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Bhutan Dragon Festival Tour

Definitive Cultural & Festival Tour of Bhutan

12

Days

FESTIVAL

Bhutan Dragon Festival Tour Trip Map, Route Map
Trip highlights
  • Visit to one or more festivals.
  • Colorful local markets .
  • Dzongs (monastery/fort), temples
  • Arts & Architecture
  • Optional hike to Taktsang (tigers nest) Monastery  and Chimi lhakhang.
  • Opportunity to meet locals, visit local villages, homes. etc
  • Escorted locally by expert and friendly Bhutanese Tour Leader.

The Kingdom of Bhutan is one of the world’s little known treasures. Here in the “Land of the Thunder Dragon,” quality of life is measured in terms of Gross National Happiness, instead of material success – though Bhutanese live comfortable, serene lives. Until quite recently this tiny country remained in splendid isolation, dedicated to preserving its rich Buddhist traditions and pristine landscapes. Small number of guests each year, visit to discover Bhutan’s natural and cultural wonders.
On this Dragon festival trip, you will attend at least one or multiple colourful festivals, and get insight into Bhutanese culture and tradition, while visiting its unique fortresses, monasteries and ancient temples. On few occasions, your dinners will be hosted by local families. We’ll visit local farms, villages, schools and have an opportunity to meet and learn from locales.
First introduced in 2001, Dragon Festival Tour has be modified slightly each year, to keep up with changing conditions. As the Road Widening Project has somewhat slowed the driving, this year, we added one internal flight and one extra day to allow good pace of the tour, without feeling that too much time is spent on the road.
Join us on this definitive Cultural immersion Journey, among ancient monasteries and temples, Himalayan peaks and glacial rivers, rare flora and fauna and extraordinary people. We assure you that this will be one of your most memorable trip.

Outline Itinerary

Day 1 & 2: Arrive and stay in Paro, Bhutan
Upon arrival by flight into Paro airport, meet/ greet and transfer to the hotel, where we spend two nights. Serene Paro at 7,500ft is one of Bhutan’s most fertile and most beautiful valley.

Day 3 & 4: Jakar (Bumthang)
A short, and scenic flight whisks into Bumthang, the spiritual and cultural heartland of the Kingdom.

Day 5: Chumey & Trongsa
A short drive takes us over to Chumey valley. Continuing on across Youtongla pass, arrive at Trongsa, a small town, perched above a gorge, high above the Mangdechu river with a most spectacularly sited Dzong.  Normally a 3hr journey, the current road condition is likely to take more, and hence it is also a necessary stop.

Day 6 : Gangtey, Phobjikha Valley
Phobjikha or Gangtey is a wide glacial valley with a central stream meandering through the open grassland and thickets of dwarf bamboo. Farmlands occupy the peripheral slopes where potatoes and turnips are grown. The central area is a marsh land protected as habitat for wildlife. At 2900m, this is the highest night halt on your journey. The valley is a protected (Conservation) area and is both scenically and culturally worthwhile.

Day 7 & 8: In Punakha & Wangdue
Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang two separate towns, but they are located nearby like twin towns. The valley is at a lower elevation of about 1250m above sea level and therefore it enjoys subtropical climate; with warm summers and pleasant winters. Cactuses, Mandarin, and Bananas, Guava, grow alongside rice crops, in terraced fields, gently slopping down the hillsides; one of the most delightful sight to see.

Day 9 & 10: Thimphu Valley
En-route, enjoy the panorama of snow capped peaks, including the highest mountain in Bhutan from Dochula pass, over a cuppa. Then spend the next two nights in a comfortable hotel, and visit Thimpu, which is still the most relaxed capital in the world, without any traffic lights ! In addition to its many attractions, you will have time for shopping, to go the post-office to send off  Postcards, see an archery match and colorful farmer's market.

Day 11: Thimphu - Paro (Hike to Takstang)
Our journey in Kingdom culminates into a hike to iconic Taktsang (tiger’s nest) monastery, the most famous site in Bhutan. Drive short distance to Paro and begin this famous hike, for which you can also hire a riding horses.

Day 12: Departure
After breakfast transfer to Paro airport according to your flight times.

Please note that the schedules are revised for each trips to incorporate the festivals and events.

