Thimphu & Gangtey Festivals

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BHUTAN THE LAST HIMALAYAN KINGDOM MASK DANCES MONASTIC RITUALS BHUTAN GRAND FESTIVALS 2026
Duration
7N/8D
Starting Point
Bagdogra Airport
Ending Point
Bagdogra Airport
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Thimphu & Gangtey Festivals – Two of Bhutan’s Most Iconic Celebrations

Experience two of Bhutan’s most celebrated annual cultural festivals in one memorable journey. Witness traditional mask dances, colourful folk performances, local artisan displays, sacred rituals, and lively community gatherings that beautifully showcase Bhutan’s rich heritage and timeless traditions.

This special journey gives you a rare opportunity to experience the cultural heart of the Land of the Thunder Dragon.

Over 4000+ happy travelers have already explored Bhutan with us, helping TripKarado earn a 4.9⭐ Google rating. Their trust inspires us to design journeys that feel personal, smooth, and truly memorable.

Your unforgettable journey to the Kingdom of Happiness begins here.

Trip Highlights

Comfortable Stays & Meals

Enjoy a relaxing 7-night stay in carefully selected certified 3-star hotels, with daily breakfast and dinner included throughout your Bhutan journey.

Experience Two Grand Festivals

Witness two of Bhutan’s most celebrated cultural events in a single trip—the vibrant Thimphu Tshechu and the spiritual Gangtey Festival. This rare itinerary lets you experience both festivals, offering a deeper insight into Bhutan’s traditions, rituals, and cultural heritage.

Clubbing in Bhutan – Day 1

Kick-start your journey with an optional Friday/Saturday Disco Night at Lions Club, Phuentsholing. Guests who wish to participate can pay the entry fee directly.

Entry Fee: ₹300/- per person

Complimentary Benefits

Every traveler receives a free Bhutan local SIM card along with two bottles of drinking water per person every day, making your journey more convenient and comfortable.

Welcome Dinner Celebration

Celebrate the beginning of your Bhutan adventure with a special Welcome Dinner, accompanied by a celebratory cake and traditional Bhutanese wine.

Tiger’s Nest Experience

Complete Bhutan’s most iconic hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery and celebrate this unforgettable achievement during your journey.

Optional Paro Helicopter Ride

For those seeking an extraordinary experience, an optional helicopter ride over Paro Valleyoffers breathtaking aerial views of Bhutan’s spectacular landscapes.

Cost: ₹12,500 per helicopter (shared among six travelers)

Tour Plan

Day 1

Bagdogra → Phuentsholing

Duration
4–5 Hours
Distance
150.8 km


Your Bhutan adventure begins as you arrive at Bagdogra Airport. From here, we’ll travel towards Jaigaon, the Indian border town adjoining Bhutan.

After completing the immigration formalities at the Pedestrian Terminal, our team will assist you in entering Phuentsholing, the gateway to the Kingdom of Bhutan.

After checking into your hotel, you may take a leisurely walk to visit ZangtopelriLhakhang, a peaceful Buddhist temple located in the centre of the town.

During dinner, we’ll warmly welcome you with a celebratory cake and traditional Bhutanese wine, marking the beginning of this memorable journey. Later, those interested can join the optional Friday/Saturday Disco Night at Lions Club, Phuentsholing.

Participation is optional. Entry Fee: ₹300/- per person.

Overnight Stay: Phuentsholing

Meals Included: Dinner

Recommended Café

Don’t miss visiting Kizom Café or Mountain Café during your stay.

Day 2

Phuentsholing → Thimphu

Duration
5–6 Hours
Distance
145 km


After breakfast, get your luggage ready as we begin our scenic drive towards Thimphu, Bhutan’s charming capital city.

Once immigration formalities are completed, we’ll continue through picturesque mountain roads, making several beautiful stops along the way.

Gedu Stupa: Pause at the peaceful Eight Dharma Kaya Stupas, a beautiful hilltop landmark surrounded by stunning mountain views.

Lunch Break: Enjoy a relaxing lunch amidst the peaceful landscapes of the Bhutanese countryside before continuing your journey.

Wangkha Waterfalls: Take a short stop at the refreshing Wangkha Waterfalls, an ideal place for photographs and enjoying the beauty of nature.

