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Festivals of Bhutan – Paro
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Festivals of Bhutan – Paro

Rating: 4.6
Rating: 4.6/5 Read 8 reviews

Activity Level

Easy & Moderate

See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you.

Comfort Level

Classic

Activity

Culture

Overview

Travel deep into Bhutan to experience the Paro Festival and the living traditions of the Himalaya

Crafted with local knowledge to include Paro Festival, this journey offers a rare opportunity to experience one of the most important religious gatherings in Bhutan alongside local people. We spend a full day at the festival as monks perform masked dances honouring Guru Rinpoche, whose teachings underpin Bhutanese Buddhism, creating an atmosphere shaped by ritual, colour and collective devotion. Beyond Paro, we travel through the western valleys to Thimphu, Punakha and the glacial Phobjikha Valley, visiting monasteries, fortresses and farming communities, before finishing with the pilgrimage walk to Taktsang, the Tiger’s Nest.

This itinerary is valid for Paro Festival only. For alternative festival departures in Bhutan, please have a look at Thimphu Festival, Trongsa Festival or the Black Crane Festival

Festivals of Bhutan – Paro

 

Key Information

What's Included

  • All accommodation: 10 Classic nights (hotels)
  • All breakfasts, eight lunches, eight dinners
  • Immersive itinerary with all transport (private minibus) and listed activities
  • Expert tour leader to enhance your adventure
  • Arrival and departure transfers
  • Full-day festival experience in Paro and Bhutanese visa

Don't Forget To

  • Request a single room if required, purchase travel insurance and arrange any visas and vaccinations.

Highlights

  • Experience the sacred masked dances of Paro Festival
  • Visit the Paro Dzong and the incredible Tiger's Nest monastery at Taktsang
  • Drive across the Dochu La and visit Punakha Dzong
  • Walk in the quiet Gangtey Valley
  • Visit the impressive Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress in Thimphu

Itinerary

Festivals of Bhutan – Paro
  • First Destination: Kathmandu
  • Next Destination: Kathmandu
  • Accommodation:Royal Singi Hotel (or similar)
  • Meals included:None
  • Accommodation:Rema Resorts (or similar)
  • Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
  • Accommodation:Gakyil Hotel (or similar)
  • Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
  • Accommodation:Phuntsho Yangkhil Lodge (or similar)
  • Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
  • Accommodation:Phuntsho Yangkhil Lodge (or similar)
  • Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
  • Accommodation:Sonamgang Hotel (or similar)
  • Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
  • Accommodation:Rema Resorts (or similar)
  • Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
  • Accommodation:Rema Resorts (or similar)
  • Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
  • Accommodation:Rema Resorts (or similar)
  • Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
  • Accommodation:Royal Singi Hotel (or similar)
  • Meals included:Breakfast
  • Meals included:Breakfast
  • First Destination: Kathmandu
  • Next Destination: Kathmandu

Begin your adventure in Kathmandu, a brief stop on our way to Bhutan. You’re free to arrive at any time as there are no activities planned today.

Want to explore Kathmandu further? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

  • Accommodation:Royal Singi Hotel (or similar)

Today we fly to Paro. Our route takes us over the eastern Himalaya and, if the weather is clear, we should get a fantastic view of magnificent peaks including Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu and Kanchenjunga. The Paro Valley is considered one of the most beautiful in Bhutan, with blue pine-covered hills and attractive solidly built houses among the paddy fields.

Say hello to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead. If there is the time in the afternoon there will be a visit to visit the museum and Rinpung Dzong. Your tour leader then ensures a big welcome over dinner together.

  • Accommodation:Rema Resorts (or similar)
  • Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Festivals of Bhutan – Paro

Today we have an hour’s drive to Thimphu, the relatively new capital of the Kingdom of Bhutan. The ancient city of Punakha was replaced as the capital by Thimphu in 1961 by the third king, Druk Gyalpo Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The main sights include Kuensel Phodrang, known locally as Buddha Point, where there is a huge statue of Buddha overlooking the whole valley. Simtokha Dzong, the oldest dzong (fortified monastery) in Bhutan, built in 1629 now serves as the Institute of Language and Cultural Studies. It houses numerous statues and paintings of various religious figures and deities.

