Festivals of Bhutan

11 days
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Small Group Tour
Hidden in a corner of the Himalaya, the secretive kingdom of Bhutan is an unforgettable destination with ancient traditions, spectacular mountain scenery and vibrant festivals. At these, hundreds gather to see monks in brightly coloured robes perform ritual dances. For several days there are masked dances and prayer meetings, and a general carnival atmosphere...
$11,644
From$8,625
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • Experience the colourful masked dance festivals of Bhutan
    • Visit the Paro Dzong and the incredible Tiger's Nest monastery at Taktsang
    • Drive across the Dochu La and visit Punakha Dzong
    • Walk in the quiet Gangtey Valley
    • Visit the impressive Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress in Thimphu

What's this trip about?

    Hidden in a corner of the Himalaya, the secretive kingdom of Bhutan is an unforgettable destination with ancient traditions, spectacular mountain scenery and vibrant festivals. At these, hundreds gather to see monks in brightly coloured robes perform ritual dances. For several days there are masked dances and prayer meetings, and a general carnival atmosphere prevails. The spring departures visit Paro Festival, while the autumn departures take in Thimphu Festival. Please note: This itinerary is valid for departures starting in Kathmandu on 2 April 2025 (Paro Festival). Please refer to the alternative Thimphu Festival itinerary for departures starting in Kathmandu on 30 September 2025 (Thimphu Festival).Experience the unique festivals and culture of Bhutan

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age range16 years and up
Flights and transport
Start CityKathmandu
End CityKathmandu

Travel Themes

  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Festivals & Special Events

Destinations

Attractions

  • Paro
  • Punakha
  • Thimphu

Activities

  • Festivals & Special Events
  • Nature

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 4

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 16

Trip includes

    • All breakfasts, eight lunches, eight dinners
    • All accommodation
    • All transport and listed activities
    • Tour leader throughout
    • Free arrival and departure transfers for everyone
    • Bhutanese visa

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Kathmandu

Welcome to Kathmandu, a brief stop en route to Bhutan. On arrival, you are met by a local representative for your transfer to our hotel. Please check the Joining Instructions for information on how to confirm your transfer. The evening is free to relax. Accommodation: Royal Singi Hotel (or similar)

Day 2 Fly to Paro

Today we fly to Paro. Our route takes us over the eastern Himalaya and, if the weather is clear, we should get a fantastic view of magnificent peaks including Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu and Kanchenjunga. The Paro Valley is considered one of the most beautiful in ...

Day 3 Drive to Thimphu

Today we have an hour’s drive to Thimphu, the relatively new capital of the Kingdom of Bhutan. The ancient city of Punakha was replaced as the capital by Thimphu in 1961 by the third king, Druk Gyalpo Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The main sights include Kuensel Phodrang, kn...

Day 4 Drive to Gangtey; visit Wangdiphodrang Dzong monastery

We leave Thimphu in the morning and drive east to Gangtey. The route climbs steadily on a good road to the Dochula Pass, where there are 108 chortens (Buddhist shrines). At 10,000ft (3,050m), we can enjoy glorious views over the eastern Himalaya, weather dependent. W...

Day 5 Morning hike through the Gangtey Valley. Afternoon visit to Khewang Lhakhang

This morning, we set off on foot from our hotel for a walk through the Gangtey Valley (approximately 3mi/5km, two to three hours) – the climb up to the monastery involves around 1,640ft (500m) ascent. This glacial valley comprises farmlands, pastures and blue-pine for...

Day 6 Drive to Punakha, visit Chimi Lhakhang, Punakha Dzong

We drive back westwards to subtropical Punakha, which may take about three hours. En route, we visit the Chimi Lhakhang, built in 1499 to honour Drukpa Kuenley. Nicknamed the Divine Madman or Mad Saint, he was a maverick spiritual leader, who subdued a demon controlli...

Day 7 Drive to Paro, visiting Tachogang Lhakhang Bridge, Dzongdrakha Goemba and Kyichu Lhakhang monastery

In the morning, we drive for about three hours back to Paro. En route, we visit the Tachogang Lhakhang Bridge, which crosses the Paro Chhu. This 600-year-old bridge, popularly known as the Iron Chain Bridge, was built by Thangtong Gyalpo in the late 1300s, who is said...

