- Experience the colourful masked dance festivals of Bhutan
- 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
Festivals of Bhutan
11 Days
from
12 Days
from
Culture
Itinerary
Kathmandu Kathmandu
Depart London
Depart London.
Arrive Kathmandu
Welcome to Kathmandu, a brief stop en route to Bhutan. On arrival, you are met by a local representative for your transfer to our hotel. Please check the Joining Instructions for information on how to confirm your transfer.
The evening is free to relax.
Accommodation: Royal Singi Hotel (or similar)
Fly to Paro
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.
If there is time in the afternoon, we can visit the museum and Rinpung Dzong.
Accommodation: Rema Resorts (or similar)
Drive to Thimphu
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: Pedling Hotel/Ghakyil Hotel (or similar)
Drive to Gangtey; visit Rinchengang village and Wangdiphodrang Dzong
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 at a bridge, breaking up the journey with a 20-minute gentle uphill walk to the village of Rinchengang, where narrow alleys lead to numerous houses just inches from each other.
We then leave the main road, drive up to the Lawala Pass and into the beautiful Gangtey Valley. If time permits, we can visit the newly reconstructed Wangdiphodrang Dzong en route, which was originally built in 1638 on a ridge overlooking the convergence of the Dangchhu and Punatsangchhu rivers.
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: Dewachen Hotel (or similar)
Morning hike through the Gangtey Valley. Afternoon visit to Khewang Lhakhang
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: Dewachen Hotel (or similar)
Drive to Punakha, visit Chimi Lhakhang, Punakha Dzong
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)
Drive to Paro, visiting Tachogang Lhakhang Bridge, Dzongdrakha Goemba and Kyichu Lhakhang monastery
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)
Full day at Paro or Thumphu Festival
For March 2024 & April 2025 departures, we have an early start today, driving one hour from Thimphu to Paro to find our spot for the festival entertainment.
Paro & Thimphu Festivals are two 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.
The 06 September 2024 departures will spend all day at Thimphu Festival and will drive to Paro in the early evening.
Accommodation: Rema Resorts (or similar)
Day walk to Taktsang, Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Today we hike (approximately 5.5mi/9km round trip) 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)
Fly to Kathmandu
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)
End Kathmandu
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.
Hotels and guesthouses
We spend 10 nights in tourist-class hotels. They are simple, local-style accommodations. All rooms have attached 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.
Reviews
Add your own reviewBhutan 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!!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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!
Start
Finish
Availability
Adult Price From
Optional Single Supplement
Thursday Wednesday
14 Mar 2024 13 Mar 2024
Sunday Sunday
24 Mar 2024 24 Mar 2024
Availability Guaranteed (Limited) Only 4 spaces left!
Adult Price From £ 5,099 £ 6,499 Book with 25% deposit
Optional Single Supplement Single Rooms sold out
Paro Festival (Trip code: AIBA)
Paro Festival (Trip code: AIBA)
Availability
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.
View Trip NotesFriday Thursday
06 Sep 2024 05 Sep 2024
Monday Monday
16 Sep 2024 16 Sep 2024
Availability Available
Adult Price From £ 5,199 £ 6,479 Book with 25% deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 570
Thimphu Festival - (Trip code: AIBA)
Thimphu Festival - (Trip code: AIBA)
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesWednesday Tuesday
11 Sep 2024 10 Sep 2024
Saturday Saturday
21 Sep 2024 21 Sep 2024
Availability Sold Out
Adult Price From £ 5,599 £ 6,879 Book with 25% deposit
Optional Single Supplement Single Rooms sold out
Thimphu Festival - (Trip code: AIBB)
Thimphu Festival - (Trip code: AIBB)
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and is now fully booked, although we may have people holding spaces without payment. Please contact our Sales team for further information.
View Trip NotesWednesday Tuesday
02 Apr 2025 01 Apr 2025
Saturday Saturday
12 Apr 2025 12 Apr 2025
Availability Sold Out
Adult Price From £ 5,699 £ 7,249 Book with 25% deposit
Optional Single Supplement Single Rooms sold out
Paro Festival (Trip code: AIBA)
Paro Festival (Trip code: AIBA)
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and is now fully booked, although we may have people holding spaces without payment. Please contact our Sales team for further information.
View Trip NotesTuesday Monday
30 Sep 2025 29 Sep 2025
Friday Friday
10 Oct 2025 10 Oct 2025
Availability Sold Out
Adult Price From £ 5,799 £ 7,249 Book with 25% deposit
Optional Single Supplement Single Rooms sold out
Thimphu Festival - (Trip code: AIBB)
Thimphu Festival - (Trip code: AIBB)
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and is now fully booked, although we may have people holding spaces without payment. Please contact our Sales team for further information.
View Trip NotesWould you like to include flights with your booking?
- ATOL protected
- Competitive flight prices
- Full refunds in the event of FCDO cancellations or major disruption at your UK departure airport
- Specialist support to rearrange flights and transfers
- Regional flights available from many UK airports
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Festivals of Bhutan
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