You can also view Takin Reserve from above on your journey into Thimphu and visit a paper factory and weaving centre to see authentic local weaving techniques, plus the local market is interesting to explore.

  • Accommodation:Gakyil Hotel (or similar)
  • Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Festivals of Bhutan – Paro

We leave Thimphu in the morning and drive east to Gangtey. The route climbs steadily on a good road to the Dochula Pass, where there are 108 chortens (Buddhist shrines).

At 10,000ft (3,050m), we can enjoy glorious views over the eastern Himalaya, weather dependent. We then descend to the valley floor and continue to sub-tropical Wangdue. We stop to visit the Wangdiphodrang Dzong, one of the larger monastery’s we visit on this trip it overlooks the picturesque river and rural agricultural fields surrounding it and has an impressive courtyard.

This afternoon, we have plenty of time to explore the Phobjikha Valley, one of the most beautiful in Bhutan. This wide-open U-shaped glacial valley is home to barking and sambar deer plus wild boars, while Himalayan black bears have also been spotted here. It is also where black-necked cranes come to roost during winter. Usually arriving from Tibet towards the end of October, they announce their appearance by circling the monastery three times. Come spring, they again fly three times around the monastery before returning to Tibet.

Today’s drive is approximately 78mi (125km) and takes four to five hours, although variable road conditions may mean we spend longer on the road.

  • Accommodation:Phuntsho Yangkhil Lodge (or similar)
  • Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, we set off on foot from our hotel for a walk through the Gangtey Valley (approximately 3mi/5km, two to three hours) – the climb up to the monastery involves around 1,640ft (500m) ascent. This glacial valley comprises farmlands, pastures and blue-pine forests and we may encounter herders caring for their livestock.

After lunch, we visit the 15th-century Khewang Lhakhang, on the east side of the Phobjikha Valley. It features a trio of two-storey statues depicting the past, present and future Buddhas. We can also visit the Black-Necked Crane Visitor Center, where we learn about the conservation efforts to protect these majestic birds. We also have a short visit to a farmhouse and an optional hot-stone bath, which costs approximately 830 ngultrums (US$10).

  • Accommodation:Phuntsho Yangkhil Lodge (or similar)
  • Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We drive back westwards to subtropical Punakha, which may take about three hours. En route, we visit the Chimi Lhakhang, built in 1499 to honour Drukpa Kuenley. Nicknamed the Divine Madman or Mad Saint, he was a maverick spiritual leader, who subdued a demon controlling the Dochu La. He built a chorten where the monastery stands and was reputed to have unorthodox ways of teaching Buddhism – he advocated for phallic symbols to be painted on walls and houses, which were intended to drive away the evil eye. Most of the houses in this area are decorated with highly ornate phallic paintings. We walk through the village to the monastery with a chance to see traditional Bhutanese-style farmhouses.

We then continue to Punakha, which at 3,940ft (1,200m) is warmer than Paro or Thimphu. Punakha was once the capital of Bhutan and is still the winter residence of the monastic body. We visit the dzong, one of the most beautiful in Bhutan. This remarkable fortress between the Mo and Po Chhu rivers has survived many fires, an earthquake and several floods.

Time permitting, we drive to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten at the end of the valley, which houses representations of the tantric form of Buddhist deities. Built for the protection of the country and the present king, the chorten also offers impressive views of the valley below.

  • Accommodation:Sonamgang Hotel (or similar)
  • Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Festivals of Bhutan – Paro

In the morning, we drive for about three hours back to Paro. En route, we visit the Tachogang Lhakhang Bridge, which crosses the Paro Chhu. This 600-year-old bridge, popularly known as the Iron Chain Bridge, was built by Thangtong Gyalpo in the late 1300s, who is said to have built 108 bridges in Tibet and Bhutan. Made of wood and iron, this is the first bridge built in Bhutan.