  • Group SizeMaximum 9 members

  • MealsAll meals included

  • Trip AccommodationHotel are tourist standard 3 to 4* category.

  • Trip Type Cultural Tour
    Festival Tours

  • Best MonthsMarch, April, October, November

  • Good MonthsJanuary, February, May, September, December

  • Lean MonthsJune, July, August

Prices & Dates

It is tiered priced , ranging from USD$ 4450 based on number of participant. Contact us for details.

Start date End Date Remarks Status  
24 Mar, 202304 Apr, 2023 Attending Talo & Paro FestivalOpen Book now!
15 Sep, 202326 Sep, 2023 Attending Wangdue & Thimphu Festival Open Book now!
27 Oct, 202307 Nov, 2023 Attending Jambay Lhakhang & Prakhar Festivals. Available
9-2 = 7 Seats left
Book now!

Included

  • All daily tourists fees
  • Bhutan Visa fees.
  • Travel permits
  • Accommodations in listed or similar (3-4star hotels
  • All meals and evening tea
  • All transfers
  • Sightseeing with entrance fees.
  • Local English Speaking Tour leader/Guide.
  • Bottled water and other complimentary services

Not included

  • Flights into and out of Bhutan (listed separately).
  • Travel & Medical Insurance ( Recommended).
  • All optional expenses such gifts, tips (optional), laundry, bars and beverages and other personal expenses not listed in the included section.

Accommodations


Hotels in Thimphu

  • Hotel Druk

    Hotel Druk a luxury four-star hotel is a part of the Tashi Group and has been in operation since 1985. Over the years, it has been renovated to give it a chic and modern edge that is powerfully felt in uncluttered spaces. Each floor, differently insp...

    Click here for full description and more photos

  • Namgay Heritage Hotel

    Namgay Heritage Hotel is one of the finest luxuries that Bhutan has to offer to its tourists. Located just a walking distance from the heart of Thimphu city. The property houses 4 different structures which are the main building, the Conference hall,...

    Click here for full description and more photos

Hotels in Paro

Hotels in Punakha

Hotels in Phobjikha

Hotels in Trongsa

Hotels in Jakar

Trip Guide/Leader


  • Dechen Duba

    Dechen Duba

  • Yonten Phuntsho

    Yonten Phuntsho

  • Sonam Pelden

    Sonam Pelden

  • Sonam Loday

    Sonam Loday

Reviews / Testimonials

  • Marlene R H
    California, USA
    Oct 05 - 18,2019
    Marlene Hom ( Marlene Hom)
    5 " " Hi Ugen, I’m so glad that you were in Bhutan while we were there.  Everyone was happy to meet you and have the opportunity to talk about Bhutan. Your tour was terrific, you planned it perfectly.  We know that problems might arise on any tour but we were lucky and everything went

    Marlene Hom [gallery order="DESC" ids="16729,16730,16731,16732,16733"] Hi Ugen, I’m so glad that you were in Bhutan while we were there.  Everyone was happy to meet

  • Robert
    Acton, Massachusetts USA
    10 -21 Sept,2018
    Robert (Dragon Festival, Fall, 2018) ( Robert (Dragon Festival, Fall, 2018))
    5 " " TID 9184 I just returned from a 12 day trip to Bhutan organized by Wind Horse Tours. I cannot recommend them enough. The pre trip communication was excellent, and our guide Sonam and driver (also Sonam!) were fabulous. The roads are treacherous in many places and the driver's skill gave me

    Robert (Dragon Festival, Fall, 2018) TID 9184 I just returned from a 12 day trip to Bhutan organized by Wind Horse Tours. I cannot recommend them

  • Hoa, Kent & Miki
    USA
    March 28 to April 7,2015
    Definitely recommend Windhorse team to any of my friend who is planning to go to Bhutan. ( Definitely recommend Windhorse team to any of my friend who is planning to go to Bhutan.)
    5 " " Dear Yonten, We've had the most memorable trip in Bhutan. Please send our thanks to the Windhorse team behind  the scene who makes sure that our trip is safely arranged and well-organised. We are specially thankful to Kinley and Tshewang for a wonderful trip, they always went beyond our expectations to

    Definitely recommend Windhorse team to any of my friend who is planning to go to Bhutan. Dear Yonten, We've had the most memorable trip in Bhutan. Please send our thanks to the Windhorse team behind  the scene

