Imagine standing in the courtyard of the magnificent Punakha Dzong, surrounded by the rhythmic beats of traditional music, the swirl of vibrant costumes, and the palpable energy of a centuries-old mask dances. This is the Punakha Festival—a celebration of Bhutan’s rich culture and spiritual heritage—and it’s just one of the many unforgettable experiences waiting for you on this 7-day journey.

From the moment you land in Paro, with its sweeping mountain views, to the bustling streets of Thimphu, the serene beauty of Phobjikha Valley, and the iconic hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, this trip is designed to show you the very best of Bhutan. You’ll witness sacred rituals, hike through breathtaking landscapes, and connect with the warm and welcoming people who call this magical kingdom home.

But what truly sets this journey apart is the chance to experience Bhutan not just as a traveler, but as a guest. Whether you’re exploring rural villages, playing a game of archery with locals, or simply soaking in the peace of a glacial valley, you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of what makes Bhutan so special.

So, if you’ve ever dreamed of visiting the Land of the Thunder Dragon, now’s your chance. Let us take you on an adventure that will stay with you long after you’ve returned home.

Punakha Festival 2025 + Essential Bhutan – The Itinerary

Day 1 – 9th March 2025 (Sunday): Arrival in Paro and Transfer to Thimphu

• Highlights: After landing in Paro, enjoy a scenic drive to Thimphu (1 hour). Rest and refresh before exploring the vibrant Farmer’s Market, Crafts Market, and other points of interest in Bhutan’s capital city.
• Optional: Experience Thimphu’s nightlife.
• Hotel: City Heritage (3-Star)

Day 2 – 10th March 2025 (Monday): Thimphu to Punakha via Dochula Pass

Highlights:

• Visit the magnificent Buddha Dordenma, a giant golden statue overlooking Thimphu.
• Drive to Punakha (2 hours) via the picturesque Dochula Pass, with panoramic views of the Himalayas.
• Take an easy hike to Lungchutse Temple (1 hour up and 1 hour down).
• End the day with a visit to the Temple of the Divine Madman (Chimi Lhakhang).

• Hotel: Dharma Siddhi (Boutique)

Day 3 – 11th March 2025 (Tuesday): Punakha Festival and Khamsum Chorten

• Highlights:
  • Witness the vibrant Punakha Festival at the iconic Punakha Dzong, a cultural celebration of Bhutanese traditions.
  • After lunch, enjoy a short hike to the serene Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, offering stunning views of the valley.
• Hotel: Dharma Siddhi (Boutique)

Day 4 – 12th March 2025 (Wednesday): Day Excursion to Phobjikha

• Highlights:
  • Drive to the scenic Phobjikha Valley (2 hours).
  • Visit the historic Gangtey Monastery and enjoy the serene Gangtey Nature Hike, taking in the breathtaking landscapes of this glacial valley.
  • Return to Wangdue in the evening.
• Hotel: Gaselo Eco Lodge (A Small Rural Lodge)

Day 5 – 13th March 2025 (Thursday): Rural Experiences and Transfer to Paro

• Highlights:
  • Take a short hike through villages and farm fields in Gaselo.
  • Visit Gaselo School, a rural school, to interact with students and gain insights into Bhutanese education.
  • Play a friendly game of archery, Bhutan’s national sport, and interact with locals.
  • Transfer to Paro (3 hours).
• Hotel: Tashi Namgay Resort (3-Star)

Day 6 – 14th March 2025 (Friday): Tiger’s Nest Hike and Paro Town

• Highlights:
  • Rise early for the iconic hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang Lhakhang), a spiritual and architectural marvel (1.5 hours up, 1 hour down).
  • Relax with an optional hot stone bath, a traditional Bhutanese wellness experience.
  • Stroll and shop in Paro town, exploring its charming streets and markets.
• Hotel: Tashi Namgay Resort (3-Star)

Day 7 – 15th March 2025 (Saturday): Farewell Bhutan

Bid Bhutan a fond farewell as you catch your flight to your next destination, taking with you memories of its rich culture, warm hospitality, and stunning landscapes.

