3,100 m
50 km
1.5 per day
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Welcome to Bhutan! Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, your guide and driver will meet you and take you on a scenic drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. After checking into your hotel and taking some time to freshen up, visit Tashichho Dzong and explore the lively Centenary Farmers’ Market (Vegetable Market), where locals gather to buy fresh vegetables, fruits, and traditional produce. In the evening, enjoy a relaxed walk around Thimphu and settle into the peaceful rhythm of Bhutanese life.
After breakfast, spend the day discovering the highlights of Thimphu. Begin with the National Memorial Chorten, a popular place of worship for local people, followed by the impressive Buddha Dordenma Statue overlooking the valley. Visit the National Textile Museum to learn about Bhutan’s traditional weaving and craftsmanship. You will also have time to browse local handicraft shops and markets before returning to your hotel for a relaxing evening.
Today, leave Thimphu and head toward the beautiful Punakha Valley. The journey takes you over Dochula Pass, at around 3,100 m, where you can stop to see the famous 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens. On a clear day, the pass offers wonderful views of the Himalayan mountains. From Dochula, the road gradually descends through forests and villages. In Punakha, visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong and the peaceful Chhimi Lhakhang before settling into your hotel.
After breakfast, continue your journey east toward Trongsa. Today’s drive takes you through some of Bhutan’s most scenic mountain countryside, with winding roads, thick forests, and small traditional villages along the way. Take your time to enjoy the changing landscapes as you travel deeper into central Bhutan. On reaching Trongsa, visit or enjoy the impressive views of Trongsa Dzong, dramatically built into the mountainside. Overnight in Trongsa.
Continue your journey to the spiritual heartland of Bhutan—Bumthang. The road climbs through beautiful mountain scenery before crossing Yotong La Pass and descending into the Bumthang valleys. Along the way, stop at a traditional Yathra weaving centre, where local artisans create colourful woollen fabrics using traditional techniques. Arrive in Jakar, check into your lodge, and enjoy a quiet evening in the valley as you prepare for the upcoming Ura Yakchoe Festival.
Today is the highlight of your journey as you travel from Bumthang to Ura Valley for the Ura Yakchoe Festival. The drive takes you across Ura La Pass, at approximately 3,590 m. Once in Ura, immerse yourself in the lively festival atmosphere. Watch the opening procession, sacred relic ceremonies, traditional music, and colourful Cham mask dances. The festival brings together villagers from the surrounding communities, giving you a wonderful glimpse into Bhutan’s living traditions before returning to Bumthang.
After breakfast, explore the cultural and scenic highlights of Bumthang, visiting Jambay Lhakhang, and Kurjey Lhakhang, renowned for their ancient history and spiritual significance. Continue to Mebar Tsho, the sacred Burning Lake associated with Pema Lingpa. In the afternoon, explore traditional villages and countryside, experience local Bhutanese life, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings before returning to your hotel for a relaxing evening.
Today, make your way back to Paro. If available, a domestic flight from Bumthang to Paro provides a quick and scenic way to return west. Alternatively, you can travel by road and enjoy another day of Bhutan’s beautiful mountain scenery. Once in Paro, visit Rinpung Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang, time permitting. After checking into your hotel, take the evening to rest and prepare for tomorrow’s memorable hike to Tiger’s Nest.
After an early breakfast, drive to the trailhead for the famous hike to Paro Taktsang, or Tiger’s Nest Monastery. The trail winds through pine forests and gradually climbs the mountainside, offering beautiful views of the Paro Valley along the way. After several hours of hiking, reach the monastery, dramatically perched on a cliff at around 3,120 m. Explore this sacred site before making your way back down to Paro for a well-earned rest.
Ura Yakchoe is a traditional religious festival held in Ura Valley, Bumthang, Bhutan. It is known for sacred dances, cultural performances, and the display of a revered relic.
The festival takes place in Ura Valley, Bumthang, in central Bhutan.
The sacred relic is traditionally believed to have appeared through a miraculous encounter involving a monk and a traveler. It is displayed during the festival and is considered spiritually significant.
Modest and respectful clothing is recommended, especially when visiting temples and monasteries. Comfortable shoes are also useful for walking around the festival area.
Ura Yakchoe provides an opportunity to experience Bhutanese Buddhist traditions, local culture, traditional dances, and the community life of the beautiful Ura Valley.
| Festival Tour | Best Time | Location | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jumolhari Mountain Festival | August | Jumolhari Base Camp | Bhutan’s largest and most famous cultural festival |
| Thimphu Tshechu Tour | September – October | Thimphu | Vibrant mask dances in Bhutan’s capital city |
| Punakha Drubchen & Tshechu Tour | February – March | Punakha | Historic battle re-enactments and religious celebrations |
| Jambay Lhakhang Drup Tour | October – November | Bumthang | Sacred fire ceremony and unique ancient traditions |
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Days
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Days
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