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Bhutan's rich ceremonial celebrations include ornate masked dancers - Bhutan Thimphu Festival & Trek, Bhutan
Bhutan's rich ceremonial celebrations include ornate masked dancers

Bhutan Thimphu Festival & Trek

Trek from Paro to Thimphu and take in the colourful Thimphu Festival

Bhutan
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 7 reviews

11 Days from

$ 

Trip Code: BFT
View dates to Book
Essential Information
Duration
  • 11 Days
Activities
  • 5 day trek
Accommodation
  • 6 nights hotel
  • 4 nights camping
Meals

Valued at USD$320

  • 10 Dinners
  • 9 Lunches
  • 10 Breakfasts
Difficulty Grading  
4 / 10

Introductory to Moderate

Carbon Footprint  

49kg of CO2-e PP per day

(489kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

  • Experience the Thimphu Tshechu, a major festival of masked dances and sacred rituals central to Bhutan's spiritual traditions
  • Trek the Druk Path, connecting Paro and Thimphu across alpine ridges, sacred lakes and a historic dzong
  • Soak in panoramic views of Jomolhari (7,326m / 24,035ft) and Gangkar Puensum (7,570m / 24,835ft) as you hike through wildflower meadows and yak pastures
  • Visit fortress-monasteries, nunneries and traditional villages, gaining deeper insight into Bhutan’s Buddhist culture with your expert local guide
  • Climb to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, perched dramatically on a cliff above Paro

Overview

Experience Bhutan's sacred mountains and its most important cultural celebration in one journey.

This journey blends the two sides of Bhutan most travellers rarely experience in one trip: a fully guided Himalayan wilderness trek through rhododendron forests and yak pasturelands, and the pageantry of the Thimphu Tshechu, Bhutan's largest annual festival.

Your adventure begins in the alpine valley of Paro and a day hike to the cliffside Tiger's Nest Monastery, before embarking on a six-day trek along the ancient Druk Path, a high-altitude wilderness route linking Paro and Thimphu. Supported by our experienced trekking crew, you'll camp in wilderness locations and follow ridgelines offering views of the snow-capped Eastern Himalaya, including Jomolhari (7,326m / 24,035ft) and Gangkar Puensum (7,570m / 24,836ft), the highest unclimbed mountain in the world.

After the trek, we join the Thimphu Tshechu, a sacred Buddhist festival filled with masked dances, fire rituals and spiritual symbolism. You'll witness this event at the Tashichho Dzong, and gain a deeper understanding of its meaning with the insight of your local guide.

The journey continues through fertile valleys, nunneries and hilltop shrines as you explore Punakha and the Dochula Pass, before returning to Paro. Festival timing, trekking logistics and cultural access are arranged as one itinerary, giving you Bhutan from all angles - spiritual, scenic and physical - in a single trip. We have run treks in the Himalaya since 1975, with trained local crews and porter welfare standards built into every departure, so the logistics behind this rare pairing of trek and festival are handled by people who know both well.

Itinerary

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Join Paro (2,200m / 7,218ft), where you are met by your guide and driver and transferred into the Paro Valley. This afternoon you visit Ta Dzong, a circular fortress that once served as a watchtower protecting Paro from Tibetan incursions. Perched high above the valley, it commands sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. Since 1968, Ta Dzong has housed the National Museum of Bhutan, home to an extensive collection of artefacts, religious treasures and cultural relics that provide an introduction to the kingdom's history and traditions. You then continue to Paro Rinpung Dzong, one of Bhutan's fortresses. Historically, dzongs served as fortresses, administrative centres and monastic communities, playing a role in both the governance and spiritual life of the country. During times of conflict they also provided refuge and protection for local communities. Explore the courtyards, temples and traditional architecture before descending to the historic cantilevered bridge spanning the Paro Chhu River. From here you transfer to your lodge and settle in. This evening your World Expeditions guide will conduct a pre-trip briefing, outlining the journey ahead and providing an introduction to Bhutan and the experiences to come. Accommodation: Hotel Paro

