Kingdom of Happiness Bhutan and Tshechu Festival

Flying to Paro is one of the most breathtaking journeys in the Himalayas. The route runs along the mountain range from Kathmandu, offering stunning landscapes and an exciting descent into the kingdom. Bhutan’s first gift to you, as you step off the plane, will be the cool, fresh mountain air.

After completing immigration procedures and collecting luggage, our representative will greet you, followed by a transfer to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Along the way, there is a stop at Chuzom, the confluence of the Thimphu and Paro rivers, where you will see three stupas built in Tibetan, Nepalese, and Bhutanese styles. Just before reaching Chuzom, on the left side, you will notice a private temple, Tschogang Lhakhang, known as "The Temple of the Excellent Horse." Built in the 15th century, this sacred site is dedicated to Balaha, the divine horse, considered an incarnation of Chenrezig, the Buddha of Compassion.

Upon arrival in Thimphu, check-in at the hotel. As Bhutan’s administrative, religious, and commercial center, Thimphu is a unique capital where modernity blends with ancient traditions. With a population of about 90,000, it is perhaps the only capital city in the world without a single traffic light.

In the evening, enjoy an exploratory walk along Thimphu’s main street and local market. Visit the Craft Bazaar, where you can browse and purchase traditional Bhutanese handicrafts, including handwoven textiles, Thangka paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewelry, and other items made from local materials.

Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu (altitude 2400m).

After breakfast, get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant Thimphu Festival, held in the courtyard of the Tashichho Dzong.

This grand fortress-monastery serves as the main administrative center of Bhutan, housing government ministries, the office of His Majesty the King, the throne room, and the living quarters of the monastic community and its Chief Abbot.

During the festival, you will witness locals dressed in their finest traditional attire, many of whom have traveled great distances to attend. The celebrations include elaborate masked dances, prayers, and festive gatherings.

While the festival has a spiritual core, the performances resemble theatrical plays, depicting the triumph of good over evil or important historical events, especially those related to Bhutan’s patron saint, Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche).

Beyond its religious significance, the festival is a social event, allowing people to take a break from their daily routines, dress in their finest clothes and jewelry, and receive blessings.

Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

After breakfast, embark on a sightseeing tour of Thimphu. Some attractions may be closed during the festival, but your guide will suggest alternative experiences.

You can explore the National Memorial Chorten, a revered monument, visit the National Library, which houses ancient Buddhist manuscripts, or discover traditional artistry at the School of Painting and the Folk Heritage Museum.

In the afternoon, continue exploring the capital’s cultural highlights or take a scenic drive to Simtokha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s oldest fortresses, dating back to 629 AD.

If you prefer to stay in town, you can admire the intricate textile collection at the National Textile Museum, drive up to the Radio Tower viewpoint for panoramic city views framed by colorful prayer flags, or visit the Takin Reserve, home to Bhutan’s unique national animal – the Takin.

Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

After an early breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Punakha, with a scenic stop at Dochula Pass.

Optional Visit:

Explore Rinchengang Village, a small, tightly clustered settlement located opposite Wangdue Phodrang Dzong. Known for its traditional stonework craftsmanship, Rinchengang is considered one of Bhutan’s oldest villages and offers a glimpse into the country’s architectural heritage. The village sits on a hillock overlooking Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, with the Punatsangchhu River flowing nearby. If you choose to visit, a 20-minute uphill walk from the Thimphu-Wangdue highway leads to the village.

Next, visit Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the Temple of Fertility. Perched on a hillock in the heart of the valley, this revered temple is believed to bless childless couples with fertility. A scenic trail through rice fields leads to Pana village, offering a rare glimpse into the traditional rural lifestyle of Bhutanese villagers.

Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

After breakfast, visit Punakha Dzong, a massive fortress located at the confluence of two rivers. It was the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and still serves as the winter residence of the monastic body.

Next, visit the Punakha Suspension Bridge, one of the longest suspension bridges in Bhutan, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding valley.

Afterward, begin your journey to Paro, with a stop at the Lampelri Botanical Garden (Royal Botanical Park). Located 11 km below Dochula Pass, this park boasts 38 out of Bhutan’s 46 species of rhododendrons (best seen between April and June) and is home to 220 bird species and 21 known animal species, including deer, tiger, leopard, red panda, and wildcat.

Upon arrival in Paro, visit Ta Dzong, originally built as a watchtower, now home to the National Museum of Bhutan. The museum houses an extensive collection of antique Thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armor, household artifacts, and historical relics.

Following your museum visit, take a short downhill walk to Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong), meaning “Fortress of the Heap of Jewels”. This historic fortress features beautifully preserved Buddhist wall paintings, depicting the Four Friends, the Wheel of Life, the Life of Milarepa, Mount Sumeru, and cosmic Mandalas.

Optional Activity:

In the evening, enjoy a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath (Dotsho) at a local farmhouse (additional cost). This ancient medicinal soak involves heating river stones and placing them in the bathwater, often mixed with medicinal herbs. Many Bhutanese believe this bath relieves joint pain, relaxes muscles, and offers therapeutic benefits.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Today, embark on a full-day excursion to Taktshang Lhakhang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery), a journey that takes approximately five hours on foot. This iconic monastery is perched on a cliffside, 900 meters above the Paro Valley floor, making it one of Bhutan’s most breathtaking and sacred sites.

According to legend, Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) arrived at this site on the back of a flying tigress and meditated here, giving it the name "Tiger’s Nest". Since then, it has been a revered pilgrimage site, first visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646, and now considered a must-visit for all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. In April 1998, a fire severely damaged the monastery, but it has since been completely restored to its former glory.

Evening: Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, a 7th-century temple, one of 108 monasteries built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. The construction of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Paro International Airport for your departure flight to your onward destination. Our representative will assist you with all exit formalities.

Goodbye and have a safe journey!