We continue our drive and come to the Dzongdrakha Goemba, also known as Mini Taktsang, a serene site above the village of Bondey on the western side of the Paro Valley. Often overlooked by tourists because of its rather old facade, this divine place comprises four shrines, while stories related to spirits, saints and magic are narrated here.

Before arriving at our hotel, we stop at Kyichu Lhakhang. Built in the seventh century, it is said to be the oldest temple in Bhutan and therefore holds great spiritual significance to the country. Legend says a king built it in one night on an ogre’s foot.

  • Accommodation:Rema Resorts (or similar)
  • Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Paro Festivals is one of the largest religious celebrations in Bhutan, held annually since the 17th century.

We spend the whole day experiencing this vibrant festival, gathering alongside thousands of Bhutanese people to see the monks and lay dancers dressed in colourful brocade and silk costumes, wearing painted masks and re-enacting the stories of the religious and lay history of Bhutan through music and dance. For several days, there are masked dances and prayer meetings, and a general carnival atmosphere prevails as old friends reunite. The Bhutanese all wear their finest national dress for the festival and one of the highlights is the riot of colours of the magnificent silks on display.

  • Accommodation:Rema Resorts (or similar)
  • Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Festivals of Bhutan – Paro

Today we hike (approximately 6.8mi/11km round trip with an elevation of approximately 915m) to Taktsang Monastery, also known as the Tiger’s Nest. This spectacular building is perched on the ledge of a cliff high above the Paro Valley.

Partly destroyed by fire in 1998, it has now been completely restored to its former magnificence. From the car park to the cafeteria viewpoint is about two hours’ uphill walk through the forest. From here, we have incredible views of the monastic buildings that cling to the cliff. For the energetic, there is the chance to walk even higher to the actual monastery. This takes another two hours and involves walking up and down stone steps. We highly recommend a trekking pole or you can buy a wooden stick at the car park. There are horses available up to the cafeteria for those who do not wish to hike but please note this is an unregulated activity and helmets are not available. We spend about an hour at the monastery looking around the temples (photography is not allowed inside) before descending to the cafeteria for lunch. After lunch, we return to the car park and drive back to our hotel. There should be some time to have a look round Paro before dinner.

  • Accommodation:Rema Resorts (or similar)
  • Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Festivals of Bhutan – Paro

We transfer to the airport to check in for our flight back to Kathmandu. The rest of the day is free for individual sightseeing or shopping. You may want to visit Durbar Square in the heart of the old city, the monkey temple at Swayambhunath, the largest Buddhist stupa on earth at Boudhanath or the Hindu temple at Pashupathinath. Another option is to take a taxi to Bhaktapur, the medieval city 10.5mi (17km) east of the capital. Bhaktapur has its own Durbar Square with many temples and statues and a maze of narrow streets, which are generally quieter than the capital.

The Exodus representative in Kathmandu can give you more information on what there is to see.

  • Accommodation:Royal Singi Hotel (or similar)
  • Meals included:Breakfast

Your journey ends in Kathmandu after breakfast. If you’d like to spend more time in the Nepalese capital, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

  • Meals included:Breakfast

Dates & Prices

Festivals of Bhutan – Paro

Need flights or extra nights? Book through us – one team, one seamless journey

Call us on 1 844 260 1517
Read more about our flights

  • Friday 12 Mar 2027 to Monday 22 Mar 2027

    Availability
    Guaranteed (Available)

    This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
    Optional Single Supplement
    +CAD 1482

    CAD 11400 (excl. flights)

