Festivals of Bhutan – Paro

Experience Overview

Hidden in a corner of the Himalaya, the secretive kingdom of Bhutan is an unforgettable destination with ancient traditions, spectacular mountain scenery and vibrant festivals. At these, hundreds gather to see monks in brightly coloured robes perform ritual dances. For several days there are masked dances and prayer meetings, and a general carnival atmosphere prevails. This extra-special departure takes in the Bhuddist Paro Festival, which pays tribute to Guru Rinpoche. The spring departures visit Paro Festival, while the autumn departures take in Thimphu Festival. Please note: This itinerary is valid for departures starting in Kathmandu on 2 April 2025 (Paro Festival). See the Thimphu Festival itinerary for departures starting in Kathmandu on 30 September 2025 and 20 September 2026. See the Trongsa Festival itinerary for departures starting in Kathmandu on 14 December 2026.
Profile
— Accommodation: 10 Classic nights (hotels) — Travel by private minibus — Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
At a Glance
— Accommodation: 10 Classic nights (hotels) — Travel by private minibus — Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
Trip For You
The trip is rated Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings, visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us. Please ensure you are viewing the correct itinerary for your departure date as itineraries vary due to the festival schedules. Itinerary: This is a packed itinerary, but Bhutan is a relaxed place, so the tour does not feel hectic. It is varied, although not demanding, and should appeal to those who like to see something a little different. Journeys: Road conditions are generally quite good, but some sections can be bumpy and, as with many mountain roads, the occasional delay can occur due to landslides or adverse weather conditions. The roads are also quite twisty on the mountain sections; if you suffer from travel sickness you should bring your normal remedy. Due to road-widening works across many of the main roads in the country, there could be the occasional delay. If we are notified of any delays, the tour leader will ensure an early start and arrange a short walk while the vehicle is stuck in traffic. Walking: This trip visits the Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Paro, which is at an altitude of 10,235ft (3,120m). The trek to reach the monastery is relatively steep but we take it very easy and have lots of stops to relax and enjoy the stunning surroundings. If you would prefer not to hike the whole way, there is a café where you can wait, which has spectacular views of the monastery. Please be aware that some of the monasteries we visit in Bhutan require a good level of mobility due to steps, stairs, and occasional ladders. These monasteries are often situated on cliffs and hillsides, offering breathtaking views but also requiring careful navigation. If you experience vertigo or have concerns about heights, please let us know in advance so we can provide appropriate guidance and support during these visits. Our team is committed to ensuring everyone can enjoy these remarkable sites safely and comfortably. Smoking: Smoking is only permitted in certain designated areas and strictly prohibited in public places. Anyone found smoking in public or violating smoking restrictions will be fined approximately 500 ngultrums (US$7) for the first offence. Tourists are allowed to import up to 200 cigarettes with 100 percent tax to be paid on arrival, it is also possible to purchase cigarettes in most shops across Bhutan. Travelling in Bhutan: Travelling in Bhutan is still in its infancy. All foreigners must travel through an official travel agent and be accompanied by a Bhutanese guide. We use well-trained Bhutanese guides, but please be aware the guides are sometimes restricted in what they are allowed to do and where they can take you. There is plenty of time to enjoy the different features of each centre while travelling through the magnificent countryside. There is time to study the monasteries, browse the bazaars, or relax with a tea in incredible surroundings. Choose your departure: This itinerary is valid for departures starting in Kathmandu on 2 April 2025 and visits the Paro Festival. See the Thimphu Festival itinerary for departures starting in Kathmandu on 30 September 2025 and 20 September 2026. See the Trongsa Festival itinerary for departures starting in Kathmandu on 14 December 2026.
Group Description
The group is generally between four and 16 people. We have representatives in Kathmandu who look after your transfers to and from the airport and are around to answer other questions you may have. All departures have an English-speaking Bhutanese tour leader who you will meet on arrival in Paro and travels with you throughout. All Exodus tour leaders are highly experienced, trained in first aid and licensed to guide in Bhutan.
