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Paro Festival

  • 6 Nights / 7 Days
  • Thimphu, Punakha & Paro

The Paro Festival Bhutan — locally known as Paro Tshechu — is one of the Himalayan kingdom’s most vibrant and sacred celebrations, held annually over five days in March or April at the historic Rinpung Dzong in Paro Valley. Dedicated to Guru Padmasambhava, the saint who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, this extraordinary festival draws thousands of devotees and travelers from across the world.

Attending the Paro Festival Bhutan is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that combines wildlife, spirituality, and Bhutanese culture in one extraordinary event.

Paro festival

Where Faith Meets Festival

The Paro Festival Bhutan comes alive with dramatic mask dances performed by monks in elaborate costumes, entertaining Atsara clowns in red masks who delight the crowds between ceremonies, and thousands of Bhutanese gathered in their finest traditional Gho and Kira.The Paro Festival Bhutan is best experienced with a knowledgeable local guide who can explain the significance of each mask dance and ritual.

The unforgettable highlight is the early morning unfurling of the Thongdrel — a giant sacred silk thangka of Guru Rinpoche — on the final day. Locals believe that simply witnessing this rare tapestry cleanses the soul of sin and brings great merit.

Browse all our Bhutan Tour Packages and find the perfect way to experience the kingdom beyond the festival.

Itinerary

  • Arrival in Paro: Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by your friendly Dheyma Travel representative. After completing immigration and customs procedures, you will proceed to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan.
  • Transfer to Thimphu: The scenic drive will take around 1.5 hours through lush green landscapes, offering you your first glimpses of Bhutan’s picturesque beauty.
  • Check-in at the hotel.
  • Post lunch visit Buddha Dordenma Statue: Visit one of the largest Buddha statues in the world. The Buddha Dordenma statue offers panoramic views of the Thimphu Valley.
  • National Memorial Chorten: A significant religious structure, this chorten is a place where locals gather for prayer and meditation.
  • Evening at Leisure: Check into your hotel and relax. In the evening, you can take a casual stroll around Thimphu’s vibrant streets or visit a local café for a taste of Bhutanese hospitality.

Overnight: Stay in Thimphu.

  • Breakfast at the hotel: Start your day with a delicious Bhutanese breakfast.
  • Visit Takin Reserve: is a wildlife sanctuary dedicated to the takin, Bhutan’s national animal, which holds cultural significance due to its mythical origins. Originally a mini-zoo, it was transformed into a preserve when the takins, upon release, chose to remain near human settlements, leading to the establishment of this protected area.
  • Hike to Wangditse, Difficulty level: Easy, Distance: Roughly 4km. Time taken: 2-3hrs.
  • Traditional Craft Bazaar: Explore Bhutanese handicrafts and textiles, perfect for souvenirs.
  • National Folk Heritage Museum: A deep dive into Bhutanese culture, where you will see traditional Bhutanese living arrangements and lifestyle.
  • Textile Museum: Discover Bhutan’s rich textile traditions and the intricate craftsmanship behind their famous handwoven fabrics.
  • Visit to Tashichho Dzong: Explore this iconic fortress-monastery that houses the throne room and offices of the King of Bhutan. The dzong is an architectural marvel and an important cultural symbol of the country.
  • Evening at Leisure: You can explore the Thimphu market for souvenirs or relax at your hotel.

Overnight: Stay in Thimphu.

  • Breakfast at the Hotel: Enjoy a hearty breakfast before embarking on your next adventure.
  • Drive to Punakha: Set out to Punakha, a scenic 3-4 hour drive, passing through the famous Dochula Pass at 3,140 meters (10,300 feet).
  • Dochula Pass: Stop at the pass for stunning panoramic views of the Himalayan mountains (weather permitting) and visit the 108 chortens (stupas) that dot the landscape.
  • Lunch at local farm house
  • Visit Chimi Lhakhang: Visit this famous temple, also known as the “Temple of Fertility.” It is located on a hilltop and is associated with the legendary Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who was known for his unconventional ways of teaching Buddhism.
  • Visit Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten: A scenic 30-minute hike will take you to this beautiful chorten, offering magnificent views of the Punakha valley and the surrounding mountains.
  • Arrival in Punakha: After a leisurely drive, arrive in Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan.
  • Punakha Dzong: Visit the majestic Punakha Dzong, situated at the confluence of the Pho and Mo rivers. It is one of the most beautiful and historically significant dzongs in Bhutan, famous for its grand architecture and the stunning location.