    Book with CAD 2850 deposit

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Accommodation

Festivals of Bhutan – Paro
Festivals of Bhutan – Paro
Festivals of Bhutan – Paro
Festivals of Bhutan – Paro
Festivals of Bhutan – Paro
Festivals of Bhutan – Paro
Festivals of Bhutan – Paro
Festivals of Bhutan – Paro
Festivals of Bhutan – Paro
Festivals of Bhutan – Paro
Festivals of Bhutan – Paro
Festivals of Bhutan – Paro
Festivals of Bhutan – Paro
Festivals of Bhutan – Paro
Festivals of Bhutan – Paro
Festivals of Bhutan – Paro

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Hotels and guesthouses

We aim to secure locally owned accommodation that is well located, offers good value for money, and plenty of comfort. To help you find your ideal adventure, each trip is given a Comfort Level rating, which indicates the overall standard of accommodation. For more on our ratings, see our Comfort Level guidelines.

We spend 10 nights in hotels, all with bathrooms and heaters. All food is included at the hotels and local restaurants and is usually a buffet – it is simple and a mixture of Bhutanese, continental and Chinese.

Tailor your trip: Extend your adventure by securing extra hotel nights before or after the main itinerary. Speak to your sales representative to book.

Private rooms: Like most tour operators, we room solo passengers together. If you’d prefer to have a private room, it’s normally possible to do this for a supplement. Speak to your sales representative to book.

Extend Your Trip

Exclusive Add-ons

Chitwan or Kathmandu Valley Add-on Tours

Festivals of Bhutan – Paro

Extend your adventure by joining one of our add on tours:

Chitwan: This five-day wildlife adventure is a perfect chance to unwind in Nepal’s lowlands after your trek. From Kathmandu, travel to your jungle lodge near Chitwan National Park, where an expert naturalist will help you spot one-horned rhinos, birds, deer and more.

Kathmandu Valley: Nestled in the Himalayan foothills, the Kathmandu Valley is a perfect prelude to your adventure. This short trek starts and ends in Kathmandu, with gentle trails through villages and rhododendron forests, and sweeping mountain views.

Have a look at the detailed itineraries, or speak to your sales representative for more details.

Essential Information

The trip is rated Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings, visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.

Please ensure you are viewing the correct itinerary for your departure date as itineraries vary due to the festival schedules.

Itinerary: This is a packed itinerary, but Bhutan is a relaxed place, so the tour does not feel hectic. It is varied, although not demanding, and should appeal to those who like to see something a little different.

Journeys: Road conditions are generally quite good, but some sections can be bumpy and, as with many mountain roads, the occasional delay can occur due to landslides or adverse weather conditions. The roads are also quite twisty on the mountain sections; if you suffer from travel sickness you should bring your normal remedy. Due to road-widening works across many of the main roads in the country, there could be the occasional delay. If we are notified of any delays, the tour leader will ensure an early start and arrange a short walk while the vehicle is stuck in traffic.

Walking: This trip visits the Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Paro, which is at an altitude of 10,235ft (3,120m). The trek to reach the monastery is relatively steep but we take it very easy and have lots of stops to relax and enjoy the stunning surroundings. If you would prefer not to hike the whole way, there is a café where you can wait, which has spectacular views of the monastery.

Please be aware that some of the monasteries we visit in Bhutan require a good level of mobility due to steps, stairs, and occasional ladders. These monasteries are often situated on cliffs and hillsides, offering breathtaking views but also requiring careful navigation. If you experience vertigo or have concerns about heights, please let us know in advance so we can provide appropriate guidance and support during these visits. Our team is committed to ensuring everyone can enjoy these remarkable sites safely and comfortably.

Smoking: Smoking is only permitted in certain designated areas and strictly prohibited in public places. Anyone found smoking in public or violating smoking restrictions will be fined approximately 500 ngultrums (US$7) for the first offence. Tourists are allowed to import up to 200 cigarettes with 100 percent tax to be paid on arrival, it is also possible to purchase cigarettes in most shops across Bhutan.

