Bhutan Festivals Tour 12 Days/11 Nights, 02-13 NOV 2025
Introduction:
After the awesome flight into Paro experience 5 different valleys Thimphu, Phobjikha, Bumthang, Punakha, Paro along with Trongsa the location of Bhutan’s very best museum. You will be amazed by the colour and spectacle of the Jambay Lhakhang Drup & Prakhar Duchhoed (festivals) in central Bhutan. Furthermore, it features the most important sights in Thimphu city; the remote beauty of the Phobjikha valley also features the most important temples & scenery of the central Bumthang region; the remote beauty of the Phobjikha Valley; the splendour of the magnificent Punakha Dzong and culminates with a pilgrimage hike to the majestic Taktsang Monastery (Tigers Nest) in Paro valley. In additional to witnessing Jambay Lhakhang Drup & Prakhar Duchhoed (festivals).
This tour combines the very best sites the Kingdom of Bhutan has to offer in the western & central Bhutan.
This small group tour caters only to a maximum of 8 persons. BOOK NOW to avoid disappointment.
Tour Itinerary Overview.
- 2 nights Thimphu with exploring, hiking and shopping options.
- 2 nights Phobjikha valley for hiking and exploring.
- 2 nights Bumthang valleys, festivals, hiking, exploring
- 1 night Trongsa with museum & Dzong visits.
- 2 nights Punakha valley with monastery & Dzong visits.
- 2 nights Paro valley with Taktsang Monastery hike, shopping & exploring.
PRICE: From US$4080.00 pp twin/dbl share
OR CALL THE BHUTAN TRAVEL EXPERTS ON
AUS toll free, James – 0412 416 111, Nicola – 0413 598 669
Why Book With Bhutan & Beyond
- We only take a maximum of 8 persons on this tour.
- Maximise your Bhutan experience with one of our top rated Bhutanese guides.
- Witness the spectacle of the Jambay Lhakhang Drup & Prakhar Duchhoed. (festivals).
- Immerse yourself in the vibrant Buddhist culture of Bhutan.
- We tailor our tours for less driving and more sightseeing!
- Bhutan & Beyond offers 21 years experience, service & knowledge.
- Competitive pricing & well constructed itineraries.
- Access to our exclusive travel app COMPANION
- Our comprehensive Bhutan Visitor Information planning guide.
- ATAS Accredited via our parent company MTA Travel.
Your Bhutan Tour Inclusions:
- Professional guide, driver & private coach.
- All touring & transfers throughout your journey.
- Bhutanese style 3* hotels for 9 nights with private bathrooms.
- 4* Gangtey Tent Resort for 2 nights with private bathrooms.
- All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) & two 500 ml bottles of water daily.
- All monument & entrance fees, sightseeing & hiking as per the itinerary.
- Bhutan visa fees & processing.
- Sustainable development fee (SDF) & local taxes.
- Witness the Jambay Lhakhang Drup & Prakhar Duchhoed festivals in Bumthang. (subject to scheduled festival dates being realised)
- Bhutan & Beyond bank transfers for payments to Bhutan suppliers.
- Professionally operated by Bhutan Tourism Corp Ltd. (BTCL)
- Access to our exclusive travel app COMPANION giving access to your travel docs on your smart device.
- Our comprehensive Bhutan Visitor Information guide. (regularly updated)
- ATAS Accredited via our parent company MTA Travel.
Your Bhutan Tour Exclusions:
- Flights to/from Paro are additional.
- Personal bank charges incurred making payments to Bhutan & Beyond.
- Personal items: phone calls, laundry, drinks etc.
- Tips – Please refer to tipping guide in our Bhutan visitor guide.
- Travel Insurance is essential when travelling to Bhutan.
- Any COVID-19 PCR or RAT tests required.
Cancellation Conditions
- Deposit date until 45 days prior arrival in Bhutan – Land tour deposit is refundable less B&B service fees.
- 45 days or less prior to arrival in Bhutan – No land tour refund permitted.
Please note: – These conditions cover land travel arrangements only, not airfares, which are subject to their own cancellation conditions.
Sunday 02 November, 2025
Paro to Thimphu (1 hr 30 mins, drive time, altitude 2350 m)
After clearing immigration & customs you will be greeted by your BTCL guide & driver immediately outside the terminal exit door. Transfer by road to Bhutan’s capital Thimphu, travelling through the spectacular countryside en-route make a stop at the Tachogang Lhakhang (iron bridge).All the houses and buildings in the Kingdom are painted and constructed in traditional Bhutanese style.
On arrival into Thimphu take lunch at a local restaurant.
This afternoon visit the daily Centenary farmer’s market for fresh produce includes the sale of clothing & homewares & souvenirs (Fri-Sun); National Memorial Chorten followed by the Takin Preserve – home to Bhutan’s most unusual national mammal.
