International Tour:
Bhutan – Cultural & Festival Tour
Where
Bhutan
Duration
10 days / 9 nights
Fitness
NZ$10,995
- Start Date Status
- April 6 - 15 2025
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Visit the World’s Only Carbon-Negative Country
This Buddhist nation is the only country in the world to have a negative carbon footprint and in 2016 was rated the “least corrupt country in the world”.
Perched high on the mighty Himalayan range, the Kingdom of Bhutan has defied globalisation and chosen to remain a hidden paradise. This is a place that even seasoned travellers consider a privilege to visit. Bhutan, unlike its other Himalayan neighbours, considers all creation sacred, including trees, mountains, rivers, and lakes. Consequently, Himalayan species near extinction in the bordering countries of Nepal, India, and Tibet are doing well in Bhutan.
Bhutan is also the last bastion of vajrayana Buddhism, a spiritual practice that is known to be one of the most profound schools of teaching in the Buddhist world. The sacred monasteries, the fluttering prayer flags that line the high ridges, the red robed monks chanting their prayers — all give this kingdom an aura of another time.
This is BHUTAN: Known to its inhabitants as Druk Yul — “the Land of the Thunder Dragon.
Paro Festival (Tsechu)
Paro Tsechu is one of the most popular festivals in Bhutan. Featuring dances performed by trained monks and laymen in amazing masks and costumes, Tsechus (festivals) are one of the best ways to experience the ancient living culture of Bhutan.
A Tsechu is a Buddhist festival in honour of Guru Rimpoche, the saint who brought Buddhism to Bhutan.
A highlight of the Paro Tsechu is the unfurling of the silk Thangka – so large it covers the face of an entire building and is considered one of the most sacred blessings in the whole of Bhutan. The ‘Thangka, known in Bhutan as a ‘thongdroel’ is a religious picture scroll, and is only exhibited for a few hours at daybreak on the final day of the festival enabling the people to obtain its blessing.
This holy scroll “confers liberation by the mere sight of it” (the meaning of the word ‘thongdroel’ in Bhutanese).
Tour Itinerary
NZ$10,995
Day 1 Bangkok - Novotel hotel at Suvarnabhumi Airport - 5pm
Location: Novotel hotel at Suvarnabhumi Airport
Arrive in Bangkok, where you’ll meet your knowledgeable guide and fellow travellers.
Enjoy a welcome dinner and briefing about your upcoming journey into Bhutan.
Day 2 Bangkok - Paro (2200m) overnight in Thimpu
Location: Thimpu
Meet your knowledgeable guide from Tuatara Tours at Bangkok Airport, where your Bhutanese adventure begins.
Board a flight from Bangkok to Paro, which typically takes approximately 3 hours.
Upon arrival in Paro, be greeted by the awe-inspiring Himalayan scenery that sets the stage for your Bhutanese experience.
Your Tuatara Tours host will accompany you throughout the journey, providing insights into Bhutan’s culture and ensuring a seamless travel experience.
Embark on a scenic drive from Paro to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, which takes approximately 1 hour.
Settle in at **Forest Boutique**, your accommodation for the next two nights, and enjoy a relaxing evening to acclimatise.
Day 3 Thimphu Sightseeing (2334m)
Location: Thimphu
After a delicious breakfast, set off on a captivating sightseeing tour of Thimphu, where ancient traditions blend harmoniously with modern development.
Spend the day exploring Thimphu, a fascinating city where tradition and modernity coexist.
Visit the Memorial Chorten, the Folk Heritage Museum, and the iconic Buddha Dordenma statue. In the evening, relax at **Forest Boutique** and reflect on the day’s adventures.
Day 4 Drive to Punakha (1242m) approximately 3 hours
Location: Punakha
Today, embark on a scenic drive to the Punakha Valley, renowned for its stunning landscapes and historical landmarks.
Along the way, stop at Dochu La Pass for panoramic views of the Himalayas.
Once in Punakha, visit the majestic Punakha Dzong, the former seat of the Bhutanese government. Spend the night at **Meri Puensum Resort**.
Day 5 Punakha (1242m) Sightseeing
Location: Punakha Paro
Explore the beautiful surroundings of Punakha, including a visit to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, perched high on a hill offering spectacular views.
