Festival Tours · 7 days
Paro Festival tour
Experience Bhutan’s vibrant spring festival season with the Paro Tshechu, one of the country’s most celebrated religious and cultural festivals.
- Duration
- 7 days · 6 nights
- Region
- Western Bhutan
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Price
- Price on request
Overview
About this journey
Experience Bhutan’s vibrant spring festival season with the Paro Tshechu, one of the country’s most celebrated religious and cultural festivals.
Held in the historic setting of Rinpung Dzong, the Paro Tshechu brings together monks, local communities and visitors for days of sacred mask dances, traditional performances, music and colourful celebrations.
This 6-night, 7-day journey combines the festival with the cultural treasures of Paro, Thimphu and Punakha. Explore ancient temples and monasteries, discover Bhutanese architecture and traditions, travel through the spectacular Himalayan landscape and experience the peaceful valleys surrounding Paro and Punakha.
The journey culminates with the iconic hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, giving travelers a memorable combination of festival culture, spirituality, nature and adventure.
Highlights
- Experience Paro Tshechu: Witness sacred Cham mask dances, traditional dances, music and religious performances at the historic Rinpung Dzong while experiencing one of Bhutan's most important annual festivals.
- Explore Bhutan's Cultural Heritage: Visit Rinpung Dzong, National Museum, Kyichu Lhakhang, Punakha Dzong and Chimi Lhakhang, and discover Bhutan's rich Buddhist and architectural heritage.
- Hike to Tiger's Nest: Complete the journey with the iconic Tiger's Nest hike, one of Bhutan's most spectacular and sacred experiences.
Private journey
Price on request
Every journey is planned privately around your dates, hotels and pace, so we quote each trip individually. Send us your travel month and group size and we will reply with a tailored itinerary and price.
Or message us on WhatsApp +975 77 34 88 13
Day by day
Itinerary
Your guide and driver are with you throughout. Every day can be adjusted to your interests and pace.
Day 01 · Arrival in Paro & Thimphu
Welcome to Bhutan.
Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our guide and driver.
Drive towards Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city.
En route, stop at Chhuzom, the confluence where the Paro Chhu and Wang Chhu rivers meet.
Continue to Thimphu and check into your hotel.
Later, take a leisurely stroll around Thimphu city and enjoy your first evening in Bhutan.
Overnight: Thimphu
Day 02 · Thimphu Cultural Experience
After breakfast, begin your exploration of Thimphu.
Visit the Memorial Chorten, an important religious landmark where local Bhutanese regularly gather for prayer and circumambulation.
Continue to Buddha Dordenma, the enormous seated Buddha statue overlooking Thimphu Valley.
Afterward, visit Simply Bhutan, a living museum offering an introduction to traditional Bhutanese lifestyle through cultural performances, traditional food, butter tea and activities such as archery.
Later, explore the Centenary Farmers’ Market, where local farmers sell fresh produce and traditional products.
Return to your hotel and relax.
Overnight: Thimphu
Day 03 · Thimphu to Paro via Dochula & Punakha
After breakfast, drive towards Punakha.
Stop at Dochula Pass, approximately 3,100 metres above sea level, where you can see the famous 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens.
Continue towards Punakha Valley.
Visit Chimi Lhakhang, the temple associated with the revered Buddhist saint Drukpa Kunley, popularly known as the Divine Madman.
Continue to Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most impressive fortresses, located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers.
After sightseeing, begin the journey towards Paro.
Overnight: Paro
Day 04 · Paro Tshechu
Today is dedicated to the Paro Tshechu.
After breakfast, head towards Rinpung Dzong, the historic fortress where the festival is held.
Spend the day experiencing the vibrant festival atmosphere.
Witness:
- Sacred mask dances
- Traditional dances
- Religious music
- Colourful costumes
- Buddhist rituals
- Local communities gathering in traditional dress
The festival offers a unique opportunity to observe Bhutanese culture as a living tradition, rather than simply as a tourist performance.
Enjoy the festival at your own pace before returning to your hotel.
Overnight: Paro
Day 05 · Paro Tshechu & Paro Cultural Experience
After breakfast, return to Rinpung Dzong for another day of the Paro Tshechu.
Experience additional performances according to the official festival programme.
After the festival, visit the National Museum of Bhutan (Ta Dzong).
The former watchtower offers an introduction to Bhutanese history, art, religion and cultural heritage.
Later, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s important ancient temples.
Return to Paro town and enjoy a relaxed evening.
Overnight: Paro
Day 06 · Tiger's Nest Monastery
Begin the day early for the highlight of your Bhutan journey — the hike to Taktsang Monastery, popularly known as Tiger’s Nest.
The round-trip hike generally takes approximately 4–6 hours, depending on your pace, fitness level and stops.
Perched dramatically on a cliff above Paro Valley, Tiger’s Nest is one of Bhutan’s most sacred Buddhist sites.
According to tradition, Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) meditated here in the 8th century.
After completing the hike, return to Paro and relax.
For guests interested in Bhutanese wellness, a traditional hot stone bath can be arranged as an optional experience.
Overnight: Paro
Day 07 · Departure from Bhutan
After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward flight.
Your guide and driver will bid you farewell.
Tashi Delek and safe travels!
What the price covers
Included and not included
Included
- 6 nights' accommodation in comfortable hotels
- Daily meals as specified in the final package
- Bottled drinking water in the vehicle, replenished daily
- Professional English-speaking licensed tour guide
- Experienced driver
- Private transportation throughout the tour
- SUV / 4×4 or suitable tourist vehicle
- Airport pickup and drop-off
- All sightseeing and cultural visits mentioned in the itinerary
- Monument entrance fees and applicable entry tickets
- Visa processing
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
- Applicable government taxes and service charges.
Not included
- International airfare to and from Bhutan
- Travel insurance, including medical, evacuation and trip-cancellation coverage
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, except where specifically included
- Guide and driver gratuities
- Personal shopping and souvenirs
- Laundry and personal expenses
- Additional activities not specifically mentioned in the itinerary
- Any expenses arising from flight delays, cancellations, road closures, weather conditions or circumstances beyond the operator's control
Moments from this journey
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Tailor-made, at no extra cost
Tailor your Bhutan journey
We can shape your Bhutan experience around your preferences, interests, travel style and schedule at no additional cost. Want more time for culture, nature, adventure or wellness, or simply a slower pace? Tell us, and we will plan the journey around you.