Overnight Thimphu-Bhutanese Style 3* Hotel
Monday 03 November:
Exploring the Thimphu Valley.
This morning visit the awesome Buddha Dordenma statue located at Kuenselphodrang. The statue is made of bronze and gilded in gold. It is considered the largest Buddha Shakyamuni statue in the world. There is also an excellent 3 km hike option through Kuenselphodrang Nature Park which offers sensational valley views.
View the majestic Trashichhoe Dzong (visits are only possible after business hours on weekdays or at the weekend) and visit Zorig Chusum – the Institute of the 13 Arts & Crafts of Bhutan.
This afternoon take a wander along Thimphu’s main street, Norzin Lam and visit the Craft Bazaar where you can purchase locally made goods & perhaps visit the central Post Office which offers a wonderful ‘personalised’ stamp service for visitors.
For those interested in quality weavings and local art visit the Gagyel Lhundrup weaving centre. Here you can interact with the weavers. The S. Bishwa art gallery is also worth a visit.
Overnight Thimphu – Bhutan Style 3* Hotel
Tuesday 04 November:
Thimphu to Phobjikha Valley (4-5 hrs, alt 2900 m)
This morning you will be transferred by road eastwards to the Phobjikha Valley. En-route passing the Semtokha Dzong, built in 1629 & the oldest fortress of its kind that guarded the Thimphu valley, which today it is a monastery. Continue ascending to Dochu La (pass) to view the 108 Stupas, commissioned by a former Queen as a memorial to those who lost their lives during the low intensity conflict in late 2002 when Bhutan evicted Indian rebels camped in the jungle on the Bhutan – Indian border. On a clear day you will witness a breathtaking view of the eastern Himalaya.
When the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong (currently being rebuilt) comes into view, notice the large cacti that cover the hillside below which, were planted long ago to discourage invaders from climbing the steep slope to the Dzong. From the road view Rinchengang, one of Bhutan’s oldest villages, which did not have access to water, electricity or schooling until the early 1990’s.The craftsmen of Rinchengang are sought after for their skills in construction of Dzongs and Lhakhangs (temples).
Potatoes are Phobjikha’s primary cash crop and mainly exported to India. Phobjikha is a glacial valley on the western slopes of the Black Mountains and is one of the most beautiful open valleys in Bhutan. It is also one of the most important wildlife preserves in the country and the winter home (late October to early February) of the rare black necked crane, which annually flies in from Tibet. There are also muntjaks (barking deer), wild boar, sambar, Himalayan black bear, leopard and red foxes.
Time permitting walk the Gangtey Nature Trail on arrival this afternoon. Alternatively undertake this tomorrow morning. This is an easy, mainly flat, walk through forest and pastures.
Overnight Phobjikha – Gangtey Tent Resort.
Wednesday 05 November:
Exploring & hiking in the Phobjikha valley.
Today you will visit the sacred Gangtey Goenpa (Monastery) plus enjoy time to wander through Gangtey village, and visit the Black Crane nature information centre and nearby hide to view the cranes should they be present in the valley. Take time this afternoon for some relaxation, or an excursion further down the valley to the more remote Phobji region. Here you can enjoy an easy hike through villages, temples & farm houses.
Overnight Phobjikha – Gangtey Tent Resort.
Thursday 06 November:
Phobjikha to Choekhor Valley (4 hrs, alt 2800 m)
This morning, depart Phobjikha to the central Bumthang region comprising the 4 valleys Choekhor, Tang, Ura and Chhume. Traverse the Pele La (Pass) which crosses through the Black Mountains National Park and divides western and central Bhutan. The Trongsa Dzong is perched at the end of a ridge and seems to hang in space at the head of the valley. The Dzongs location afforded it great power over this part of the country as the only foot and mule trail between east and western Bhutan leads straight through Trongsa and through the Dzong itself. The Dzong has added the excellent Tower of Trongsa Museum into its ancient watchtower, which you will visit today. On your journey today keep a watchful eye out for Rhesus Macaques (Brown Monkeys) on the side of the road.
On arrival in the Bumthang region notice the large fields of buckwheat that cover the valleys…..buckwheat noodles and pancakes are a Bumthang specialty.
Enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. There are short walks and hikes to choose from and your guide will be happy to make recommendations. Later this evening, after dinner you have the option of attending the opening of the Jambay Lhakhang Drup (8.30 pm) the program this evening features the Naked Dance!
Overnight Choekhor – Bhutan Style 3* Hotel
Friday 07 November:
Festival & Exploring in the Bumthang Valleys.
This morning witness the colour & spectacle of the Jambay Lhakhang Drup, held at Jambay Lhakhang. The Bhutanese love their festivals and will all be dressed in their finest clothes.
