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Paro Festival of Bhutan

Experience colourful and traditional festivals and climb up to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched high on the cliff side. Start your journey travelling to the busy, colourful and chaotic capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu. Hidden temples and narrow backstreets provide a spectacular backdrop to this intoxicating city. Fly to Paro, beautifully set amidst the wooded valleys of Western Bhutan to share the celebrations at the annual Paro Festival. It’s a spectacular sight that you’ll share with the locals and the crowds of thousands each year.

From 4,790pp

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Bhutan

12 Nights / 13 days

Small Group or Private

The Paro Festival, also known as Paro Tsechu, is one of Bhutan’s most vibrant and significant religious festivals. Held annually in the picturesque Paro Valley, this festival typically takes place in the spring, attracting both locals and international visitors. It’s also a time for socialising, dressing up, and sharing meals. Bhutanese families come in their finest silk ghos and kiras, the tradiional dress adding to the vibrant to the colourful costumes.

Stalls selling local snacks, textiles, and religious items line the festival grounds. Try ema datshi (chilli and cheese stew) or sip on a warm suja (butter tea) as you take it all in.

Each day of the Tshechu features a series of traditional Cham dances. Monks dressed in elaborate costumes and grotesque masks enact mythical tales and moral lessons passed down over centuries. The Dance of the Lords of the Cremation Grounds and Dance of the Terrifying Deities are filled with power, grace, and drama.

On the final morning of the festival, before dawn, the giant appliqué scroll painting—Thongdrol—is unveiled. This sacred textile, depicting Guru Rinpoche, stretches several stories high. 

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Festival Highlights

The festival usually takes place in March or April, depending on the lunar calendar. The Paro Dzong, an imposing fortress-monastery overlooking the Paro River, serves as the main venue.

The Paro Tsechu is a deeply spiritual event, commemorating the deeds of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), who is credited with bringing Buddhism to Bhutan. The festival is marked by sacred mask dances (cham), traditional music, and elaborate rituals performed by monks and laypeople.

Each movement, each chant, and every beat of the drum carries deep symbolic meaning. Locals believe that simply attending the Tshechu and witnessing its dances can purify sins and bring blessings.

Arrive early in the morning to find a good viewing spot before the crowds gather.

Best Season To Travel

Blue is the best season to travel. Red is not recommended. White is off season.

Itinerary

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DAY 1 : Arrive in Kathmandu

Arrive in Kathmandu; the busy, colourful and chaotic capital city of Nepal. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Kathmandu at any time. 

* We book your flight from your preferred airport. Call your Travel Agent on 08000 315 247 or by sending a Whatsapp message on +447477 120 125.

DAY 2 : Fly to Bhutan

Fly to Paro a beautifully city set amidst the wooded valleys of Western Bhutan. It lies along the banks of Paro Chu River, overlooking terraced farmland. Take a brief orientation of the town and visit the Rimpung Dzong.

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DAY 3 : Cross the Dochu La Pass 

Visit Punakha Dzong. Built on a sandbank at the confluence of these two rivers sits the majestic 17th century Punakha Dzong, once the seat of Bhutanese government. Hike to Khamsum Yuley Chorten, a lovely 2 hour round trip through the valley. 

DAY 4 : Explore Punakha

Visit Punakha Dzong. Built on a sandbank at the confluence of these two rivers sits the majestic 17th century Punakha Dzong, once the seat of Bhutanese government.  Hike to Khamsum Yuley Chorten. This is a lovely 2 hour round trip through the valley. 

DAY 5 : Valley of Gangtey 

Drive for Thimpu, the Bhutanese capital that occupies the wooded western banks of the Wang Chhu. Your journey winds through paddy fields, apple orchards, forests of pine and tiny hamlet. visit to the King Jigme Dorij Wangchuk memorial, a Tibetan-style chorten built to commemorate the country’s third king. Walk along Thimpu’s bustling streets, soaking up the rich atmosphere of this most unique of capitals. 

