Bhutan Festival Tour

Bhutan Festival Tour showcases its living culture. It also gives an insight into how significant to the Bhutanese people and their distinct way of life. These festivals are popularly known as Tsechus. They are organized in the honor of Guru Padmasambhava. He brought Buddhism into this country in the 8th century. The event is marked by colorful and well-choreographed mask dances – depicting various facets of the Buddhist teachings. Festivals are also an occasion of social gathering for Bhutanese families. The people come dressed in their finest for the very special occasion. Women wear their most beautiful jewelry, families pack their best food for lunch, men and women joke and exchange tales, and children crane their necks to catch a sight of the day-long dances.

These festivals are considered a very auspicious opportunity and a spiritual exercise to be able to witness the dances because these dances remind the people of their spiritual and moral duties. It is also a time to reaffirm their devotion and commitment to leading morally sound, wholesome, and honest lives. By watching the sacred dances helps one to acquire spiritual merit and liberation from worldly woes.

During the Bhutan Festival Tour, our visitors are genuinely enchanted by the very sight of the beautiful dresses and performances. Every district organizes these festivals as an annual traditional event.

Every district organizes these festivals as an annual traditional event.

22 Aug 2023

Punakha Festival
(19- 21 February, 2024)

Bhutan Festival Tour , , ,

The Punakha festival (tshechu) is one of the most popular tshechus in the country. The Punakha festival is held right after the Punakha Drubchen, a popular festival that celebrates Guru Rinpoche’s visit to Punakha. The unfurling of the thongdrol (a large tapestry) is a highlight of the Punakha festival.It is believed that a mere sight of the thongdrol liberates onlooker and cleanses him of his sins.

Tour Highlights of Punakha Festival.

  • Festivals play a very important role in the essence of Bhutanese Culture.
  • By witnessing the festivals, our sins are removed and blessed with virtues and merits.
  • Family members are gathered together during the festivals.
  • Explore how these religious dances convey religious messages to the people.
  • Discover how it brings joy and happiness to all sentient beings.
  • Bhutanese will dress up with their finest traditional dresses.
  • Festival teaches the basic precepts of Buddhism to the people
  • Explore, Discover and enjoy the religious festivals held in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan.

Our expert specialists are ready to help you plan your next trip. You can call us on 00975-2-335423 (Call us today from 9am )

or complete the this form and we’ll contact you to begin planning your tailor-made trip.

MAKE AN ENQUIRY

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01. Arrive to Bhutan – Trsnafer to Thimphu

The flight into Paro on our national carrier, Druk Air, is a befitting introduction to the spectacular beauty of our country. In clear weather, magnificent views of the world’s highest peaks like Gangkar Puensum, give way to the lush green Paro valley as you land. Your Bhutanese escort from Authentic Bhutan Tours- For Your Bhutan Experience! will warmly welcome & greet you on arrival, and then to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan.

The drive will take about 1 hour and 30 minutes along a river valley, past small villages and traditional farmhouses, through peaceful countryside. It’s a small & charming capital city located in the heart of the Himalayas. On reaching Thimphu, we will do a short hike, from Kuensel Phodrang to Depsi (South of Thimphu). Before we start the hike, we will visit to Tallest Buddha Statue in the world.

Then we will start the hike. The hiking is more or less very easy and plain walk through the forest of Pine, Rhododendron and Oak trees. The hike will take about 1-hour 30 mins. We can see Thimphu city, Thimphu River (Wangchhu) and other adjacent towns through this hike. We can also take some fluttering prayer flags (Lungta) and hang them between two to three trees that will bring fortune, happiness and good health to every one in this world including your enemy.

Evening visit Tashi Chho Dzong, seat of the national government and the Central Monastic Body, including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan) and stroll around Thimphu town. Dinner and overnight stay in the hotel, Thimphu

  Meal Plan: Welcome Dinner   Accommodation: Hotel

Day 02. Thimphu Stay

Sightseeing in Thimphu, visit to Memorial Chhorten, built in 1974 in the memory of third king late Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, and the temple inside gives good examples of tantric Buddhist and its philosophy. Mothithang minizoo to see the National Animal of Bhutan (Takin), Zulikha Nunnery, the Thangtong Dewachen nunnery was founded in 1976 by Rikey Jadrel and today it houses the sixty nuns engaged in Buddhist study and practices.

Folk Heritage Museum, this Folk Heritage Museum is a showcase, the 19-century farmhouse and the living style of the Bhutanese family. National Library, the National Library was established in 1967 to preserve many ancient Dzongkha and Tibetan texts. Lunch in Thimphu town.

After lunch, visit Paper Factory, were Bhutanese Traditional Papers & paper products are made. Weaving Center produces hand-woven textiles on site and has a selection of cloth and ready-made garments for sale. This is one of the few places where you can watch weavers at work, and then Authentic Bhutanese handicrafts. Evening we will visit Bhutanese Farm House for dinner and Traditional Hot Stone bath. Over night stay at Thimphu Hotel or we can organize even in Bhutanese Farm House.

Dinner and overnight stay in hotel, Thimphu.

 Accommodation: Hotel

Day 03. Thimphu Punakha/Wangdi

After our breakfast, we will drive to Punakha/Wangdi. The road climbs steeply through forests of pine, hemlock spruce and rhododendrons. At Dochula Pass (3150m) you will have a breathtaking panoramic view of the Eastern Himalayan Mountain ranges. The pass is adorned with 108 small stupas and many kinds of prayer flags.

Then the road descends through lush forests to the fertile valley of Punakha & Wangdi Pghodrang. On reaching Lobesa, we will visit Chhimi Lhakhang, which is located at a hilltop. The temple is known as ‘the temple of fertility’. At Punakha, visit the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan, Punakha Dzong.

After this, we will drive till the view point of Khamsum Yule Namgyle Chhorten, passing the beautiful rural landscape. Evening at leisure. Dinner and over night stay at Hotel Punakha/Wangdi

 Accommodation: Hotel

Day 04. Punakha/Wangdi Stay

Today whole day, we will enjoy with Punakha Festival, the first festival in Bhutan of the year.

 Accommodation: Hotel

Day 05. Puankha/Wangdi – Paro

After the breakfast we will drive to Paro. The road will ascend up to the great Dochula Pass. On the way back to Paro offers another chance to view the amazing Himalayan ranges. Stop along the way to take photos wherever you find the best spot for the photography. On Tacho Gang, visit Tachogang Lhakhang, founded by Thangtong Gyalpo who was a wonder-working Tibetain saint and builder of Iron Chain Briddges in Bhutan. You have to cross through the iron chain bride designed traditionally. Lunch will be served at Paro.

After lunch we will visit to Paro National Museum, it holds fascinating collections of art, relics, religious Thangka paintings and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps and Paro Dziong, the center of civil and religious authority in this region. Evening stroll around the Paro vally town, the valley of surpassing Beauty. Dinner and over night stay at Paro hotel.

 Accommodation: Hotel

Day 06. Paro Stay.

Today we will make a hike to Paro Taktshang Monastery, the most famous and sacred monastery in Buddhism world. Taksang means “TigerNest” named after Guru Rinpoche reportedly flew to this site riding on the back of a flying tigress late in the 9th century. We have to walk about 2hours up steep from the road end. The trail climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. Lunch will be served at Taktshang cafeteria.

On our way back, drive to the village of Drukgyel and visit the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1649 to commemorate the victory over Tibetan invasion and Kyichu Lhakhang, it is one of the two most sacred and the oldest temples in Bhutan, built in 7th century by Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo (the 33rd Tibetan king, who is also the manifestation of avoloketeshivara, commonly known to Bhutanese as Chenrize). Evening at leisure, dinner and overnight stay at Paro Hotel

 Accommodation: Hotel

 

Day 07. Paro – Paro International Airport

After our breakfast, we will drive to Paro International Airport for your onward flight. Our guide and driver will bid you farewell here at the airport. We wish you a very safe and pleasant flight for your onward destinations.

This is a sample itinerary, intended to give you a general idea of the likely trip schedule. Numerous factors such as weather, tour conditions, group options and the physical condition of participants, may dictate itinerary changes either before departure or while on tour. We reserve the right to change this schedule in the interest of our guests, safety, comfort and general well being.

