Overview
- Journey style
- Festival Tours
- Route
- Gangtey · Paro · Punakha · Thimphu · Wangdue Phodrang
- Flexibility
- Private and fully customisable
Thimphu Tshechu is held in honor of Bhutan’s patron Lama, Guru Padmasambhava, popularly known as Guru Rimpoche. The festival is held from 9th to 11th day in the 8th month of the Bhutanese calendar. It is held in the courtyard of the Tashichhodzong and is considered one of the most beautiful Tshechus in western Bhutan. Apart from being a religious festival, it is also that time of the year where Bhutanese from all walks of life and ages gather in their finest attire to socialize and celebrate. The 2026 Thimphu Tshechu is scheduled to be held from 21st to 23rd September. For the 2026 and 2027 dates, the dances and how attending works, read our Thimphu Tshechu guide.
The tour highlights on:
- Exploring the history and the significance of Thimphu Festival
- learning about Bhutan and its culture
- Witnessing the beauty of Taktsang (Tigers’ Nest) during the hike
Trip Cost
The minimum daily tour package covers the following services.
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 Arrival in Paro- Drive on to Thimphu
Driving Duration: 47 km / 1 to 1.5 hrs
Elevation: 2350m / 7710ft
Upon descending on the Paro's International Airport, drive on to Thimphu for sightseeing
Attractions:
- Picturesque Paro Valley
- National Memorial chorten
- Buddha Point
- Centenary Farmers’ Market
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu
Day 02 Thimphu - Attend the annual Festival
Elevation: 2200m/7218ft
A day excursion at the Thimphu Festival
Attractions:
- Tashichho Dzong
- Explore the history and the significance of Thimphu Festival
- The traditional Bhutanese attire (Gho & Kira)
- Colourful displays of Thanka and Thongdrel (silk appliqué)
- Vibrant mask dances and songs
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu
Day 03 Thimphu - Phobjikha Valley/Gangtey
Driving Duration: 130 km / 4 to 5 hrs
Elevation: 2900m / 9510ft
Drive on to Phobjikha Valley via Dochula
Attractions:
- Do Chula Pass
- Gangtey Monastery
- Gangtey Nature Trail
- Black Necked Crane Information Center
- Visiting the pristine villages and Farm houses
- Participating in Archery game (National Game)
Overnight at the lodge in Phobjikha
Day 04 Phobjikha Valley/Gangtey - Punakha
Driving Duration: 85 km / 2.5 to 3 hrs
Elevation: 1,250m / 4,100ft
Breakfast at the lodge in Phobjikha, drive on to Punakha, Punakha sightseeing
Attractions:
- Chimmi Lhakhang
- Punakha Suspension bridge
- Punakha Dzong
Overnight in Punakha
Day 05 Punakha (sightseeing)
Elevation: 1,250m / 4,100ft
A excursion in Punakha
Attractions:
- Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
- Nalanda Buddhist Institute
- Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Temple (Nunnery)
Overnight at the hotel in Punakha
Day 06 Punakha -Paro (Sightseeing)
Driving Duration: 115 km / 3.5 to 4 hrs
Elevation: 2250m / 7382ft
Breakfast in Punakha, drive on to Paro
Attractions:
– Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong)
– Ta Dzong (National Museum)
– Explore Paro town
Overnight at the hotel in Paro
Day 07 Paro- Hike to Tiger's-nest
Duration: 5-6hrs/11km
Elevation: 3000m/ 9842km
A day hike to Paro Taktsang
Attractions:
- Tiger's Nest Monastery
- Perfect spot for photography
- Bhutanese Traditional Homestay
Overnight at the hotel in Paro
Day 08 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.
Enquire about this tourWhere you'll go
In pictures