Chuzom: Witness the spectacular meeting point of the Paro and Thimphu rivers, beautifully marked by traditional Bhutanese chortens.

Evening in Thimphu : As the sun sets, experience the lively atmosphere of Thimphu. During festival season, the city comes alive with colourful markets, bustling cafés, roadside eateries, and cultural celebrations.

A walk through Clock Tower Square is highly recommended, making it the perfect place to enjoy the city’s vibrant evening ambience.

Overnight Stay: Thimphu

Nightlife Recommendation: Guests interested in experiencing Thimphu’s nightlife can visit Mojo Park or Space 34, both popular venues offering live music, dancing, and a lively atmosphere.

Day 3

Thimphu & Festival Experience



Travel Duration: Around Thimphu City

Breakfast at the Hotel: Begin your morning with a wholesome breakfast at the hotel before stepping out to explore the cultural energy of Bhutan’s capital city.

Thimphu Tshechu Festival: Experience the grand Thimphu Tshechu Festival, one of Bhutan’s most important and widely celebrated cultural events.

Witness sacred mask dances, colourful traditional costumes, religious ceremonies, and a lively gathering of locals at the Tashichho Dzong courtyard.

Simply Bhutan Museum: Visit this interactive living museum for a closer look at traditional Bhutanese life. Try archery, taste local delicacies, and explore cultural exhibits, traditional homes, and everyday customs of Bhutan.

Takin Preservation Centre: Meet Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin, at this open-air sanctuary. This rare and unique species is closely associated with Bhutan and is one of the country’s most fascinating wildlife attractions.

Buddha Dordenma: Visit the magnificent Buddha Dordenma, a 51.5-meter bronze statue overlooking the Thimphu Valley. The hilltop location offers beautiful panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains.

Authentic Craft Bazaar: Explore the local craft bazaar, where artisans from different parts of Bhutan showcase handmade products and souvenirs. It is a great place to support local craftsmanship and pick up meaningful keepsakes.

Overnight Stay: Thimphu

Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 4

Thimphu → Phobjikha Valley

Duration
3 Hours 38 Minutes
Distance
129.6 km


Wake up to a refreshing morning and enjoy a hearty breakfast before beginning your scenic journey towards the peaceful Phobjikha Valley.

Dochula Pass: Your first stop is the beautiful Dochula Pass, located at an altitude of 3,050 meters. The pass is famous for its 108 chortens set against the backdrop of majestic Himalayan peaks, making it one of Bhutan’s most iconic viewpoints.

Lawala Pass : Stop at the scenic Lawala Pass, a quiet mountain pass offering wide views of the surrounding valleys, forests, and open landscapes. It is a perfect place to enjoy the cool mountain breeze and capture memorable photographs.

Gangtey Natural Trail: For travelers who enjoy light exploration, the Gangtey Natural Trail offers an easy and rewarding walk of around two hours. This gentle trail gives you a closer experience of Phobjikha Valley’s untouched natural beauty and is considered one of Bhutan’s most scenic nature walks.

Black-Necked Crane Center: You may also visit the Black-Necked Crane Center to learn about Phobjikha Valley’s fragile ecosystem and the conservation of the endangered black-necked cranes that migrate here during winter.
As evening approaches, settle into your comfortable stay in Phobjikha Valley, surrounded by calm landscapes, fresh air, and natural beauty.

Overnight Stay: Phobjikha Valley

Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 5

Gangtey Festival → Punakha

Duration
2 Hours 30 Minutes
Distance
79 km


Wake up to the peaceful beauty of Phobjikha Valley and begin the day by attending the vibrant Gangtey Festival, a spiritual and cultural celebration held in the courtyard of Gangtey Monastery.
Experience the colours, chants, sacred mask dances, and traditional performances that present stories of good triumphing over evil.

Performed by monks and locals dressed in traditional attire, this festival offers a rare glimpse into Bhutanese heritage in its purest form.

Suspension Bridge – Punakha : Visit the famous suspension bridge in Punakha Valley, a hidden gem connecting the valley with the old administrative centre of Punakha Dzongkhag. Covered with prayer flags, the bridge is an excellent spot for photography, valley views, and bird watching.

Kaja Throm – Punakha Market: In the evening, you can explore Kaja Throm in Khuruthang town. This modern local market space offers visitors a chance to experience local produce, crafts, and the everyday community life of Punakha.