Meals: D

Today you visit Taktsang Monastery, known as the Tiger's Nest. After breakfast, you drive to the trailhead and begin your hike through forests of pine, oak and rhododendron, ascending toward the monastery perched on a granite cliff high above the Paro Valley. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) arrived here in 747 CE, flying on the back of a tigress in his wrathful manifestation, Guru Dorji Droloe, to subdue the local spirits and establish Buddhism in Bhutan. Taktsang remains an important pilgrimage site for Bhutanese Buddhists. After around an hour of uphill walking, you reach a teahouse with views of the monastery on the cliff face. Continuing further, you arrive at a viewpoint directly opposite the monastery. The final approach descends and then climbs 700 stone steps, crossing a gorge draped with prayer flags before reaching the monastery itself. After exploring the monastery, you return to the valley along the same trail. Later in the afternoon, if time permits, you visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest temples. Built in the 7th century, it is considered one of the 108 temples constructed to pin down a giant demoness believed to be obstructing the spread of Buddhism across the Himalaya. Distance: 13.2km / 8.2mi Total ascent: 500m / 1,640ft Accommodation: Hotel Paro

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast, we leave Paro and drive for around 1.5 hours to the trailhead near Ta Dzong, passing through the rural village of Damchena. From here, we begin our trek, following a well-defined trail that passes a solitary mani wall before ascending gradually through forests of blue pine and silver birch. After approximately 2.5 hours of walking, we emerge above the tree line and reach an alpine glade near Jele La (3,580m / 11,745ft). From this vantage point there are views across the Paro Valley, with the forested hills and cultivated fields spread out below. We continue to Jele Dzong (3,870m / 12,697ft), a fortress-monastery situated high on the ridge. The dzong commands views of the surrounding mountains and valleys and is surrounded by prayer flags fluttering from commemorative poles, reflecting Bhutan's Buddhist traditions. The trail then continues gently uphill through open pine forest to our campsite below the monastery, where we spend our first night on trek. Accommodation: Wilderness Camping Jele Dzong

Meals: B,L,D

Today we follow the wooded ridgeline high above the Paro Valley, trekking through forests of conifer and rhododendron. The trail is rich in alpine flora, with orchids, ferns and seasonal wildflowers lining the path. As we continue along the ridge, there are views north toward the snow-capped summit of Jomolhari (7,326m / 24,035ft), one of Bhutan's sacred mountains. Along the way we pass several yak herder settlements, offering a glimpse into the traditional pastoral lifestyle still practised in Bhutan's highlands. Our campsite at Jangchulakha (3,770m / 12,369ft) is situated in an alpine setting and serves as a seasonal grazing area for yak herders. From camp we look across the valley that separates the Paro and Thimphu Valleys, surrounded by rolling ridges and distant mountain peaks. Accommodation: Wilderness Camping Jangchulakha

Meals: B,L,D

This morning begins with a steady climb of around two hours, leading us to the crest of the ridge where we continue north through open alpine meadows and rolling high country. Along the way we cross a series of small passes, each between 4,000m / 13,123ft and 4,100m / 13,451ft and marked by stone memorials and prayer flags. From these high vantage points there are views of the surrounding Himalayan ranges, including many of the peaks that form Bhutan's remote border with Tibet. Continuing along the ridgeline, we walk through Bhutan's alpine wilderness before catching our first glimpse of Jigmelangtsho (3,600m / 11,811ft) below. Reaching the lake requires a long and gradual descent, initially across open meadows and then through forests of rhododendron and conifer. Our campsite is located on the shores of Jigmelangtsho, an alpine lake known for its population of brown trout and surrounded by mountain scenery. Accommodation: Wilderness Camping

