Duration
8 Nights | 9 Days
Tour Type
Festival Tour
Destination
Bhutan
Where Cranes and Culture Collide: Gangtey Tshechu
- Festival: Gangtey Tshechu, held at Gangtey Goenpa Monastery in Phobjikha Valley
- Festival Feature: Final-day unveiling of the Thongdrel (sacred scroll) of Guru Rinpoche
Tour Highlights
- Attend the Gangtey Tshechu, a special festival with colorful mask dances and the grand display of a sacred scroll (Thongdrel) believed to bring blessings.
- Visit the peaceful Phobjikha Valley, home to rare black-necked cranes during the winter.
- Explore Gangtey Monastery, a beautiful place where monks live and pray.
- Enjoy stunning mountain views from Dochula Pass.
- See famous spiritual sites like Punakha Dzong, Khamsum Chorten, and Chimi Lhakhang temple.
- Take a scenic hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, a holy site built on the side of a cliff.
- Learn about Bhutanese arts and crafts at weaving centers, local markets, and handmade product shops.
- Visit eco-friendly projects that support local people and help protect nature.
- Taste local Bhutanese food and try homemade craft beer in Paro and Thimphu.
- Relax in comfortable hotels or choose a cozy homestay in Gangtey to experience local life up close.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Meet your guide after clearing immigration at Paro International Airport.
En route to Thimphu, visit Tachog Lhakhang, built in the 15th century by Thangtong Gyalpo.
Stop at Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre, known for royal textiles.
After 5 PM, visit Tashichho Dzong, the seat of Bhutan’s civil and spiritual authority.
Visit the Memorial Chorten, built in honor of the Third King.
Stop at Buddha Dordenma, a 51.5m bronze Buddha gilded in gold.
Explore the Takin Preserve, home to Bhutan’s national animal.
Visit the Green Weaving Center, promoting sustainable nettle weaving by women.
Optional visit to Kaja Throm or Craft Bazaar.
Stop at Dochula Pass (10,500 ft) for panoramic Himalayan views.
Visit the 108 Druk Wangyel Chortens, built in tribute to the Fourth King.
Tea/coffee at Druk Wangyel Café.
Continue to Phobjikha Valley, winter home of the black-necked cranes.
Attend Day 1 of the Gangtey Tshechu – featuring sacred cham dances and community rituals.
Witness Day 2 of Gangtey Tshechu.
Afternoon visit to Black-Necked Crane Information Centre.
Optional Nature Trail Walk through the scenic valley.
Witness the Thongdrel unveiling and Nguedup Langwa blessing ritual.
Drive to Punakha.
Visit Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple blessed by Lama Drukpa Kuenley.
Visit Sangchen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery, a center for female monastics and artisans.
Visit the majestic Punakha Dzong, located at the confluence of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers.
Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten, built by the Queen Mother.
Cross Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge, adorned with prayer flags.
Drive to Paro via Dochula.
Visit Ta Dzong (National Museum) housing Bhutanese relics and art.
Visit the CSI Market, set in a traditional Bhutanese house showcasing local produce and crafts.
Hike to Taktsang Monastery, clinging dramatically to a cliffside at 3,000m.
Optional: If unable to hike, visit Kyichu Lhakhang and Drugyel Dzong, or enjoy a tasting at Namgay Artisanal Brewery.
Transfer to Paro International Airport.
Optional stop at Paro town for shopping if time allows.
Festival Dates 2025
Festival Dates 2026
Additional Activities
- Archery or Khuru (traditional dart) lesson/demonstration
- Cooking class
- Hot stone bath
- Farmhouse/homestays – OVERNIGHT OR VISIT
- Cultural Program
- Picnic Lunch
- Cycling / Motorcycle rides
- National dress/costume trial
- Gala Dinner And Cocktails
- Private guest lectures on Buddhism and Gross National Happiness.
- Private Yoga Sessions
- Helicopter Rides
- Smoke Offering / Flag Hoisting / Organizing Private Religious Rituals / Spiritual Cleansing Ceremony / Butter Lamp Offering
- School Visits