Optional Adventure Activity

River Rafting: The Mo Chhu River rafting route is a 10 km course with around 10 rapids. The raft accommodates six people, and the activity takes approximately 1.5 hours.

Overnight Stay: Punakha

Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 6

A Scenic Escape – Punakha → Paro

Duration
114.8 km
Distance
3 Hours


After a satisfying breakfast, get your luggage ready as we begin a memorable journey from Punakha to Paro.

Visit Punakha Dzong: Explore Punakha Dzong, also known as the “Palace of Great Happiness.” It is one of Bhutan’s most picturesque ancient fortresses and is connected to the mainland by a beautiful arched wooden bridge.

The Dzong holds many precious relics from the time when Bhutan’s successive kings ruled from Punakha Valley.

Paro Airport Viewpoint: Visit the Paro Airport Viewpoint, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the airport set beautifully within a valley surrounded by lush green hills.

Take time to capture memorable photographs before continuing towards Paro town.
If all group members choose the helicopter ride, the Paro Airport Viewpoint visit will be skipped.

Rinpung Dzong View: Before entering Paro town, we will stop for photography at the stunning Rinpung Dzongviewpoint. This is one of the highlights of the day and a perfect place to capture beautiful photos in traditional Bhutanese attire.
After reaching Paro, you may spend time shopping at the Paro Local Market.
Later, check in to your hotel and relax for the night.

Overnight Stay: Paro

Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Paro Helicopter Ride

If six members are interested, you may opt for a scenic helicopter ride over Paro Valley, one of the most breathtaking experiences in Bhutan.

Cost: ₹13,500/- per ride, shared among participants.

Day 7

The Iconic Tiger's Nest Hike

Duration
6.4 km
Distance
6–7 Hours


Today is one of the most memorable highlights of your Bhutan journey. After breakfast, we begin the legendary hike to Taktsang Monastery, popularly known as Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan’s most sacred and iconic landmark.

Perched dramatically on a cliff around 3,000 feet above the Paro Valley, Tiger’s Nest is one of the most breathtaking sights in the Himalayas. The trail passes through pine forests, colourful prayer flags, and beautiful mountain viewpoints, making every step of the hike truly rewarding.

Reaching the monastery is not just about completing a trek—it is a meaningful personal and spiritual achievement.

Tiger’s Nest Hike

Complete Bhutan’s most famous trek and celebrate this remarkable milestone as part of your journey.

Relaxation Time

Traditional Bhutanese Hot Stone Bath: After the hike, you may choose to experience a traditional Bhutanese Hot Stone Bath, an age-old therapy believed to help reduce muscle fatigue and promote deep relaxation.

Evening at Leisure: Spend the evening exploring Paro Market for local souvenirs and handicrafts, or simply unwind at your hotel after a fulfilling day.

Overnight Stay: Paro

Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 8

Departure – Until We Meet Again

Duration
306.3 km
Distance
8 Hours


We will begin the final leg of your Bhutan journey with an early departure at 5:30 AM. A packed breakfast will be provided for you to enjoy during the drive.

Your driver will transfer you to Phuentsholing, where you will change to your onward vehicle for the airport transfer to Bagdogra Airport (IXB).

If you prefer a direct hotel drop instead of the airport, it can be arranged at an additional cost depending on your hotel location. Please inform us in advance.

As you travel back, carry with you the peace, beauty, colourful festivals, snow-capped peaks, and warm hospitality that made this Bhutan journey so special.

Transfer: Paro → Phuentsholing → Bagdogra Airport (IXB)

Meals Included: Packed Breakfast

Kindly book your departure flight from Bagdogra Airport after 6:00 PM onwards to ensure a smooth and stress-free transfer.