Travelling in Bhutan: Travelling in Bhutan is still in its infancy. All foreigners must travel through an official travel agent and be accompanied by a Bhutanese guide. We use well-trained Bhutanese guides, but please be aware the guides are sometimes restricted in what they are allowed to do and where they can take you. There is plenty of time to enjoy the different features of each centre while travelling through the magnificent countryside. There is time to study the monasteries, browse the bazaars, or relax with a tea in incredible surroundings.

Choose your departure: This itinerary visits the Paro Festival. Alternative festival departures are available visiting Thimphu, Trongsa and the Black Crane Festival.

Key information

Start hotel: Royal Singi Hotel, Lal Durbar, Kamaladi, Kathmandu
Phone: +977 144 24190
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing on Day 2 of the trip once we are in Bhutan.
Airport: Kathmandu Airport (KTM)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately 30 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers.

If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Catching your return flight

Exodus provides free departure transfers for all customers to Kathmandu Airport (KTM) from the end hotel.

Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts. 
Bhutan

You will need a visa for Bhutan, which we will organise for you. The cost of the visa (US$40) is included in the price of the trip.

We need it to organise your Bhutan visa in advance to do this, you will need to send us a clear colour copy (scanned) of your passport at point of booking. You also need to provide a good, coloured passport photo, with white background (and ensure you are not wearing any glasses).

Please make sure we have the passport copy and separate passport photo no later than eight weeks before departure. It should be scanned, making sure the image is very clear and in colour. If you need to get a new passport for the journey, please apply for this immediately, and send us the scan as soon as you receive your new passport. It is vital the information you give us is 100 percent correct, and that the passport copy you send us is the one on which you will be travelling to Bhutan.

Visa regulations can change without notice: please check the current regulations in good time to obtain a visa if one is required.

Nepal

You can obtain your visa in advance or on arrival. The Immigration Department of Nepal has suspended visas on arrival for certain nationalities – please check if this applies to you with your nearest embassy or consulate.

Visa in advance

To get a visa in advance you can apply online at nepaliport.immigration.gov.np and collect it from your nearest Nepali embassy. Find more information at www.immigration.gov.np.

Visa on arrival

  1. When you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, there will be three lines. If you have already secured your visa, go straight to the Immigration line. If not:
    Fill in a tourist visa form at the electronic kiosks. After inserting your passport, the machine will automatically fill out an application form, take an electronic photograph of you and print a paper slip. If the machine won’t read your passport, complete the details manually using the touchscreen. We recommend taking a passport photo with you just in case.
    Top tip: This process can be completed through the online immigration portal (click ‘Visa On-Arrival’) within 14-days prior to arrival in Kathmandu, helping you to avoid lengthy queues at the kiosks when you come through immigration – ensure you print and bring the confirmation with you. If you have completed your visa on arrival form in advance, go directly to the visa fees counters with your printed confirmation and skip the kiosk queues.
  2. Proceed to the visa fees collection counter and pay the visa fee (in cash, if possible). Make sure to keep the receipt. Card payments are not always possible, so paying in cash is easiest, most currencies are accepted but US dollars are preferred.
  3. Go to the relevant immigration desk and present your tourist visa form, payment receipt and passport to obtain your 15-, 30- or 90-day visa stamp. Please check you have been given the correct visa duration.

Breakfast is included throughout the trip plus eight lunches and eight dinners while in Bhutan.

During your adventure in Bhutan, prepare to savor a delightful array of flavors that blend Bhutanese and Western cuisines. While Bhutanese dishes are traditionally seasoned with chilies, often tempered for foreign palates, the local cuisine boasts rich and varied tastes. Enjoy a diverse selection of meat, vegetable, rice, and potato dishes, alongside iconic specialties like ema datshi—featuring chilies and cheese. If you desire a more authentic or spicier culinary experience, don’t hesitate to share your preferences with your trip leader, who will endeavor to tailor meals to your liking.

Breakfasts are an assortment of cereals, eggs, toast, fruit and often some Bhutanese dishes. Lunches are taken in a restaurant and dinners are either in the hotel or at a local restaurant.

