government-official passports are eligible for a visa at their port of entry.
No, there are no restricted nationalities in Bhutan.
The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is a daily levy paid by visitors to support Bhutan’s development. Since the kingdom first opened its doors in 1974, guests have played a critical role in our country’s growth.
The SDF is collected by the national exchequer and funds are allocated to various projects that create long-term, sustainable opportunities for the Bhutanese people, through free healthcare, education and training, upskilling the tourism and hospitality industry, improved infrastructure, environmental preservation and conservation, cultural preservation programmes and initiatives that support local businesses and economies. The SDF is also a vital means of maintaining the exceptional forest cover and carbon-neutrality for which our small nation is world-renowned and globally critical. The SDF also helps us to ensure that we can continue to offer guests tranquillity and an intimate experience.
The SDF is USD 100 per night for adults from all countries except for India. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay USD 50 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF.
The SDF for Indian nationals (showing a valid Indian passport or Voter ID card) is Nu. 1,200 (or the equivalent amount in Indian rupees) per person, per night. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay Nu./INR 600 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF.
You may bring cash equivalent to US$10,000 into the country.
Member Since 2025
