Bumthang is a District in Central Bhutan and the hub of Buddhism in Bhutan thus there are many festivals unlike other the districts where they just have one a year.

During the journey on the flight to Bhutan, the traveler will experience from the left hand side of the plane a spectacular view of Mt. Everest, and other famous Himalayan Mountains including the sacred Mt. Jhomolhari the second highest peak in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport you will be received by Bhutan Jewel Travel representative.

For Reference or Fixed Bumthang Festival Tour of 12 Nights/13 Days

Day 01 : PARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT – PARO

On arrival at Paro International Airport you will be greeted by Bhutan Jewel Travel Representative. Freshen up at the Hotel. Discuss the Tour Program with the Tour Guide.

Overnight: Hotel in Paro.

Day 02 PARO – SIGHT SEEING

Morning visit Drugyal Dzong (an ancient fortress), 16 kilometers away from Paro town. Although it has been in ruin for decades, its been recently restored to its frmer glory. This Dzong has great historical importance for the people of Bhutan. It was a place where the Bhutanese finally defeated the Tibetan invasion and drove them back. On a clear day one can view the sacred Mt. Jhomolhari (Mountain of Goddess). Its altitude is 7,329m.

Visit Kyichu Lhakhang (Lhakhang means temple). Which was built in 659 AD by the King Songtsen Gompo of Tibet as one of the 108 such monasteries he built in various places to spread Buddhism. It is located between Paro Town and Drugyal Dzong. It is one of the holiest place in the country, as it marks the advent of Buddhism in the country. Visit National Museum which used to be a watch tower for Paro Rinpung Dzong (Fortress). It was converted into the National Museum in 1968. Visit Paro Rinpung Dzong, the Dzong was built in 1646 AD, and walk down to town one the way you can see the traditional wood bridge of ancient style. In the evening drive to Thimphu.

Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu.

Day 03 THIMPHU – TRONGSA

Drive to Trongsa (200km) the journey takes about 6 hours through Dochula Pass (3150m). On the way stop for a photo stop at Dochula Pass which is 26km away from Thimphu valley, and for Tea and snacks and to enjoy the most spectacular view of eastern Himalayan snow capped Mountains and also the great view of Gasa Dzong at a distance (If weather is clear) and descends down to subtropical area Wangdue Phodrang and again it ascends up to the Pelela Pass which is 3340m where you can see wonderful view of Himalayan Mountains and this Pass separates the western from the other regions of the country. Lunch in Chendebji.

Overnight: Hotel in Trongsa.

Day 04 TRONGSA – BUMTHANG

Visit the Trongsa Dzong, one of the largest Dzong in the country, the ancestral home of our Royal family. It was built by Chogyel Minjur Tempa, the third Desi, in 1648. The Dzong now is the office of the district Administration and central monastic body. Visit also the Ta Dzong (Watch Tower) and stroll through the small Trongsa town. Lunch in Trongsa. Afternoon, drive to Bumthang Valley across the Yutola Pass. The journey takes about 3 hrs and is one of the most scenically beautiful journeys to Bhutan, Enjoy the hospitality of Bhutanese family in farm house or guest house in Bumthang.

Over night: Guest house in Bumthang

Day 05 BUMTHANG – WITNESS THE FESTIVAL

Religious festivals known as ‘Tsechus’ and ‘Dromchoes’ symbolizing amity, peace and compassion, are held annually at various parts of the kingdom at different times of the year. These vibrant festivals are a time for the people from various walks of life to come together decent in all their ceremonial dress. During the festival, rare and sacred masked dances, sword dances and many rituals are performed.

Over night: Guest house in Bumthang.

Day 06 BUMTHANG – SIGHT SEEING: Visit the many local sites in Bumthang.

Day 07 BUMTHANG – GANGTEY :Drive to Gangtey valley which takes about 6 hours journey and it is a beautiful valley situated at an altitude of 3000m, this valley openED its route very recently. During winter one can see the endangered species of bird (Black Naked Crane). Lunch in Trongsa.

Over night: Hotel in Phobjikha.

Day 08 GANGTEY – Halt one day to enjoy the Phobjikha Valley,the highest plane valley in Bhutan where the endangered Black Necked Cranes Roost during the winter months. Night in Phobjikha Valley

Day 09 GANGTEY – PUNAKHA

In the morning walk around the valley and drive toward Wangdue Phodrang, visit the small town and Dzong. Drive to Punakha and visit Dzong and town. Night in Punakha

Day 10 PUNAKHA – THIMPHU: After Breakfast drive to Thimphu,Capital City of Bhutan. Sightseeing and night halt in Thimphu

Day 11 THIMPHU – PARO – Sight seeing in Thimphu and after lunch drive to Paro. Night halt in Paro.

Day 12 A DAY EXCURSION TO TAKSANG

Early morning drive up to Satsam Chorten (10 km from Paro town) and from there hike up to the Taktsang Monastery. The name Taktsang means “Tiger’s Nest “. The Monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff drop of nearly 4000 ft. and overlooks the Paro valley and the river. It is said that in the second half of the 8th century, Guru Padma Sambhava known as the second Buddha in Bhutan meditated on this spot where the Monastery is situated having alighted there on the back of a flying tigress, and visit some of the important religious site in Paro. Picnic lunch at the Taktsang cafeteria. The round hike takes about 4 Hr.

Over night: Hotel in Paro

Day 13 PARO – PARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT for departure

Drive to Paro International Airport and Bhutan Jewel Travel Representative will accompany you to bid farewell as you embark on your onward journey back home.