Inclusion & Exclusion

  • This package is available exclusively for Indian nationals.
  • SDF ₹7,200/- Sustainable Development Fee is included.
  • Services of a certified Bhutanese tour guide throughout the journey.
  • Accommodation includes 1 night in Phuentsholing, 2 nights in Thimphu, 2 nights in Paro, 1 night in Punakha, and 1 night in Phobjikha.
  • Daily breakfast and dinner at all stay locations.
  • Complimentary local SIM card with ₹100 talktime and 1GB data per person.
  • Pickup and drop from Bagdogra Airport (IXB) by Innova or Tempo Traveller.
  • Transportation within Bhutan by Toyota Hiace or Coaster.
  • Driver charges including tolls, taxes, parking, and driver allowance.
  • Two 500 ml bottles of drinking water per person per day.
  • Package price is inclusive of 5% GST and 5% TCS. Please refer to Page 3 for TCS redemption details.
  • Airfare or train fare to and from Bagdogra (IXB).
  • Lunch, beverages, or meals and drinks not specifically mentioned in the inclusions.
  • Extra vehicle usage beyond the fixed itinerary.
  • Vehicle timing is from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Sightseeing is point-to-point only and the vehicle is not available on disposal basis.
  • Optional activities such as helicopter ride, hot stone bath, rafting, and bike rides are payable directly.
  • Entry fees for monasteries, museums, monuments, or parks.
  • Unscheduled transfers or any transportation not mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Expenses caused by circumstances beyond control, including flight delays or cancellations, weather disruptions, accidents, medical emergencies, riots, strikes, or natural calamities. Such expenses will be borne directly by the traveler.
  • Anything not mentioned under the Inclusions section.

Documents Required

Adults (18 Years & Above)
Carry either your original Government-issued Voter ID Card or a valid Indian Passportwith at least six months validity from your return date.

Children (Below 18 Years)
Children must carry either a Passport or Birth Certificate. All details on the document should be printed in English, not in any regional language.

Important Notes

  • Aadhaar Card is not accepted as a valid travel document for Bhutan, neither for adults nor children.
  • Only valid, original Government-issued Voter ID Cards are accepted for Bhutan entry. Any Voter ID that is inactive, damaged, invalid, or not available on the Election Commission website will not be accepted by Bhutan immigration.
  • Do not carry photocopies or printouts of documents. Only the original Passport or Voter ID will be accepted at the border.

Read Cancellation Policy

Condition Refund / Adjustment
Booking Amount Non-refundable
Cancellation ≥ 7 days before departure Advance amount can be adjusted against a future batch.
Cancellation < 7 days before departure No refund or adjustment will be provided.
No-show on departure day 100% forfeiture of the booking amount.
Force Majeure / Unavoidable Circumstances
(Natural disasters, landslides, strikes, government restrictions, or similar unavoidable situations)
Booking amount will remain non-refundable.

Hotel & Others

Luxury Premium Hotels / Resort certified by Tourism Council of Bhutan.

Location Hotel
Phuentsholing Hotel Tara Phendeyling or equivalent
Thimphu Bhutan Boutique Residency or equivalent
Punakha Hotel Zangto Pelri or equivalent
Paro Star Residency or equivalent
Phobjikha Namgayling Cottages or equivalent

Hotels are certified 3-star properties approved by the Tourism Council of Bhutan.

The above hotels will be confirmed depending on room availability at the time of booking. If any listed property is unavailable, a similar-category hotel will be arranged.

All hotels are carefully selected certified 3-star properties approved by the Department of Tourism. They are known for their cleanliness, comfort, hospitality, and reliable guest experience.

The hotels serve buffet meals with Bhutanese and Indian dishes, offering improved food quality and a wider variety. If you prefer to explore local dining instead of tourist-style meals, please inform your guide. He will suggest nearby local restaurants. Any meal expenses outside the package will be borne by the traveler.

The room photos shown in the brochure are only for reference and may not represent the exact room allotted during your stay.

Booking Policy

TRIP AMOUNT 5% GST 2% TCS Total (Inclusive of Taxes) BOOKING AMOUNT
Rs. 35,999/- Rs. 1,800/- Rs. 756/- Rs. 38,555/- Rs. 10,000/-

 

To reserve your seat for our group tour, please follow the simple steps below:

1. Advance Payment

Confirm your reservation with an advance payment of ₹10,000 per person.

2. Pay on Arrival
Enjoy our convenient Pay on Arrival option, allowing you to pay the remaining balance of ₹28,555 once you arrive at your hotel in Phuentsholing.

3. Booking Confirmation
After completing your booking, you will receive a trip confirmation email from contact@tripkarado.com and will be added to the official WhatsApp group created for your batch.

4. PAN Card Requirement
PAN card details are required for processing TCS – Tax Collected at Source.

5. TCS Information
TCS is not an extra tax burden. It is refundable when you file your Income Tax Return, as per government rules for all international trips.