Eating Drinking
Breakfast is included throughout the trip plus eight lunches and eight dinners while in Bhutan. During your adventure in Bhutan, prepare to savor a delightful array of flavors that blend Bhutanese and Western cuisines. While Bhutanese dishes are traditionally seasoned with chilies, often tempered for foreign palates, the local cuisine boasts rich and varied tastes. Enjoy a diverse selection of meat, vegetable, rice, and potato dishes, alongside iconic specialties like ema datshi—featuring chilies and cheese. If you desire a more authentic or spicier culinary experience, don't hesitate to share your preferences with your trip leader, who will endeavor to tailor meals to your liking. Breakfasts are an assortment of cereals, eggs, toast, fruit and often some Bhutanese dishes. Lunches are taken in a restaurant and dinners are either in the hotel or at a local restaurant. Please allow approximately 2,500-3,350 ngultrums (US$30-US$40) per day for other main meals in Kathmandu.
Transportation
We use a private bus for all transfers and road journeys. For the flights between Paro and Kathmandu, we use either Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines. All bookings on regional flights are in economy class. Paro-Kathmandu flights: The Druk Air schedules for flights between Nepal and Bhutan are notoriously unpredictable and the final timetable is often published very late. The itinerary is based on the latest schedules but these are subject to change. Should there be a change of schedule, we will amend the itinerary and update the Trip Notes, and advise any clients booked as soon as possible. Due to a country-wide initiative to improve the roads connecting major towns, road conditions can be incredibly varied in Bhutan. Wet weather can have a detrimental effect and there may be occasions in which the van is held in a traffic jam/roadblock. In particular, the drive to the Gangtey Valley can be affected by wet weather and this can have an impact on the road conditions. If your leaders are made aware of bad conditions, they make every effort to inform you of any potential delays and will arrange alternative activities if necessary (ie a short walk) while we are waiting.
Joining Instructions
Key information Start hotel: Royal Singi Hotel, Lal Durbar, Kamaladi, Kathmandu Phone: +977 144 24190 Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately Airport: Kathmandu Airport (KTM) Getting to the start hotel The start hotel is approximately 30 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative. Catching your return flight Exodus provides free departure transfers for all customers to Kathmandu Airport (KTM) from the end hotel. Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts. 
Weather Information
We experience a range of temperatures during the trip depending on the altitude. On spring and autumn departures, temperatures are approximately 10C-20C (50F-68F) during the day. At night, temperatures drop in autumn to about 4C (39F). Although these departures fall outside the normal monsoon season, there is always a chance of rain in Bhutan and you should be prepared for this. Himalayan views tend to be best between October to December, as the weather is generally clear with sunny skies. From March to May the valleys are awash with colour when the famous rhododendrons bloom; the country has over 45 wild species.
Spending Money
Apart from the meals not included in Kathmandu (budget about US$35), you need money for drinks in the hotels in Bhutan. In Kathmandu, Paro and Thimphu, there are souvenirs to purchase. Entrance fees are included for sightseeing as outlined in the itinerary. If you want to leave a small donation in the temples, we recommend 20 ngultrums per temple. We recommend you take your personal spending money mostly in cash (US dollars, British pound or euros can all be changed easily).
Tipping
Tipping is entirely at your discretion but is customary in Bhutan and the following is to act as a guide only. We suggest you allow about 11,760 ngultrums (US$140) per person for this. From this, allocate around 2,100 ngultrums (US$25) per person to form a kitty for hotel porters and waiters (you can give this to your Bhutanese guide at the start of the trip to divide between the hotels/restaurants). We suggest you then collect the remaining amount among yourselves towards the end of the trip. This can be divided between the Bhutanese tour leader, assistant guide and drivers at the end of the trip. For a group of more than 12, you have one guide, one assistant guide and two drivers. Divide the tipping money as such: 50 percent for the Bhutanese tour leader25 percent for the assistant guide25 percent between the drivers For a group of 11 or fewer, you may have only one guide and one driver. If so, divide the money 70 percent and 30 percent.

Highlights