Plan Your Trip

Start planning your tailor-made Dream Holiday to Bhutan – The Land of happiness!

In order to experience the best and rewarding fulfillment clients must plan in advance the different logistics that you have in your minds before actually venturing into the world of trips. You might have wishes and hopes for which you need to plan.

The following information will help you to plan your dream trip to Bhutan.

1. When and how to visit Bhutan?

Choose your traveling date like Arrival/Departure date. You also need to choose entry/depart Bhutan via AIR or LAND.

By Air: Druk Air, the national carriers is the only service operator in the kingdom and operates several flights per week from Bangkok (Thailand), Delhi & Kolkata (India) and Kathmandu (Nepal) to Paro (Bhutan). The Paro International Airport is located about an hour and a half drive from Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan.

Paro airport is daylight restricted, and the flights are totally dependent on the weather. As a result, sometimes flights are delayed. It is therefore a good idea to keep at least 24 hours of transit time for connecting flights out of Paro. You might also want to consider traveling on a non-restricted ticket so that if you miss a connecting flight, you can be rerouted or seated on the first available carrier.

Sometimes flights into Paro are disrupted because of unfavorable weather conditions. If this occurs, the flight will stop for the night at the transit airport. To be prepared, you may want to carry your essential personal items in your carry-on luggage.

By Land: Phuentsholing, a Bhutanese town in the southwest has road access to India. It is located about 170 km from the Indian domestic airport at Bagdogra, West Bengal. Phuentsholing is about 172 km from Thimphu the capital city of Bhutan and is about 6hours drive distance. And S/

2. What are your itineraries?

All the tours can be customized and extended as per our valued client’s requirements. There are sample itineraries for your kind reference and it will give you some general idea of the likely trip scheduled.

Complete the tour request form and submit it to us. Send us correct name list. We will send you the flight reservation status via email.

After confirming your reservation, we need the scanned copy of member’s passport.

Please be reminded:

1. To carry the passport that matches the passport details indicated in the visa application.

2. The passport should have their validity more than 6months from the date of your travel.

3. For all travelers flying via India to/from the kingdom of Bhutan, to have the Indian Visa prior to their departure from their country.

Please remit us full payments and send us the copy of remittance paper via email. Visa will not be accepted without full payment.

We will send you the flight ticket copy and Visa Clearance Copy prior to your departure to Bhutan via email. You need to print out and carry along with you.

Start packing and looking forward to have a memorable trip in the LandThunder Dragon, DrukYul.

NOTE:

For most tours the booking must be completed 8 weeks in advance, but during the festivals booking must be completed at least 12 weeks in advance. Especially during the festivals, it can be very difficult to get the accommodation and flight seats without advance bookings, as it is a peak season for the tourist visiting Bhutan.

Value-Added Option

hot-stone-bath

Hot stone bath (Dhotsho) is a traditional bath of Bhutan, where a tradition of heating up stones and then soaking in the water that is in turn heated by the stones. This is also a curative method and is used throughout the country We Bhutanese belief that this bath has so much of medicinal benefits. Some diseases are curable-like joint pains, hypertension, stomach disorder, arthritis and many other minor diseases. Especially for the old age, where we have lots of body pains, joints pains helps a lot by this Hot Stone Bath (Dhotsho).

I think, the minerals in the rocks have certain chemicals, which can cure certain disease of our body. Hot stone bath has no side effects. It is in its pure natural form. We can organize the hot stone bath during your stay in Bhutan.

The cost for experiencing this will be USD 20 per person.

weaving-in-bhutan

The Bhutanese textiles are rich, vibrant, and colorful and are a complex art form as well as an integral part of the Bhutanese culture. This Bhutan weaving experiences will give you an insight about the rich textiles in Bhutan. You can sit one of the handlooms of Bhutan and weave your self practically. We promise that you will really enjoy this with great satisfaction in your life.

We will also see or learn the natural coloring and dyeing. You can bring your own materials like handkerchief to dye and color. So visit Bhutan and experience it practically by yourself.

So to arrange this you need to pay extra payment of USD 50 per person.

cultural-program

Folk Performing Arts & Music in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan
We have Cultural Program Performing groups, which they will perform like Traditional folk songs, dances and keeps original tunes and dances alive. Moreover, new choreography for some traditional and regional songs is sometimes developed.

The troupe also performs mask dances that have historical and spiritual significance.

The program will be about 1hr program and the cost will be USD 100/program. Usually we organize this in the evening before your dinner. But any time of the day can be organized.

 

hourse-riding-to-tigers-nest

Tiger’s Nest is most visited spot in Bhutan and it is much awaited by every tourist who visits Bhutan to climb to Tiger’s Nest.

It takes about 2 hrs 30mins up steep climb through the forest of pine, oak and Rhododendron. However you can ride the horse and climb till the Taktshang cafeteria.

The price will be approximately USD 12-15. So we can arrange the horses and let us know.

 

The above activities can be incorporated easily into your travel itinerary. However some activities need to pay some additional fees. So let us know which activities you would like to experiences so that we will include in your invoice.

authentic-bhutan-travelSpeak to a specialist

Email: info@authenticbhutantours.com

Cell: 00975-17343434

Get inspired by the trip ideas on our website and in our brochures. Then speak to us for first-hand expert advice and if you’re ready, start planning your trip in detail.

Book This Trip

21 Aug 2023

Paro Festival
(21- 25 March, 2024)

Bhutan Festival Tour, Bhutan Popular Tours , , ,

The Paro Festival, also known as Paro Tshechu, is a vibrant and culturally significant religious festival celebrated annually in Paro, Bhutan. This festival holds a special place in the hearts of Bhutanese people and is one of the most anticipated events in the country. Tshechu means “tenth day” in Dzongkha, the official language of Bhutan, and the festival usually takes place on the 10th day of a specific month in the Bhutanese lunar calendar, which varies each year based on the lunar cycle.

The Paro Festival is a time of spiritual reflection, communal bonding, and joyous celebration. It is held in the courtyard of the Paro Dzong (fortress-monastery), a historic and picturesque structure that adds to the unique ambiance of the event. The Dzong is beautifully adorned with colorful silk hangings, intricate thangka paintings, and religious artifacts, creating a magnificent backdrop for the festivities.

The festival is primarily a religious event dedicated to Guru Rinpoche, also known as Padmasambhava, who is considered the second Buddha and the founder of Bhutanese Buddhism. The highlight of the festival is the performance of various cham dances, which are traditional mask dances representing the triumph of good over evil. These dances are performed by both monks and laypeople dressed in ornate costumes and vibrant masks that symbolize deities, demons, and mythical beings.

Throughout the Paro Festival, visitors and locals come together to witness the cham dances, listen to Buddhist teachings, and receive blessings from the religious leaders. The festival serves as a spiritual reminder and an opportunity for Bhutanese people to strengthen their faith and connection with their cultural heritage.

In addition to the religious activities, the Paro Festival is also a time for socializing, shopping, and enjoying traditional Bhutanese cuisine. Local vendors set up stalls around the Dzong, offering a variety of handicrafts, textiles, jewelry, and local delicacies. It’s a wonderful opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in Bhutanese culture, interact with locals, and take home unique souvenirs.

The Paro Festival encapsulates the essence of Bhutanese identity, spirituality, and community. It offers a glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry of the country and showcases its deep-rooted devotion to Buddhism. Attending the Paro Festival is not only a visual and sensory delight but also a profound cultural experience that leaves a lasting impression on all who participate.

Our expert specialists are ready to help you plan your next trip. You can call us on 00975-2-335423 (Call us today from 9am )

or complete the this form and we’ll contact you to begin planning your tailor-made trip.

MAKE AN ENQUIRY

Trip Highlights

Festival provides the occasions for the community to get together

Visit to the capital city of Kingdom of Bhutan – Thimphu.

Explore and experience Bhutan’s unique culture.

Experience Bhutan’s Religious Festivals.

Be a part of biggest festival in Bhutan – Paro Festival.

Visit to the oldest monastery in Bhutan – Kyichu Lhakhang

Visit to the most important and sacred pilgrimage spot in the Buddhism world – Taktshang Monastery.

