Festival Tours

Color, Culture, Celebration.

Royal Highland Festival Tour (9 n/10 D)

Day-by-Day Schedule

Day 1

Arrival in thimphu – Local sightseeing

  1. Arrive at Paro International Airport, then drive to Thimphu (approx. 1.5 hrs).
  2. Check into your hotel.
  3. Activities:
    • Visit Memorial Chorten, a stupa dedicated to the third king of Bhutan.
    • Explore Buddha Point (Kuenselphodrang) with sweeping views of Thimphu Valley.
    • Stroll through Thimphu Craft Market to discover handmade Bhutanese souvenirs.
    • Evening at leisure to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Bhutan’s capital.
  4. Overnight: Thimphu

Day 2

Thimphu to Punakha

  1. Drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass, with its 108 chortens and panoramic Himalayan views.
  2. Activities:
    • Visit Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful riverside fortresses.
    • Walk across Punakha Suspension Bridge, enjoying views of the Pho Chhu river and surrounding rice paddies.
    • Evening at leisure to soak in the serene valley atmosphere.
  3. Overnight: Punakha

Day 3

Punakha To Phobjikha Valley

  1. Drive to Phobjikha Valley, a pristine glacial valley known for its black-necked cranes in winter.
  2. Activities:
    • Visit Gangtey Monastery, perched above the valley with panoramic views.
    • Evening Gangtey Nature Trail walk through pine forests and traditional villages, a gentle introduction to the highland way of life.
  3. Overnight: Phobjikha

Day 4

Phobjikha To Gasa

  1. Drive to Gasa, a remote highland town famous for its natural hot stone baths.
  2. Activities:
    • Relax in the Gasa hot stone bath, a unique Bhutanese wellness tradition.
    • Explore the tranquil valley and enjoy the alpine scenery.
  3. Overnight: Gasa

Day 5

Gasa To Laya – Royal Highland Festival

  1. Drive towards Laya, a remote highland village.
  2. Hike to the festival grounds at a moderate pace, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and alpine meadows.
  3. Attend the Royal Highland Festival:
    • Witness mask dances, horse riding, archery competitions, and traditional folk performances.
    • Meet local highlanders and explore nearby villages, experiencing authentic mountain culture.
  4. Overnight: Laya

Day 6

Laya – Royal Highland Festival

  1. Full day at the Royal Highland Festival:
  2. Immerse yourself in the celebrations, including cultural performances, equestrian events, and village traditions.
  3. Enjoy scenic walks around the festival grounds for photography and village life encounters.
  4. Overnight: Laya

Day 7

Laya – Gasa – Punakha

  1. Hike down from Laya to Gasa, soaking in the dramatic mountain scenery.
  2. Drive back to Punakha, with optional stops for short nature walks or village explorations.
  3. Evening at leisure in Punakha.
  4. Overnight: Punakha

Day 8

Punakha To Paro

  1. Drive to Paro, stopping at Dochula Pass for Himalayan panoramas.
  2. Optional stop at Chuzom Botanical Garden for a peaceful walk among Bhutanese flora.
  3. Evening at leisure in Paro Town to soak in the local culture.
  4. Overnight: Paro

Day 9

Paro – Taktsang “Tiger’s Nest”

  1. Morning hike to Taktsang Monastery, Bhutan’s iconic cliffside sacred site.Moderate to challenging hike through pine forests with breathtaking valley views.
  2. Afternoon: Return to Paro for relaxation or optional stroll in town.
  3. Overnight: Paro

Day 10

Paro – Departure

  1. Morning at leisure for a short valley walk or final shopping in Paro town.
  2. Transfer to Paro International Airport for your departure.