Spend a peaceful evening at **Meri Puensum Resort**, enjoying the tranquility of the valley.
Day 6 Drive back to Paro
Location: Paro / Haa Valley
Drive back to Paro, stopping at scenic and cultural sites along the way.
Enjoy the evening exploring Paro’s charming streets before settling in for the night.
Day 7 Paro Festival Day and Drive to Haa Valley
Location: Haa Valley
Today is the highlight of your cultural experience—spend a good part of the day immersed in the Paro Festival, where you’ll witness the vibrant mask dances, religious rituals, and traditional music.
After enjoying the festival, drive to the tranquil Haa Valley for an overnight stay, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty.
Day 8 Haa Valley Exploration and Return to Paro
Location: Paro
Spend the day exploring the picturesque Haa Valley, known for its cultural and historical significance.
Visit local villages and temples, and enjoy the serene atmosphere. In the late afternoon, return to Paro for an evening at leisure.
Day 9 Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Location: Paro
Embark on a hike to one of Bhutan’s most iconic landmarks, Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest.
Perched dramatically on a cliffside, the monastery offers stunning views and a glimpse into Bhutan’s spiritual heritage.
After the hike, relax back in Paro for your final night in Bhutan.
Day 10 Departure
Location: Paro / Bangkok
Transfer to Paro Airport for your return flight to Bangkok around midday, filled with unforgettable memories of your time in Bhutan.
Please note that this itinerary is subject to change based on local conditions and festival schedules. Tuatara Tours and your experienced guide will ensure that you have the most enriching and enjoyable experience throughout your journey in Bhutan.
Gallery
What’s Included
Accommodation
We stay in modern 3 to 4 star hotels or resorts all the way.
Hotels in Bhutan are of a good standard and are comparable with hotels in more developed western countries. They are clean and tidy with modern facilities throughout. Rooms are double/ twin with ensuite facilities.
All rooms have coffee and tea making facilities. You will receive more comprehensive details of the accommodation on your tour at time of booking. oPst tour accommodation in Bangkok is not included in the tour cost. Your pre tour accommodation in Bangkok is included.
An experienced guide
You will be accompanied by a New Zealand guide (host) who is experienced in travel to Bhutan. Your host will be with you from the time you leave Bangkok until you arrive back in Bangkok where your tour will end. We will also have a fully accredited Bhutanese, English speaking guide for the duration of the tour. Our guide is very well versed and qualified to comment on all that is Bhutanese. Our driver is also accredited by the Bhutanese government.
Food
All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) are included in the cost of your tour in Bhutan. Generally meals will be buffet style and taken in your hotel or guesthouse. Breakfast, lunches and dinners will generally include a selection of western, Chinese or Indian style dishes, with some local specialties on occasion.
Don’t forget to try the national dishes of emma datshe (chilli and cheese) and delicious red rice. Rice and vegetable dishes are always present for every meal. Vegetarians are well catered for and meat is the exception rather than the rule with most meals.
Alcoholic drinks are not included with meals and are paid for separately. Filtered or bottled water is usually freely available in most hotels, restaurants and in the vehicle you will be travelling in.
Each meal will typically have three or four dishes to share. Choices are limited and feedback has suggested that the food isn’t the main reason to visit Bhutan. Meals may become a little monotonous with similar offerings at a lot of the restaurants.
Please don’t be offended that your guide and driver do not eat with you. This is the custom in Bhutan and guides and drivers generally eat together in another section of the restaurant.
Transport
All transport including your return flights from Bangkok to Paro in Bhutan are included in the cost of the tour.
On arrival in Paro we will be met by our Bhutanese Government accredited guide and driver. You will be travelling in a well appointed small bus with very comfortable seating.
Whilst there are approximately 8000km of roads in Bhutan, the quality varies greatly depending on proximity to the major towns of Thimpu and Paro. As such, even short distances can take longer than expected. Bhutan is currently upgrading a lot of their road network and delays are common. Roads are narrow and speeds are slow.
Visas
You will require a visa for Bhutan. Please talk to us at the time of booking as we arrange your Bhutan visa which is included in the tour cost.
Entry & Sustainable Development Fees
All entry fees to monasteries and other attractions when accompanied by our local guide.
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