- 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 - Thimphu
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)
Full day at Thimphu Festival
We have an early start today, driving one hour from Paro to Thimphu to find our spot to enjoy the festival entertainment from.
Thimphu is considered the most popular festival in Bhutan and plays an important part in the Bhutanese lives.
We spend the whole day experiencing this vibrant festival, watching the Bhutanese gather to see monks and lay dancers dressed in colourful brocade and silk costumes, wearing painted masks 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 villagers arrive to meet old friends. The Bhutanese all dress in their finest national dress for the festival and one of the highlights is the riot of colours of the magnificent silks on display.
Accommodation: Pedling Hotel/Ghakyil Hotel (or similar)
Thimphu
We take a break from the festivities and enjoy the sights and history of the Thimphu, the relatively new capital of the Kingdom of Bhutan. The ancient city of Punakha was replaced by Thimphu as the capital 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 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 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, which is 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 to have ever been 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)
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 Kathmandu after breakfast. If you don’t want the adventure to end, 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 reviewGreat trip
Great trip, and worth a visit to experience Bhutan and the festivals
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing Tigers nest
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don't be put off by the price as in Bhutan everything is included except drinks etc. and money needed for souvenirs. I only spent £80 in Bhutan on drinks etc. its generally £2-3 for a beer. If you have time, and willing to pay a bit more for a few nights accommodation its worth coming out early and spending a few days in Kathmandu, which is always a great place to visit. The hotel I stayed in was very central and walking district to Thamel and Durbar square.
Beautiful Bhutan
This trip provides a fascinating insight into a little known destination. We loved it!
Most Inspirational Moment
The highlight of the trip was the trek to the Tiger's Nest Monastery. It looks unreachable (and strangely familiar from the famous photos) and then suddenly you are standing outside! The Thimpu Festival was also spectacular.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Kemey was organised, articulate and incredibly eager to do anything he could to make us comfortable. We were given a very warm welcome.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The day that we visited the Thimpu Festival it rained. This is apparently not unusual. We were therefore sitting out in the rain for about 3.5 hours. It helped to have a good waterproof, something to wrap around your legs to keep them dry (poncho) and a sit mat so that we were not sitting directly on wet concrete. The temperature varies throughout the trip - it helps to have layers. We travelled in October and it was warmer than we expected.
Breathtaking Bhutan
This is a trip of a lifetime to the most beautiful place on the earth. Such beauty from the people, the environment, the culture and from the expert care of the team who show you their fantastic country.
Most Inspirational Moment
We were lucky enough to go on the Thimphu Festival departure - and were even luckier to get to the Gangtey Monastery to see the festival up in the glacial valley - it was spectacular! To have been able to see the festival in Thimphu, to learn and understand more about the culture - to then be lucky enough to experience another festival high in the mountains was just a magical and beautiful occasion - we then walked through the valley back to the hotel. This was the best experience during the trip, but a trip of epic experiences, included of course was the walk to the Tigress Nest Monastery, all of the Dzong's which I adored and just learning and seeing this great country.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Kemey was wonderful. Patient, knowledgable, flexible and very very kind. He made the trip for all of us, he packed the days with so many activities and made sure we had everything we needed. Thank you Kemey for showing us the heart of Bhutan.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The September trip was certainly not cold in any way - so don't pack too many warm clothes, instead take lots of layers as you move from high passes to tropical valleys in the same day. Change more money than you think you need at the start, there is very little opportunity to do this during the trip (or if you do the rate is very bad). Sit back and enjoy the spectacular scenery - the team will take care of you.
Suggestions
If you are thinking about this trip and are not sure I would urge you to book it and just go. This is a magical land, with the most friendly beautiful people - I want to go back again for more festivals and for the flowers in spring.
Wonderful Bhutan
Wonderful buildings, incredible Bhuddist traditions, lovely scenery, friendly people – a really peaceful, largely unspoilt and unique country – and a photographer’s paradise. The only down side is the dangerous road from Wangdue to Gantey.
Most Inspirational Moment
The Tigers Nest was just wonderful as were many of the monasteries and forts - mesmerising with the monks chanting and the haunting sound of the horns and drums. The mountain village of Gantey was also wonderful so natural and unspoilt - just lovely - and its local festival and market much nicer than the very large main Thimpu festival.
Thoughts on Group Leader
A really nice, knowledgeable and helpful guy - although safety and timekeeping weren't strengths
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take waterproofs and walking boots. And be aware that the roads are inherently dangerous with large drops in some places.
Festivals of Bhutan
Beautiful country
Calm happy people
Most Inspirational Moment
Climbing to Tiger's nest monastery Gangtey festival
Thoughts on Group Leader
Friendly,knowledgeable ,funny and kind. He gave me a hot water bottle at the hotel at Gangtey to keep me warm as there was a power cut.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take a small waterproof cushion to sit on at the festival. We had a wet day and I spent 4hrs sitting in a puddle of water!
Suggestions
The road to and from Gangtey was very unstable due to excessive rainfall. The drivers and guides were excellent and we were navigated safely but I think the road should have been closed as we were passing landslides which forced us to the very edge of a mud track that was falling away into the valleys below. I asked to get out and walk over the most unstable parts but the guide encouraged me to stay in the bus to avoid falling rock. Travelling on this road was beyond the risk I am prepared to take for sight seeing but once we were on our way it wasn't easy to turn back. I would not take this risk again.
Wonderful Exploration of a unique country
A unique adventure exploring a Buddhist country who embrace their monarchy and the importance of happiness. Great monasteries, beautiful scenery, festivals, and some hikes all make this a great trip. Hotels higher quality than I expected, adequate food with pretty good beer, and a great guide who spoke excellent English. Well organized tour.