DAY 6 : Travel to Thimpu

Leave early this morning heading for Thimpu, the Bhutanese capital that occupies the wooded western banks of the Wang Chhu.  Past paddy fields and apple orchards, forests of pine and tiny hamlets. visit to the King Jigme Dorij Wangchuk memorial, a Tibetan-style chorten built to commemorate the country’s third king. walk along Thimpu’s bustling streets, soaking up the rich atmosphere of this most unique of capitals. 

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DAY 7 : Visit Tashicho Dzong

Visit the imposing 17th century fortified monastery of Tashicho Dzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion), the religious centre of Bhuta. Wander through the traditional handicrafts market and perhaps pick up a few souvenirs along the way. 

DAY 8 : Tiger’s Nest Monastery

head back towards Paro. Where we will head out to the fabulous Taktsang Monastery, one of the most revered in the country and precariously located on a cliff face some 900m above the Paro Valley. The 3km hike up to the monastery is quite demanding and generally takes around 4 to 5 hours there and back. 

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DAY 9 : Paro Festival 

Spend a full day soaking up the atmosphere and celebrating with the locals at the annual Paro Festival. Bhutan’s most famous festival draws crowds of thousands each year as people travel from across the country to witness the colourful masked dances.

DAY 10 : Paro Festival 

rise before dawn and join the crowds which gather to watch an enormous Thangka painting be raised and displayed on the walls of the monastery. The process only occurs once a year.  It is said to cleanse the sins of all those who view it. 

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DAY 11 : Fly to Kathmandu

 Fly back to Nepal and have a day of sightseeing with a local guide. Visit the Temple of Pashupatinath on the banks of the Bagmati River, the oldest and holiest Hindu shrine in Nepal. visit to the stupa of Bodnath, at 40m the highest in the Kathmandu Valley and one of the largest on the planet. Revered by Buddhists this remarkable structure is a dazzling vibrancy of prayer flags, monks and pilgrims. 

DAY 12 :  Explore Kathmandu

This is a free day to further explore the delights of Kathmandu and the surrounding area. Visit the Newari town of Bhaktapur in the eastern corner of the Kathmandu Valley. The ancient centre of the town is a dazzling collection of temples, palaces and monasteries that have earned it a place on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. 

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DAY 13 : Fly Home

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Kathmandu.

What Your Trip Includes

  • 12 nights comfortable mid-range hotels, local lodges and hotels. To upgrade to superior or luxury private room, talk to your agent.
  • meals : Breakfast: 12 – Lunch: 9 – Dinner: 9
  • Transfers in a comfortable buses and vehicles 
  • Internal flights Included
  • Tour leaders, drivers and local guides on the tour
  • Visits and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary
  • Activities as per itinerary

Physical rating: Moderate but climbing up to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery can be challenging as it is perched high on the cliff side. 

Important Note: Activities can be changed, cancelled, or replaced at any time during the trip without notice, and the guide’s decision is final and cannot be the ground for any refund.

Entry requirements

  • Passport with a minimum of six months validity. A visa is required to enter the country. This must be requested online before travel via the following link: https://immi.gov.bt/home/

What about the country

  • Currency is Nepali Rupees and we suggest you take USD, EUR and GBP with you to change in the country
  • Language, English and Nepali and Dzongkha, plus various Nepalese and Tibetan dialects in Bhutan
  • 240 V. Adapter required
  • 2 Pin Round plugs
  • Time zone UTC + 05:45 for Nepal and + 06:00 for Bhutan from the UK
  • Accommodation at the hotels is as indicated. If any changes are necessary, they will be of the same or a higher category. Note that hotel ratings are not standardised globally, so criteria may vary according to the destination country’s standards. You can request a list of hotels for your itinerary, but please be aware that they may change at any time without notice. Bear in mind that hotel criteria may differ depending on the destination country’s own standards.

