Bhutan Thimphu Festival - 12 Days

A flight into Paro offers spectacular views of the Himalayas before descending into a valley at 2,200 metres, rich in culture and legend. Paro is home to Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries, as well as its only international airport. The landscape is defined by the Pa Chhu River and the towering Chomolhari Mountain.

After arrival and lunch, we drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, where tradition and modern life sit side by side. We visit the Memorial Chorten, built in honour of King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, and take a walk along the main street and market. Dinner and overnight stay at 2,320 metres.

We begin the day at the Thimphu Tshechu festival at Tendrel Thang. Monks and lay performers present masked dances believed to purify, protect, and bring merit to those attending.

In the afternoon, we visit Trashichhoedzong, a historic fortress that serves as Bhutan’s administrative and religious centre, reconstructed in the 1960s using traditional methods without nails or formal plans.

In the evening, we enjoy a welcome dinner with a local family, offering insight into Bhutanese culture and cuisine.

After breakfast, we drive to Gangtey via Dochula Pass at 3,080 metres. Weather permitting, we take in panoramic mountain views alongside rows of chortens and prayer flags.

We then follow part of the Trans Bhutan Trail - known as the ‘Divine Madman Trail’ - associated with Drukpa Kuenley. We visit Thinleygang Lhakhang before continuing after lunch to Gangtey.

The Phobjikha Valley is known for its peaceful setting and as the winter home of black-necked cranes, set against the backdrop of the Black Mountain National Park.

We visit Gangtey Gompa, the largest Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan, overlooking the valley.

We then explore a nearby village to experience daily life, including traditional crafts such as stonework. At a local farmhouse, we gain insight into rural living and try making Suja - Bhutan’s salted butter tea.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, we drive to Bumthang via Pele-la Pass, marked by prayer flags and a prominent chorten. The landscape changes noticeably as we travel.

We stop in Trongsa to visit the impressive Trongsa Dzong, once the seat of power in central Bhutan, and the Ta Dzong museum. We then continue over Yutong-la Pass into Bumthang, a region made up of four valleys - Chumey, Choekhor, Tang, and Ura - known for their religious significance.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

We explore Bumthang Valley, visiting Kurje Lhakhang, where Guru Rinpoche left his body imprint, and Jambey Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples dating to the 7th century.

We also visit Tamshing Lhakhang, known for its ancient wall paintings, and Jakar Dzong, the region’s administrative centre. A walk through the village offers time to browse local handicrafts and relax.

In the afternoon, we take a short hike to Lhodrak Kharchhu Monastery, an important centre for Buddhist study and practice.

After breakfast, we explore the Punakha Valley, beginning with visits to Kurje Lhakhang, where Guru Padmasambhava is believed to have left his body imprint, Jambey Lhakhang, a 7th-century temple, and Tamshing Lhakhang, known for its ancient wall paintings. We also visit Jakar Dzong, the administrative centre of the region.

We take a gentle walk through the village, with time to browse local handicrafts and pause at a nearby restaurant. In the afternoon, we enjoy a short hike to Lhodrak Kharchhu Monastery, founded in 1984 by Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche to preserve Tibetan Buddhist traditions. Here, we gain insight into monastic life, including prayer rituals, sacred ceremonies, and traditional arts.

We take a scenic hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chhorten, built to promote peace and harmony. The trail offers views of the Mo Chhu River and surrounding countryside, and takes roughly an hour to ascend and 45 minutes to descend.

After a picnic lunch by the river, we visit Punakha Dzong, located at the meeting point of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Built in 1637, it remains one of Bhutan’s most important historical sites.

We also visit a traditional farmhouse to experience local life.

We drive to Paro, a valley known for its cultural heritage and natural beauty.

On arrival, we visit Ta Dzong, now the National Museum, which houses a collection of Bhutanese art and artefacts. We then walk to Rinpung Dzong, a 17th-century fortress that continues to serve both religious and administrative functions.

We hike to Taktshang Monastery - Tiger’s Nest - one of Bhutan’s most sacred sites, set 900 metres above the valley. The round trip takes around five hours.

After visiting the monastery, we stop for lunch at the Taktshang Cafeteria before descending.

In the afternoon, we visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, linked to the introduction of Buddhism in the region.

Early in the morning, we take part in a Tshewang ceremony - a traditional blessing ritual where butter lamps are lit for peace and wellbeing.

Later, we travel to Chelela Pass at 3,988 metres, one of Bhutan’s highest motorable points, offering views of Chomolhari and Jichu Drake. We hike to Kila Goemba, a monastery for Buddhist nuns.

In the afternoon, you can try on traditional Bhutanese dress and explore Ka Ja Throm market, where modern and traditional life meet.

After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for departure.

As you leave Bhutan, you take with the memories of its festivals, monasteries, and landscapes - along with the warmth of its people.