Witness and get blessing from the biggest and oldest Thongdrel Ceremony – Unfurling of Paro Thongdrel (Thangkha)

City tour to Paro, Thimphu and Punakha valley.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01. Arrive to Bhutan – Trsnafer to Thimphu

The flight into Paro on our national carrier, Druk Air, is a befitting introduction to the spectacular beauty of our country. In clear weather, magnificent views of the world’s highest peaks like Gangkar Puensum, give way to the lush green Paro valley as you land. Your Bhutanese escort from Authentic Bhutan Tours- For Your Bhutan Experience!  will warmly welcome & greet you on arrival, and then drive you to the Paro Rimpung Dzong, the center of civil and religious authority in this region. After this we will have lunch in the Paro town. Then we will drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. The drive will take about 1 hour and 30 minutes along a river valley, past small villages and traditional farmhouses, through peaceful countryside. It’s a small & charming capital city located in the heart of the Himalayas. On reaching Thimphu, we will do a short hike, (Sangaygang Cross Country) Wangditse Hike. The hike starts from BBS tower till Dechenphodrang, through pine forest. From this hike we can see the Thimphu town (Capital City) beautifully. The hike will take about 1hour 30minutes. Evening visit Tashi Chho Dzong, seat of the national government and the Central Monastic Body, including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan) and stroll around Thimphu town. Dinner and overnight stay

Day 02. Thimphu Stay

Sightseeing in Thimphu, visit to Memorial Chhorten, built in 1974 in the memory of third king late Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, and the temple inside gives good examples of tantric Buddhist and its philosophy. Mothithang minizoo to see the National Animal of Bhutan (Takin), Zulikha Nunnery, the Thangtong Dewachen nunnery was founded in 1976 by Rikey Jadrel and today it houses the sixty nuns engaged in Buddhist study and practices. Folk Heritage Museum, this Folk Heritage Museum is a showcase, the 19-century farmhouse and the living style of the Bhutanese family. National Library, the National Library was established in 1967 to preserve many ancient Dzongkha and Tibetan texts. Lunch in Thimphu town. After lunch, visit Paper Factory, were Bhutanese Traditional Papers & paper products are made.  Weaving Center produces hand-woven textiles on site and has a selection of cloth and ready-made garments for sale. This is one of the few places where you can watch weavers at work, and then Authentic Bhutanese handicrafts. Evening we will visit Bhutanese Farm House for dinner and Traditional Hot Stone bath. Over night stay at Thimphu Hotel or we can organize even in Bhutanese Farm House.

Day 03. Thimphu - Punakha

Today we will drive to Punakha Valley. We will drive over dochula pass (3150m). The pass is adorned with 108 small stupas and from this pass; we can see panoramic view of eastern Himalayan Mountains ranges on clear days. On reaching Punakha, we will visit the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan, Punkha Dzong and lunch will be served at Punakha. After lunch we will visit Chhimi Lhakhang, which is located at a hilltop. We have to walk about 30 minutes from the road end till the lhakhang. The Lhakhang is known as ‘the temple of fertility’.  Evening at leisure. Dinner and over night stay at hotel Punakha/Wangdi.

Punakha/Wangdi – Paro

After the early breakfast we will drive to Paro. The road ascends up to the great Dochula Pass. On the way back to Paro offers another chance to view the amazing Himalayan ranges. Stop along the way to take photos wherever you find the best spot for the photography. Lunch at Paro. After lunch we will enjoy with the Paro Festival. Dinner and over night stay at Paro Hotel.

Day 05. Paro Halt

Today we will go to the Paro festival ground at very early morning around 3:30AM to witness the Thongdrel Ceremony and get the blessing from Thongdrel. Thongdrel-is a big Thangkha. After the Thongdrel Ceremony, we will back to our hotel for breakfast and then we will take rest about 1hour 30minutes. Then we will hike to Paro Taktshang Monastery, the most famous and scared monastery in Buddhism world. Taksang means “Tiger Nest” named after Guru Rinpoche reportedly flew to this site riding on the back of a flying tigress late in the 9th century. We have to walk about 2hours up steep from the road end. The trail climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. Lunch will be served at Taktshang cafeteria. On our way back, drive to the village of Drukgyel and visit the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1649 to commemorate the victory over Tibetan invasion and Kyichu Lhakhang, it is one of the two most sacred and the oldest temples in Bhutan, built in 7th century by Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo (the 33rd Tibetan king, who is also the manifestation of avoloketeshivara, commonly known to Bhutanese as Chenrize). Evening stroll around the Paro vally town, the valley of surpassing Beauty.Dinner and over night stay at Paro hotel.

Day 06. Paro - Airport

Today we will drive to Paro International Airport for your onward flight to Bangkok. Our representative will bid you farewell here at the airport. We wish you a very pleasant and comfortable journey back to your country. Thank you very much for visiting Bhutan through our company and we will always cherish your visit to Bhutan and we will always look forward to see you again in Bhutan – The Land of Happiness!

Thank You & Tashi Delek!

This is a sample itinerary, intended to give you a general idea of the likely trip schedule. Numerous factors such as weather, tour conditions, group options and the physical condition of participants, may dictate itinerary changes either before departure or while on tour. We reserve the right to change this schedule in the interest of our guests, safety, comfort and general well being.

Plan Your Trip

Start planning your tailor-made Dream Holiday to Bhutan – The Land of happiness!

In order to experience the best and rewarding fulfillment clients must plan in advance the different logistics that you have in your minds before actually venturing into the world of trips. You might have wishes and hopes for which you need to plan.

The following information will help you to plan your dream trip to Bhutan.

1. When and how to visit Bhutan?

Choose your traveling date like Arrival/Departure date. You also need to choose entry/depart Bhutan via AIR or LAND.

By Air: Druk Air, the national carriers is the only service operator in the kingdom and operates several flights per week from Bangkok (Thailand), Delhi & Kolkata (India) and Kathmandu (Nepal) to Paro (Bhutan). The Paro International Airport is located about an hour and a half drive from Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan.

Paro airport is daylight restricted, and the flights are totally dependent on the weather. As a result, sometimes flights are delayed. It is therefore a good idea to keep at least 24 hours of transit time for connecting flights out of Paro. You might also want to consider traveling on a non-restricted ticket so that if you miss a connecting flight, you can be rerouted or seated on the first available carrier.

Sometimes flights into Paro are disrupted because of unfavorable weather conditions. If this occurs, the flight will stop for the night at the transit airport. To be prepared, you may want to carry your essential personal items in your carry-on luggage.

By Land: Phuentsholing, a Bhutanese town in the southwest has road access to India. It is located about 170 km from the Indian domestic airport at Bagdogra, West Bengal. Phuentsholing is about 172 km from Thimphu the capital city of Bhutan and is about 6hours drive distance. And S/

2. What are your itineraries?

All the tours can be customized and extended as per our valued client’s requirements. There are sample itineraries for your kind reference and it will give you some general idea of the likely trip scheduled.

Complete the tour request form and submit it to us. Send us correct name list. We will send you the flight reservation status via email.

After confirming your reservation, we need the scanned copy of member’s passport.

Please be reminded:

1. To carry the passport that matches the passport details indicated in the visa application.

2. The passport should have their validity more than 6months from the date of your travel.

3. For all travelers flying via India to/from the kingdom of Bhutan, to have the Indian Visa prior to their departure from their country.

Please remit us full payments and send us the copy of remittance paper via email. Visa will not be accepted without full payment.

We will send you the flight ticket copy and Visa Clearance Copy prior to your departure to Bhutan via email. You need to print out and carry along with you.

Start packing and looking forward to have a memorable trip in the LandThunder Dragon, DrukYul.

NOTE:

For most tours the booking must be completed 8 weeks in advance, but during the festivals booking must be completed at least 12 weeks in advance. Especially during the festivals, it can be very difficult to get the accommodation and flight seats without advance bookings, as it is a peak season for the tourist visiting Bhutan.

Value-Added Option

hot-stone-bath

Hot stone bath (Dhotsho) is a traditional bath of Bhutan, where a tradition of heating up stones and then soaking in the water that is in turn heated by the stones. This is also a curative method and is used throughout the country We Bhutanese belief that this bath has so much of medicinal benefits. Some diseases are curable-like joint pains, hypertension, stomach disorder, arthritis and many other minor diseases. Especially for the old age, where we have lots of body pains, joints pains helps a lot by this Hot Stone Bath (Dhotsho).

