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Each autumn, Thimphu comes alive with with centuries-old traditions, colorful Cham mask dances, sacred rituals, and joyful community gatherings. This 7 Days Thimphu Tshechu Festival Group Tour coincide with the Thimphu Tshechu Festival and classic attractions.
This itinerary is an ideal choice for travelers seeking a balance between iconic sightseeing and deep cultural engagement. Beyond the festival, you will journey through the iconic valleys of Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha, including the legendary hike to Tiger's Nest.
Value for Money: USD 1,590 with a small group size (max. 14 travelers). The tour includes 3-star accommodations, all meals, transportation, attraction tickets & festival access, a Bhutanese National Dress experience—a seamless, high-quality travel experience.
View Destinations
| Day | Place | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | Paro | Tiger's Nest Monastery, Kyichu Lhakhang, Tamchog Lhakhang Iron Bridge |
| 3 | Thimphu | Tashichho Dzong (Thimphu Tshechu Festival), Buddha Point, National Memorial Chorten, Motithang Takin Preserve |
| 4-5 | Punakha | Dochula Pass, Chimi Lhakhang, Punakha Dzong, Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, Punakha Suspension Bridge, Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery |
| 6-7 | Paro | Paro Dzong, Bhutan National Museum; departure |
Welcome to Bhutan! As you arrive in Paro, enjoy the fresh mountain air of this heavily forested kingdom. Your local expert will meet you at the airport to help you settle in quickly. You are now in the "Last Shangri-La," a stunning Himalayan destination where ancient beauty and nature have been protected for centuries.
Paro (2,270m) serves as a magnificent introduction to Bhutan, home to the legendary Tiger’s Nest and breathtaking valley views. Whether you are visiting for the colorful Paro Tshechu festival in March or exploring ancient traditions, this region is a must-see highlight.
Take in the expansive scenery at the Airport View Point, where you can see the Dzong and the river while learning about the airport’s unique history. Afterward, head to your hotel to rest and adjust to the altitude. This peaceful start ensures you are fully energized for the exciting journey ahead.
Kickstart your journey with these special free experiences from AOT:
If you land before midday, you can join an optional tour of the National Museum and Rinpung Dzong. Your guide will assist with tickets and security to make the visit stress-free. Remember that Paro Dzong operates 9 AM – 5 PM Monday to Friday and 10 AM – 4 PM on weekends.
Free Time Ideas:
For tailored advice on what to do, feel free to reach out to your guide ahead of time.
Arrival Ideas:
Paro International Airport provides direct flights from hubs like Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Gaya, Guwahati, Dhaka, Bangkok, Kathmandu, and Changi. Land entry is also available through Phuentsholing or Gelephu. For seamless travel, look for seasonal charters from Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur.
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Paro
This morning, you will get ready to start the exciting Hiking Tour to Tiger's Nest, the landmark of Bhutan and the most famous holy monastery in the country. It is about a 12km drive (over 0.5 hour) from Paro City to the start point of the Tiger's Nest hike route.
Usually, it may takes about 2.5 hours to reach Tiger's Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang) on foot. The entire Tiger's Nest Hike takes around 5 to 6 hours, with about 4.8 km of uphill trekking and about 4.8 km of downhill walking. Riding a horse (Optional; Self-payment required), it takes about 1.5 hours to reach the halfway point on the mountainside. From there, you need to say goodbye to your horse and hike for another 1.5 hours to reach the Tiger's Nest Monastery.
At the halfway point, visit Taktsang Cafeteria for lunch and your first view of Tiger’s Nest. As you hike higher, the monastery becomes clearer. You will see many prayer flags and wheels along the forest trail. Enjoy great views of Paro Valley below. If you visit in April, you can see red rhododendrons blooming like colorful clouds on the mountainside.
Then, stand before Tiger’s Nest (3,120m), a world-renowned monastery clinging to a cliff 900m above the Paro Valley. Founded where Guru Rinpoche meditated in the 8th century, this sacred landmark was formally built in 1692 and faithfully restored in 2005. As Bhutan’s holiest site, it remains a vital pilgrimage destination. You are welcome to explore the interior and experience the spiritual energy of this architectural marvel.
Conclude your day at Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples. Built in the 7th century by King Songtsen Gampo, it houses the revered Shakyamuni Buddha statue, a national treasure. This royal ceremonial site also enshrines the relic stupa of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche and an iron chain forged by the legendary Thangthong Gyalpo, offering a profound spiritual connection to ancient Tibetan Buddhist history.