Overnight: stay in Punakha.

  • Breakfast at the Hotel: Enjoy a hearty breakfast before embarking on your next adventure.
  • Drive to Paro: set out on a 3 hour drive back to Paro, soaring above the lush valleys and rugged mountains of Bhutan.
  • Attend the festival all day: Paro Tshechu is often one of the most exciting and visually captivating. This day features the “Guru Tshengye” dance, which is one of the most significant and revered mask dances in Bhutanese culture. It depicts the eight manifestations of Guru Rinpoche, the saint who is credited with introducing Buddhism to Bhutan. This dance is believed to bring spiritual protection and blessings to the participants and spectators.
  • Visit Ta Dzong: a former watchtower turned museum that offers a fascinating glimpse into Bhutan’s history, culture, and art. The Dzong overlooks the Paro Valley and is home to an impressive collection of artifacts, including traditional costumes and ancient relic.
  • Visit Kyichu Lhakhang: is one of Bhutan’s oldest and most revered temples, located in the Paro Valley. Built in the 7th century by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet, it is believed to have been constructed to subdue a powerful demon that hindered the spread of Buddhism.
  • Explore paro town on foot

Overnight: stay in Paro.

  • Breakfast at the Hotel: Enjoy a hearty breakfast.
  • Attend the festival all day: Paro Tshechu is often one of the most exciting and visually captivating. This day features the “Guru Tshengye” dance, which is one of the most significant and revered mask dances in Bhutanese culture. It depicts the eight manifestations of Guru Rinpoche, the saint who is credited with introducing Buddhism to Bhutan. This dance is believed to bring spiritual protection and blessings to the participants and spectators.
  • Evening at Leisure: You can explore the Paro night market for souvenirs or relax at your hotel.

Overnight: stay in Paro.

  • Early Breakfast at the Hotel: Start early as you prepare for a memorable adventure.
  • Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery: Embark on a challenging but rewarding hike to the famous Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, perched 900 meters above the Paro Valley. The hike takes about 4-5 hours (round trip) but offers incredible views of the monastery from different vantage points.
    • Lunch at the Cafeteria: Enjoy a delicious meal at the halfway cafeteria with a view of the monastery.
    • Explore the Monastery: After reaching the monastery, explore this sacred site and learn about its spiritual significance in Bhutanese Buddhism.
  • Return to Paro: After the hike, return to Paro and relax at your hotel.

Overnight: stay in Paro.

  • Breakfast at the hotel: Enjoy a final breakfast in Bhutan.
  • Transfer to Paro Airport: Depending on your flight schedule, your Dheyma Travel representative will assist you with your transfer to Paro International Airport for your departure

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  • Double room on twin sharing basis in government approved 3 star hotels
  • Single room supplement is additional of USD 45 per night per room
  • All three meals (does not cover water and other beverages ordered in hotels/restaurants)
  • Bottled mineral water for the entire trip (except water ordered in the hotels and restaurants)
  • Afternoon tea and snacks
    English speaking and knowledgeable guide
  • Comfortable SUV and a reliable driver
  • Museum entrance fees
  • Visa fee and processing charges
  • Tourism Development Fund
  • Government taxes
  • All administrative cost
  • Full service & assistance before, during and after your Bhutan trip
  • Airfare to and from Bhutan (we can arrange you tickets for you if you wish)
  • Any other beverages (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) including water ordered in restaurants and hotels
  • Travel or health insurance
  • Wire transfer
  • Laundry
  • Gratuity/Tip for guides and drivers