Bhutan Festivals Tour

Bhutan Festivals Tour

Overview

Trexmount Ventures welcomes you to join in our remarkable and fascinating Bhutan Festivals Tour.  You have a variation to experience a holiday with scenery and cultural exploration. The pure lush greenery hills and valley and snow-capped peaks are highlighted. The historical 17th-century Jakar Dzong (Fort) in Thimphu and Ta-Dzong in paro together with the famous Taksang monastery perched on the rocky cliff hilltop. This interesting journey then leads to central Bhutan around Bumthang valley.

Bhutan, a small country known as the land of ‘thundering dragon’ enriched with culture, custom its old traditions which is similar to Tibetans, Bhutan one and only Buddhist kingdom around Himalaya and last bastions of Mahayana Buddhism, against the backdrop of great Himalaya range; Buddhist spirit permeate almost all aspect of Bhutanese culture.

Prayer flags flutter on the hills, temples and Dzong (fort) villages dot the hilly landscapes, and religious festivals are celebrated all the year around.

In Thimphu observe the colorful Tsechu festival, in honor of Guru Padmasambava “belief born from a Lotus flower”, popularly known as “Guru Rinpoche”, the precious Teacher. This saint contributed enormously to the diffusion of Tantirc Buddhism in Himalaya regions of Tibet, Nepal, and Bhutan as well in Northern India, around 800 A.D.

The Tsechu fesivial is religious attending it, it is believed one gains merits. It is also a yearly social gathering where the people gather to rejoice, dressed in finery.

The Thimphu Tsechu was started by 4th Temporal Ruler, Tenzing Rabgye  around 1638-1696 AD and in 1670 AD on the 8th months of Bhutanese calendar to commemorate the birth of Guru Rinpoche.

Bhutan Festivals Tour offers a complete insight into the country’s vibrant religion & culture. The most popular events in the cultural areas are Thimphu, Paro, Punakha, Wangdue, and Bumthang.

Tsechus are weeklong festivals where teachings of Padmasambhava are imparted to the deity through mask dances, other attraction of this festival visiting rural Bhutanese in their sleepy and pristine environment hamlets and observing their way of life with an opportunity to interact with Bhutanese and enjoy the hospitality. From Thimphu a scenic drive to Tongsa and Bumthang around central Bhutan, where you can observe the true Bhutanese country and traditional village life, as the journey continues leading over a scenic Duchulu pass at 3,050 meters and then to another high pass at Pele-la 3,150 meters high and then downhill to a lovely looking farm village of Tongsa.

Tour leads to inner central Bhutan at Bumthang, one of the most charming areas with green valley and picturesque villages, the drive is for about 4 hours with few stops in between for memorable pictures of this fascinating place and country side farm villages.

This great tour concludes with a drive to Thimphu Bhutan’s capital city and then to Paro with a sweeping scenic flight of an hour back to Kathmandu, during the flight in Druk Air, super views an array of snow-capped peaks including Mt. Everest at a mere distance as the plane fly over and then touching down at Kathmandu international airport, where our Trexmount Ventures staff will transfer you back to respective hotels after an awesome Bhutan Festival & Cultural Tour.

Itinerary

01Day

Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.

Our representative will come to the airport for transfer to the Hotel. After some refreshment in the hotel, Our Tour leader will make pre departure meeting in the Hotel or at our office. The meeting will cover trip-related information & collecting your Documents (passport copy, 2 passport size photos, Travel insurance).

02Day

In Kathmandu with cultural tour at places of interest.

The morning after breakfast as time set for the sightseeing tour, our city guide will lead you for a few hours on our fascinating heritage and cultural tour around places of interest, a tour of holy Pashupatinath temple, Bouddhanath (Little Tibet), Swaymbhunath (Monkey Temple) & monasteries, old historical Palaces, courtyard; and then back to the hotel after the wonderful tour, afternoon free for individual activities and preparation for Bhutan trip.

03Day

Depart Kathmandu for the flight to Paro, Bhutan.

Depart from the hotel in Kathmandu for a scenic flight to Paro in Bhutan, during the flight, breathtaking views of Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, and other Himalayan mountains with sacred Jhumolhari & Jichu Drake peaks of Bhutan. On reaching Paro Bhutan’s only airport, after the immigration process and formalities, our native Bhutanese guide will receive you and then a short drive to respective hotels in Paro, afternoon free for a short walk around this interesting town.

04Day

In Paro Sightseeing Tour.

On the first night on Bhutan soil flying in Druk Air, after breakfast drive to Drugyel Dzong (fort), the first fort built in 1927-29 by Shabdung Ngawang Namgyal, who unified the Kingdom, at present a ruined fortress that once defended Paro valley from Tibetan invasion. This fortress, now a burnt shell, was a strategic point of Bhutan’s defense against Tibetan invasion, from here stunning views of Jhumolhari 7,326 meters peak, on the way back visit of National Museum, after lunch a half-day excursion to famous Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s Nest /Den) perched on a high rock cliff with excellent views of Paro valley below.

05Day

Drive to Thimphu (2,334 m-7,657 ft) (54 k.m) - 2 hrs.

Today a short drive of a few hours to Bhutan’s capital in Thimphu, as the ride leaves Paro town leading through interesting villages and countryside, drive climbs over a few hills on the winding road to reach one of the world’s last Buddhist Kingdom capital at Thimphu, a quaint and moderate size city with less traffic, on reaching the capital check into a hotel, Afternoon tour of interesting places, the memorial stupa, indigenous hospital, where traditional medicine is still practiced and the painting school, rest of the afternoon free at leisure to walk around and to observe the Bhutanese daily life. Visit Zilukha Nunnery, Painting School, and Memorial Chorten, built in the memory of Late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, afternoon visit Handicraft Emporium, and display of all kinds of handicraft products of Bhutan with time for a stroll downtown.