  • Ms Angelina C. M. L
    Fairway Garden, Homantin, Kowloong
    Oct 4 - 15, 2014
    I wouldn’t have made it to the Tiger’s nest without his support along the hike. ( I wouldn’t have made it to the Tiger’s nest without his support along the hike.)
    5 " " TID 8538 Bhutan Dragon Festival (4 Oct - 15 Oct,2014) Dear Anand, Thanks for your email below. I do like to write a few words regarding this trip : - overall, I find it good in terms of introducing the tourists to the Bhutanese culture. - I guess due to the geographical locations of

    I wouldn’t have made it to the Tiger’s nest without his support along the hike. TID 8538 Bhutan Dragon Festival (4 Oct - 15 Oct,2014) Dear Anand, Thanks for your email below. I do like to write

  • Mrs Sandra B
    Schertz, Texas, USA
    Oct 4 - 15,2014
    I’m happy that we were able to visit a country than is so unique ( I’m happy that we were able to visit a country than is so unique)
    5 " " TID 8538 Bhutan Dragon Festival (4 Oct - 15 Oct,2014) Overall, the trip was quite nice. We didn't like the change in accommodations for the first 2 nights. I suppose it was a little like a bed and breakfast, but it was a bit uncomfortable to have to share the apartment

    I’m happy that we were able to visit a country than is so unique TID 8538 Bhutan Dragon Festival (4 Oct - 15 Oct,2014) Overall, the trip was quite nice. We didn't like the change

  • Frank and Sally Keen
    United States Of America,Connecticut
    Oct. 10-21,2013
    Tiger’s Nest monastery is an amazing sight. ( Tiger’s Nest monastery is an amazing sight.)
    5 " " Dragon Festival Tour with Jakar:TID 641(Oct. 10-21,2013) Dear WindHorse Tours, We just finished our Dragon Festival Tour and we want to thank everyone at WindHorse. We had a wonderful time. Bhutan is a very special country. We were impressed by how friendly everyone is and by how well Bhutan has preserved its natural

    Tiger’s Nest monastery is an amazing sight. Dragon Festival Tour with Jakar:TID 641(Oct. 10-21,2013) Dear WindHorse Tours, We just finished our Dragon Festival Tour and we want to thank

  • Helen C
    New York
    Sept24,2010
    The trip was majestic and the introduction to the culture of Bhutan amazing. ( The trip was majestic and the introduction to the culture of Bhutan amazing.)
    5 " " Dear Windhorse - I traveled with you in Bhutan in Sept 2010 for the festival tour. I\'ve just recently returned to the US after months of travel and can't speak enough about Windhorse or Bhutan. The trip was majestic and the introduction to the culture of Bhutan amazing. I am most

    The trip was majestic and the introduction to the culture of Bhutan amazing. Dear Windhorse - I traveled with you in Bhutan in Sept 2010 for the festival tour. I\'ve just recently returned to

  • Loretta & Gary Day
    Hudson, Ohio, USA
    Oct 16,2008
    We especially enjoyed interacting with the children – they were a delight. ( We especially enjoyed interacting with the children – they were a delight.)
    5 " " Dragon Festival Tour (Oct 2008) Thanks Ugen, We thoroughly enjoyed our trip. Everything went very smoothly. Sonam was a wonderful guide and LB was a great driver. The country was beautiful and the people were very friendly. We especially enjoyed interacting with the children – they were a delight. The weather

    We especially enjoyed interacting with the children – they were a delight. Dragon Festival Tour (Oct 2008) Thanks Ugen, We thoroughly enjoyed our trip. Everything went very smoothly. Sonam was a wonderful guide

  • Nina W
    Burlingame, CA, USA
    March,19,2008
    Bhutan is an amazing country, with beautiful, loving people. I delighted in the serenity, beauty and color everywhere. ( Bhutan is an amazing country, with beautiful, loving people. I delighted in the serenity, beauty and color everywhere.)
    5 " " A belated thank you for all of your assistance in arranging my trip to Bhutan! The trip exceeded all of my best expectations! It was superb from beginning to end. I had the pleasure of meeting Anand who spoke so highly of you! Our guide, Ratna, was wonderful as well as the