Thimphu Tshechu (6 n/ 7 D)

Day-by-Day Schedule

Day 1

Arrival in thimphu – Local sightseeing

  1. You will be GREETED by Drukair representative at the airport. You’ll start your journey with a drive to Thimphu which is about 1.15 hrs. Check into hotel . After lunch, visit: 
  2. Memorial Chorten, a large stupa dedicated to the third king of Bhutan Buddha Point: One of the largest buddha statue in the world Sangaygang offering stunning views of the valley below. 
  3. Overnight at Thimphu

Day 2

Thimphu

  1. Thimphu, the capital city, is nestled between lush rice paddies and towering peaks, stretching across the forested hillside along the Wang Chhu River. 
  2. Thimphu Tshechu 
    • Witness the first day of tshechu – a powerful and unforgettable cultural experience at Tashichho Dzong. 
  3. Visit the following places or attend full day festival: 
    • National Institute for Zorig Chusum: A school where students learn 13 traditional Bhutanese arts. OR Buddha Point: Perched on a hill overlooking Thimphu Valley, Buddha Point is home to one of the largest Buddha statues in the world 
    • Craft market and Centenary Farmer’s market: A vibrant market where you can find handmade Bhutanese crafts and souvenirs. Possible to visit even if you attend the festival for the whole day. 
  4. Overnight at Thimphu

Day 3

Thimphu To Punakha

  1. Begin your journey with a scenic 3–4 hour drive from Thimphu to Punakha via Dochu La Pass, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas, 108 chortens, and fluttering prayer flags. 
  2. In Punakha, visit: 
    • Punakha Dzong – A stunning riverside fortress at the confluence of the Pho and Mo rivers. 
    • Suspension Bridge – Enjoy a peaceful evening walk across one of Bhutan’s longest suspension bridges. 
    • Kaja Throm – Experience local life at this charming riverside market, filled with farm produce and culture. 
  3. Overnight in Punakha

Day 4

Punakha To Phobjikha

  1. After breakfast, begin your journey towards Phobjikha Valley, a serene valley and one of Bhutan’s most beautiful nature reserves. En route, drive past Wangdue Phodrang, and enjoy a gradual change in scenery – from subtropical forests to alpine meadows. 
  2. Arrive in Phobjikha and visit the Gangtey Monastery, an important 17th century Buddhist center perched above the valley. In the evening, enjoy a peaceful Gangtey Nature Trail walk, a gentle downhill path through pine forests and traditional villages with panoramic views of the valley. 
  3. Settle in for a cozy evening at a homestay surrounded by silence and mountain air. 
  4. Overnight at Phobjikha

Day 5

Phobjikha To Paro

  1. Attend Gangtey Tshechu until half day and drive back across Dochu La pass for another breathtaking view of the Himalayas. At Chuzom, see the three neighboring shrines, each with its unique architecture. 
  2. In Paro Pass by the main archery range, the Ugyen Pelri Palace, and cross the historic Nyamai Zam bridge into Paro town. 
  3. If time permits drive to Chelela Pass and enjoy the view and drive back to Paro. 
  4. Overnight at Paro

Day 6

Paro Valley – Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest)

  1. Today’s activities centre on the historic Paro Valley and end with a visit to the Taktsang “Tiger’s Nest” Monastery, one of Bhutan’s most significant architectural masterpieces. Going even higher to see isolated temples is an option if time permits. 
  2. You return to Paro after lunch, which can be either a packed picnic or food from the quaint Taktsang cafe OR in town. 
  3. Visit Paro Dzong in the evening. You can unwind on your last night by enjoying a traditional hot stone bath or explore Paro Town. 
  4. Difficulty of hike: Moderate to Hard 
  5. Overnight at Paro

Day 7

Depart Bhutan

  1. Your transfer to Paro International Airport will be arranged according to your flight schedule.

Blessed Rainy Day (6 n/7 D)

Day-by-Day Schedule

Day 1

Sept 23: Arrival in Paro – Blessed Rainy Day

  1. Arrive in Paro and check in. Join locals in celebrating Blessed Rainy Day – a time of spiritual cleansing and renewal. 
  2. Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. 
  3. Traditional welcome dinner and relaxing evening in Paro. 
  4. Overnight: Paro

Day 2

Sept 24: Hike to Tiger’s Nest

  1. Early morning hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), perched on a cliffside. Enjoy lunch with views at the halfway café. 
  2. Visit to a farmhouse for a traditional hot stone bath to unwind. 
  3. Overnight: Paro

