Bhutan Nomads Festival
This annual gathering of Bhutan’s nomadic highlanders brings together the herders of the northeastern and northwestern Himalayan frontiers in an unforgettable celebration of their unique culture and traditions.
You’ll gain an intimate glimpse into the proud communities that have survived virtually unchanged to this day and form a rich part of Bhutan’s ethnic and cultural diversity.
Dine on delicious traditional recipes whilst sitting cross-legged around a stone hearth as families from this region have done for untold ages.
Dress like a Bhutanese highlander and try on an entire costume spun from yak hair, including the Brokpa black hat with five long fringes down the front or the conical bamboo Layap headgear. Ladies can wear the wide, beautiful hand-woven aprons decorated with colorful motifs of flowers and animals traditionally worn by women. They can even have their hair plaited and decorated with colorful ribbons in the traditional style of the region.
The festival will give you the opportunity to witness the grand pageantry of the Chipdrel, a ceremonial procession usually reserved for royalty. Adventurous visitors will definitely want to try some yak riding. Immerse yourself in the festival-wide demonstrations of traditional Bhutanese village life including using ancient mill-stones for grinding maize, husking harvested rice and tilling fields with ox-drawn ploughs. Attain inner peace as you visit some of the most exquisite Buddhist temples in Bhutan.
The Nomad festival is held in Bumthang Dzongkhag (district) in central Bhutan the spiritual heartland of the country. Bumthang is approximately an 8 hour drive from the capital city of Thimphu.
Detailed Day Wise Itinerary (11 Day 10 Nights)
Day 01: Arrive Paro by Druk Air & transfer to Thimphu (55km, approx. 1.1/2 hour drive)
Arrive at Paro International airport and drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan. On arriving to Thimphu check into the hotel and later in the day visit Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). The largest seated Buddha statue(169ft) in the country Located at a short drive from Thimphu city. Then, visit King’s Memorial Chorten and towards evening go for a walk in Coronation Park…
Overnight stay at the hotel in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320m)
Day 02: Local sightseeing in Thimphu
After breakfast drive to visit National Library and Institute for Zorig Chusum (Commonly known as Arts & Crafts School or Painting School) then drive to Takin Preserve – Takin is national animal of Bhutan. Later in the afternoon visit Trashichhoedzong, “fortress of the glorious religion”. This is the center of government and religion. The Folk Heritage Museum (Phelchey Toenkhyim), simply Bhutan museums and to National Textile Museum.. Evening time can be spent strolling through the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts bazaar.
Overnight stay at the Hotel in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320)
Day 03: Thimphu to Punakha (75km, approx 2 ½ hrs drive)
After breakfast, drive to Punakha across Dochu La pass Located at a height of 3,088m/ 10,130 ft, Afternoon visit Punakha Dzong or (Palace of Great Happiness), built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal at the junction of the Phochu and Mochu rivers. Later in the day go for excursion to Chimi Lhakhang (the temple of fertility).
Overnight stay at the hotel in Punakha (Altitude 1,300m).
Day 04: Punakha to Bumthang (220km, approx 9 hrs drive)
After an early breakfast check out from hotel and drive to Trongsa across Pele-La-Pass (11,120 ft.), Then drive to Bumthang over the Yutong-La-Pass (11,155 ft.).
You will reach Bumthang by late in the evening and on arrival, check in to the hotel, refresh and relax.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Bumthang (Altitude 2,800m)
Day 05: Nomad Festival
After breakfast, attend the Nomad festival and spend whole day at the festival enjoying yourself trying out dresses and dishes, and free interaction with the highlanders.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Bumthang (Altitude 2,800m)
Day 06: Full day Bumthang Local Sightseeing
After breakfast, visit Jakar Dzong (Castle of White Bird). Then visit Lamey Goemba, Jambay Lhakhang and Chakhar Lhakhang (Iron Castle). After lunch visit Kurjey Lhakhang, Tamshing Lhakhang (Temple of the good message) and to the Membarstho (“The burning Lake”)..
While in Chumey valley in Bumthang, visit the Yathra Weaving Factory. In the evening visit a local handloom weaving house and Interact with the weavers.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Bumthang (Altitude 2,800m)
Day 07: Bumthang to Punakha / Wangdue (220km, approx 9 hrs drive).
After breakfast, drive back to Punakha.On your way visit Trongsa Dzong and Ta Dzong (An ancient watch tower) drive further and Enroute to visit Chendbji Chorten (built in the style of the great Bodhanath Chorten of Nepal).
Reach Punakha by late afternoon so, check into your hotel, refresh and relax.
Overnight stay will be at hotel in Punakha. (Altitude 1,300m)
Day 08: Punakha to Paro (125km, approx 4 ½ hrs drive)
After breakfast drive back to Paro across Dochu la pass via Thimphu. On your way visit Tachog lhakang & Suspension Bridge which was built around 1420 by Thangtong Gyalpo who was great architect and saint of Bhutan. Then drive further to paro and after checking into hotel, proceed to visit Ta Dzong, then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong (“fortress of the heap of jewels”).
Overnight stay at the hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m)..
Day 09: Hike to Tiger Nest (approx 6 hours hike)
After breakfast, hike to Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s next) approx 6 hours round trip hike. It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. After the Hike drive back to the hotel, refresh and relax.
On arrival to Paro after hike visit Drukgyel Dzong along the way, visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo.
Evening an exploratory walk around the market area and hang out in some renowned coffee shops.
Overnight stay will be at hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m)
Day 10: Day Excrusion to Chelela Pass (75km round trip, approx 4 hrs)
After breakfast, driving excursion to Chelela pass.
Chelela (pass), at an elevation of 3,988 meters is considered to be one of the highest motorable passes in Bhutan. About 2 hrs of drive along a thickly-forested road, is a botanical paradise.
On your way stop to view the Dzongdrakha Goempa. Often called as mini Takstang, Dzongdrakha is a cliff-side temple complex on the western side of the Paro Valley.
Evening time at leisure to cherish your last night stay in Bhutan…..
Overnight stay will be at hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m)
Day 11: Departure
After an early breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination. Our representative will help you with all the exit formalities and then bid you farewell. Have a safe Flight!!
Package Summary
Cost valid for group of 6 people12Days/11 Nights
Bhutan
Send your queries
Error: Contact form not found.