Meals: B,L,D

We set off along a trail that undulates through forested ridges and open meadows, climbing steadily deeper into Bhutan's high alpine country. The route passes through stands of rhododendron, juniper and conifer forest, with clearings opening onto views across the surrounding valleys and mountains. As we gain elevation the landscape turns increasingly alpine, and on clear days the snow-capped peaks marking the border between Bhutan and Tibet come into view. The trail crosses remote grazing grounds used by yak herders through the summer months, a glimpse of the traditional life of Bhutan's highland communities. By late afternoon we reach Labana Camp, set in an open alpine bowl surrounded by rolling hills and mountain ridges, where we settle in for the night. Altitude: 3,650m / 12,045ft Accommodation: Wilderness Camping

Meals: B,L,D

Today we descend through pine forests toward the outskirts of Thimphu (2,400m / 7,874ft), Bhutan's capital and largest city. The walk takes around 2–3 hours, bringing our trekking section to a close. Upon reaching Motithang, we are welcomed by the World Expeditions Bhutan team and enjoy lunch before transferring into the city. Thimphu is the political, cultural and administrative heart of Bhutan, home to the Royal Family, government institutions and numerous monasteries and cultural centres. Despite being the country's largest city, it retains a distinctly Bhutanese character. Later this afternoon we visit the National Textile Museum, established in 2001 to preserve and promote Bhutan's weaving traditions. The museum houses a collection of antique textiles, ceremonial garments and royal robes. Adjacent to the museum is a weaving centre where artisans from across Bhutan continue the country's textile traditions. This evening there is time to explore Thimphu on foot. One of the world's few capital cities without traffic lights, Thimphu is known for its white-gloved traffic police, whose hand signals have become a symbol of the city. Accommodation: Hotel Thimphu

Meals: B,L,D

This morning you make your way to Tashichho Dzong, the fortress-monastery that serves as the seat of Bhutan's government and the office of the King, to attend the Thimphu Tshechu. Joining thousands of Bhutanese pilgrims and visitors, you take part in a festival held throughout Bhutan to honour the deeds and teachings of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), the 8th-century master who introduced Buddhism to the Himalaya and is often referred to as the Second Buddha. Throughout the day, costumed monks and lay performers present a series of sacred masked dances (cham) and ritual performances accompanied by drums, horns and cymbals, depicting Buddhist teachings, historical events and spiritual themes, and believed to confer blessings on those who witness them. Families and friends, dressed in traditional clothing, gather around the performances to celebrate, pray and socialise, making the festival as much a community gathering as a religious observance. The day is left flexible, allowing you to spend as much time as you wish at the festival or explore other parts of Thimphu at your own pace, before returning to your hotel in the evening. Accommodation: Hotel Thimphu

Meals: B,L,D

This morning we drive up to the Buddha Dordenma, one of the largest seated Buddha statues in the world at 51m / 169ft high above the Thimphu Valley, its halls and chapels decorated by Bhutanese artisans. We then depart Thimphu for Punakha, passing Simtokha Dzong, Bhutan's oldest fortress, before ascending to Dochu La Pass (3,116m / 10,223ft), marked by 108 memorial chortens and, on a clear day, offering views of the eastern Himalaya including Gangkar Puensum (7,570m / 24,836ft), Bhutan's highest mountain. From the pass the road descends through forests of rhododendron and magnolia into the subtropical valleys of central Bhutan, reaching the Punakha region around lunchtime. In the afternoon we walk through rice paddies and farmland to Chimi Lhakhang, the Temple of Fertility, dedicated to the 15th-century saint Drukpa Kunley, known as the Divine Madman, whose temple is visited by couples seeking blessings for fertility and family wellbeing. We end the day at Wolakha Nunnery, set on a hillside above the valley, where Buddhist nuns devote their lives to study, meditation and traditional arts before the main shrine to Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, with an opportunity to meet resident nuns and learn about their daily life, before settling in for the night in Punakha. Distance: 2km / 1.2mi return Total ascent: 20m / 66ft Walking time: 1.5 hrs return Accommodation: Hotel Punakha