Day 3

Sept 25: Paro to Punakha (via Dochula Pass)

  1. Cross Dochula Pass, stopping at the 108 chortens with Himalayan views. Visit Chimi Lhakhang (Fertility Temple). 
  2. Explore the majestic Punakha Dzong, Bhutan’s winter capital. Visit Kaja Throm or suspension bridge 
  3. Overnight: Punakha

Day 4

Sept 26: Punakha to Phobjikha Valley

  1. Scenic drive to the glacial valley of Phobjikha, known for its natural beauty. Visit Gangtey Monastery. 
  2. Leisure walk on the Gangtey Nature Trail. 
  3. Esplore a homestay for a Bhutanese traditional way of living
  4. Overnight: Phobjikha

Day 5

Sept 27: Phobjikha to Thimphu

  1. Return drive to Thimphu. 
  2. Evening visit to Kuenselphodrang (Buddha Dordenma) and a walk around the viewpoint. 
  3. Visit Memorial Chorten 
  4. Visit Takin Zoo if time permits 
  5. Overnight: Thimphu

Day 6

Sept 28: Thimphu Domchhoe Festival

  1. Attend the sacred Thimphu Domchhoe at Tashichho Dzong, featuring colorful masked dances and deep spiritual meaning. 
  2. Explore Simply Bhutan live museum and the Memorial Chorten. 
  3. Evening stroll in town or visit local handicraft markets.
  4. Overnight: Thimphu

Day 7

Sept 29: Departure

  1. Drive to Paro International Airport (~1.5 hrs) for departure.

Paro Tshechu Festival Tour (3 n/4 D)

Day-by-Day Schedule

Day 1

Arrival in Thimphu – Local Sightseeing

  1. Arrive at Paro International Airport and transfer to Thimphu (approx. 1.5 hrs).
  2. Check into hotel.
  3. Activities:
    • Visit Memorial Chorten, a stupa dedicated to the third king of Bhutan.
    • Explore Buddha Point, home to one of the largest Buddha statues in the world.
    • Stop at Sangaygang viewpoint for panoramic valley views.
  4. Overnight: Thimphu

Day 2

Thimphu to Paro

  1. Drive from Thimphu to Paro (approx. 1.5 hrs), and check into hotel in Paro.
  2. Activities in the afternoon:
  3. Attend Paro Tshechu at Paro Dzong, witnessing masked dances, traditional music, and cultural rituals.
  4. Explore Paro town and local craft markets if time permits.
  5. Overnight: Paro

Day 3

Paro – Valley Exploration

Morning:

  1. Visit Rinpung Dzong (Fortress of the Heap of Jewels).
  2. Explore Ta Dzong (National Museum) with panoramic valley views.
  3. Afternoon: Optional scenic walk or visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples.
  4. Evening: Attend additional festival performances if ongoing.

Overnight: Paro

Day 4

Paro – Departure

  1. Morning at leisure to explore Paro town or enjoy a last walk in the valley.
  2. Transfer to Paro International Airport for departure.

This itinerary is customizable. Please speak to us about your needs and requirements and we will do our utmost to accommodate you.

Key Details

Inclusion

  1. Round Trip Flight Tickets 
  2. Visa and Sustainable Development Fee 
  3. Accomodations: Minimum 3 Star Hotels 
  4. All Meals 
  5. Government Certified Tour Guide 
  6. All Transfers 
  7. All Attraction Entry Fees 
  8. Tourist Sim Card with Unlimited Data 
  9. All Service Charge and Sales Tax 
  10. Private Tours and Flexible Date
  11. Travel Assistance before, during, and after the trip.

Add ons

Optional: Helicopter Services, Domestic Flights, and Charter Flights

Please note 

This itinerary is a guide and may vary based on weather, routes, and fitness levels. All times are approximate. Complimentary water is provided on guided tours. Please notify us of any dietary needs in advance. Extra outdoor activities are available for an additional fee.