I think, the minerals in the rocks have certain chemicals, which can cure certain disease of our body. Hot stone bath has no side effects. It is in its pure natural form. We can organize the hot stone bath during your stay in Bhutan.

The cost for experiencing this will be USD 20 per person.

weaving-in-bhutan

The Bhutanese textiles are rich, vibrant, and colorful and are a complex art form as well as an integral part of the Bhutanese culture. This Bhutan weaving experiences will give you an insight about the rich textiles in Bhutan. You can sit one of the handlooms of Bhutan and weave your self practically. We promise that you will really enjoy this with great satisfaction in your life.

We will also see or learn the natural coloring and dyeing. You can bring your own materials like handkerchief to dye and color. So visit Bhutan and experience it practically by yourself.

So to arrange this you need to pay extra payment of USD 50 per person.

cultural-program

Folk Performing Arts & Music in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan
We have Cultural Program Performing groups, which they will perform like Traditional folk songs, dances and keeps original tunes and dances alive. Moreover, new choreography for some traditional and regional songs is sometimes developed.

The troupe also performs mask dances that have historical and spiritual significance.

The program will be about 1hr program and the cost will be USD 100/program. Usually we organize this in the evening before your dinner. But any time of the day can be organized.

 

hourse-riding-to-tigers-nest

Tiger’s Nest is most visited spot in Bhutan and it is much awaited by every tourist who visits Bhutan to climb to Tiger’s Nest.

It takes about 2 hrs 30mins up steep climb through the forest of pine, oak and Rhododendron. However you can ride the horse and climb till the Taktshang cafeteria.

The price will be approximately USD 12-15. So we can arrange the horses and let us know.

 

The above activities can be incorporated easily into your travel itinerary. However some activities need to pay some additional fees. So let us know which activities you would like to experiences so that we will include in your invoice.

authentic-bhutan-travelSpeak to a specialist

Email: info@authenticbhutantours.com

Cell: 00975-17343434

Get inspired by the trip ideas on our website and in our brochures. Then speak to us for first-hand expert advice and if you’re ready, start planning your trip in detail.

Book This Trip

19 Aug 2023

Gomkora Festival
(17-19 March, 2024)

Bhutan Festival Tour , , ,

The Gom kora temple is a tribute to the sacred cave, which was formed by the river in this region. The name Gomphu translates to ‘meditation cave’ while kora means ‘circumambulation’.

The monastery is popular for the circumambulation festival where people go around the temple day and night. The monastery has many relics of Guru Rinpoche who visited the site in the 8th century.

Our expert specialists are ready to help you plan your next trip. You can call us on 00975-2-335423 (Call us today from 9am )

or complete the this form and we’ll contact you to begin planning your tailor-made trip.

MAKE AN ENQUIRY

Trip Highlights

Festival provides the occasions for the community to get together

  By witnessing the festivals, our sins are removed and blessed with virtues and merits.

  Family members are gathered together during the festivals.

  Explore how these religious dances convey religious messages to the people.

  Discover how it brings joy and happiness to all sentient beings.

  It is also a time, where the Bhutanese will dress up with their finest traditional dresses.

  Festivals play a very important role in the essence of Bhutanese culture.

  Festivals are combination of both the spiritual and social.

  Festival teaches the basic precepts of Buddhism to the people.

  Mingle and be like local and happy people of Bhutan.

  Explore, Discover and enjoy the religious festivals held in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan.

  Meet the people of Merak and Sakteng village and also from Tawang in India.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01. Arrive to Samdrup Jongkhar via Guwahati

Our guide will receive you at Guwahati Airport with Indian Car and driver and transfer to Samdrup Jongkhar. The Indian car and driver’s duty will finsh their duty at hotel. This same car and driver may come to drop our guest at Guwahati airport. Check in the hotel and stroll around Samdrup Jongkhar town. Dinner and over night stay at hotel Samdrup Jongkahr.

  Meal Plan: Welcome Dinner   Accommodation: Hotel

Day 02. Samdrup Jongkhar – Trashigang

After our breakfast, we will drive to Trashigang. En-route we will visit to Khaling Handloom Center and explore and learn the art of weaving culture in Bhutan and at Kalung, visit to Kanglung Zangtopleri Lhakhang. Then transfer to Trashigang Hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel Trashigang.

 Accommodation: Hotel

Day 03. Trashigang Stay

Today we will witness Gomphu Kora Festival. In the afternoon, we will go to Trashi Yangtshi and visit to Chhorten Kora and stroll around Trashi Yangthsi town. Explore the town famous for the arts of traditional wood bowl making Daapas and Bhutanese paper making. Then evening drive to hotel Trashigang. Dinner and over night stay at Trashigang Hotel.

 Accommodation: Hotel

Day 04. Trashigang Stay

Today we will explore Rangjung and Radhi villages with picnic lunch. At Rangjung, we will visit to Rangjung Osel Chholing Monastery. At Kardung, we will visit to Khardung Animi Dratshang and learn their way of life. Lunch served as hot picnic lunch. Enjoy the rice bowl valley (Radhi Valley) of eastern Bhutan. Evening at leisure and dinner and overnight stay at hotel Trashigang.

 Accommodation: Hotel

Day 05. Trahsigang – Mongar

After our breakfast, we will drive to Mongar. On the way visit to Mongar Ngatshang Lhakhang and learn the lifestyles of Bhutanese monks. You can visit their living rooms and ask about their life styles. Lunch at Mongar. After lunch, visit to Mongar Dzong and Mongar Yalang Lhakhang, where a very few tourist have an opportunity to visit this monastery. Dinner and over night stay at hotel Mongar.

 Accommodation: Hotel

Day 06. Mongar – Lhuentshi

After breakfast, we will drive to Lhuentshi, the most remotest district in Bhutan. Not many people and tourist have visited this place or district. You will have an opportunity to explore and experience the true living styles of Bhutanese way of life. Visit to Lhuentshi Dzong and then visit to Bhutanese Farm House, where we are going to stay over night here in Bhutanese farmhouse. After having some introduction to the farmhouse and having some welcome drinks, we will explore the area near our Farmhouse. It will be your wonderful experience once in your lifetime.

 Accommodation: Hotel

Day 07. Lhuentshi – Mongar

Explore the valley till lunchtime like visiting Khoma Village and learn and appreciate the art of Bhutanese weaving and textile. . Have lunch at farmhouse and drive to Mongar. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel Mongar.

 Accommodation: Hotel

Day 08. Mongar – Samdrup Jongkhar

Drive to Samdrup Jongkhar. You will have lot of opportunities for you photo shoot and stop where every necessary. We will have picnic lunch or at local restaurant on the way. On reaching Samdrup Jongkhar, our guide will completed the immigration formalities for your tomorrow’s departure to Guwahati. In the evening, you will meet the Indian driver, who will take you to Guwahati Airport tomorrow. Your Bhutanese guide and driver will bid you farewell at today’s dinnertime as they will leave to Thimphu very early morning, next day.

 Accommodation: Hotel

Day 09. Samdrup Jongkhar – Guwahati

Today after your breakfast, your Indian driver and car will take you to Guwahati airport. We wish you a very safe and comfortable journey back to your country. Thank you very much visiting Bhutan through our company and we hope to see you again in Bhutan some day.

This is a sample itinerary, intended to give you a general idea of the likely trip schedule. Numerous factors such as weather, tour conditions, group options and the physical condition of participants, may dictate itinerary changes either before departure or while on tour. We reserve the right to change this schedule in the interest of our guests, safety, comfort and general well being.

Plan Your Trip

Start planning your tailor-made Dream Holiday to Bhutan – The Land of happiness!

In order to experience the best and rewarding fulfillment clients must plan in advance the different logistics that you have in your minds before actually venturing into the world of trips. You might have wishes and hopes for which you need to plan.

The following information will help you to plan your dream trip to Bhutan.

1. When and how to visit Bhutan?

Choose your traveling date like Arrival/Departure date. You also need to choose entry/depart Bhutan via AIR or LAND.

By Air: Druk Air, the national carriers is the only service operator in the kingdom and operates several flights per week from Bangkok (Thailand), Delhi & Kolkata (India) and Kathmandu (Nepal) to Paro (Bhutan). The Paro International Airport is located about an hour and a half drive from Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan.

