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07 days
Daily Tour
Unlimited
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The Bhutan Festival Tours offer a unique chance to witness the lively and vibrant festivals celebrated throughout the country, providing a wonderful journey of refreshment and happiness. Explore the rich culture of Bhutan through the 8-day Thimphu Festival tour, commencing with your arrival in Paro. After immersing in the natural beauty of Paro, continue the journey to Thimphu, the capital city, where captivating festivities in honor of Guru Rinpoche unfold at the iconic Tashichho Dzong.
The Thimphu Tshechu, a pivotal aspect of this tour, underwent a transformation in the 1950s when the visionary third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, introduced various Boed chhams (mask dances performed by lay monks). These additions brought color and variation to the festival, preserving its spiritual significance. Noteworthy mask dances like the Guru Tshengye (Eight Manifestations of Guru) and Shaw Shachi (Dance of the Stags) captivate spectators with their theatrical essence.
Integral to the festival, the Atsaras transcend the role of mere clowns, serving as dupthobs (acharyas) believed to provide protection from entrancing evil forces. Modern Atsaras engage in short skits conveying health and social awareness messages. For the farming community, the Tshechu is a welcomed break from farm life—a time to celebrate, seek blessings, and offer prayers for well-being and happiness. The Thimphu Festival tour invites you to partake in this cultural celebration, ensuring an unforgettable experience of Bhutanese traditions.
Upon your arrival in Paro, the Unseen Valley Tours and Travel team extends a warm Bhutanese welcome at the airport, presenting you with traditional silk scarves. The picturesque Paro Valley, surrounded by towering mountains and adorned with sprawling paddy fields, offers a captivating introduction to Bhutan's natural beauty. If you arrive early, a visit to the National Museum of Bhutan in the medieval watchtower, Taa Dzong, or exploring the historic Rinpung Dzong can be arranged, providing a glimpse into Bhutan's rich heritage. Halt in Paro
Embark on a scenic drive to Thimphu, the capital city, after a delightful breakfast. Thimphu unfolds its cultural tapestry through a visit to the Memorial Chorten, dedicated to the third King of Bhutan, and other landmarks such as the National Library, the School of Traditional Arts and Crafts, the Takin Preserve, the giant Buddha statue, and the ancient Semtokha Dzong. The day offers an immersive experience into Bhutanese life and history.
Day 3 marks the highlight of the tour as you attend the Thimphu Tshechu, a vibrant festival held at the festival ground near Tashichodzong. The Tashichodzong serves as the seat of the Bhutanese government and is a hub of cultural and religious activities. The festival showcases colourful mask dances, folk performances, and traditional rituals, providing a deep dive into Bhutan's rich cultural heritage.
Continuing the journey on Day 4, a scenic drive across the Dochula Pass, adorned with 108 stupas, offers breathtaking views of the Jigme Singye Wangchuck mountain ranges. Descending to Lobesa, a visit to Chimi Lhakhang, known as the Fertility Temple, precedes the onward journey to Punakha. The day combines natural beauty with cultural exploration.
Day 5 brings a drive back to Paro via Thimphu, allowing a glimpse of the ruins of Wangdiphodrang Dzong, a former administrative centre. The journey offers historical insights, showcasing Bhutan's resilience and its rich past.
The sixth day involves a memorable hike to the iconic Taktshang Monastery, perched on a cliff 900 meters above the Paro valley. This sacred site, also known as Tiger’s Nest, is a testament to Bhutanese spirituality and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. The hike provides a spiritual and physical adventure.
Finally, on Day 7, Unseen Valley Tours and Travel ensures a timely drop-off at the airport for your departure, bidding you farewell in the traditional Bhutanese manner with a white silk scarf. This curated itinerary promises a seamless blend of cultural exploration, scenic beauty, and spiritual experiences in the enchanting Kingdom of Bhutan.
Unseen Valley Tours and Travel, as a local tour operator in Bhutan, offers a cost-effective alternative to booking through foreign travel agents. Booking directly can save money, and local operators are essential for arranging tourist visas.
Solo travel is welcomed in Bhutan. Unseen Valley Tours and Travel ensures that you can travel independently, providing you with an individual guide and driver. Group travel is optional and not enforced.
The best times to travel are from March to May and September to November. During these periods, the weather is favourable, and numerous festivals take place. While travel is possible year-round, June to August is slightly humid due to the monsoon, and December to February is the cold winter season.
As of June 20, 2022, the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF or Royalty) is USD 100 per night per person. This fee is separate from the actual travel cost, which includes government-approved hotels, transportation, guide fees, and meals. The old Minimum Daily Tariff is no longer applicable.
Unseen Valley Tours and Travel can arrange your airline tickets with no commission fees involved. Alternatively, you can purchase tickets directly from the airlines' websites: Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines.
All visitors are advised to get travel insurance coverage from their own countries.