After a picnic lunch at the festival visit Kurjey Lhakhang and later Wangdichholing Palace (exterior courtyard only) or return to spend a little more time at the festival.
Jambay & Kurjey Lhakhangs are the oldest two monasteries in the kingdom and all the Kings of Bhutan are cremated at Kurjey Lhakhang.
Overnight Choekhor – Bhutan Style 3* Hotel
Saturday 08 November:
Choekhor Valley to Trongsa (2 hrs, alt 2200 m)
Enjoy a more leisurely start today before transferring westwards today to Trongsa, en-route visiting the Chhume weaving centre for the opportunity to shop for excellent local handicrafts and textiles. This region is renowned for its exceptionally high quality weaving’s & make a visit to the Prakhar Duchhoed (festival) which is also held today in the Chhume valley.
After enjoying a picnic lunch at the festival, continue onward to Trongsa. Trongsa Dzong is the ancestral home of the Royal Family of Bhutan & time permitting on arrival in Trongsa enjoy a short visit to the Dzong.
Overnight Trongsa – Bhutan Style 3* Hotel
Sunday 09 November:
Trongsa to Punakha Valley (4 + hrs, alt 1310 m)
Depart early this morning on a very scenic drive to the Punakha Valley, which holds the title as the winter capital because of its more temperate climate, taking lunch on arrival in Punakha.
This afternoon, on arrival into Punakha, take an orientation tour of the valley including the markets at Lobesa and the nearby Chimi Lhakhang, a monastery built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley (also known as the Divine Madman or Mad Monk) with a very colourful history. It is believed childless women who visit the temple will conceive after receiving a ‘wang’ (blessing) from the resident monk. The walk across rice paddy fields takes about 20 minutes each way.
Overnight Punakha – Bhutan Style 3* Hotel
Monday 10 November:
Exploring in the Punakha Valley.
This morning visit the Sangchen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang & Nunnery followed by an excursion along a delightful country lane the very traditional village of Talo where you can wander the beautiful & serene gardens of the local monastery.
Followed by a visit to the dramatic Punakha Dzong, which formally served as the seat of the government and is still the winter residence of the Dratsheng (Central Monk Body). This is Bhutan’s most spectacular Dzong and an excellent example of how a medieval fortress and a centre of both monastic and administrative functions, has adapted and evolved for modern day use.
Choose to enjoy a relaxing afternoon at leisure or travel up the valley & take a fascinating hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten through fields of vegetables, rice paddies and tiny hamlets. This Chorten hold very special significance being consecrated in 1999 and dedicated to the protection of the former Crown Prince – today’s current King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.
Overnight Punakha – Bhutan Style 3* Hotel
Tuesday 11 November:
Punakha Valley to Paro Valley (4+ hrs, alt 2250 m)
Depart Punakha early morning for your transfer westwards to the Paro Valley, once again traversing Dochu La, and arriving in Paro town in time for a late lunch at one of the local restaurants.
This afternoon enjoy an orientation tour of the major features in Paro town including Paro Dzong with its cantilever bridge and the National Museum in Paro to view the fine collection of ancient Thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons and other artefacts, before a visit to the CSI daily market which offers locally produced goods from cottage and small industries in Bhutan. Finally we recommend a wander along the main streets which offers good shopping for jewellery and handicrafts.
Overnight Paro – Bhutan Style 3* Hotel.
Wednesday 12 November:
Exploring & Hiking in the Paro Valley.
This morning hike to the Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tigers Nest. This is Bhutan’s most revered monastery and all Bhutanese strive to make the pilgrimage here at least once in their lives. This visit is much more than ‘just a hike’ and each step gains merit points for the next part of life’s journey. Choose between a 2 hour round trip hike to the Monastery viewpoint or a longer 5 hour and more strenuous hike into the Monastery itself. Tigers Nest clings impossibly to a cliff of rock at 800 m above the valley floor and where Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress to subdue the local demons followed by 3 months meditation in a cave still visible in the monastery. In 1998 the monastery was seriously damaged by fire and has since been painstakingly reconstructed to its original condition and consecrated by the 4th King in 2005.
Take lunch at the viewpoint cafe on the hiking trail. This afternoon continuing down the valley to view the recently restored Drugyel Dzong (14km from Paro). This is the historical site of the Fort of Drukpa Victory, from which the Bhutanese used to repel the Tibetan invaders again and again, followed by a visit to Kyichu Lhakhang – one of Bhutan’s oldest and most beautiful temples, boasting an orange tree that perpetually bears fruit.
Overnight Paro – Bhutan Style 3* Hotel
Thursday 13 November:
Day of departure.
Morning departure from your hotel to Paro Airport for your onward flight.