At last, head back to Paro for overnight.
Optional Bhutan Paro Experiences:
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Today, we will head to Thimphu (50km, 1.5 hours), the capital city of Bhutan.
On the way, we will make a stop at Tamchog Lhakhang Iron Bridge for a visit. Once in Thimphu (altitude 2,340m), you will have a full day of sightseeing. You can attend festival in Thimphu, Dzong Buddha Point, National Memorial Chorten.
Upon arrival in Thimphu, continue to Tashichho Dzong (Thimphu Fortress) to take part in the Thimphu Tshechu festival activities.
Visit Tashichho Dzong (Thimphu Dzong), the seat of government since 1952. This massive fortress by the Wang Chu River holds the King’s office and internal ministries. It is also the summer home of the Je Khenpo, Bhutan's spiritual leader. You can walk through its beautiful gardens and see where masked dances happen during the Tshechu festival. It is the most important religious and political building in Thimphu.
The Thimphu Tshechu Festival is a major event celebrating Guru Rinpoche, who brought Buddhism to Bhutan. People attend to receive blessings and wear their best traditional clothes. The highlight is the masked dances performed by monks and locals. These vibrant performances show deities and demons in a beautiful display. It is a great way to see local traditions and the spiritual side of Bhutan.
Next, visit Buddha Dordenma Statue (Buddha Point), the largest sitting Buddha statue in the world. It is 51.5 meters tall, made of bronze, and covered in gold. Inside, there are 125,000 small Buddha statues. During festivals, you can see religious rituals like the Vajra Dance. From this spot, you will also have a great view of the Thimphu Valley and the colorful roofs of the city buildings.
If time permits, make a brief stop at the National Memorial Chorten, where you can observe local residents engaged in daily prayers and circumambulation. This will provide you with numerous opportunities to engage with the locals and learn about their daily lives, as well as their philosophy on happiness.
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After breakfast, you will visit the Motithang Takin Preserve to see Bhutan's national animal. There, you can observe the unique creature that is said to have been created by the legendary Drukpa Kunley (Divine Madman). According to legend, Drukpa Kunley fashioned the takin with the head of a goat and the body of a cow.
Then, you will travel from Thimphu to Punakha via Dochula Pass (74km, about 2.5 hours).
Stop at Dochula Pass, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful spots. On clear days, you can see Mt. Gangkar Puensum (7,570m) and other Himalayan peaks. You can enjoy the view with coffee at the local cafeteria. The summit has 108 memorial chortens and many prayer flags. These were built to honor soldiers and pray for world peace, creating a very peaceful and spiritual feeling.
On your way to Punakha, hike to Chimi Lhakhang, also called the Fertility Temple. It was built to honor Drukpa Kunley, the "Divine Madman" who used humor and unconventional ways to teach. You will see phallus symbols on many houses to drive away evil. Many couples visit this sacred place to seek blessings for children. It is a very interesting and unique part of Bhutanese culture.
Then, drive to Punakha, the old capital located where two rivers meet. Here stands Punakha Dzong, the most beautiful fortress and winter home for 1,000 monks. All Bhutanese kings are crowned here. If you visit in April, you will see beautiful purple jacaranda trees in bloom. During the Punakha Tshechu festival, you can watch masked dances and see locals in national dress celebrating their rich history.
Cross the Bazam Bridge to explore Punakha Dzong, built from stone and wood without any nails. It has a six-story tower called an utse and three courtyards. You can see the Victory Chorten, the royal hall, and the sacred remains of Pema Lingpa and Zhabdrung. The "hundred-pillar" assembly hall is also located here, featuring beautiful murals that show the life of the Buddha.
Note: The tourist opening hours of Punakha Dzong are from 9 AM to 5 PM on weekdays and from 10 AM to 4 PM on weekends. It is required to have a tour guide accompany you for a visit to the Dzongs. Before entering for a visit, security checks are conducted.
Overnight in Punakha and get ready for your next day's trip.
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Punakha
Today, you will have a full day to discover Punakha. This morning, you will walk past terraced rice paddies and begin your hike to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, which takes about one hour. Along the way, you might see local farmers working in the fields with oxen and plows.
The Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten was built in 1990 by the Queen Mother to bring peace and ward off evil. It took nine years to finish this special Bhutanese pagoda. Each floor has statues of protective deities. You can climb the stairs to the roof for amazing views of Punakha. The rice paddies below change from green to gold as the seasons change.
After lunch, you will visit the Punakha Suspension Bridge, which is one of Bhutan’s longest suspension bridges, spanning 160 meters. This experience will reward you with breathtaking views of the picturesque Punakha Valley and the glacier-fed Po Chu River flowing beneath.
Next, visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery, located on a 1,550-meter hill. It offers great views of the Punakha and Wangdue valleys. About 120 nuns live and study here, learning skills like embroidery and painting. The temple features a 14-foot bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara with 1,000 hands, the largest in Bhutan. It is a wonderful place to see the spiritual daily life of the nuns.
If time permit, you can visit local market in Punakha.
Overnight in Punakha.
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Today, you will depart Punakha and head back to Paro (110km, about 3.5h) via Dochula Pass again and overnight in Paro after visiting Paro Dzong, Bhutan National Museum.
Be sure to stop at the Tamchog Lhakhang Iron Bridge by the Paro River. You can walk across this unique bridge made of iron chains and prayer flags. Both the bridge and the temple were built by Thangthong Gyalpo, the famous "Iron Bridge Maker." While you only view the temple from the outside, the bridge is a great place to see ancient architecture that is still standing today.
After the bridge, visit Paro Dzong, also called Rinpung Dzong. Built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the founder of Bhutan, this large fortress is a key historical site. You reach it by crossing a traditional wooden bridge over the Paro Chu River. From here, you can enjoy amazing views of the Paro Valley and learn about the hero who shaped the nation.
If you hike a little further, you will reach the Bhutan National Museum (Ta Dzong), which holds the distinction of being Bhutan's tallest building. Originally constructed in 1649 as a watchtower overlooking the Paro Dzong, it was later transformed into the National Museum of Bhutan in 1968. At the museum, you can immerse yourself in a rich collection of ancient artifacts such as pottery, armor, thangkas, masks, stamps, photographs, statues, costumes, relics, stone axes, and religious paintings.
Overnight in Paro.
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Happiness is a place, wish you had gotten your happiness philosophy from the beautiful Himalayan country with us. It is time to end your 7-day Bhutan Group Tour. Your guide will escort you to Paro International Airport for your flight to your next destination.
Extension Ideas: If you prefer to travel longer in Bhutan, you can extend your trip to other highlighted parts of Bhutan, including Haa, Gangtey, and Bumthang.
Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) for your Bhutan tour, we are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip to China/Asia. Safe journey!
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| Month | Available Date | Price | Book The Tour |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep (2026) | |||
| Sep | Sep.20, 2026 | from $1590 | Free Enquiry  |
Bhutan Visa Accommodation Meals Guide Service Attraction Tickets Transportation Arrangement Transfer Service Complimentary Cultural Experience Service Coverage
Airfare Single Room Supplement Personal Expenses Tipping Travel Insurance Optional Experiences Unexpected Circumstances
To join the group tour in Bhutan, a minimum of 1 person is required to make a booking. It is a small group tour, and you will meet your local guide and driver at the Bhutan airport.
Please note that full payment of the tour fee is required 30 days before the departure date. The tour fee will be transferred to the Royal Bank of Bhutan's account. Once the payment is received, the Bhutanese government will process your visa.
In Bhutan, there is a strong emphasis on pure spiritual beliefs and environmental conservation. You won't find luxurious shopping centers or excessive packaging during this trip. It is not a luxury vacation but rather a journey focused on experiencing Bhutan's rich historical and cultural heritage and spiritual aspects.
Bhutanese cuisine prominently features "chili" as its main ingredient. Most dishes include cheese, potatoes and chili. Vegetables primarily consist of legumes and tubers. If you have any dietary restrictions or special meal requirements, please inform us during the tour registration process so that we can make appropriate meal arrangements.
The tour fee is based on double occupancy, assuming 2 persons sharing a room. If you are a solo traveler or have a specific request for a single room due to personal reasons, there will be an additional charge for a single room supplement.
Please note that any non‑participation in the itinerary will be considered as voluntary abandonment, and no refund will be provided for those activities or locations.