What Your Trip Does Not Include

  • Visa & Tax for UK clients – other nationalities, check the tourism office websites or talk to your Travel Agent
  • Personal Gear & equipment
  • Travel / Repatriation / Medical Insurance >  you must have an adequate valid travel insurance
  • Drinks, tips and other gratuities.
  • Extra meals and drinks
  • Extra nights do not include meals.
  • Any other services not mentioned in what’s included

Age Requirement

The minimum age requirement for the xxx is 15 years of age and the minimum age requirement is 12 years of age. Unfortunately, children under these ages are not permitted to participate in these excursions.

Access to the Excursion

We’re sorry to inform that unfortunately, this trip is not suitable for a person with reduced mobility due to the nature of the excursions and the terrain.

Documents

To complete your reservation, it is mandatory to provide us with a clear copy of all passengers’ valid passports at the time of booking and share your travel insurance details with a full coverage above 4,000m altitude. 

Vaccines

No vaccine is compulsory, but we strongly recommend protection against infectious hepatitis, typhoid, tetanus, polio and Japanese encephalitis. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria.

While on the road

It is highly unlikely that the vehicle will be equipped with wifi or bathroom facilities, though rest stops will be made for long trips.

Internet Connection

To guarantee internet connection, we recommend purchasing a new SIM card at the airport or placing an e-SIM before travel.

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Gear List For Your Trip

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FAQ

How challenging is the Tiger’s Nest hike?

The name translates as Tiger’s Nest and local legend recounts how Guru Rinpoche flew here on the back of a tiger and founded the monastery where he spent a few months deep in meditation. 

The path mostly consists of stone steps that cut through oak and pine forests before emerging onto a ridge. The trail begins with a continuous ascent, some of it steep and switchbacked. The altitude (3,120 metres) may cause shortness of breath, especially if you’re not acclimatised.

The views of the Paro Valley are breathtaking  but the cliff-hugging monastery with significant drops can become a challenge. Overall, the hike is moderately challenging and entirely doable for most people with a basic level of fitness.

What Is The Typical Weather Conditions During The Festival?

During the Paro Tshechu Festival, typically held in March or April, the weather in Paro is mild and pleasant, marking the start of spring in Bhutan. The skies would generally be clear or partly cloudy, offering beautiful blue skies ideal for photography and scenic views. March and early April are among the driest months of the year.

Temperature: Daytime: 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F  / Night-time: 0°C to 5°C (32°F to 41°F)

 

What to Wear During The Festival ?

Mornings and evenings can be brisk, so a warm jacket or fleece will keep you comfortable. Warm jacket or fleece for early mornings, especially if you’re attending the pre-dawn Thongdrol unveiling..

As the sun rises, temperatures become pleasantly mild, making it easy to shed layers throughout the day. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as you’ll spend time exploring the festival grounds and nearby sites.

Don’t forget sunglasses, hat and sunscreen, the high-altitude sun can be deceptively strong. Dress thoughtfully, and you’ll enjoy the full experience in comfort and style.

Check The Gear List > 

Do I need a visa to visit Bhutan for the festival?

Yes, all international travellers—except citizens of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives—must obtain a visa in advance to visit Bhutan. The visa is typically issued by the Tourism Council of Bhutan, and you’ll receive an e-visa clearance letter before your trip. 

In addition to the visa, all travellers must pay a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), which contributes to Bhutan’s environmental and cultural preservation efforts. As of recent regulations, the SDF is USD 100 per person per night (subject to change), and it’s usually included in the overall tour cost.

In Nepal, an entry visa is required by UK, New Zealand, Australian, US & Canadian citizens and can be obtained on arrival at Kathmandu Airport. This currently costs $30 USD for a 15 day visa, $50 USD for a 30 day visa and $125 USD for a 90 day visa. All visas are issued as multiple entry visas and are valid from the date they are issued. To avoid the long queues, fill in the visa information prior to arrival using the following link: http://online.nepalimmigration.gov.np/.

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