Samdrup JongkharTrashigangTrashi Yangtse+6
Chorten Kora Festival Journey
A spring festival at the great white stupa in the far east, combined with an east–west crossing.
Punakha Drubchen & Tshechu
See the dramatic re-enactment of a 17th-century battle at the Punakha Drubchen.
- Duration7 days · 6 nights
- ActivityEasy
- Best timeFebruary / March
- GroupPrivate trip, any group size
This 7-day journey takes in Thimphu, Punakha and Paro. Every day is planned so you have time to look properly, eat well and talk to people — not just tick off sights.
Like all our trips it is private and fully flexible: change the hotels, add a night, swap a sight or combine it with a festival. Ask for a quote and a planner will tailor it to your dates and group.
Highlights
- Buddha Dordenma
- National Memorial Chorten
- Rinpung Dzong
- Ta Dzong (National Museum)
- Starts
- Paro International Airport
- Ends
- Paro International Airport
Day by day
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Fly into Paro. The descent between forested ridges is one of the most memorable landings anywhere, and on a clear day flights from Delhi or Kathmandu pass close to Everest and Kanchenjunga. Your Jash guide and driver meet you outside arrivals with a traditional white scarf.
The road follows the Paro Chhu to Chuzom, where three chortens in Bhutanese, Tibetan and Nepali style mark the river confluence, then climbs gently into the Thimphu valley.
Drive up to Buddha Dordenma at Kuensel Phodrang, a gilded bronze Buddha over 50 metres tall that looks down the length of the valley. Join residents circling the National Memorial Chorten, where older Bhutanese spin prayer wheels and count beads from first light.
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Climb to Dochula pass (3,100 m), crowned with 108 memorial chortens; on clear days from October to February the high Himalaya lines the northern skyline. Then drop through rhododendron forest into the warm Punakha valley.
Spend the day at the Punakha tshechu. Families arrive in their finest kira and gho, and monks and laymen in brilliant silk costumes and masks perform the sacred cham dances that tell the story of good overcoming evil. Your guide explains each dance as it unfolds.
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Return to the festival ground for the final day. If the festival includes a thongdrel unveiling, rise before dawn to see the giant appliqué thangka displayed as the sun comes up — seeing it is said to bring blessings.
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The drive returns via Chuzom and over Dochula, with a tea stop at the pass and time to walk among the 108 chortens.
Walk up through the covered cantilever bridge to Rinpung Dzong, the “fortress on a heap of jewels”, whose courtyards still hold the district monk body and offices.
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Climb to Ta Dzong, a round watchtower turned National Museum, for masks, thangka paintings and an excellent view over the whole valley. Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the two oldest temples in the kingdom, where an orange tree in the courtyard is said to fruit all year. Drive up the valley to the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, built to celebrate a victory over Tibetan forces; on a clear morning Mt Jomolhari shows behind it.
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Today is the hike to Taktsang Lhakhang, the Tiger’s Nest, clinging to a cliff 900 metres above the valley. The trail climbs through pine forest hung with prayer flags to a teahouse with the first full view, then down and up a stairway beside a waterfall to the temple gate. Allow 4–6 hours round trip; ponies can carry you to the halfway point.
In the evening, a farewell dinner — and if you like, a hot-stone bath in a farmhouse to soothe tired legs.
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After breakfast your guide drives you to Paro airport for your onward flight. Tashi delek — until next time.
Where you could stay
Choose a hotel category when you ask for a quote — we can also mix categories or suggest alternatives.
| Place | Standard ★★★ | Deluxe ★★★★ | Luxury ★★★★★ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thimphu | Hotel Thimphu Tower | Terma Linca Resort & Spa | Amankora Thimphu |
| Punakha | Zhingkham Resort | RKPO Green Resort | Amankora Punakha |
| Paro | Hotel Gangtey Palace | Naksel Boutique Hotel & Spa | Amankora Paro |
Included
- Bhutan visa processing (visa fee included)
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for each night in Bhutan
- All route and entry permits
- Accommodation on twin or double sharing in your chosen hotel category
- All meals while in Bhutan
- Private licensed English-speaking guide
- Private vehicle with driver for all transfers and sightseeing
- Entrance fees to monuments in the itinerary
- Bottled drinking water during drives
- Airport or border pick-up and drop
Not included
- International or domestic flights (we can book these for you)
- Travel insurance
- Drinks, laundry, phone and other personal expenses
- Single-room supplement and hotel upgrades
- Optional activities (rafting, cycling, helicopter flights) unless stated
- Tips for guide and driver
- Anything not listed under Included
Booking terms
- Rates depend on travel dates, hotel category and group size; your quote is valid for 14 days.
- Full payment is required before the visa or entry permit is lodged.
- Festival periods may carry a hotel surcharge.
- Hotel rooms are subject to availability at the time of confirmation.
- Passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure from Bhutan.
- Cancellation charges follow our booking conditions, shared with your quote.
Questions
Why is there no price on this page?
Costs in Bhutan depend on season, hotel category, group size and the daily Sustainable Development Fee, so we prepare every quote for your actual dates. Send your details and we will reply within one working day.
Can I change this itinerary?
Yes. Every trip is private, so you can add or remove days, change hotels, include a festival or combine it with another region.
Do you arrange the visa?
Yes. Once the trip is confirmed and paid, we apply for your Bhutan visa online; you receive the approval letter by email before you fly.
How fit do I need to be?
Most days involve light walking around temples and towns. The Tiger's Nest hike is the most demanding part; ponies can help with the first half.
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