Overview
- Journey style
- Festival Tours
- Route
- Gangtey · Paro · Punakha · Thimphu · Wangdue Phodrang
- Flexibility
- Private and fully customisable
The Gangtey festival takes place in the autumn season, specifically in September and October, according to the Buddhist lunar calendar. During this festival, sacred Mask Dances are performed, along with local folk songs and dances presented by monks and local people. These performances take place in the large courtyard of the Gangtey monastery, where everyone wears elaborately designed silk brocade costumes. The monastery is situated in the stunning Phobjikha Valley, which is also a winter roosting ground for migrant and rare black-necked cranes.
This annual festival concludes with Nguedup Langwa (receiving empowerment of spiritual wisdom & power) which is a special blessing ritual for the people of Gangtey valley.
Each festivals have their own significance and you can learn about the importances of the Bhutanese customs by:
- Witnessing the Gangtey Festival.
- Interacting with our Local People.
- Visiting the pristine villages and Farm houses.
- Participating in Archery game (National Game)
Price includes
- A minimum of 3-star accommodation (4 & 5 stars can be upgraded at an additional fee)
- All meals / Tea & snacks
- All internal transport (excluding Domestic flights)
- Sightseeing with entrance fees
- An experienced English speaking tour leader
- Bottled water in the vehicle
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), government fees & visa fee
Price excludes
- Flights
- Travel & Health Insurance
- Additional personal expenses such as souvenirs, meals, snacks, alcohol, laundry, tips, and gratuities for the tour leader and staff.
The Sustainable Development Fee, visa and permits are all included — see how the Bhutan visa & permits process works.
Day by day
Itinerary
Day 01 Arrive Paro – Thimphu sightseeing
Driving Duration: 1.5hrs/ 65km
Elevation: 2350m / 7710ft
Upon landing at the Paro's International Airport, drive on to Thimphu for sightseeing
Attractions:
– National Memorial chorten
– Tashichho Dzong
– Explore Thimphu Town by visiting Authentic Bhutanese Crafts street
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu
Day 02 Thimphu Sightseeing
Elevation: 2200m/7218ft
After breakfast you will be escorted for sightseeing around Thimphu Valley
Attractions
– Buddha Point (Siddhartha Gautama in seated position)
– Takin Preserve Center
– Hand Made Paper Factory
– Centenary Farmers Markets
– 13 Bhutanese Arts and Crafts (Zorig Chusum)
– Zilukha Nunnery
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu
Day 03 Thimphu – Punakha sightseeing
Driving Duration: 2hrs/76km
Elevation: 1310m / 4300ft
Drive on to Punakha, Punakha sightseeing
Attractions:
- Do Chula Pass
- Chimmi Lhakhang
- Punakha Suspension bridge
- Punakha Dzong
Overnight in Punakha
Day 04 Punakha – Phobjikha/Gangtey
Driving Duration: 2hrs/ 78km
Elevation: 2900m / 9510ft
After finishing sightseeing in Punakha, drive on to Phobjikha, Gangtey for the next day
Attractions:
- Gangtey Monastery
- Gangtey Nature Trial
- Black Necked Crane Information Center
- Phobjikha Valley
Overnight at the hotel in Phobjikha
Day 05 Phobjikha or Gangtey -Attend one day Festival
Elevation: 2900m / 9510ft
Attend one day Festival in the courtyard of the magnificent Gangtey Monastery
Attractions:
- Visiting the pristine villages and Farm houses
- Participating in Archery game (National Game)
- Observe different types of colorful mask dances and folksongs
Overnight at the lodge in Phobjikha
Day 06 Phobjikha – Paro sightseeing
Driving Duration: 4hrs/ 169km
Elevation: 2250m / 7382ft
Drive on to Paro after having breakfast at the lodge in Phobjikha
Attractions:
– Ta Dzong ( National Museum)
– Rinpung Dzong
– Explore Paro Town
Overnight at the hotel in Paro
Day 07 Paro – Hike to the Tiger’s Nest monastery
Duration: 5-6hrs/11km
Elevation: 3000m/ 9842km
A day hike to Paro Taktsang
Attractions:
- Tiger's Nest Monastery
- Kyichu Temple
Overnight at the hotel in Paro
Day 08 Paro – Departure.
After breakfast at the hotel, you will be escorted to the airport for departure. Leave Bhutan behind, but take with you the great experiences as you board your departing flight.
Like the look of this itinerary? Every departure is customisable.
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