Bhutan Thimphu Festival & Trek

BM-16211

5.0Based on

11 days

“

This was an amazing cultural and nature journey that helped us immerse ourselves in the Bhutan's way of life. Amazing, caring knowledgeable guide and driver. Awesome experiences.

Anonymous | Traveled in May

5 - Excellent

Carbon neutral

11 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants

16 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Moderate

Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Starts

Ends

Paro, Bhutan

Select Date

Best price guaranteedNo credit card or booking fees.Carbon neutral tours.

Highlights

Experience the Thimphu Tshechu, Bhutan’s most revered festival, where masked dances and sacred rituals bring the country’s spiritual traditions to life

Trek the iconic Druk Path, Bhutan’s most scenic trekking route, connecting Paro and Thimphu across alpine ridges, sacred lakes and historic dzong

Soak in panoramic views of Jomolhari (7,326m) and Gangkar Puensum (7,570m) as you hike through wildflower meadows and yak pastures

Visit fortress-monasteries, nunneries and traditional villages, gaining deeper insight into Bhutan’s Buddhist culture with your expert local guide

Climb to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, Bhutan’s most iconic pilgrimage site perched dramatically on a cliff above Paro

Itinerary

Color, culture, and Himalayan grandeur await on the "Bhutan Thimphu Festival & Trek"—an 11-day trekking and hiking tour starting and ending in Paro. This trip is perfect for travelers who seek both cultural immersion and scenic trekking in one seamless journey.

Your adventure kicks off in the alpine valley of Paro, highlighted by a day walk to the renowned Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery. The trek then meanders through old growth forests en route to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, where you’ll experience the vibrant Thimphu Tshechu festival. Witness days of religious dances, traditional attire, and community celebration, believed to bring good fortune to all who attend.

This tour’s USP is the rare opportunity to combine a Himalayan trek with a front-row seat at one of Bhutan’s most significant cultural festivals. Led by expert local guides, you’ll return via the historic Simtokha Dzong, bringing your adventure full circle.

For those wanting to experience Bhutan’s scenic trails and unique cultural festivities in one trip, the Bhutan Thimphu Festival & Trek delivers an unforgettable blend of active exploration and traditional celebration.

day 1Join Paro (2,200 m / 7,218 ft)

Welcome to Bhutan. Upon arrival in Paro (2,200 m / 7,218 ft), you will be met by your World Expeditions guide and driver and transferred into the beautiful Paro Valley.
This afternoon we visit one of the valley’s most prominent landmarks, Ta Dzong, a circular fortress that once served as a watchtower protecting Paro from Tibetan incursions. Perched high above the valley, it commands sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. Since 1968, Ta Dzong has housed the National Museum of Bhutan, home to an extensive collection of artefacts, religious treasures and cultural relics that provide a fascinating introduction to the kingdom’s history and traditions.
We then continue to Paro Rinpung Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most impressive fortresses. Historically, dzongs served as fortresses, administrative centres and monastic communities, playing a vital role in both the governance and spiritual life of the country. During times of conflict they also provided refuge and protection for local communities.
Explore the impressive courtyards, temples and traditional architecture before descending to the historic cantilevered bridge spanning the Paro Chhu River. From here we transfer to our lodge and settle in.
This evening your World Expeditions guide will conduct a pre-trip briefing, outlining the journey ahead and providing an introduction to Bhutan and the experiences to come.
Accommodation: Hotel Paro

Meals

Dinner

day 2Hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) (3,120 m / 10,236 ft, walk 5–6 hrs)

day 3Trek to Jele Dzong (3,870 m / 12,697 ft, walk 4–5 hrs)

day 4Trek to Jangchulakha (3,770 m / 12,369 ft, walk 3–4 hrs)

day 5Trek to Jigmelangtsho (3,600 m / 11,811 ft, walk 5–6 hrs)

day 6Trek to Labana Camp (3,650 m / 12,045 ft, walk 6–7 hrs)

day 7Trek to Thimphu (2,400 m / 7,874 ft, walk 2–3 hrs)

day 8Attend the Thimphu Tshechu Festival (2,400 m / 7,874 ft)

day 9Drive to Punakha (1,300 m / 4,265 ft) via Buddha Dordenma, Simtokha Dzong and Dochu La Pass

day 10Visit Punakha Dzong and drive to Paro (2,200 m / 7,218 ft)

day 11Trip concludes in Paro (2,200 m / 7,218 ft)

What's Included

Accommodation

Good quality accommodation on a twin share basisAccommodation in fully serviced wilderness campsites

Meals

All meals during the trip: 10 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 10 dinners

Transport

Private transportation

Guide

Expert English speaking local guide

Others

Bhutan Government visa and sustainability feesAll park entrance fees and trekking permitsAirport transfers if arriving on Day 1 and Day 11Group medical kitPack animals to carry up to 20kg of personal equipmentAll group camping equipment

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

4.7

based on 3 reviews

Availability

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Good to Know

Travel Insurance

Visa

Other Practical Information

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