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Ura Matsutake Mushroom Festival

  • 8 Nights / 9 Days
  • Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, Bumthang, & Paro

Ura Matsutake Mushroom Festival marks the beginning of mushroom season in the picturesque Ura Valley during the last week of August. This unique Ura Matsutake Mushroom Festival offers visitors a chance to savor delicious Matsutake mushroom dishes, join locals in traditional songs and dances, and gain authentic insight into rural Bhutanese life.

Guests can also take part in guided mushroom-picking excursions, learning how to identify these prized fungi firsthand — making the Ura Matsutake Mushroom Festival one of Bhutan’s most unusual and memorable cultural experiences.

Ura Matsutake Mushroom Festival

Why Visit the Ura Matsutake Mushroom Festival?

The Ura Matsutake Mushroom Festival is one of Bhutan’s most unique and lesser-known celebrations — a perfect blend of gastronomy, culture, and nature in the heart of Bumthang.

  • Mushroom Picking Excursions: Join guided walks through Ura Valley’s pine forests to hand-pick prized Matsutake mushrooms — one of the world’s most sought-after fungi.
  • Traditional Food & Cuisine: Savor authentic Matsutake mushroom dishes prepared by locals using centuries-old Bhutanese recipes.
  • Cultural Performances: Enjoy traditional songs, dances, and community celebrations unique to the Ura Valley community.
  • Rural Bhutanese Life: Experience an intimate and authentic glimpse into highland village life far from the typical tourist trail.

Book your Ura Matsutake Mushroom Festival experience with Dheyma Travels — 8 nights, 9 days of pure Bhutanese authenticity.

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.
  • 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
  • Short hike to 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.
  • 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.
  • Walk over the longest suspension bridge.
  • Evening at Leisure: Relax and explore the peaceful surroundings of Punakha or enjoy a walk along the river.

Overnight: Stay in Punakha.

  • Breakfast at the Hotel: Enjoy a hearty breakfast before embarking on your next adventure.
  • Drive to Gangtey: Set out to Gangtey, a scenic 2–3 hour drive, known for its beautiful Phobjikha Valley and the Gangtey Monastery.
  • Visit the Gangtey Monastery, an important monastery of the Nyingma school of Buddhism, and learn about the culture and history of the region.
  • Explore the beautiful Phobjikha Valley: a renowned conservation area for the endangered black-necked cranes, especially during the winter months.
  • Check-in & Lunch at homestay
  • Embark on a 360 panoramic hike: A moderate 30 minutes to1 hour hike that offers stunning views of the Phobjikha Valley, the monastery, and surrounding mountains. This circular hike provides exceptional views and an immersive experience of the valley’s beauty.
  • Evening at Leisure: Relax and explore the peaceful surroundings of Gangtey or enjoy a walk along the valley

Overnight: Stay in Gangtey.

  • Breakfast at the Hotel: Enjoy a hearty breakfast before embarking on your next adventure.
  • Drive to Bumthang: Set out to Bumthang, a scenic 4–5 hour drive, known for its beautiful valleys and peaceful ambiance. This picturesque journey offers stunning views of forests and traditional villages along the way.
  • Lunch at swiss guest house
  • Visit Red Panda Brewery: discover the local flavors at Red Panda Brewery, known for its craft beer made from traditional ingredients. Enjoy a tour of the brewery and taste a variety of brews in a scenic setting.
  • Visit Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey, Jakar & Jampa Dzong: These sacred sites are steeped in history and offer a glimpse into Bhutan’s rich spiritual heritage.
  • Check-in & dinner at hotel

Overnight: stay in Bumthang.

  • Breakfast at the Hotel: Enjoy a hearty breakfast
  • Attend Matsutake Festival: The Matsutake Festival brings joy and celebration to the cheerful people of Ura, offering a fun-filled glimpse into their vibrant village life. After a day of foraging for mushrooms with the locals, visitors can enjoy freshly prepared mushroom dishes, explore traditional arts and crafts, and experience the rich culture through folk songs, dances, and regional cuisine and drinks.
  • Join in the festivities as villagers gather in colorful attire at the festival grounds, showcasing the spirit and rhythm of Bhutanese rural life. Taste wild honey, high-altitude medicinal herbs, and local delicacies made from wheat and barley. The festival also offers a chance to shop for unique regional products like textiles, cane, bamboo crafts, and more.

  • Evening at Leisure Stroll through the town and soak in the peaceful surroundings.

Overnight: stay in Bumthang.

  • Breakfast at the Hotel: Enjoy a hearty breakfast before embarking on your next adventure.
  • Scenic plane ride to Paro: Take a breathtaking 35 minutes helicopter ride back to Paro from Bumthang, soaring above the lush valleys and rugged mountains of Bhutan. This thrilling aerial journey offers panoramic views of the landscape, providing a unique perspective of Bhutan’s natural beauty and tranquility.
  • Visit Paro Rinpung Dzong: a fortress-monastery that stands as a symbol of Bhutan’s rich cultural and architectural heritage. The dzong offers stunning views of the surrounding valley and houses important religious institutions.
  • Visit kyichu Lhakhang: one of the oldest and most revered temples in Bhutan, dating back to the 7th century. It is a significant pilgrimage site, with beautiful architecture and tranquil surroundings, embodying the deep spiritual essence of the region.
  • 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.
  • Explore paro town on foot
  • Check-in & dinner at 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.

Book Now

  • 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