Day 8 Full day at Paro or Thumphu Festival

For March 2024 & April 2025 departures, we have an early start today, driving one hour from Thimphu to Paro to find our spot for the festival entertainment. Paro & Thimphu Festivals are two of the largest religious celebrations in Bhutan, held annually since ...

Day 9 Day walk to Taktsang, Tiger’s Nest Monastery

Today we hike (approximately 6.8mi/11km round trip with an elevation of approximately 915m) to Taktsang Monastery, also known as the Tiger’s Nest. This spectacular building is perched on the ledge of a cliff high above the Paro Valley. Partly destroyed by fire in 199...

Day 10 Fly to Kathmandu

We transfer to the airport to check in for our flight back to Kathmandu. The rest of the day is free for individual sightseeing or shopping. You may want to visit Durbar Square in the heart of the old city, the monkey temple at Swayambhunath, the largest Buddhist stup...

Day 11 End Kathmandu

Your journey ends in Kathmandu after breakfast. If you’d like to spend more time in the Nepalese capital, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $8,625
Price per day$784
Last Updated: 4/9/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Shared Room
Single Room
Availability
30 Sep 2025
10 Oct 2025
$9,000
23 Mar 2026
02 Apr 2026
$8,100
$9,045
20 Sep 2026
30 Sep 2026
$8,100
$9,045
14 Dec 2026
24 Dec 2026
$8,100
$9,045

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Exodus Adventure Travels Reviews & Ratings

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel insurance
    • Single accommodation (available on request)
    • Kathmandu visas or vaccinations

Accommodation

We spend 10 nights in local-style hotels, all with bathrooms and heaters. All food is included at the hotels and local restaurants and is usually a buffet – it is simple and a mixture of Bhutanese, continental and Chinese.
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Adventure Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

Period before departure in which you notify us

From the date your Booking Confirmation is issued up to, and including, 90 days prior to the departure date specified on the Booking Confirmation.

  • 89 to 52 days (inclusive) prior to the departure date specified on the Booking Confirmation.
  • 51 to 31 days (inclusive) prior to the departure date specified on the Booking Confirmation.
  • 30 days or less prior to the departure date specified on the Booking Confirmation, or after the booking has started

Cancellation charge

Deposit can be transferred to a new booking which must be made within 3 months of the date the original booking was cancelled, and depart within 12 months of the new booking date. If a new booking is not made within this period then the deposit will be forfeited. Any remaining balance will be refunded excluding any non-refundable costs.

  • 50% of the total holiday cost. Any remaining balance will be refunded excluding any non-refundable costs.
  • 75% of the total holiday cost. Any remaining balance will be refunded excluding any non-refundable costs.
  • 100% of the total holiday cost.

For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made:

Cancellation period (before departure) - Cancellation Fee (per person)

Outside of 180 days - No fee if cancelled within 15 days of booking date. US $1,250 cancellation fee if cancelled 16 days or more of booking date.

179 to 120 days - Loss of deposit.

119 to 90 days prior to departure - 50% of the holiday cost.

89 to 60 days prior to departure - 75% of the holiday cost. 

59 to 0 days prior to departure - 100% of the holiday cost.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of Exodus Adventure Travels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
Breakfast is included throughout the trip plus eight lunches and eight dinners while in Bhutan. During your adventure in Bhutan, prepare to savor a delightful array of flavors that blend Bhutanese and Western cuisines. While Bhutanese dishes are traditionally seasoned with chilies, often tempered for foreign palates, the local cuisine boasts rich and varied tastes. Enjoy a diverse selection of meat, vegetable, rice, and potato dishes, alongside iconic specialties like ema datshi—featuring chilies and cheese. If you desire a more authentic or spicier culinary experience, don't hesitate to share your preferences with your trip leader, who will endeavor to tailor meals to your liking. Breakfasts are an assortment of cereals, eggs, toast, fruit and often some Bhutanese dishes. Lunches are taken in a restaurant and dinners are either in the hotel or at a local restaurant. Please allow approximately 2,500-3,350 ngultrums (US$30-US$40) per day for other main meals in Kathmandu.
Age Requirements
16 years and up
Additional Information
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Trip ID
exodus-AIBA

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