Bhutan Festival Tour
Small Group Journeys

Bhutan Festival Tour

Incorporate one or more festivals - joyous expression of Buddhist culture

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Bhutan Festival & Cultural Tour

Bhutan Festival Tour is a 8 nights/ nine-day leisurely-paced tour that takes on at least one or multiple colourful festivals in this magical Kingdom .
Bhutan Festival takes one or multiple of Bhutan’s most colourful and popular festivals. Bhutan’s festivals are joyous expressions of its Buddhist culture. It offers Bhutanese an opportunity to become immersed in the meaning of their religion, as well as being an occasions for seeing people and being seen. People wear their finest traditional clothes, put on their most beautiful jewellery, bring delicious picnic lunch and join in the festivities.

In addition to these festival, this tour covers highlights of Paro, Thimphu, Phobjikha, Wangdue & Punakha valleys, which are Bhutan’s most historic towns and districts. The pace of this tour allows you to fully absorb and appreciate the rich culture, and natural beauty of this peaceful kingdom without feeling that you are bused around.

In the early spring, we attend Punakha Tsechu and Punakha Dromchoe. Bit later into main spring, we attend attend Talo village festival, along with the famous Paro Tsechu festival, where we also see the unfurling of giant Thangka. In the autumn,  you’ll see three festivals of  Wangdiphodrang, Gangtey and Thimphu tsechu festival.

As these festival periods are extremely popular and therefore the flights and hotels tend to get booked out soon. So plan and book early if you wish to join this  exciting tour with small group travelers like you from around the world.

Overview

Thimphu:
Thimphu was established as the capital of Bhutan in 1961. Its population is around hundred thousand. It has a youthful exuberance that constantly challenges the country’s conservatism and proud tradition. The ever-present juxtaposition of old and new is just one of its appealing qualities. Crimson-robed monks, Indian labourers, gho- and kira-clad professionals and camera-wielding tourists all strolling on; and nobody, it seems, is in a hurry. Thimphu is the world’s only capital without traffic lights.
During your two full days, we will visit many monuments and attractions of Thimphu, including Tashicho Dzong, the farmers market, Gaint Buddha Statue, Memorial Chorten, Traditional Art School, Indigenous Hospital, Textile museum, Handicraft workshops and more. Thimphu offers the best opportunity to do your own thing. It’s relaxed, friendly and pretty informal, and is most rewarding if you can be the same.

Punakha—Wangdue Valley:
Wangdue and Punakha valley is reached by crossing spectacular Dochula pass. On a clear day, you’ll see panoramic views of snow capped peaks of eastern Himalayan range, including Bhutan’s highest peaks.
Punakha and Wangdue towns are located close to each other in one valley. Punakha was the former winter capital of Bhutan and was established in this location, in part because Punakha is a warmer at a relatively low altitude of 4,100 feet (1300m), allowing for the production of two rice crops each year, along with growth of subtropical fruits such as oranges, mangos, and bananas.
During our stay here, we will visit the impressive Punakha Dzong fortress located at the confluence of Pho and Mo Chu Rivers. We’ll take an easy walk in the valley, visit some of its monasteries, villages, take short drives and enjoy this idyllic countryside dotted with farm houses and terraced hillsides.

Paro Valley & Takstang:
Emerald green Paro Valley at 7,500ft, is one of Bhutan’s most beautiful and most fertile valley. Numerous shrines, fortresses and farm houses dot the landscape and graceful willow trees grow along the edge of Pachhu river, which passes through paddy fields and farmlands. During our time here, visit the ruins of Drugyal Dzong, a fortress which protected the valley against invaders from north. Visit beautiful 7th century Kichu Lhakhang temple, see many beautiful Buddhist wall paintings and iconography inside Dungtse Lhakhang, built in 1421. Among others you will also visit Bhutan National museum, housed in an ancient watchtower and visit Paro Rinphung Dzong, one of the most beautiful fortress /monastery in Bhutan.
We also dedicate a full day for excursion to famous Taktsang (Tiger’s nest) monastery, an quintessential Bhutan travel experience. We can arrange pony ride for uphill part.
Please note that itineraries are revised for each departures to incorporate local festivals and events. See next page for daily program.

Day 9: Departure
Transfer to the airport according to your departure flight schedule.

Please note that the order of the itinerary, duration in each valley is  altered based on the location of the festivals and events.  For more information submit Request Detailed itinerary form.

 

Overview

festivaltours Trip Type Festival Tours
Activities Included Activities Included
Activities Included Culture Tours Activities Included Festival Tours
Accommodation Accommodation 4 star hotels mostly, but good 3 star hotel in Punakha
Meal Meal All meals including evening tea with snacks and also bottled water in the vehicles.
Best Seasons Best Seasons This group departure is placed to attend festival in Spring & Fall which also has great weather during the period. However for private tour it can be done throughout the year.
  Best Months Best Months March, April, May, September, October, November

Good Months Good Months February, June

  • Attend one or multiple colourful festivals
  • Insights of age old tradition of festival.
  • Pace of tour is easy, allowing you to enjoy and absorb the experience
  • Ancient Monuments
  • Arts, Architecture.
  • History, Culture and Buddhism
  • Local markets, farm houses, schools and opportunity to meet and interact with local folks.

Cost Information

Cost is Per Person in US Dollars.
Cost is tiered based on the total participants(sign-ups).

  • 6 or more travelers 1150+800 SDF= $1950
  • 3-5 travelers1250+800 SDF = 2050
  • 2 travelers 1350+800 SDF = 2150
  • Single traveler including single room supplement 2050+800=$2850
  • Optional Single Room Supplement $260

Included

  • Accommodations in hotels 3-4star types.
  • All meals
  • All land transfers and transportation
  • English speaking Bhutanese Tour Guide/Leader
  • Daily Tourist Fees (SDF – Sustainable Dev. Fees)
  • Bhutan Visa and all applicable permits
  • Sightseeing with entrance fees to all monuments
  • Flight booking assistance (flight costs listed separately)
  • Bottled water in the vehicle

Not included

  • Airfares as listed separately
  • Optional personal expenses such as bars, beverages, tips/gratuities, gifts, laundry etc
  • Travel & Medical Insurance

Group Travel Dates

Start Date
End Date
Status
Remarks
 
10 Sep, 2024
18 Sep, 2024
Open

Wangdue & Thimphu Festivals

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Overview

festivaltours Trip Type Festival Tours
Activities Included Activities Included
Activities Included Culture Tours Activities Included Festival Tours
Accommodation Accommodation 4 star hotels mostly, but good 3 star hotel in Punakha
Meals Meals All meals including evening tea with snacks and also bottled water in the vehicles.
Max Group Size Max Group Size Maximum 8
Best Seasons Best Seasons This group departure is placed to attend festival in Spring & Fall which also has great weather during the period. However for private tour it can be done throughout the year.
Best Months Best Months March, April, May, September, October, November

Good Months Good Months February, June

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