Most Inspirational Moment
I woke up early in Gangtey, decided to go out to get some pictures in the mist. I walked past the monastery only to find an early morning festival and blessings. I walked in to be surrounded by local people being surrounded by dancers and people seeking a blessing by the monks. I stepped aside to not invade their personal event but the devotion and love of the locals to Buddhism was very moving, a very special moment. Tigers Nest was very special.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Did very well, represented his country very well. Always adaptable and trying to please us. Able to pass on knowledge of the monarchy, Buddhism and his country.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Get more than the $50 suggested by our guide at airport, depending on u $100-200 better, u can always convert back when leaving or use it as your tip. ATMs never worked for us in small towns so bring $US, even banks sometimes do not have a money delivery so u cannot exchange. Costs are just drinks but u may want to buy local crafts (often no cards taken) so have local currency. If worried about tiger nest monastery hike (especially if u got a virus in Nepal) consider doing horseback riding half way up. I would suggest u embrace the local festivals as a religious celebration we are lucky enough to observe but not invade. If u are combining trips, the hotel in Kathmandu has relatively inexpensive fast laundry service, my quick dry clothes were slow to dry in Kathmandu.
Suggestions
U may want to add another extra day in Kathmandu to explore the region. Several of us developed GI problems in Nepal so come prepared. Nepal visa on line works very well but u can do at airport.
Festivals of Bhutan
A long awaited trip became a reality and the reality is now a memory. But not just a normal travel memory, moreso something out of the ordinary, as I had probably anticipated. Unusual architecture. People with a different outlook on life. Different pursuits. Simpler pleasures. Happy people. Clean air. Wholesome food – spicy if desired. A lifestyle in flux as the county and the people join the 21st. Century. A tinge of regret that what makes Bhutan unique will not last. I’m glad to have experienced this unusual place before it disappears into the “Global Village”.
Most Inspirational Moment
* Climbing to the Tigers Nest monastery ,,, physically challenging ... mentally and spiritually stimulating. * Witnessing the festivals at Thimpu (capital city) and Phobjikha (small village) and interacting with the people in festive mode at each event. Calm and reserved people give way to excited participants. * Being in a country where the "National Highway" is an abominable "track" and everybody (locals and tourists) enjoys it ... part of the Bhutan's famous Happiness Index.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our leader was a quiet man with a calm personality, ideal for his situation in this unique country. He was helpful, knowledgeable, friendly and humorous, willing and able to expound an all aspects of Bhutan, the people, the way of life, the history and the cultural changes that tourism in introducing . His input at every level enhanced our experience and added to the enjoyment of our trip.
Advice for Potential Travellers
* Don't have expectations or preconceptions of Bhutan. The reality will in all likelihood be different. Accept the calm of the place and the people. Enjoy the uniqueness for what it is. Be part of it while it is as it is. *Try for a window seat on the left when flying in to Bhutan and the same on the right when flying out. Hope for a clear sky and you'll enjoy a magic view of the Himalayas.
Suggestions
I enjoyed in equal parts the atrocious road condition, the beautiful clean air (by law 65% of the country must remain at forested National Park) and the people and their attitude to life, not the mention the visual enjoyment of the unusual architecture and mountain scenery. I felt fortunate to see this unusual place before its character changes and possibly disappears, although the current generation are determined not to let this happen . I sincerely hope they're true to their word!
Joan
A great trip to a country opening up to Tourism.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing the Tigers Nest and also the Thimpu Festival.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Great leader, very informative. Also wonderful driver on terrible roads.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for a lot of driving on rough roads.
Suggestions
A wonderful experience and I would highly recommend this trip.
FESTIVALS OF BHUTAN
A fascinating place to visit – a really interesting “hidden” corner of the world that is well worth exploring.
Most Inspirational Moment
I think just landing at Paro airport was amazing. Quite apart from the actual descent, zig-zagging through the valleys (rather close to some very large mountains), it's like a fairytale scene when you arrive: beautiful scenery, amazing buildings, and everyone in national costume. Not all airports are like this!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our local guide (Kinley) in Bhutan was fantastic - he knew everything about his country and made sure we saw whatever we wanted. The Exodus team in Kathmandu were all very friendly and well organised too.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The food in Nepal and Bhutan was all excellent, although you might be advised to stick to a mainly non-meat diet. Bhutanese cuisine is renowned for its spiciness and the use of chillis as a main dish, not just as a flavouring. There is no need to worry, though, if you don't like hot food as they don't serve this sort of thing to the tourists. In fact, being a real spice fan myself, I had to plead with my guide to get local food! Momos (dumplings) in Nepal are delicious, addictive and very cheap. Also, the veggie curry I had for breakfast every day in the hotel in Kathmandu is one of the most delicious things I have ever tasted, even at 6am on my last day. Note to non curry lovers - they have eggs, bacon, toast and muffins as well, if that's more your thing.
Suggestions
The only low point was the extension to Chitwan in Nepal. We had hoped for a real wildlife adventure to round off our trip but instead found dingy, dirty accommodation and a handful of staff who couldn't really be bothered. Maybe this was due to visiting out of season when the place was practically shut down: I wouldn't advise you to visit during the monsoon season unless you are a big fan of leeches. It also took 8 hours each way to get there, so our actual time in Chitwan was rather more limited than we realised. Even the frisson of a tiger loose in the village wasn't as exciting as it could have been. Despite the whole village turning out to watch the government officers on elephants with their tranquiliser guns closing in on the tiger hidden in a rice field, we were shepherded back to our lodge. I could go on but I gave much more specific feedback to Exodus on my feedback form, so I won't go on about it any more!
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?
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- Full refunds in the event of FCDO cancellations or major disruption at your UK departure airport
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- Regional flights available from many UK airports
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Festivals of Bhutan - Thimphu
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