9 DAY FESTIVAL EXTRAVAGANZA

OVERVIEW
The Festival Extravaganza Tour is a 8 nights/ nine-day leisurely-paced tour that takes on at least one or multiple colorful festivals in this magical Kingdom This tour takes one or multiple of Bhutan’s most colorful and popular festivals. Bhutan’s festivals are joyous expressions of its Buddhist culture. It offers Bhutanese an opportunity to become immersed in the meaning of their religion, as well as being an occasions for seeing people and being seen. People wear their finest traditional clothes, put on their most beautiful jewelry, bring delicious picnic lunch and join in the festivities. In addition to a local Festival, this tour covers highlights of Paro, Thimphu, Phobjikha, Wangdue & Punakha valleys, which are Bhutan’s most historic towns and districts.

Thimphu:
Thimphu was established as the capital of Bhutan in 1961. Its population is around hundred thousand. It has a youthful exuberance that constantly challenges the country’s conservatism and proud tradition. The ever-present juxtaposition of old and new is just one of its appealing qualities. Crimson-robed monks, Indian labourers, gho- and kira-clad professionals and camera-wielding tourists all strolling on; and nobody, it seems, is in a hurry. Thimphu is the world’s only capital without traffic lights.
During your two full days, we will visit many monuments and attractions of Thimphu, including Tashicho Dzong, the farmers market, Gaint Buddha Statue, Memorial Chorten, Traditional Art School, Indigenous Hospital, Textile museum, Handicraft workshops and more. Thimphu offers the best opportunity to do your own thing. It’s relaxed, friendly and pretty informal, and is most rewarding if you can be the same.

Punakha—Wangdue Valley:
Wangdue and Punakha valley is reached by crossing spectacular Dochula pass. On a clear day, you’ll see panoramic views of snow capped peaks of eastern Himalayan range, including Bhutan’s highest peaks.
Punakha and Wangdue towns are located close to each other in one valley. Punakha was the former winter capital of Bhutan and was established in this location, in part because Punakha is a warmer at a relatively low altitude of 4,100 feet (1300m), allowing for the production of two rice crops each year, along with growth of subtropical fruits such as oranges, mangos, and bananas.
During our stay here, we will visit the impressive Punakha Dzong fortress located at the confluence of Pho and Mo Chu Rivers. We’ll take an easy walk in the valley, visit some of its monasteries, villages, take short drives and enjoy this idyllic countryside dotted with farm houses and terraced hillsides.

Paro Valley & Takstang:
Emerald green Paro Valley at 7,500ft, is one of Bhutan’s most beautiful and most fertile valley. Numerous shrines, fortresses and farm houses dot the landscape and graceful willow trees grow along the edge of Pachhu river, which passes through paddy fields and farmlands. During our time here, visit the ruins of Drugyal Dzong, a fortress which protected the valley against invaders from north. Visit beautiful 7th century Kichu Lhakhang temple, see many beautiful Buddhist wall paintings and iconography inside Dungtse Lhakhang, built in 1421. Among others you will also visit Bhutan National museum, housed in an ancient watchtower and visit Paro Rinphung Dzong, one of the most beautiful fortress /monastery in Bhutan.

We also dedicate a full day for excursion to famous Taktsang (Tiger’s nest) monastery, a quintessential Bhutan travel experience. Please note that itineraries are revised for each departures to incorporate local festivals and events.

Day 9: Departure
Transfer to the airport according to your departure flight schedule.

Please note that the order of the itinerary, duration in each valley is  altered based on the location of the festivals and events.  For more information submit Request Detailed itinerary form. (PUT IN A DIFFERENT COLOR FONT )

  • Attend one or multiple colorful festivals.

  • Insights of age-old tradition of festival.

  • Pace of tour is easy, allowing you to enjoy and absorb the experience.

  • Ancient Monuments.

  • Arts, Architecture.

  • History, Culture and Buddhism

  • Local markets, farmhouses, schools and opportunity to meet and interact with local folks.