Bhutan Highlights Tour with Festival

A sweeping journey through Bhutan’s cultural heartlands, timed with a vibrant local festival

This specially crafted tour is a festive twist on our popular Highlights of Bhutan itinerary. With an additional day added, it offers travelers the rare chance to experience not only Bhutan’s most captivating valleys and landmarks—from Paro to the spiritual heart of Bumthang—but also the color and pageantry of a traditional Bhutanese festival.

Designed for those seeking a rich and well-rounded immersion, this journey captures the very essence of Bhutan. It blends sweeping landscapes, historic fortresses, sacred monasteries, and timeless rural life—all framed by the joyous celebration of a Tsechu (festival), where masked dances and centuries-old rituals come alive.

From the serene valleys of western Bhutan to the misty mountain passes and cultural heartlands of the east, each stop reveals another layer of the kingdom’s deep-rooted spirituality and pristine beauty. Whether marveling at the grandeur of Punakha Dzong, watching black-necked cranes glide over Phobjikha, or hiking to the fabled Taktsang Monastery, this tour offers a complete portrait of Bhutan—made even more memorable by the warmth and festivity of its people.

Outline Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Paro and rendezvous

Days 2, 3 & 4 : A quick flight over to Bhumthang in Central Bhutan and spend the next 3 nights in the area.

Day 5: Journey overland to beautiful alpine valley of Gangtey, also called Phobjikha

Day 6: Visit the lowland former winter capital of Punakha

Day 7 &8: A short journey over the spectacular pass to the capital and spend the next day

Day 9 & 10: Return to Paro for another two nights to visit the valley and the famous and iconic Takstang (Tiger’s nest)

Day 11: Departure