For the safety and convenience of all travelers, it is not possible to accommodate requests to deviate from the tour itinerary during the trip. The service begins at Paro Airport and ends at Paro Airport.
Yes, if you are traveling with a group of friends or with your family, you can customize your own Bhutan group tour. Please contact your professional travel consultant to discuss and arrange a customized group tour that meets your needs and preferences.
Climate: The ideal seasons for travel in Bhutan are from March to November when the weather is most suitable.
Off‑peak season: From December to February, it is winter and considered the off‑peak travel period. During the day, temperatures hover around 15 °C, dropping below freezing at night. From June to September, it is summer and the rainy season, with temperatures around 23 °C during the day and 15 °C at night.
Peak season: The peak travel periods are from March to May and September to November.
In the Paro region of Bhutan, staple foods include rice, buckwheat, corn, and red rice. Chili and dairy products are commonly used as accompaniments. One of the most famous traditional dishes is Emma Datshi, which consists of chili with cheese.
While beef, lamb, and pork are popular meats, it's important to note that Bhutan follows Buddhist principles of non‑violence and does not slaughter animals within the country. Most of the meat available in the market is imported from neighboring India and primarily caters to tourists.
Beverage options include black tea, butter tea, rice wine, and beer.
Bhutan experiences long hours of sunlight, and the UV rays can be intense. It is recommended to bring your own sunscreen, hat, and wear long‑sleeved clothing to protect yourself. Additionally, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water and consuming fruits is essential.
Respect for Customs and Regulations: Please show respect for Bhutan's religious customs, traditions, and adhere to the relevant government regulations during your visit.
1. Recommended Length of Stay for Bhutan Group Tour: For your group tour in Bhutan, you will stay in 3-star hotels. Typically, you’ll spend 1–2 nights in Paro, 1–2 nights in Thimphu, 1–2 nights in Punakha, with the possibility of 1 night in Trongsa and 2 nights in Bumthang. Accommodations will be in twin‑bed standard rooms.
2. Excellent Locations & Comfort: All our selected 3-star hotels are in prime locations, usually near the main attractions or Dzongs. Each hotel provides high-quality service, organic food, and clean, comfortable rooms, ensuring a pleasant and comfortable stay at every destination.
3. Single Room Supplement: By default, the tour package assumes two people sharing a room. However, if you require a single room, an additional single room supplement will be charged. This supplement ensures that you have a private room for your stay, providing added comfort and privacy.
4. Check-In and Check-Out Times: Check-in time for the hotels is generally after 14:00 (2:00 PM), allowing you to settle in and freshen up before starting your Bhutanese adventure. On the day of departure, please check out before 12:00 noon to ensure a smooth transition and allow time for the hotel staff to prepare for incoming guests.
Direct-from-Source Pricing
Local operations, direct-to-you pricing.
24/7 Support
We are with you every step of the way, 24/7.
Cancellation Policy
We provide a transparent and clear overview of allapplicable policies.
Travel Insurance
Travel with peace of mind. Comprehensive coverage for any unforeseen circumstances.
Discover what our customers are saying about the latest Bhutan Group Tours. Browse through their recent reviews and feedback on tour arrangements, guides, transportation, attractions, dining, hotels, and detailed itineraries to plan your own unforgettable China tour. View All Customers Reviews >>
Tripadvisor 4.9
4.9 | 16,674 reviews
This is the first time I have used Welcome Pickups and it will not be my last. The communication from them and the driver before pickup was very clear throughout, you just need to have a wifi connection, which is the same when using a pre booked service at major airports around the world. The car was very clean and comfortable and the driver was very friendly, helpful and experienced. I thoroughly recommend this service.
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This is the first time I have used Welcome Pickups and it will not be my last. The communication from them and the driver before pickup was very clear throughout, you just need to have a wifi connection, which is the same when using a pre booked service at major airports around the world. The car was very clean and comfortable and the driver was very friendly, helpful and experienced. I thoroughly recommend this service.