Meals: B,L,D

This morning we visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful fortresses in Bhutan. Built in 1637 at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, the dzong once served as the capital of Bhutan and remains one of the country’s most important religious and administrative centres. Despite enduring floods, fires and the passage of time, the fortress continues to stand as a remarkable example of Bhutanese architecture and craftsmanship. Each year, a procession known as the Punakha Serda commemorates Bhutan’s historic victory over Tibetan forces. During the winter months, the Central Monk Body relocates from Thimphu to Punakha, taking advantage of the valley’s warmer climate before returning to the capital in summer. We spend time exploring the dzong’s impressive courtyards, temples and assembly halls. If circumstances permit, there may be an opportunity to meet a senior monk for an informal discussion about Buddhism and Bhutanese spiritual traditions, followed by a traditional water purification ceremony, a blessing for longevity and wellbeing. This afternoon we depart Punakha and drive back through the mountains, once again crossing Dochu La Pass (3,116m / 10,223ft) before descending into the beautiful Paro Valley (2,200m / 7,218ft). The evening is free to enjoy at your leisure. You may wish to stroll through Paro’s charming streets, browse local handicraft shops for souvenirs, or simply relax and reflect on your journey through the Kingdom of Bhutan. Accommodation: Hotel Drukchen, Paro

Meals: B,L,D

Activities today are subject to your flight departure time. At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to Paro International Airport for your onward journey. After completing departure formalities, bid farewell to your guide and driver as your Bhutan adventure comes to an end. Tashi Delek! We hope you have enjoyed your time in the Kingdom of Bhutan.

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

1 scheduled departure between 4 Oct 2027 and 4 Oct 2027.

  • Departs 4 Oct 2027 – ends 14 Oct 2027 (11 days)
View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • All meals during the trip: 10 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 10 dinners
  • The use of a World Expeditions trek pack including a quality sleeping bag, down or fibre fill jacket and insulated mat (valued at US$500)
  • Bhutan Government visa and sustainability fees
  • All park entrance fees and trekking permits
  • Good quality accommodation on a twin share basis
  • Accommodation in fully serviced wilderness campsites
  • Private transportation
  • Airport transfers if arriving on Day 1 and Day 11
  • Expert English speaking local guide
  • Group medical kit
  • Pack animals to carry up to 20kg of personal equipment
  • All group camping equipment
  • Souvenir World Expeditions kit bag

Not included

  • International flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not listed as included
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, etc.
  • Bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Any items not listed as included
Discover Bhutan: The Land of Gross National Happiness | World Expeditions

Reviews (7)

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This was an amazing cultural and nature journey that helped us immerse ourselves in the Bhutan's way of life.

Amazing, caring knowledgeable guide and driver. Awesome experiences.

Anna|ONTario Canada
2 May 2025
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Always first class quality in everything WE!

Marie Sheryl Oriente|Coogee, WA Australia
30 Sep 2024
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Great guide and friendly trek crew

Paul Lucas|Lockleys, SA Australia
25 Sep 2024
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We have never experienced service quite at this level. Bhutan is full of wonder, fantastic people and unique experiences. We did the Druk Path Trek supported with our attentive guide, our great chef and two exceptional crew members who looked after our gear and horses. The scenery was amazing, food wonderful and service impeccable.

Neil Davis|Richmond, VIC Australia
3 Feb 2024
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Fascinating country, friendly people, spectacular scenery all wrapped up in a living Bhuddist culture, complete with Gross National Happiness. Jimmy, the local guide was superb, Very attentive, always helpful and and endless source of information on Bhutan

Bernard Roberts|South Perth, WA
26 Oct 2022
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The trip was excellent from the pick-up to drop-off at Paro airport. Our guide, Dendup, was extremely knowledgeable, he explained Bhutanese Buddhism and could identify plants and birds of the area which made the trekking even more interesting. We camped by lakes and Tsongs, arriving at the campsites after the tents were set up and afternoon tea on its way, the cook and support did a superb job of feeding us. Thimphu Festival was so interesting and colourful. When in Paro and Thimphu we were taken to many sites that weren't even mentioned in the brochure and on the last day, dressed in national dress, we played the national sport of Archery. A really special treat. This was my fourth World Expeditions trip and each one gets better.