6. Single Occupancy
A single occupancy room is available at an additional cost of ₹12,000 + taxes.

7. Credit Card Payments
Credit card payments are accepted for your convenience. Please note that a 2.6% transaction fee will apply to all credit card payments.

BANK DETAILS

GSTIN: 19BQTPB4212R1Z9
Account Name: Tripkarado
Account Number: 7573002100003961
IFSC: PUNB0757300
Bank: Punjab National Bank
Account Type: Current Account

Pickup & Drop Details

Transfer Schedule & Locations
  • Pickup & Drop Location: Bagdogra Airport – IXB
  • Distance: Bagdogra Airport to Phuentsholing is approximately 150.8 km and takes around 4 hours by road.
  • Airport Pickup
    Group pickup is scheduled between 02:00 PM and 03:00 PM at Bagdogra Airport.
  • Airport Drop
    Airport drop is scheduled at 04:00 PM. Please book your return flight after 6:00 PM onwards. Alternatively, you may choose to stay near Bagdogra Airport at your own expense and take a flight the next day.

Important Notice

  • Train Travelers – NJP Station
  • For travelers arriving or departing by train, pickup and drop will be arranged from TinbattiMore, located approximately 3.7 km from NJP Station.
  • Our team member will assist with transfer coordination.
  • Any pickup or drop outside the scheduled timing will require a separate vehicle at an additional cost.

FAQ's

The trip starts and ends at Bagdogra Airport (IXB). Airport pickup is scheduled at 2:00 PM, and drop is around 4:00 PM. Please book your return flight after 6:00 PM.

This is a 7 Nights / 8 Days Bhutan group tour covering Phuentsholing, Thimphu, Phobjikha, Punakha, and Paro.

Each batch has a maximum of 17 travelers, ensuring a comfortable, friendly, and well-managed group travel experience.

Travelers stay in certified 3-star hotels approved by the Tourism Council of Bhutan, selected for cleanliness, comfort, and convenient locations.

No. Couples will receive a private double-sharing room.

Solo travelers will be placed in a twin-sharing room with another traveler of the same gender.

Daily breakfast and dinner are included during the trip. Lunch is not included, allowing travelers to explore local restaurants.

No visa is required for Indian travelers. Entry is permitted with either a valid Passport or original Voter ID Card.

Key highlights include the Phobjikha Gangtey Natural Trail, Tiger’s Nest Monastery hike, Punakha Dzong, Dochula Pass, Buddha Dordenma statue, Thimphu cultural sightseeing, and beautiful Paro Valley viewpoints.

Yes. The Tiger’s Nest hike is included. Complete Bhutan’s most iconic trek and celebrate a remarkable personal achievement.

Your booking is confirmed with an advance payment of ₹10,000 per person. The remaining amount can be paid on arrival at your hotel in Phuentsholing.

Yes. Bhutan is known as one of the safest and most peaceful countries in the world, and travelling in a group makes the overall experience even more enjoyable.

Do's & Don'ts

DO
Do’s
A prayer wheel contains a scroll of mantras at its core, called a “Life Tree.” The wheel is always spin clockwise,
Photography Guidelines: Always ask for permission first and only
take photos after receiving it. Additionally, refrain from photographing police personnel and refrain from taking pictures inside temples and monasteries.
Dress Code: When visiting religious sites, please wear appropriate attire. Men should wear long pants, while women should opt for long skirts or dresses that cover their shoulders.
Waste Disposal: Please do not litter. The Bhutanese view their natural environment as a sacred gift, so it’s important to respect it.
Wildlife Guidlines: Don’t disturb or feed wild animals.
Zebra Crossings: Use zebra crossings when crossing roads; failure to do so may result in fines, Use pedestrian walkways when walking.
DON’T
Don’ts
Respect cultural: Avoid touching or pointing feet at religious objects.
Don’t Smoke in Public: Smoking in the public areas is strictly prohibited and liable to be fined. Spitting on the wall and other places is discourage.
Don’t Disturb Wildlife: Keep a safe distance and avoid loud noises or sudden movements around animals.
No Drones: Visitors can’t fly drones. Approval only for goverment use.
Avoid politically sensitive issues: It is wise to bear this in mind when conversing with local people. Avoid politically sensitive issues.
Bargaining: Shops typically have fixed prices for all items, and bargaining is not common.

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