Embark on an extraordinary journey across Bhutan, from the cultural heart of the west to the remote landscapes of the east, where two remarkable festivals reveal the country's rich spiritual and cultural heritage.
Experience the intimate Gomkora Tshechu at the sacred Gomphu Kora in Trashigang before returning west to witness the spectacular Paro Tshechu, Bhutan's most celebrated religious festival. Together, these festivals offer a fascinating contrast between the traditions of eastern Bhutan and the grand monastic celebrations of the Paro Valley. Gomkora Tshechu is known for its sacred circumambulation around Gomphu Kora and has long served as a gathering place for communities from eastern Bhutan and neighbouring regions.
Along the way, explore mountain passes, ancient monasteries, remote valleys, traditional villages and the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery, creating one of Bhutan's most comprehensive cultural journeys.
USD 3,650
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
13 Days Gomkora and Paro Tshechu 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.
Enjoy a scenic drive to Thimphu through river valleys and pine forests. Depending on your arrival time, visit Buddha Dordenma and the National Memorial Chorten before settling into your hotel.
Highlights- Airport welcome
- Scenic drive to Thimphu
- Buddha Dordenma
- National Memorial Chorten
- Traditional Bhutanese welcome dinner
2
Discover Thimphu
Discover Thimphu
Spend the day exploring Bhutan's capital city.
Visit the Folk Heritage Museum, Textile Museum, Traditional Handmade Paper Factory and Motithang Takin Preserve. If visiting during the weekend, stroll through the lively Centenary Farmers' Market.
Highlights- Folk Heritage Museum
- Textile Museum
- Handmade Paper Factory
- Takin Preserve
- Local market
3
Thimphu to Phobjikha Valley
Thimphu to Phobjikha Valley
Travel across the spectacular Dochula Pass, where 108 memorial chortens stand against a backdrop of Himalayan peaks on clear days.
Continue through Wangdue before arriving in the peaceful Phobjikha Valley. Visit Gangtey Monastery and enjoy a gentle walk along the Gangtey Nature Trail.
Highlights- Dochula Pass
- 108 memorial chortens
- Gangtey Monastery
- Gangtey Nature Trail
- Phobjikha Valley
4
Phobjikha to Bumthang
Phobjikha to Bumthang
Journey through central Bhutan, crossing mountain passes and forested valleys.
Stop at Trongsa Dzong before continuing to Bumthang, often called Bhutan's spiritual heartland. Visit Jakar Dzong and enjoy an evening exploring the peaceful valley.
Highlights- Trongsa Dzong
- Scenic mountain drive
- Jakar Dzong
- Bumthang Valley
- Traditional villages
5
Explore Bumthang
Explore Bumthang
Spend the day visiting some of Bhutan's oldest and most sacred temples.
Discover Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, Tamshing Monastery and Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake), each closely connected to Bhutan's Buddhist history.
Highlights- Jambay Lhakhang
- Kurjey Lhakhang
- Tamshing Monastery
- Burning Lake
- Spiritual heritage
6
Bumthang to Trashigang
Bumthang to Trashigang
Travel east through the magnificent Thrumshingla National Park, passing waterfalls, dense forests and mountain scenery.
Stop in Mongar before continuing to the lively eastern town of Trashigang.
Highlights- Thrumshingla National Park
- Mountain forests
- Namling Waterfall
- Mongar
- Trashigang
7
Gomkora Tshechu Festival
Gomkora Tshechu Festival
Travel to the sacred site of Gomphu Kora to experience the colourful Gomkora Tshechu.
According to local tradition, Guru Rinpoche subdued an evil spirit at this site, making it one of eastern Bhutan's most important pilgrimage destinations. During the festival, devotees perform a sacred circumambulation around the chorten while monks present Cham dances and religious ceremonies. The event also brings together communities from eastern Bhutan and the Dakpa people of neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh.
Highlights- Gomkora Tshechu
- Sacred Cham dances
- Circumambulation of Gomphu Kora
- Pilgrimage traditions
- Local cultural celebrations
8
Trashigang to Bumthang
Trashigang to Bumthang
Begin the return journey through eastern Bhutan's spectacular mountain landscapes.
Pause at scenic viewpoints and traditional villages before arriving back in Bumthang for a relaxing evening.
Highlights- Scenic mountain drive
- Traditional villages
- Forest landscapes
- Bumthang countryside
- Leisure evening
9
Bumthang to Punakha
Bumthang to Punakha
Travel west through Trongsa and Wangdue, enjoying changing landscapes and panoramic mountain views.
Arrive in Punakha and visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong before taking an evening stroll beside the Pho Chhu River.
Highlights- Scenic drive
- Trongsa viewpoints
- Punakha Dzong
- Riverside scenery
- Punakha Valley
10
Punakha to Paro
Punakha to Paro
Visit Chimi Lhakhang before travelling back across Dochula Pass toward Paro.
Upon arrival, explore Rinpung Dzong and the National Museum before enjoying free time in Paro town.
Highlights- Chimi Lhakhang
- Rinpung Dzong
- National Museum
- Traditional architecture
- Paro town
11
Paro Tshechu Festival
Paro Tshechu Festival
Spend the day at the renowned Paro Tshechu, one of Bhutan's largest religious festivals.
Watch monks perform sacred Cham dances in colourful brocade costumes while your guide explains the symbolism behind each performance. Thousands of Bhutanese pilgrims gather in their finest traditional attire to receive blessings and celebrate together.
Highlights- Paro Tshechu
- Sacred Cham dances
- Monastic ceremonies
- Traditional costumes
- Festival photography
12
Tiger's Nest Monastery and Festival Blessings
Tiger's Nest Monastery and Festival Blessings
Rise early, and if your visit coincides with the final festival morning, witness the unveiling of the magnificent Guru Thongdrel, displayed briefly before sunrise for pilgrims to receive blessings.
Later, hike to the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery (Taktsang), perched dramatically on a cliff high above Paro Valley. After descending, enjoy an optional traditional hot stone bath before your farewell dinner.
Highlights- Guru Thongdrel, schedule permitting
- Tiger's Nest Monastery
- Guided mountain hike
- Panoramic valley views
- Farewell dinner
13
Departure from Paro
Departure from Paro
Enjoy breakfast before your private transfer to Paro International Airport.
Depart Bhutan with unforgettable memories of sacred festivals, welcoming communities, remote Himalayan landscapes and timeless Buddhist traditions.
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 13 Days Gomkora and Paro Tshechu Festival Journey offers one of Bhutan's richest cultural experiences, combining the intimate traditions of eastern Bhutan with the grandeur of the country's most celebrated festival. From sacred pilgrimages at Gomphu Kora and the spiritual valleys of Bumthang to the vibrant celebrations of Paro Tshechu and the unforgettable climb to Tiger's Nest Monastery, every day reveals another chapter of Bhutan's remarkable living heritage.
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