V. Emmett|McMahons Point, NSW
22 Oct 2019
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Ellie|California, United States
22 Oct 2025

Extra trip info

Meals on TrekTrek PackWill My Trip Run?Why Book With Us
Food - Bhutan Treks | Lachlan Gardiner

Meals are an important part of the trekking experience in Bhutan and often become one of the highlights of the journey. Even while camping in remote mountain areas, our trekking crew prepares fresh, varied meals that many travellers say rival restaurant quality.

Breakfasts typically include fruit, muesli, toast and eggs to fuel the day ahead. Lunch and dinner feature a range of satisfying dishes such as chicken or lamb curries alongside fresh vegetarian meals served with rice and bread, providing the energy needed for long days on the trail.

Mealtimes are also a chance to relax and connect with your fellow trekkers and crew, sharing stories from the day while enjoying a hearty meal. Many travellers remark afterwards that the quality and variety of food in Bhutan’s remote mountains is one of the most pleasant surprises of the trek.

Dietary requirements can usually be catered for on request – please speak with our team for more information.

Use of essential equipment is included in your trip cost | Tim Charody

If you don’t trek regularly, investing in specialised gear for a single adventure can be expensive. Quality equipment designed for high altitude and cold conditions is essential, yet we see many trekkers in Nepal with gear that might look suitable, but will not be effective in many Himalayan conditions.

To save you hassle, and money, we provide the use of a World Expeditions Trek Pack including a quality sleeping bag, down or fibre-fill jacket and a cosy fleece sleeping bag liner. At our Eco-Comfort Camps we even supply an extra blanket. You receive your Trek Pack at the start of your trip, use it throughout your trek, and can pack it into your World Expeditions souvenir kit bag when travelling on the trail.

Just as importantly, it supports your safety and comfort. Staying warm at night and getting proper rest (along with good food) are critical to maintaining energy and enjoying your trek in the Himalaya.

Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.

Is the departure confirmed?

Guaranteed to go This departure has reached its minimum number and will run.
It is the point travellers should wait for before booking any non-refundable flights.
Close to guaranteed This appears only when a date is close to reaching minimum numbers. If it shows 1 or 2 to guaranteed, book as a pair on a date needing two and it reaches its minimum. Your booking confirms the date for everybody already booked.

How full is the date I am looking at?

Space is filling or Space is filling fast This date has bookings and places are still open. Filling fast means limited spots available, so don't leave your decision too late.
Closing soon Down to its last few places, or close enough to departure that we are finalising numbers. Still bookable online.
Closed Not bookable online - either full, or inside the notice we need to arrange permits, flights and logistics. Ask us anyway, you never know!

Availability questions answered

Will this trip actually go ahead, or could it be cancelled?

If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings.

What does 2 to guarantee mean?

It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run.

What happens if my departure does not reach minimum numbers?

You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.

Will I get my money back if you cancel a departure?

If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.

Why can't I book some dates online?

Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.

The date I want is closed. What are my options and why does it say to enquire?

Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route.

None of these dates suit me. Can you run this trip on another date?

Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.

  • Delivering immersive travel experiences since 1975 – with deep expertise in Bhutan and the greater Himalaya
  • Enjoy an all-inclusive experience with expert local guides, private transport, all meals, sightseeing fees and your Bhutan visa covered.
  • Led by expert Bhutanese guides who offer rich cultural context and local knowledge – deepening your experience of the Bhutan and the Thimphu Festival.
  • Save money and hassle with our included Trek Pack, complete with quality down jacket, sleeping bag, insulated mat and more, plus receive a souvenir World Expeditions kit bag to take home.
  • During the trek enjoy freshly prepared meals and warm hospitality even in the most remote camps, all carried and set up by our trusted team.

Guaranteeing A Great Bhutan Trip

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