06Day

In Thimphu observe the Tsechus festival.

The morning after breakfast our Bhutanese guide will take you to areas of Tsechus festival which is celebrated weeklong to honor the teachings of Padmasambhava, the Lama, monks dressed in a colorful dresses which are imparted to the deity through mask dances, other attractions of this festival is to observe Bhutanese people from all walks of life and to interact with the ever smiling and cheerful people. The Tsechu festival is religiously attending it, it is believed one gains merits. It is also a yearly social gathering where the people gather to rejoice, dressed in finery. The Thimphu Tsechu was started by the 4th Temporal Ruler, Tenzing Rabgye around 1638-1696 AD and in 1670 AD on the 8th month of the Bhutanese calendar to commemorate the birth of Guru Rinpoche. After a lovely and enjoyable time, in the afternoon stroll around the market and streets on the eve of the festival atmosphere.

07Day

Drive to Tongsa (129 k.m) - 04 hrs.

After a nice time in the Bhutanese capital Thimphu, morning is an interesting drive towards central Bhutan, where you can observe the true Bhutanese country and traditional village life, as the journey continues leading over a scenic Duchulu pass at 3,050 meters and then to another high pass at Pele-la 3,150 meters high and then downhill to a lovely looking farm village of Tongsa, here overnight in tourist standard lodge or similar.

08Day

From Tongsa drive to Bumthang (2,800m-9,186 ft) (68 kms) - 04 hrs.

From this nice place, morning drive to inner central Bhutan at Bumthang, one of the most charming areas with green valley and picturesque villages, the drive is for about 4 hours with few stops in between for memorable pictures of this fascinating place, on reaching at Bumthang transfer to local lodge or cottage like Inn. After lunch visit 17th-centuryth century Jakar Dzong, which at present turned into the administration center of Bumthang Valley, here with time for a short walk to marvel at the beautiful scenery.

09Day

Afternoon drive to Tongsa (68 k.m) - 04 hrs.

At Jakkar morning free at leisure to explore the surrounding area and to observe the village typical country life, after having lunch with great time here and then taking a drive back to Tongsa following few villages and rivers to reach at Tongsa for overnight stop in a tourist standard lodge or similar.

10Day

Drive to Thimphu (2,334 m-7,657 ft) (198 k.m) - 05 hrs.

From Tongsa after a wonderful memorable and fascinating time around central Bhutan, a morning drive leads to Thimphu, but with a difference this time with a visit to Punakha town, which was the old capital of Bhutan before it was shifted to Thimphu during the last century, after a refreshing stop drive continues to Thimphu for the last overnight in Bhutan, afternoon free for shopping souvenirs.

11Day

Early morning drive to Paro airport and fly to Kathmandu.

Last day in Bhutan, early morning drive towards Paro airport upon reaching the terminal goodbye to guides, drivers, and the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan, after going through the visa and passport process a scenic flight back to Kathmandu or to another destination. Upon reaching Kathmandu Tribhuvan international airport, transfer to respective hotels back into the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu city.

12Day

Departure

Today, my last day in Nepal with great memories and experience of Bhutan Festival & Cultural Tour and of amazing Nepal, transfer to Tribhuvan International airport for final departure towards homeward bound or to next port of call.

Includes/Excludes

What is Included?

  • All Activities as per Itinerary
  • Airport Pick up and drop transfer.
  • Transportation as per the above itinerary.
  • All accommodations in Standard Hotels (Twin Share)
  • Meals ( Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner) with Hotel Drinks Tea, Coffee, and so on.
  • An experienced Government License holder Guide and required support for portering for the trekking section
  • Trek bag.
  • Cultural programs when and where available.
  • Museum fees and other special entry fees.
  • US$ 10 per pax for Tourism Development Fund

Whats not Included

  • Tips to staff or any donations.
  • Single Supplement for single-using rooms
  • Your travel insurance, Medical, and emergency costs.
  • Visa fee of US $ 20 per person (need to pay upon arrival in Bhutan (at Paro Airport or any entry point of Bhutan)
  • Alcoholic and cold drinks (mineral water, any cold drinks, and alcoholic drinks).
  • Any personal expenses which are not mentioned in the price inclusion.

Clients Review

Everest Base Camp & Muktinath Trail Helen & Mark Dwyer Australia

We had a dream to reach Mt Everest Base Camp since we heard about this. One of my friends recommended Trexmount so we have decided to use them for arranging our trek to Everest Base Camp. The treks were very well organized and the guides were extremely knowledgeable, and friendly and looked after us at all times.

Nothing was too much trouble for them and there was always a smile on their faces. We stayed...

Everest Gokyo Ri Trekking Bridget and Ron New Zealand

Namaste Hari and all at Trexmount Ventures, We have just completed our third visit and a Fantastic trek in Nepal with a four-day trek in the Annapurna area and an 18-day trek to Everest base camp and Gokyo. Noelene joined us for the Everest trek and it was her 9th visit! We can highly recommend Trexmount Ventures as a great company. The guides we had, Ram and Tilak were very well informed and also both able to pace the trek to ensure we all reached our...

Trip Info

“Full of thrills and excitement throughout this trip, from traditional villages, green rolling hills, valleys, pristine forest, amazing landscapes around rural villages of Tongsa, Bumthang central Bhutan, views of high mountains, traveling on Himalayan last Buddhist Kingdom, visiting traditional Bhutanese villages, cities, monasteries enrich with old culture, customs and tour of famous and magnificent Taksang  monastery (Tigers Nest)and attending the important Thimphu Tsechu Festival, is the main attraction and highlights of this exciting Bhutan Festival & Cultural Tour”