    Bhutan is an amazing country, with beautiful, loving people. I delighted in the serenity, beauty and color everywhere. A belated thank you for all of your assistance in arranging my trip to Bhutan! The trip exceeded all of

  • Barbie Hawkins
    974 Leatherleaf Loop
    April, 26, 2006
    The staff at Windhorse are proud of their country and company, and it shows with their personal care for each clients needs. ( The staff at Windhorse are proud of their country and company, and it shows with their personal care for each clients needs.)
    1 " " There can not be enough said in regards to the professional commitment displayed by Ugyen and the staff selected during my tour of Bhutan. Ugyen provided exactly what he has posted on his website and more. Before selecting Windhorse, I had done about 4 years of research on the best

    The staff at Windhorse are proud of their country and company, and it shows with their personal care for each clients needs. There can not be enough said in regards to the professional commitment displayed by Ugyen and the staff selected during

  • James Douglas Lee
    Sept,22, 2006
    The guide, demonstrated excellent service, insight, and knowledge of tantric Buddhism. ( The guide, demonstrated excellent service, insight, and knowledge of tantric Buddhism.)
    5 " " Except for the hotel in Thimphu, I was satisfied. Pelton, the guide, demonstrated excellent service, insight, and knowledge of tantric Buddhism, which I have a particular interest to investigate. I would travel again to Bhutan, provided the guide had the professionalism of Pelton. I am also interested in another trip,

    The guide, demonstrated excellent service, insight, and knowledge of tantric Buddhism. Except for the hotel in Thimphu, I was satisfied. Pelton, the guide, demonstrated excellent service, insight, and knowledge of tantric

  • Stuart Framm
    New York, NY
    September,30, 2006
    Bhutan was such a amazing country – the scenery, culture, and nicest people! ( Bhutan was such a amazing country – the scenery, culture, and nicest people!)
    5 " " Bhutan Sept 30-Oct 9, 2006 The trip was wonderful! Sorry I hadn't written sooner - I recently got back to the US and have been exhausted. Bhutan was such a amazing country - the scenery, culture, and nicest people! Sonam and Aitta really made the trip special. I had very little

    Bhutan was such a amazing country – the scenery, culture, and nicest people! Bhutan Sept 30-Oct 9, 2006 The trip was wonderful! Sorry I hadn't written sooner - I recently got back to the

  • Ronni Berger
    New York City, USA
    Oct,13,2004
    I did, indeed, have a fabulous time in Bhutan. It’s a wonderful country. ( I did, indeed, have a fabulous time in Bhutan. It’s a wonderful country.)
    5 " " Thanks for your follow-up call. I did, indeed, have a fabulous time in Bhutan. It's a wonderful country and both Buddha and Gyem Dorji were warm and welcoming. They both provided valuable insight and information about Bhutan and its people and both went out of their way to ease my

    I did, indeed, have a fabulous time in Bhutan. It’s a wonderful country. Thanks for your follow-up call. I did, indeed, have a fabulous time in Bhutan. It's a wonderful country and both

  • Lorraine Palkert
    Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
    Oct,14,2004
    I truly enjoyed Bhutan – what wonderful people and great scenery. ( I truly enjoyed Bhutan – what wonderful people and great scenery.)
    5 " " Dear Ugen, Thanks for your concern. Luckily it wasn't until the end of the trip (Sunday) that I was not doing well. Tshewang had never had taken a tourist to the hospital. Kunzang was a real pro and handled the hospital situation very well. He was familiar with the hospital situation

    I truly enjoyed Bhutan – what wonderful people and great scenery. Dear Ugen, Thanks for your concern. Luckily it wasn't until the end of the trip (Sunday) that I was not doing

  • Lorraine J. Clark
    Sweden
    My time in Bhutan was made comfortable by the wonderful guide he arranged, an easy-going, affable gentleman who spoke fluent English. ( My time in Bhutan was made comfortable by the wonderful guide he arranged, an easy-going, affable gentleman who spoke fluent English.)
    5 " " Travel to Bhutan was a dream I had waited to fulfill all my life. When I finally had the chance to go, I found that I had a very window of opportunity right at the height of the festival season. I never thought that any agent would be able to

    My time in Bhutan was made comfortable by the wonderful guide he arranged, an easy-going, affable gentleman who spoke fluent English. Travel to Bhutan was a dream I had waited to fulfill all my life. When I finally had the chance