Paro airport is daylight restricted, and the flights are totally dependent on the weather. As a result, sometimes flights are delayed. It is therefore a good idea to keep at least 24 hours of transit time for connecting flights out of Paro. You might also want to consider traveling on a non-restricted ticket so that if you miss a connecting flight, you can be rerouted or seated on the first available carrier.

Sometimes flights into Paro are disrupted because of unfavorable weather conditions. If this occurs, the flight will stop for the night at the transit airport. To be prepared, you may want to carry your essential personal items in your carry-on luggage.

By Land: Phuentsholing, a Bhutanese town in the southwest has road access to India. It is located about 170 km from the Indian domestic airport at Bagdogra, West Bengal. Phuentsholing is about 172 km from Thimphu the capital city of Bhutan and is about 6hours drive distance. And S/

2. What are your itineraries?

All the tours can be customized and extended as per our valued client’s requirements. There are sample itineraries for your kind reference and it will give you some general idea of the likely trip scheduled.

Complete the tour request form and submit it to us. Send us correct name list. We will send you the flight reservation status via email.

After confirming your reservation, we need the scanned copy of member’s passport.

Please be reminded:

1. To carry the passport that matches the passport details indicated in the visa application.

2. The passport should have their validity more than 6months from the date of your travel.

3. For all travelers flying via India to/from the kingdom of Bhutan, to have the Indian Visa prior to their departure from their country.

Please remit us full payments and send us the copy of remittance paper via email. Visa will not be accepted without full payment.

We will send you the flight ticket copy and Visa Clearance Copy prior to your departure to Bhutan via email. You need to print out and carry along with you.

Start packing and looking forward to have a memorable trip in the LandThunder Dragon, DrukYul.

NOTE:

For most tours the booking must be completed 8 weeks in advance, but during the festivals booking must be completed at least 12 weeks in advance. Especially during the festivals, it can be very difficult to get the accommodation and flight seats without advance bookings, as it is a peak season for the tourist visiting Bhutan.

Value-Added Option

hot-stone-bath

Hot stone bath (Dhotsho) is a traditional bath of Bhutan, where a tradition of heating up stones and then soaking in the water that is in turn heated by the stones. This is also a curative method and is used throughout the country We Bhutanese belief that this bath has so much of medicinal benefits. Some diseases are curable-like joint pains, hypertension, stomach disorder, arthritis and many other minor diseases. Especially for the old age, where we have lots of body pains, joints pains helps a lot by this Hot Stone Bath (Dhotsho).

I think, the minerals in the rocks have certain chemicals, which can cure certain disease of our body. Hot stone bath has no side effects. It is in its pure natural form. We can organize the hot stone bath during your stay in Bhutan.

The cost for experiencing this will be USD 20 per person.

weaving-in-bhutan

The Bhutanese textiles are rich, vibrant, and colorful and are a complex art form as well as an integral part of the Bhutanese culture. This Bhutan weaving experiences will give you an insight about the rich textiles in Bhutan. You can sit one of the handlooms of Bhutan and weave your self practically. We promise that you will really enjoy this with great satisfaction in your life.

We will also see or learn the natural coloring and dyeing. You can bring your own materials like handkerchief to dye and color. So visit Bhutan and experience it practically by yourself.

So to arrange this you need to pay extra payment of USD 50 per person.

cultural-program

Folk Performing Arts & Music in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan
We have Cultural Program Performing groups, which they will perform like Traditional folk songs, dances and keeps original tunes and dances alive. Moreover, new choreography for some traditional and regional songs is sometimes developed.

The troupe also performs mask dances that have historical and spiritual significance.

The program will be about 1hr program and the cost will be USD 100/program. Usually we organize this in the evening before your dinner. But any time of the day can be organized.

 

hourse-riding-to-tigers-nest

Tiger’s Nest is most visited spot in Bhutan and it is much awaited by every tourist who visits Bhutan to climb to Tiger’s Nest.

It takes about 2 hrs 30mins up steep climb through the forest of pine, oak and Rhododendron. However you can ride the horse and climb till the Taktshang cafeteria.

The price will be approximately USD 12-15. So we can arrange the horses and let us know.

 

The above activities can be incorporated easily into your travel itinerary. However some activities need to pay some additional fees. So let us know which activities you would like to experiences so that we will include in your invoice.

authentic-bhutan-travelSpeak to a specialist

Email: info@authenticbhutantours.com

Cell: 00975-17343434

Get inspired by the trip ideas on our website and in our brochures. Then speak to us for first-hand expert advice and if you’re ready, start planning your trip in detail.

Book This Trip

16 Aug 2023

Talo Festival
(17 – 19 March, 2024)

Bhutan Festival Tour , , ,

The three-day Talo Festival Tour (Tshechu) is well known for its maskdances and the atsara dances. An equally popular attraction, which has a deep religious and historical significance, is the Zhungdra (classical dance) by the Talo dance troupe. The three songs of Mani Sum, which comprise the Zhundra set, are performed as the closing item on each day of the three days of the Tshechu. The three Songs, Samyi Sala (performed on the first day), Drukpa Dungey (second day) and Thowachi Gangi Tselay on the final day, are the pride of the Talo community.

 

Our expert specialists are ready to help you plan your next trip. You can call us on 00975-2-335423 (Call us today from 9am )

or complete the this form and we’ll contact you to begin planning your tailor-made trip.

MAKE AN ENQUIRY

Trip Highlights

Festival provides the occasions for the community to get together

  By witnessing the festivals, our sins are removed and blessed with virtues and merits.

  Family members are gathered together during the festivals.

  Explore how these religious dances convey religious messages to the people.

  Discover how it brings joy and happiness to all sentient beings.

  It is also a time, where the Bhutanese will dress up with their finest traditional dresses.

  Festivals play a very important role in the essence of Bhutanese culture.

  Festivals are combination of both the spiritual and social.

  Festival teaches the basic precepts of Buddhism to the people.

  Mingle and be like local and happy people of Bhutan.

  Explore, Discover and enjoy the religious festivals held in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01. Arrive to Bhutan – Trsnafer to Thimphu

The flight into Paro on our national carrier, Druk Air, is a befitting introduction to the spectacular beauty of our country. In clear weather, magnificent views of the world’s highest peaks like Gangkar Puensum, give way to the lush green Paro valley as you land. Your Bhutanese escort from Authentic Bhutan Tours- For Your Bhutan Experience! will warmly welcome & greet you on arrival, and then to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. The drive will take about 1 hour and 30 minutes along a river valley, past small villages and traditional farmhouses, through peaceful countryside. It’s a small & charming capital city located in the heart of the Himalayas.

On reaching Thimphu, we will do a short hike, from Kuensel Phodrang to Depsi (South of Thimphu). Before we start the hike, we will visit to Tallest Buddha Statue in the world. Then we will start the hike. The hiking is more or less very easy and plain walk through the forest of Pine, Rhododendron and Oak trees. The hike will take about 1-hour 30 mins. We can see Thimphu city, Thimphu River (Wangchhu) and other adjacent towns through this hike. We can also take some fluttering prayer flags (Lungta) and hang them between two to three trees that will bring fortune, happiness and good health to every one in this world including your enemy.

Evening visit Tashi Chho Dzong, seat of the national government and the Central Monastic Body, including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan) and stroll around Thimphu town. Dinner and overnight stay in the hotel, Thimphu

  Meal Plan: Welcome Dinner   Accommodation: Hotel

Day 02. Thimphu Stay

Sightseeing in Thimphu, visit to Memorial Chhorten, built in 1974 in the memory of third king late Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, and the temple inside gives good examples of tantric Buddhist and its philosophy. Mothithang minizoo to see the National Animal of Bhutan (Takin), Zulikha Nunnery, the Thangtong Dewachen nunnery was founded in 1976 by Rikey Jadrel and today it houses the sixty nuns engaged in Buddhist study and practices. Folk Heritage Museum, this Folk Heritage Museum is a showcase, the 19-century farmhouse and the living style of the Bhutanese family. National Library, the National Library was established in 1967 to preserve many ancient Dzongkha and Tibetan texts. Lunch in Thimphu town.