Please allow approximately 2,500-3,350 ngultrums (US$30-US$40) per day for other main meals in Kathmandu.

We experience a range of temperatures during the trip depending on the altitude. On spring and autumn departures, temperatures are approximately 10C-20C (50F-68F) during the day. At night, temperatures drop in autumn to about 4C (39F). Although these departures fall outside the normal monsoon season, there is always a chance of rain in Bhutan and you should be prepared for this.

Himalayan views tend to be best between October to December, as the weather is generally clear with sunny skies. From March to May the valleys are awash with colour when the famous rhododendrons bloom; the country has over 45 wild species.

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.

You’ll also find Thriving Nature, Thriving People moments across our trips. These experiences are often a highlight of your adventure, while also benefiting the natural world or local communities.

On this trip, we:

  • Experience regional festivals to learn about age-old Himalayan traditions and community-led cultural celebrations.
  • Visit a paper factory, weaving centre, and local market to learn about traditional crafts and everyday trade practices.
  • Explore the Black-Necked Crane Visitor Centre to learn about conservation efforts protecting this threatened species.

Reviews

Add new review

Angela Whitbread

Rating: 5

A Magical Experience

A magical country that has hidden treasures waiting for you to discover, behind hidden doors of monasteries lie secrets and colour only few have seen, its a must visit country that will stay in your heart with memories to treasure forever.

Most Inspirational Moment

The hike to the tigers nest was magical, as we got higher there was mist covering the monastery but after some rain while inside we were rewarded with clear skies to see the full beauty of the monastery. The Paro festival was stunning watching the monks in their colourful silks, carefully rehearsed dances and masks was pure theatre and also watching the local people happily share food with each other and seeing the young monks wandering freely with public and also having the chance to wear a traditional Kira. Meeting local people on the walks that we did and dinner at the farmhouse was a lovely insight into how the real people live and to taste their produce that they grow and serve to you in their home. its joy to be in Bhutan as you are greeted everywhere with warm smiles that make you feel at home.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kinley was wonderful, a kind thoughtful leader who arranged for not 1 but 2 birthday cakes one for me and another member of the group. His love of his country is clear and he is a joy to talk to and ask more questions about everything. I have made a friend for life in Kinley and will defiantly return to explore more of this beautiful country as this trip only covers a tiny area of Bhutan and I want to see and experience more thanks to Kinley's contagious passion for his country.

Advice for Potential Travellers

you wont regret visiting this amazing country do take a raincoat in case of rain at tigers nest. Take a gift for the visit to the farmhouse- I took tea which was gratefully received go with an open mind and return with a heart full of peace, joy and a longing to return

sophie moran

Rating: 5

A step back in time

not only do you explore Bhutans hidden and unique culture on this trip...but you feel as though you travel back in time to our last shangri-la. Visiting one of the worlds only countries to boast being a carbon sink is truly insiring.

Most Inspirational Moment

walking though the ornately painted and decorated monastery's while listening to the sounds of bells, smelling the heady incense drifting from the prayer rooms filled with vibrantly red dressed monks of all ages. so many smiling faces

Thoughts on Group Leader

our tour leader Kinley gave great insight into the kingdom of Bhutan, the religions, the art and traditional practices...all with deep knowledge and camaraderie. an excellent leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

warm socks for the monastery's and lots of layers as the weather changes throughout the trip from bright and sunny to colder in the beautiful Gangtey Valley... lots of long sleeves

Glynis Howe

Rating: 4

Bhutan March 2018

Bhutan is a beautiful country, the air is very fresh and the in the main is very clean - an antidote to Kathmandu! This is a trip that takes in the cultural highlights of Bhutan as well as letting you see and walk in the beautiful countryside. The people are friendly and welcoming - browsing the shops and markets is easy -if you have been to India you will know what I mean ! There is no hard sell! There is a fair ammount of travel but this is quite relaxing and there are plenty of stops. Food is always buffet style and becomes very monotonous - you could try asking for an a la carte menu and pay extra, otherwise it is noodles, rice, veg and, if you are not vegetarian some rather poor quality meat dishes - and you get this twice a day! My food highlight was a large bowl of scrambled eggs at the Tigers Nest! Take snacks!

