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7 Days 6 Nights
Daily Tour
Unlimited
Any Preferred Language
Discover the heart of Bhutanese culture and tradition on this 7-day journey, highlighted by the Thimphu Tsechu—Bhutan’s most vibrant and celebrated festival. Experience captivating masked dances, traditional performances, and sacred rituals that transform the capital city into a lively spiritual celebration. Alongside the festival, explore iconic landmarks such as Buddha Point, the breathtaking Dochula Pass, and the historic Punakha Dzong. Unique adventures include crossing Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge and hiking to the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery, one of the country’s most revered spiritual sites. This journey offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion and natural beauty, ideal for travelers seeking to experience the Land of the Thunder Dragon during one of its most festive seasons. It promises unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.
Trip Facts
Trip Duration: 7 days & 6 nights
Districts: Paro, Thimphu & Punakha
Entry: Paro
Exit: Paro
After an unforgettable descent into Paro International Airport—one of the world’s most dramatic landings—you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, and Bhutan’s own majestic peaks, Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. Upon arrival, our company representatives will warmly welcome you and escort you on a scenic drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, where your adventure truly begins. Then head to the Memorial Chorten, a stupa revered by localsfor daily prayers and rituals. Conclude your day with dinner at a local restaurant, enjoying traditionalBhutanese cuisine.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Begin your day immersed in the vibrant Thimphu Tsechu Festival, one of Bhutan’s most celebrated events, held near the iconic Tashichho Dzong. Witness traditional masked dances, sacred rituals, and colorful performances that offer deep insight into Bhutanese culture and spirituality. In the afternoon, explore Thimphu’s key attractions: visit the Takin Preserve, home to Bhutan’s national animal, the takin; enjoy sweeping views of the valley from Sangaygang Viewpoint; and tour the Simply Bhutan Museum, where interactive exhibits bring Bhutanese traditions to life. Conclude the day with an authentic Bhutanese dinner at the Folk Heritage Museum restaurant.
After breakfast, depart for Punakha, a valley blessed with a subtropical climate and lush rice fields. Enroute, stop at Dochula Pass (3,050 meters) to enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayan range and the108 chortens (stupas) built in honor of Bhutanese soldiers.Upon arrival in Punakha, visit Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple dedicated to the Divine Mad Monk,Drukpa Kunley. Known for its fertility blessings, this temple is a popular pilgrimage site for couples.
Overnight in Punakha.
Start your day with a hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten, an elaborately designed temple built to promote peace and harmony. Located on a ridge, it offers a stunning view of the Punakha Valley. After lunch, visit the iconic Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful fortresses, strategically positioned at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Explore the dzong’s exquisite architecture and murals. End the day with a walk across Bhutan’s longest Suspension Bridge, providing scenic views of the valley and rivers below.
Overnight in Punakha.
Drive back to Paro, with a visit to Drukgyel Dzong, an ancient fortress that once protected Bhutan against Tibetan invasions. It offers spectacular views of Mount Jomolhari on clear days. In Paro, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, believed to have been built in the 7th century. This serene temple is rich in history and spirituality. Conclude the day with free time to explore Paro town, where you can browse local handicrafts and experience the charming atmosphere of this small Bhutanese town.
Overnight in Paro.
After an early breakfast, set out for a hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang Lhakhang), Bhutan’s most iconic landmark. This sacred monastery clings to a cliff side 900 meters above the Paro Valley. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche flew to this spot on the back of a tigress and meditated here, making it a pilgrimage site for Buddhists. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the Taktshang Cafeteria on your way back down, with scenic views of the monastery and valley.
Overnight in Paro.
After early breakfast, we drive to the airport for flight to onward destination.
Bhutan is a year-round destination. There are four seasons: summer (June to August), autumn (September to November), winter (December to February) and spring (March to May). But because of the range of altitudes in the country, and the influence of the north Indian monsoons, the climate is incredibly varied.
In the south, the humid, subtropical climate is fairly consistent year-round, with temperatures between 15oC and 30oC. Central Bhutan, with its temperate forests, has a more seasonal climate, with warm summers and cool, dry winters. The northern regions are much colder during winter. Because of the high altitude, mountain peaks are snowy year-round and the lower reaches remain cool in summer.
In summer, the Indian monsoon season runs from late June or July to late September, mostly affecting the southern regions. Most farming activities take place in the summer, when crops thrive in verdant landscapes.
Autumn, from late September or early October to late November, follows the rainy season. It is characterised by bright, sunny days and some early snowfall at higher elevations. It’s the season of feasts and festivals as farmers reap the fruits of their work.
From late November until March, the crisp, clear and sunny winter sets in, with frost throughout much of the country and snowfall common above elevations of 3,000 metres. The winter northeast monsoon brings gale-force winds at the highest altitudes through high mountain passes, giving Bhutan the name Drukyul, which means Land of the Thunder Dragon in Dzongkha (Bhutan’s national language).
Bhutan’s generally dry spring starts in early March and lasts until mid-April. It is a botanist’s delight, with nature in full bloom. Summer weather commences in mid-April with occasional showers and continues to late June.
If you would like to book completely independently, there are plenty of online resources for inspiration, research and booking – including this website. There are lots of experienced, accredited tour operators that can help you too. Please check our website https://services.bhutan.travel/ for a full list of DOT-certified Tour Operators, hotels and guides.
Our host team is also on hand to help provide you with information as you plan your journey.
The country has one international airport located in Paro. Flights operated by Drukair and Bhutan Airlines arrive and depart from destinations including Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Bodhgaya, Dhaka, Kathmandu, Guwahati and Singapore. Private jets or charters can fly into Bhutan after obtaining the relevant approvals.
There are also domestic airports in Yonphula in eastern Bhutan, Bumthang in central Bhutan, and Gelephu in south-central Bhutan.
There are no rules about what visitors should wear. However if you are planning to visit places of religious significance, respectful smart-casual clothing that covers your body from shoulders to knees is appropriate and appreciated.