After lunch, visit Paper Factory, were Bhutanese Traditional Papers & paper products are made. Weaving Center produces hand-woven textiles on site and has a selection of cloth and ready-made garments for sale. This is one of the few places where you can watch weavers at work, and then Authentic Bhutanese handicrafts. Evening we will visit Bhutanese Farm House for dinner and Traditional Hot Stone bath. Over night stay at Thimphu Hotel or we can organize even in Bhutanese Farm House.

 Accommodation: Hotel

Day 03. Thimphu -Punakha/Wangdi

After our breakfast, we will drive to Punakha/Wangdi. The road climbs steeply through forests of pine, hemlock spruce and rhododendrons. At Dochula Pass (3150m) you will have a breathtaking panoramic view of the Eastern Himalayan Mountain ranges. The pass is adorned with 108 small stupas and many kinds of prayer flags. Then the road descends through lush forests to the fertile valley of Punakha & Wangdi Pghodrang. On reaching Lobesa, we will visit Chhimi Lhakhang, which is located at a hilltop. The temple is known as ‘the temple of fertility’.

At Punakha, visit the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan, Punakha Dzong. After this, we will drive till the view point of Khamsum Yule Namgyle Chhorten, passing the beautiful rural landscape. Evening at leisure. Dinner and over night stay at Hotel Punakha/Wangdi

 Accommodation: Hotel

Day 04. Punakha/Wangdi Stay

Today whole day, we will enjoy with Talo Festival.

 Accommodation: Hotel

Day 05. Puankha/Wangdi – Paro

After the breakfast we will drive to Paro. The road will ascend up to the great Dochula Pass. On the way back to Paro offers another chance to view the amazing Himalayan ranges. Stop along the way to take photos wherever you find the best spot for the photography. On Tacho Gang, visit Tachogang Lhakhang, founded by Thangtong Gyalpo who was a wonder-working Tibetain saint and builder of Iron Chain Briddges in Bhutan. You have to cross through the iron chain bride designed traditionally. Lunch will be served at Paro.

After lunch we will visit to Paro National Museum, it holds fascinating collections of art, relics, religious Thangka paintings and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps and Paro Dziong, the center of civil and religious authority in this region. Evening stroll around the Paro vally town, the valley of surpassing Beauty. Dinner and over night stay at Paro hotel.

 Accommodation: Hotel

Day 06. Paro Stay

Toady we will make a hike to Paro Taktshang Monastery, the most famous and scared monastery in Buddhism world. Taksang means “TigerNest” named after Guru Rinpoche reportedly flew to this site riding on the back of a flying tigress late in the 9th century. We have to walk about 2hours up steep from the road end. The trail climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. Lunch will be served at Taktshang cafeteria.

On our way back, drive to the village of Drukgyel and visit the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1649 to commemorate the victory over Tibetan invasion and Kyichu Lhakhang, it is one of the two most sacred and the oldest temples in Bhutan, built in 7th century by Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo (the 33rd Tibetan king, who is also the manifestation of avoloketeshivara, commonly known to Bhutanese as Chenrize). Evening at leisure, dinner and over night stay at Paro Hotel

 Accommodation: Hotel

Day 07. Paro – Paro International Airport

After our breakfast, we will drive to Paro International Airport for your onward flight. Our guide and driver will bid you farewell here at the airport. We wish you a very safe and pleasant flight for your onward destinations.

This is a sample itinerary, intended to give you a general idea of the likely trip schedule. Numerous factors such as weather, tour conditions, group options and the physical condition of participants, may dictate itinerary changes either before departure or while on tour. We reserve the right to change this schedule in the interest of our guests, safety, comfort and general well being.

Plan Your Trip

Start planning your tailor-made Dream Holiday to Bhutan – The Land of happiness!

In order to experience the best and rewarding fulfillment clients must plan in advance the different logistics that you have in your minds before actually venturing into the world of trips. You might have wishes and hopes for which you need to plan.

The following information will help you to plan your dream trip to Bhutan.

1. When and how to visit Bhutan?

Choose your traveling date like Arrival/Departure date. You also need to choose entry/depart Bhutan via AIR or LAND.

By Air: Druk Air, the national carriers is the only service operator in the kingdom and operates several flights per week from Bangkok (Thailand), Delhi & Kolkata (India) and Kathmandu (Nepal) to Paro (Bhutan). The Paro International Airport is located about an hour and a half drive from Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan.

Paro airport is daylight restricted, and the flights are totally dependent on the weather. As a result, sometimes flights are delayed. It is therefore a good idea to keep at least 24 hours of transit time for connecting flights out of Paro. You might also want to consider traveling on a non-restricted ticket so that if you miss a connecting flight, you can be rerouted or seated on the first available carrier.

Sometimes flights into Paro are disrupted because of unfavorable weather conditions. If this occurs, the flight will stop for the night at the transit airport. To be prepared, you may want to carry your essential personal items in your carry-on luggage.

By Land: Phuentsholing, a Bhutanese town in the southwest has road access to India. It is located about 170 km from the Indian domestic airport at Bagdogra, West Bengal. Phuentsholing is about 172 km from Thimphu the capital city of Bhutan and is about 6hours drive distance. And S/

2. What are your itineraries?

All the tours can be customized and extended as per our valued client’s requirements. There are sample itineraries for your kind reference and it will give you some general idea of the likely trip scheduled.

Complete the tour request form and submit it to us. Send us correct name list. We will send you the flight reservation status via email.

After confirming your reservation, we need the scanned copy of member’s passport.

Please be reminded:

1. To carry the passport that matches the passport details indicated in the visa application.

2. The passport should have their validity more than 6months from the date of your travel.

3. For all travelers flying via India to/from the kingdom of Bhutan, to have the Indian Visa prior to their departure from their country.

Please remit us full payments and send us the copy of remittance paper via email. Visa will not be accepted without full payment.

We will send you the flight ticket copy and Visa Clearance Copy prior to your departure to Bhutan via email. You need to print out and carry along with you.

Start packing and looking forward to have a memorable trip in the LandThunder Dragon, DrukYul.

NOTE:

For most tours the booking must be completed 8 weeks in advance, but during the festivals booking must be completed at least 12 weeks in advance. Especially during the festivals, it can be very difficult to get the accommodation and flight seats without advance bookings, as it is a peak season for the tourist visiting Bhutan.

Value-Added Option

hot-stone-bath

Hot stone bath (Dhotsho) is a traditional bath of Bhutan, where a tradition of heating up stones and then soaking in the water that is in turn heated by the stones. This is also a curative method and is used throughout the country We Bhutanese belief that this bath has so much of medicinal benefits. Some diseases are curable-like joint pains, hypertension, stomach disorder, arthritis and many other minor diseases. Especially for the old age, where we have lots of body pains, joints pains helps a lot by this Hot Stone Bath (Dhotsho).

I think, the minerals in the rocks have certain chemicals, which can cure certain disease of our body. Hot stone bath has no side effects. It is in its pure natural form. We can organize the hot stone bath during your stay in Bhutan.

The cost for experiencing this will be USD 20 per person.

weaving-in-bhutan

The Bhutanese textiles are rich, vibrant, and colorful and are a complex art form as well as an integral part of the Bhutanese culture. This Bhutan weaving experiences will give you an insight about the rich textiles in Bhutan. You can sit one of the handlooms of Bhutan and weave your self practically. We promise that you will really enjoy this with great satisfaction in your life.

We will also see or learn the natural coloring and dyeing. You can bring your own materials like handkerchief to dye and color. So visit Bhutan and experience it practically by yourself.

So to arrange this you need to pay extra payment of USD 50 per person.

cultural-program

Folk Performing Arts & Music in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan
We have Cultural Program Performing groups, which they will perform like Traditional folk songs, dances and keeps original tunes and dances alive. Moreover, new choreography for some traditional and regional songs is sometimes developed.

The troupe also performs mask dances that have historical and spiritual significance.

The program will be about 1hr program and the cost will be USD 100/program. Usually we organize this in the evening before your dinner. But any time of the day can be organized.

 

hourse-riding-to-tigers-nest

Tiger’s Nest is most visited spot in Bhutan and it is much awaited by every tourist who visits Bhutan to climb to Tiger’s Nest.