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to name one, I loved the festival, the climb to Tigers Nest Monastery and being blessed by the head Lama there, discussions with our guide Kunzang who was so knowledgable and informative about his country, the walks in the countryside, all of the Dzongs, nunnery......too much!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kunzang was the most amazing guide I have had on an Exodus trip, he was a very gentle man, caring, considerate and very knowledgable. If we made a request he would try his best to ensure it was achieved, for example he managed to get the hotels to make dhal for the vegetarians amongst the group! Also he just looked after everyone so well. I must also say that our driver, Yeshay was excellent, and also joined in with the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As I said, take snacks, also, the weather was in the main bright and sunny and I know some people had taken lots of warm clothing - however it did get cold in Gantey and so you will need something...maybe layer up. Also do not forget something with long sleeves for the monasterys. In Kathmandu our guide took us to a cultural show with food on the 1st night and this was very poor value and to be avoided - he also took us to a place called the Ship on our last night and this was not brilliant! The food in the hotel is much better if you do not want to go out and there are lots of places in Thamel - research it and make a suggestion to the group!!

Suggestions

Bhutan is amazing and I would recommend a vist - the flight into the airport is not for the feint hearted!!

Sarah Turner

Rating: 4

Beautiful Bhutan

Bhutan is a beautiful, peaceful country that is very much worth experiencing. The people, including and, in fact, especially our guide were lovely, helpful, genuine and gentle. The Tiger’s Nest is well worth the arduous trek up to and the Dzongs, nunneries and monestaries were all a privilege to see. In some ways the experience felt like going back in time.

Most Inspirational Moment

Being given a blessing by the head monk in the Tiger’s Nest monestary. Seeing how caring our guide, Kunzhang, was towards my mother. Witnessing a religious ceremony, including chanting, drumming and horn playing, in a monestary.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. Can not fault him. Went out of his way to support my mother.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be aware that the festival you attend may be crowded. Surprisingly for us, it was by no means the highlight of the trip. Note that the weather forecasts for Bhutan are not accurate: we packed far too many warm clothes. It can get a bit chilly in the evening, but during the daytime it’s often sunny and warm, even in March, when we visited. (Sadly, it was explained to us that the climate has changed in Bhutan due to global warming). Take some of your own food, especially if you have dietary requirements, as it is bland and similar wherever you go: hotels seem to think that tourists want only veg, rice, noodles and poor quality meat.

Suggestions

The restaurant in the hotel in Kathmandu is excellent: the local guide may suggest you go to a different one, but this is likely to be much inferior.

Vanessa Kanesanathan

Rating: 5

A fantastic insight into a beautiful country!

Bhutan is probably the most beautiful country I have visited. It has such a rick landscape and culture, which is mostly unspoiled by tourism.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching Tiger's Nest Monastery

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sangay was brilliant and a true advocate for his country - his passion for Bhutan (and Bhutanese food!) was very clear!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take your hiking boots for the treks.

Suggestions

Go to Bhutan - very much recommended!

Raymond Thornton

Rating: 4

Open, friendly and devoutly Budhist

Ancient fortresses, monasteries, mountainous scenery and colourful festivals. Friendly, open people, happy to help.

Most Inspirational Moment

Travel during festival time. It will be the highlight of you trip, along with the walk to the Tigress nest.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kunthay was well organised, knowledgeable and made a excellent ambassador for his country.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring ear plugs as there are hundreds of stray dogs that bark during the night. Driving times are relatively short by Exodus standards but roads are winding and bumpy.

Suggestions

Be prepared for delayed flights and dusty Kathmandu. Food is tasty but predictable. Good for vegetarians. Hotel rooms are very good.

