Experience one of Bhutan's most unique culinary and cultural celebrations during the Ura Matsutake Festival, held each year in the picturesque Ura Valley of Bumthang. Marking the beginning of the prized wild Matsutake mushroom season, the festival offers visitors a rare opportunity to forage for mushrooms with local villagers, savour traditional mountain cuisine and immerse themselves in the authentic lifestyle of one of Bhutan's most beautiful highland communities.
Beyond the festival, this carefully curated journey takes you through Bhutan's most iconic destinations, including Thimphu, Punakha, Trongsa, Gangtey and Paro. Along the way, discover majestic dzongs, sacred monasteries, breathtaking mountain passes and the legendary Tiger's Nest Monastery.
USD 2,750
per person - SDF INCLUDED Plan This Journey →✓ WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Private licensed guide
- Bhutan visa assistance
- Airport transfers
- 3-star hotel accommodation
- Daily meals as per itinerary
- Private vehicle with driver
- Monument entrance fees
- Tour planning support
10 Days Ura Matsutake Festival Itinerary
1
Arrival in Paro • Transfer to Thimphu
Arrival in Paro • Transfer to Thimphu
Arrive at Paro International Airport, where your private guide will warmly welcome you to Bhutan.
Drive through scenic valleys to Thimphu and settle into your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, visit Buddha Dordenma, the National Memorial Chorten, and enjoy your first introduction to Bhutanese culture.
Highlights- Airport welcome
- Scenic drive to Thimphu
- Buddha Dordenma
- National Memorial Chorten
- Traditional Bhutanese welcome dinner
2
Thimphu to Punakha via Dochula Pass
Thimphu to Punakha via Dochula Pass
Travel across the breathtaking Dochula Pass, where 108 memorial chortens overlook the snow-capped Himalayas.
Continue to the beautiful Punakha Valley and explore the magnificent Punakha Dzong, followed by a peaceful walk through rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, the famous Temple of Fertility.
Highlights- Dochula Pass
- 108 memorial chortens
- Himalayan viewpoints
- Punakha Dzong
- Chimi Lhakhang
3
Punakha to Bumthang via Trongsa
Punakha to Bumthang via Trongsa
Journey through central Bhutan's spectacular mountain scenery.
Stop at the impressive Trongsa Dzong, the ancestral seat of Bhutan's Royal Family, before continuing through forests and mountain passes to the spiritual valleys of Bumthang.
Highlights- Scenic mountain drive
- Trongsa Dzong
- Royal heritage
- Traditional villages
- Arrival in Bumthang
4
Ura Matsutake Festival
Ura Matsutake Festival
Travel to the picturesque Ura Valley to participate in the vibrant Ura Matsutake Festival.
Join local villagers on a guided mushroom-foraging experience before sampling freshly prepared Matsutake dishes. Throughout the day, enjoy traditional folk songs, dances, craft exhibitions and cultural performances that celebrate the beginning of Bhutan's prized mushroom season. Browse stalls selling regional handicrafts, medicinal herbs, wild honey and locally produced foods while learning about the traditions of Bhutan's mountain communities.
Highlights- Ura Matsutake Festival
- Mushroom foraging experience
- Traditional Bhutanese cuisine
- Folk songs and dances
- Local handicrafts
- Village cultural experiences
5
Explore Bumthang • Transfer to Gangtey
Explore Bumthang • Transfer to Gangtey
Begin the day by visiting some of Bumthang's most sacred sites, including Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, and Tamshing Monastery.
Later, travel west through scenic mountain landscapes to the peaceful Phobjikha Valley, home to the historic Gangtey Monastery overlooking vast alpine meadows.
Highlights- Jambay Lhakhang
- Kurjey Lhakhang
- Tamshing Monastery
- Gangtey Monastery
- Phobjikha Valley
6
Gangtey Nature Experience • Return to Thimphu
Gangtey Nature Experience • Return to Thimphu
Enjoy a relaxing morning exploring the beautiful Gangtey Nature Trail, passing forests, wetlands and traditional villages.
Visit the Black-Necked Crane Information Centre (season permitting) before returning to Thimphu via Dochula Pass.
Highlights- Gangtey Nature Trail
- Black-Necked Crane Information Centre
- Scenic mountain drive
- Traditional villages
- Arrival in Thimphu
7
Discover Thimphu
Discover Thimphu
Spend the day exploring Bhutan's capital city.
Visit Tashichho Dzong, the Textile Museum, the Folk Heritage Museum, and the Traditional Handmade Paper Factory. If visiting during the weekend, browse the lively Centenary Farmers' Market.
Highlights- Tashichho Dzong
- Textile Museum
- Folk Heritage Museum
- Handmade Paper Factory
- Local handicraft shopping
8
Thimphu to Paro
Thimphu to Paro
Return to the beautiful Paro Valley.
Visit the impressive Rinpung Dzong and the National Museum, housed within the historic Ta Dzong. Spend the afternoon exploring Paro's charming streets filled with traditional Bhutanese architecture, cafés and handicraft shops.
Highlights- Scenic drive
- Rinpung Dzong
- National Museum
- Traditional Bhutanese architecture
- Paro town
9
Tiger's Nest Monastery
Tiger's Nest Monastery
Complete your Bhutan journey with a guided hike to the legendary Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest).
Perched dramatically on a cliff nearly 900 metres above Paro Valley, this sacred monastery is Bhutan's most iconic pilgrimage site. After descending, enjoy an optional traditional hot stone bath before your farewell Bhutanese dinner.
Highlights- Tiger's Nest Monastery
- Guided mountain hike
- Panoramic Paro Valley views
- Optional hot stone bath
- Farewell dinner
10
Departure from Paro
Departure from Paro
After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward journey.
Depart Bhutan with unforgettable memories of pristine mountain landscapes, authentic village hospitality, sacred monasteries and the unique flavours of the Ura Matsutake Festival.
Highlights- Breakfast
- Airport transfer
- Departure assistance
- Farewell to Bhutan
× WHAT'S EXCLUDED
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Tips for guide and driver
✓ Why You'll Love This Retreat
The 10 Days Ura Matsutake Festival Journey blends Bhutan's spectacular landscapes, rich Buddhist heritage and unique culinary traditions into one unforgettable experience. From foraging for prized wild mushrooms with local villagers and celebrating the lively Ura Matsutake Festival to exploring the sacred monasteries of Bumthang, wandering the peaceful Phobjikha Valley and hiking to the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery, every day offers an authentic and memorable glimpse into the heart of Bhutan.
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