It takes about 2 hrs 30mins up steep climb through the forest of pine, oak and Rhododendron. However you can ride the horse and climb till the Taktshang cafeteria.

The price will be approximately USD 12-15. So we can arrange the horses and let us know.

 

The above activities can be incorporated easily into your travel itinerary. However some activities need to pay some additional fees. So let us know which activities you would like to experiences so that we will include in your invoice.

authentic-bhutan-travelSpeak to a specialist

Email: info@authenticbhutantours.com

Cell: 00975-17343434

Get inspired by the trip ideas on our website and in our brochures. Then speak to us for first-hand expert advice and if you’re ready, start planning your trip in detail.

Book This Trip

14 Mar 2021

Domkhar Festival
(18 – 20 April, 2024)

Bhutan Festival Tour , ,

The Domkhar Tsechu is a religious and cultural festival celebrated in the Domkhar village of Bumthang district in Bhutan. Tsechus are vibrant events that hold deep significance in Bhutanese culture, combining religious devotion, traditional performances, and communal celebration. The Domkhar Tsechu is one such festival that brings together the local community and visitors to honor their spiritual heritage.

Key Features of Domkhar Tsechu:

  1. Religious Significance:

    The festival is held in honor of Guru Rinpoche, also known as Padmasambhava, the legendary Indian saint who is credited with introducing Buddhism to Bhutan. The Tsechu commemorates his profound teachings and contributions to the country’s spiritual legacy.

  2. Masked Dances (Cham Dances):

    One of the most captivating aspects of the Domkhar Tsechu is the performance of cham dances. These are traditional masked dances that narrate religious stories, legends, and moral lessons. The dances are performed by both monks and laypeople, each wearing intricate costumes and ornate masks that represent deities, demons, and historical figures.

  3. Symbolism and Spirituality:

    The cham dances are not only visually captivating but also carry deep symbolism. They often depict the triumph of good over evil, the subjugation of harmful spirits, and the teaching of Buddhist principles. The dances are believed to bring blessings and ward off negative influences.

  4. Community Gathering:

    The Tsechu provides an opportunity for people from Domkhar village and neighboring areas to come together. It’s a time for families and friends to reunite, celebrate their shared cultural heritage, and participate in the festivities.

  5. Religious Rituals:

    Apart from the mask dances, the Tsechu involves a series of religious rituals, prayers, and ceremonies conducted by monks and lamas. These rituals are meant to purify the environment, dispel negativity, and invoke blessings for all beings.

  6. Traditional Attire and Cuisine:

    Attendees often wear their finest traditional clothing, adding to the colorful and vibrant atmosphere. The festival is also an occasion to enjoy Bhutanese cuisine, including local delicacies and traditional dishes.

  7. Cultural Preservation:

    Tsechus play a crucial role in preserving Bhutan’s unique culture and transmitting it to the younger generations. The dances, rituals, and stories shared during the festival contribute to the continuity of Bhutanese traditions.

  8. Tourism and Outreach:

    The Domkhar Tsechu attracts tourists and visitors who are interested in experiencing Bhutanese culture firsthand. It offers an authentic glimpse into the country’s spiritual and cultural practices.

The Domkhar Tsechu is a significant event for both the local community and outsiders, fostering a sense of unity, spirituality, and cultural pride. It’s important to note that specific dates for Tsechus can vary each year, as they are based on the Bhutanese lunar calendar. If you plan to attend the Domkhar Tsechu or any other Bhutanese festival, it’s advisable to consult local sources or tourism authorities for accurate dates and information.

Our expert specialists are ready to help you plan your next trip. You can call us on 00975-2-335423 (Call us today from 9am )

or complete the this form and we’ll contact you to begin planning your tailor-made trip.

MAKE AN ENQUIRY

Trip Highlights

Festival provides the occasions for the community to get together

  By witnessing the festivals, our sins are removed and blessed with virtues and merits.

  Family members are gathered together during the festivals.

  Explore how these religious dances convey religious messages to the people.

  Discover how it brings joy and happiness to all sentient beings.

  It is also a time, where the Bhutanese will dress up with their finest traditional dresses.

  Festivals play a very important role in the essence of Bhutanese culture.

  Festivals are combination of both the spiritual and social.

  Festival teaches the basic precepts of Buddhism to the people.

  Mingle and be like local and happy people of Bhutan.

  Explore, Discover and enjoy the religious festivals held in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01. Arrive to Bhutan – Transfer to Thimphu

The flight into Paro on our national carrier, Druk Air, is a befitting introduction to the spectacular beauty of our country. In clear weather, magnificent views of the world’s highest peaks like Gangkar Puensum, give way to the lush green Paro valley as you land. Your Bhutanese escort from Authentic Bhutan Tours- For Your Bhutan Experience! will warmly welcome & greet you on arrival, and then to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. The drive will take about 1 hour and 30 minutes along a river valley, past small villages and traditional farmhouses, through peaceful countryside. It’s a small & charming capital city located in the heart of the Himalayas.

On reaching Thimphu, we will do a short hike, from Kuensel Phodrang to Depsi (South of Thimphu). Before we start the hike, we will visit to Tallest Buddha Statue in the world. Then we will start the hike. The hiking is more or less very easy and plain walk through the forest of Pine, Rhododendron and Oak trees. The hike will take about 1-hour 30 mins. We can see Thimphu city, Thimphu River (Wangchhu) and other adjacent towns through this hike. We can also take some fluttering prayer flags (Lungta) and hang them between two to three trees that will bring fortune, happiness and good health to every one in this world including your enemy.

Evening visit Tashi Chho Dzong, seat of the national government and the Central Monastic Body, including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan) and stroll around Thimphu town. Dinner and overnight stay in the hotel, Thimphu

  Meal Plan: Welcome Dinner   Accommodation: Hotel

Day 02. Thimphu stay

Sightseeing in Thimphu, visit to Memorial Chhorten, built in 1974 in the memory of third king late Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, and the temple inside gives good examples of tantric Buddhist and its philosophy. Mothithang minizoo to see the National Animal of Bhutan (Takin), Zulikha Nunnery, the Thangtong Dewachen nunnery was founded in 1976 by Rikey Jadrel and today it houses the sixty nuns engaged in Buddhist study and practices. Folk Heritage Museum, this Folk Heritage Museum is a showcase, the 19-century farmhouse and the living style of the Bhutanese family. National Library, the National Library was established in 1967 to preserve many ancient Dzongkha and Tibetan texts. Lunch in Thimphu town.

After lunch, visit Paper Factory, were Bhutanese Traditional Papers & paper products are made. Weaving Center produces hand-woven textiles on site and has a selection of cloth and ready-made garments for sale. This is one of the few places where you can watch weavers at work, and then Authentic Bhutanese handicrafts.

Evening we will visit Bhutanese Farm House for dinner and Traditional Hot Stone bath. Over night stay at Thimphu Hotel or we can organize even in Bhutanese Farm House.

 Accommodation: Hotel

Day 03. Thimphu – Punakha /Wangdi

After our breakfast, we will drive to Punakha/Wangdi. The road climbs steeply through forests of pine, hemlock spruce and rhododendrons. At Dochula Pass (3150m) you will have a breathtaking panoramic view of the Eastern Himalayan Mountain ranges. The pass is adorned with 108 small stupas and many kinds of prayer flags. Then the road descends through lush forests to the fertile valley of Punakha & Wangdi Pghodrang.

On reaching Lobesa, we will visit Chhimi Lhakhang, which is located at a hilltop. The temple is known as ‘the temple of fertility’. At Punakha, visit the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan, Punakha Dzong. After this, we will drive till the view point of Khamsum Yule Namgyle Chhorten, passing the beautiful rural landscape.

Evening at leisure. Dinner and over night stay at Hotel Punakha/Wangdi

 Accommodation: Hotel

Day 04. Punakha/Wangdi – Bumthang

After the breakfast, we will drive to Bumthang, the central Bhutan. The road will slowly ascend until Pelela pass (3400m). You may spot a yaks grazing along the roadside by Pele la Pass. The road descends through semi-tropical vegetation and alpine environment, with rhododendron trees and dark green dwarf bamboo. Your lunch will be served at Rukubji Restaurants. You will stop by at Chendebji Chhorten, the chorten is patterned after Swayambhunath in Kathmandu and was built in 19th century to cover the remains of an evil spirit that was killed at this spot. As you enter Trongsa valley, the huge fortress of Trongsa Dzong, the most impressive dzong in Bhutan appears on the far side of a deep valley.