Neil Robson

Rating: 5

The unforgettable festivals of Bhutan

This was a true trip of a lifetime - 10 days in-depth vitit to the last Shangri-La. Mountains, monasteries, dzongs and monks - and dancing monks

Most Inspirational Moment

The Paro tsechu festival was an honour to be allowed to attend - many hundreds of local Bhutanese enjoyed the music, dancing and the spectacle of this amazing week long festival - and only a couple of dozen westerners. It is an honour to be with such humble and serene people at such a joyous time in their calendar!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kunzang Namgye was without doubt the best tour leader ever! Enthusiastic, knowledgeable, helpful and proactive, he MADE this trip so special for us by bringing his personal touches and being genuinely enthusiastic about sharing his culture with the group. He is an asset of the Bhutan Travel Service and Exodus

Advice for Potential Travellers

Beware that at Easter it can be very cold after dark at altitude - lots of layers are helpful. Also, when attending the festival, if you wear traditional Bhutanese garments (the gho for the men or the kira for the women) you will get a really enthusiastic response from all the local people and it us a great ice-breaker. The robes can be bought in Thimphu for GBP £20 and upwards. It's a great investment.

Suggestions

The food was tasty and hearty, but it becMe a bit same-same after a few days. If you are in a hotel for a few days (as we were in Park) interact with the proprietors a bit and see if you can make some suggestions. We had seen that fresh asparagus was just in season and sonasked if we could have it one evening - and the chef even asked how we wanted it cooked - which was fun (and delicious). Also, always carry a good torch/ flashlight in case the power is out - or for highlighting interesting but dark corners of dzongs/ monasteries!

Rating: 5

FESTIVALS OF BHUTAN

Fabulous! A once in a life time and a definite 'do before you die'.

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to adiquitely explain! The people were the highlight. This country is still largely un spoiled by tourism, i hope it stays that way. The children have no fear of strangers and love to see thier photos on the back of your digital camera. We were welcomed so warmly and seen as a novelty which was lovely. The most powerful moment for me was being invited into a section of one of the monestaries which tourist arnt usually allowed into. It was beautifully decorated and we recieved a blessing from one of the monks before we left.The most peaceful moment was standing ontop of a mountain over looking the capital, Thimpu, surrounded by fluttering prayer flags.The most heart warming was being invited to our guides home to meet his daughter and see how Bhutanese people really live.Last but not least - arriving in Nepal to co-incide with Holi, one of the main Hindu festivals where people throw coloured paint at eachother.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was fantastic. He allowed our itineray to be flexible and managed to meet our varied expectation and aspirations. He really made the trip worthwhile. In nepal we didnt really have a guide but we had a local rep who explained to us about the local area and how to get to the places we might want to see. He also arranged for us to do an extra guided tour of Baktapur which we paid for out of our spending money.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take clothes for varied weather conditions - it was very warm while we were there (march depature) and i ended up having to wash most of my tops to wear them again. The temples and the festival require women to wear loose fitting clothes with arms covered to below the elbow. Skirts shouldnt be above the knee. Also do not wear hats at the festival or in temples as it causes offense. We were advised not to change travellers cheques at the airport which was a disaster. Most hotels dont hold enough funds to change travellers cheques of any size. This left several people in our group without spending money for most of the trip. My advise would be take US dollars which are widely accepted. Nepalese rupees are also accepted and change travellers cheques at PARO AIRPORT as you cant change them anywhere else easily. There was no problem with using travellers cheques in Nepal. In case of emergencies it is worth taking a first aid kit which has some steralised needles in it. That way if you need to go to hospital, for what ever reason, you dont need to worry about hygiene.

Suggestions

Some people may be put off by the cost of travelling on this trip - once you visit the country you can see the value of trying to keep the numbers of tourists down and although the trip is expensive it wouldnt be anywhere near as enjoyable if thier small population was overwhelmed. Its well worth the money!

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CAD 11400
11 Days Excluding Flights
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