Great team and excellent travel experience with AOT. From the planning to the execution ! We couldn’t say-more besides Thank You ; we really enjoyed the trip , every single moment spend and food was such an unforgettable holidays experience in Bhutan. From travel consultant (Abby) till tour guide (Ugyen & Dorji) and the driver, they did a wonderful job. Their cultural knowledge & history sharing gives values to all the visitors of Bhutan. Keep it up guys. Will highly recommend AOT to friends and family.
beautiful trip right from the begining till the end . I booked my trip through AOT and I should say , from the begining , everything was so easy and cordinated.I as attended to by Kayla first , she was efficient and prompt , followed by Steven , who was equally good , everything was so systematic , the whole trip was put together just through email . Then comes the final trip , the amazingly beautiful bhutan ,what a country and the trip was made even more wonderful by my guide Miss TENZIN who was such a darling and driver Dorji who was such a caring soul. In spite being a solo trip , this 2 were my family for 5 days and they took such good care of me . The MEMORIES of Bhutan will always remain with me , thank you AOT for giving me such beautiful memories .
We had an amazing 5 day trip to Bhutan! We made some unforgettable memories thanks to our guides Migma and Pelden! They showed us the culture, beautiful places, local food and amazing hikes. They were very flexible with the planning. Based on our interest the itinerary was adjusted like some extra hiking or longer routes as we enjoy that a lot. And also we were taken to the local village and were greeted with amazing hospitality showing the warmth and kindness of the Bhutanese people! It was interesting to experience how the locals live in Bhutan. When we visit Bhutan next time, we will for sure want to have the tour with Migma and Pelden. We will recommend this to our friends for sure!
My wife and I recently returned from a 2-week trip to Nepal and Bhutan organized by Asia Odyssey Travel, and we couldn’t be happier with the experience. From start to finish, everything was handled with great care and professionalism. The itinerary was thoughtfully planned, the accommodations were excellent, and all local guides were knowledgeable and friendly.
A special thank you to our travel consultant, Rex, who went above and beyond to make sure every detail was perfect. He was responsive, patient with all our questions, and tailored the trip exactly to our preferences. Thanks to Rex, the entire Asia Odyssey Travel team and their local partners in Nepal and Bhutan, we were able to fully enjoy the stunning landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality of both countries without a single worry.
We highly recommend Asia Odyssey Travel to anyone looking for a seamless, well-organized, and unforgettable travel experience. We’re already thinking about where to go next with them!
Thank you Asia Odyssey for a wonderful trip! From planning stage to execution, we felt supported and taken care of the entire way.
Highly recommend Asia Odyssey - they planned a fantastic itinerary against our brief for Tibet, Nepal, and Bhutan. Special shoutout to Ms. Mandy who planned our trip, answered all our questions, was incredibly responsive, and was always helpful. She checked in during our trip to make sure we were okay as well. On our trip, our local guides were knowledgeable and kind and our accommodation was comfortable. All-in-all a fantastic experience and highly recommended.
Thank you for a wonderful experience!!
Our fantastic trip in Bhutan, the tour guides Migma and Chimi, who are really take good care of us, no matter in eating, tradition clothing, and hotel issues, they are very responsible and thoughtful.
Kind and generous.
I would say this trip traveling in Bhutan will shine your eyes and people there are lovely, you will find your inner peace in Bhutan.
Finally, the trip of AOT Of Bhutan was wonderful, and hope to go back there one day.
Runny was my initial contact with AOT and she couldn’t of done more to help organise my trip to Bhutan, from advice to
Visas she was always available to answer my queries, even at weekends and evenings
Arrival into Bhutan met by my guides for the week, Migma and Chimi and our driver, we were a group of 9 and for the next 6 days we were totally looked after
From the tour to the accommodations to the food everything was faultless, our guides knowledge was outstanding sharing history and stories about Bhutan and also personal stories about lifestyle in Bhutan. No question was ever left unanswered and no question was too much
Bhutan is a beautiful country, with warm kind hearted people, who couldn’t do enough for you … I left with a tear in my eye… Bhutan you stole my heart, made even more special by Migma and Chimi and the team at AOT
Thank you …. I will be back one day
Barbara and I want to thank Allan (our tour coordinator from Asia Odyssey Travel) and Asia Odyssey Travel company itself for the wonderful time in Bhutan we have had.
Personally we want to thank Allan, our travel coordinator for his top excellent communication from the first contact till the end of the tour, for all information provided and always for the super fast response! Thank you!
All three selected hotels in Bhutan for the tour have been super nice!
The provided meals for all days absolutely top!!!
All the involved guides (drivers and the transportation) from the agency in Bhutan superb!
We really can recommend Asia Odyssey Travel and their Bhutan tour!
Paro (1-2 Day)
Thimphu (3 Day)
Paro
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