5-day, 4-night Bhutan tour (25 Feb – 1 Mar 2026) timed for the Punakha Tsechu mask-dance festival, with Taktsang and Punakha Dzong, led by Pub.
Trip highlights
- "The Birth of Bhutan" tour, 25 Feb – 1 Mar 2026, with the ancient national day festival
- Visit the Land of the Thunder Dragon, the only Vajrayana Buddhist kingdom in the world, in the Himalayas
- Attend the ancient national day festival and its mask dances telling the story of how the country was born
- Pay respects at Taktsang Monastery, the landmark clinging to a sacred cliff
- See the takin, a half-goat, half-cow creature rarely found outside Bhutan
- Private group (no joining), good hotels and food, a once-a-year departure led by history lecturer "Pub"
Highlight places
Led by historiansEvery trip travels with an expert history lecturer who brings each site to life in plain language.
Off the beaten pathCentral Asia, the Middle East, the Himalayas — places most tour companies never go.
Private groups, no rushingRight-sized groups and unhurried time at the places that matter most.
Beyond ordinary travelEvery tour is designed by writers and professional travellers to create experiences that reflect who you are — for travellers who want more than an ordinary holiday.
About this tour
"The Birth of Bhutan" is a 5-day, 4-night tour from 25 February to 1 March 2026, built around the Punakha Tsechu, a mask-dance festival that commemorates the Bhutanese victory over Tibetan invaders and the founding of the country. It is a private group departure that does not join other groups.
The route runs from Paro to Thimphu and Punakha and back to Paro, taking in the National Museum, Rinpung Dzong, Tashi Chhoedzong, the Buddha Dordenma statue, Dochula Pass, Chimi Lhakhang, Punakha Dzong and the hike to Taktsang Monastery, plus a traditional hot stone bath.
The tour is led by history lecturer Pub. The price includes Drukair flights, the visa (arranged by the company) and 3–4 star hotels.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1Bangkok – Paro – Thimphu
Meet at 03:00 at Suvarnabhumi (BKK), 4th floor, Drukair counters. Fly KB153 at 06:00, arriving at Paro (PBH) at 08:15 (Bhutan is one hour behind Thailand). Rest to adjust to the altitude.
- National Museum of Bhutan, with over 3,000 cultural objects covering more than 1,500 years of history.
- Paro Rinpung Dzong, a 17th-century fortress built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and a long-standing monastic centre.
- Drive to Thimphu, the capital with no traffic lights, and see Tashi Chhoedzong, rebuilt in its present form in 1962.
Day 2Buddha Dordenma – Dochula Pass – Lobesa – Punakha
- Buddha Dordenma, a 54 m statue on a mountain above 2,655 m, built for the 60th birthday of the fourth king.
- Dochula Pass at 3,145 m, with 108 Druk Wangyal chortens.
- Lobesa village and Chimi Lhakhang, the "temple of fertility", built in the 15th century by Drukpa Kunley, where visitors come to pray for children.
Overnight in Punakha.
Day 3Punakha Dzong – Punakha Tsechu – Takin Preserve – Thimphu
- Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and the winter residence of the Je Khenpo.
- Punakha Tsechu festival with colourful mask dances commemorating the 1639 victory over the Tibetan army; visitors may wear the national dress, the kira and gho.
- Royal Takin Preserve, home of the takin, Bhutan's national animal.
- Thimphu Craft Bazaar.
Day 4Thimphu – Taktsang Monastery – Paro
- Hike about 2 km (around 2 hours) up to Taktsang, the "Tiger's Nest", on the Paro cliff, past oak forest, prayer flags and 700 steps, with lunch on the way (horse hire not included).
- Option for those who skip the hike: Drukgyal Dzong, a fortress built in 1649.
- Paro Craft Market.
- In the afternoon, a hot stone bath at a farmhouse, and a traditional Bhutanese meal featuring ema datshi (chilli and cheese).
Day 5Paro – Bangkok
Transfer to Paro Airport (PBH). Fly Drukair KB152 at 11:50, arriving at Suvarnabhumi (BKK) at 16:00.
Included
- Round-trip international economy flights, with one checked bag (up to 30 kg) and one carry-on (up to 5 kg)
- Transport and sightseeing with an experienced driver
- Accommodation as listed, twin-share (tell us in advance if you need a triple; some hotels have no 3-bed rooms)
- Entrance fees and meals as stated in the program
- Experienced local guide, plus a Thai lecturer and tour leader
- Entry visa (arranged by the company)
- Bottled drinking water during the trip
- Travel accident insurance of 1,000,000 baht per person (subject to the policy terms)
Not included
- Business Class upgrade on international flights
- Single-room supplement (if staying alone)
- Personal expenses such as passport fees, phone, internet, laundry, minibar, food and drinks outside the program, excess baggage, seat reservations, medical costs for pre-existing conditions, portable oxygen cans
- Tips for the tour leader, local guide and driver (recommended 40 USD per person)
- Horse hire up and down to Taktsang
- 7% VAT, 3% withholding tax and other taxes required by law
- Fuel surcharges and airport taxes if the airline raises them
About this tour
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Bhutan: The Birth of Bhutan, Ancient National Day Festival
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