Festivals Of Bhutan

11 days - from $4030

Magnificent mountains, spectacular scenery and colourful festivals
Protected by the mighty Himalaya, the isolated kingdom of Bhutan is an unforgettable place to visit. The landscape is stunning, with steep forested hills and misty mountains rising from fast flowing rivers. However, it's the fascinating culture that makes this country unique, boasting several colourful annual festivals. At these festivals hundreds gather to see the monks, dressed in brightly coloured robes, perform ritual dances. For several days there are masked dances and prayer meetings, and a general carnival atmosphere prevails. On the spring departure we will visit the Paro Festival, which culminates with the unfurling of a giant Thangka (silk painting) whilst in the autumn we will have chance to visit the grand Thimpu festival. We also see all the main sights in and around Paro and Thimpu, the picturesque Gangtey Valley, as well as the superb Dzongs (fortresses) that dot the valleys and hilltops.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Start Kathmandu. 2 Spectacular mountain flight to Paro; drive to Thimpu, capital of Bhutan. 3 Visit Memorial Chorten, Zilukha Nunnery and the Handicrafts school. 4 Drive to Punakha, stop at Dochu La Pass (3050m), visit Punakha Dzong. 5 Visit Chimi Lakang Monastery and drive to the Gangtey Valley, the home of the black necked cranes. 6 Morning walk in the beautiful Gangtey Valley, afternoon drive to Wangdi Phodrang. 7 To Thimpu; witness an archery competition and visit Trashichodzong. 8 Morning drive to Paro, visit Semtokha Dzong and Paro Museum; to Paro festival. 9 Hike to Tiger Nest monastery. 10 Fly to Kathmandu. 11 End Kathmandu.

Mode of travel: Travel is by private bus and 2 internal flights.
Group size: Normally 4 to 16, plus local Bhutanese guide, drivers and local staff.
Accommodation: 10 nights tourist class hotels, all accommodation is en suite.
Food: All breakfasts, 8 lunches and 8 dinners included.
Trip Reference: AIB
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an 'R' in the dates and prices table below.
Notes: Chitwan extension available - please see Trip Notes
Trip Reference: AIB