On reaching Trongsa, we will visit Trongsa Dzong and the ‘The Tower of Trongsa’ – Religion and Power in Bhutan. The Tower of Trongsa is a museum in which aspects of Bhutanese culture and history are explained by beautifully objects, while for others it is as scared place of encounter with the gods. Then we continue our journey to Bumthang, through the hairpin bends with the dense forest of rhododendron, conifers, alder and oak crossing Yotong La, 3425m. The road then comes out into a wide-open cultivated valley – which is the Chumey Valley, the first of Bumthnag’s four valleys. From here the road goes on straight until we see Jakar Dzong and then drops into bends before straightening out again in the main valley at Chamkhar. At Chhumey, we will Chumey Yathra Production center (Yathra – Woolen Textile).

Evening at leisure. Dinner and over night stay at hotel Bumthang. Mepham Guest house or similar standard.

 Accommodation: Hotel

Day 05. Bumthang Stay

Enjoy wit Domkhar Festival in Bumthang.

 Accommodation: Hotel

Day 06. Bumthang Stay

You can go to the festival today also or sightseeing in Bumthang valley like visit to Jambay Lhakhang, which is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, built in 7th century, Kurjey Lhakhang, is named after the body print of Guru Rinpoche which is preserved in a cave inside the oldest of the three buildings, Tamshing Lhakhang – which was established by Terton Pema Lingpa in 1501 and is the most important Nyingma Goenba in the country. Lunch in the Bumthang hotel.

After lunch we will visit Mebertsho (Burning Lake) – This is a very scared lake for Bhutanese people. Terton Pema Lingpa discovered several of Guru Rinpoche’s hidden religious treasures from this lake.

Evening we will visit to Farmer’s House for Bhutanese Tea, Alcohol and Hot Stone Bath (Dhotsho). We can also organize over night stay in Farm House. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel, Bumthang or Farmer’s House.

 Accommodation: Hotel

Day 07. Bumthang – Paro (domestic flight).

After our early breakfast, we will transfer to Bumthang Airport and fly to Paro. After reaching Paro, we will hike to Paro Taktshang Monastery till the viewpoint. On our way back, we will visit to Kyichu Lhakhang, the oldest monastery in Bhutan.

Evening stroll around Paro town. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel Paro. Hotel Dewachen Resort or similar standard.

 Accommodation: Hotel

Day 08. Paro – Paro International Airport

After our breakfast, we will drive to Paro International Airport for your onward flight. Our guide and driver will bid you farewell here at the airport. We wish you a very safe and pleasant flight for your onward destinations.

This is a sample itinerary, intended to give you a general idea of the likely trip schedule. Numerous factors such as weather, tour conditions, group options and the physical condition of participants, may dictate itinerary changes either before departure or while on tour. We reserve the right to change this schedule in the interest of our guests, safety, comfort and general well being.

Plan Your Trip

Start planning your tailor-made Dream Holiday to Bhutan – The Land of happiness!

In order to experience the best and rewarding fulfillment clients must plan in advance the different logistics that you have in your minds before actually venturing into the world of trips. You might have wishes and hopes for which you need to plan.

The following information will help you to plan your dream trip to Bhutan.

1. When and how to visit Bhutan?

Choose your traveling date like Arrival/Departure date. You also need to choose entry/depart Bhutan via AIR or LAND.

By Air: Druk Air, the national carriers is the only service operator in the kingdom and operates several flights per week from Bangkok (Thailand), Delhi & Kolkata (India) and Kathmandu (Nepal) to Paro (Bhutan). The Paro International Airport is located about an hour and a half drive from Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan.

Paro airport is daylight restricted, and the flights are totally dependent on the weather. As a result, sometimes flights are delayed. It is therefore a good idea to keep at least 24 hours of transit time for connecting flights out of Paro. You might also want to consider traveling on a non-restricted ticket so that if you miss a connecting flight, you can be rerouted or seated on the first available carrier.

Sometimes flights into Paro are disrupted because of unfavorable weather conditions. If this occurs, the flight will stop for the night at the transit airport. To be prepared, you may want to carry your essential personal items in your carry-on luggage.

By Land: Phuentsholing, a Bhutanese town in the southwest has road access to India. It is located about 170 km from the Indian domestic airport at Bagdogra, West Bengal. Phuentsholing is about 172 km from Thimphu the capital city of Bhutan and is about 6hours drive distance. And S/

2. What are your itineraries?

All the tours can be customized and extended as per our valued client’s requirements. There are sample itineraries for your kind reference and it will give you some general idea of the likely trip scheduled.

Complete the tour request form and submit it to us. Send us correct name list. We will send you the flight reservation status via email.

After confirming your reservation, we need the scanned copy of member’s passport.

Please be reminded:

1. To carry the passport that matches the passport details indicated in the visa application.

2. The passport should have their validity more than 6months from the date of your travel.

3. For all travelers flying via India to/from the kingdom of Bhutan, to have the Indian Visa prior to their departure from their country.

Please remit us full payments and send us the copy of remittance paper via email. Visa will not be accepted without full payment.

We will send you the flight ticket copy and Visa Clearance Copy prior to your departure to Bhutan via email. You need to print out and carry along with you.

Start packing and looking forward to have a memorable trip in the LandThunder Dragon, DrukYul.

NOTE:

For most tours the booking must be completed 8 weeks in advance, but during the festivals booking must be completed at least 12 weeks in advance. Especially during the festivals, it can be very difficult to get the accommodation and flight seats without advance bookings, as it is a peak season for the tourist visiting Bhutan.

Value-Added Option

hot-stone-bath

Hot stone bath (Dhotsho) is a traditional bath of Bhutan, where a tradition of heating up stones and then soaking in the water that is in turn heated by the stones. This is also a curative method and is used throughout the country We Bhutanese belief that this bath has so much of medicinal benefits. Some diseases are curable-like joint pains, hypertension, stomach disorder, arthritis and many other minor diseases. Especially for the old age, where we have lots of body pains, joints pains helps a lot by this Hot Stone Bath (Dhotsho).

I think, the minerals in the rocks have certain chemicals, which can cure certain disease of our body. Hot stone bath has no side effects. It is in its pure natural form. We can organize the hot stone bath during your stay in Bhutan.

The cost for experiencing this will be USD 20 per person.

weaving-in-bhutan

The Bhutanese textiles are rich, vibrant, and colorful and are a complex art form as well as an integral part of the Bhutanese culture. This Bhutan weaving experiences will give you an insight about the rich textiles in Bhutan. You can sit one of the handlooms of Bhutan and weave your self practically. We promise that you will really enjoy this with great satisfaction in your life.

We will also see or learn the natural coloring and dyeing. You can bring your own materials like handkerchief to dye and color. So visit Bhutan and experience it practically by yourself.

So to arrange this you need to pay extra payment of USD 50 per person.

cultural-program

Folk Performing Arts & Music in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan
We have Cultural Program Performing groups, which they will perform like Traditional folk songs, dances and keeps original tunes and dances alive. Moreover, new choreography for some traditional and regional songs is sometimes developed.

The troupe also performs mask dances that have historical and spiritual significance.

The program will be about 1hr program and the cost will be USD 100/program. Usually we organize this in the evening before your dinner. But any time of the day can be organized.

 

hourse-riding-to-tigers-nest

Tiger’s Nest is most visited spot in Bhutan and it is much awaited by every tourist who visits Bhutan to climb to Tiger’s Nest.

It takes about 2 hrs 30mins up steep climb through the forest of pine, oak and Rhododendron. However you can ride the horse and climb till the Taktshang cafeteria.

The price will be approximately USD 12-15. So we can arrange the horses and let us know.

 

The above activities can be incorporated easily into your travel itinerary. However some activities need to pay some additional fees. So let us know which activities you would like to experiences so that we will include in your invoice.

authentic-bhutan-travelSpeak to a specialist

Email: info@authenticbhutantours.com

Cell: 00975-17343434

Get inspired by the trip ideas on our website and in our brochures. Then speak to us for first-hand expert advice and if you’re ready, start planning your trip in detail.

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