PACKAGE COST:

US$ 2400 For Solo & USD$ 3900 For Two (Does Not Include Air Ticket)

PAYMENT TERMS:

1. 50% of the tour payment to be deposited when confirming the trip. This fund will be used to book air ticket and hotel rooms. Air tickets need to be purchased in USD.
2. 50% of the balance payment can be deposited any time after the first deposited but latest before two months (60 days) of arrival date. The SDF will be paid with this deposit and visa will then be processed.
3. Here is the link on how to make a payment to Bhutan and our bank details: click here
4. If you wish to pay with a credit card, we will generate a payment invoice/link. There will be a 5% bank and processing fee if you wish pay online through a payment link (gateway)

PACKAGE COVERS/INCLUDE:

*The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of USD100 goes towards activities that promote carbon-neutral tourism and building a more sustainable tourism sector. This includes offsetting the carbon footprint of tourists and up skilling workers in the travel industry.

• Package Covers:
• Hotel rooms at the mentioned hotels/resorts
• Three meals (at hotels and local restaurants of your choice)
• Comfortable travel vehicle and certified travel guide, throughout the tour
• SDF/Royalty of USD100 per person per night
• Entrance fees, Cooking Class And Hoist a Prayer flag

PACKAGE DOES NOT COVER/INCLUDE:

• While the above package covers all travel expenses and you will not need to pay a penny extra, the following is not covered in the package:
• Alcoholic beverages at hotels/restaurants
• Food and beverages at luxury hotels and restaurants
• Shopping and tips for guide and driver
• Hot Stone Bath, Cycling, Weaving Class & Horse Riding
• Air Ticket

Why Breathe Bhutan?

At Breathe Bhutan, everything we do is guided by our core values—authenticity, immersion, sustainability, quality, empowerment, wellbeing, integrity and creativity. These aren’t just words to us; they shape every journey we craft and every experience we offer. Our trips might come at a premium, but that’s because we go the extra mile to ensure that every aspect of your journey reflects our unwavering commitment to quality, standard and care. Here are ten reasons why our quotation may higher than others, and why we believe it’s worth it:

1. Symbol of Adventure:

We love the tradition behind Bhutanese travelers carrying a wooden cup on their journeys (back in the days when traveling was done on foot). It’s not just practical—it’s symbolic. So, we gift each traveler a traditional wooden cup. It’s something you’ll actually use on your trip, especially when visiting rural homes where it’s customary to offer tea and roasted rice. More than that, it’s a keepsake from your adventure in Bhutan.

2. Dining Freedom:

One of the joys of travel is discovering local cuisine. Unlike other tour operators, where the restaurants you will eat at are predetermined, we don’t believe in limiting your dining options just to cut costs. Instead, we encourage you to explore and choose where you’d like to eat, so you can experience the full spectrum of both Bhutanese and non-Bhutanese flavors. It’s all part of the adventure.

3. Caring Guides and Drivers:

Our guides and drivers are more than just knowledgeable—they are passionate individuals dedicated to sharing the beauty and essence of Bhutan with you. Handpicked for their expertise, warmth, and ability to make your journey enjoyable, they are not only exceptional at what they do but also delightful companions throughout your adventure. In Bhutan, salaries and wages are generally quite low due to the local economy. At Breathe Bhutan, we are committed to using our travel business as a force for good, ensuring that our guides and drivers are well-compensated. By doing so, we aim to enhance their quality of life and support the well-being of their families. Moreover, our guides and drivers will be at your beck and call 24/7, ready to cater to your every need. Whether it’s an early morning photography session, a rejuvenating yoga practice at dawn, or exploring Bhutan’s nightlife late into the evening, they will ensure your experience is seamless and tailored to your preferences.”

4. Curated Accommodations:

We are particular about where you stay. We don’t just pick hotels based on price—we choose places that offer something unique, whether it’s local architecture, personalized service or a cultural experience. Your accommodation should enhance your stay, not just be a place to sleep.

5. Comfortable Transportation:

Traveling through Bhutan’s beautiful valleys can take time, and we want to make sure you’re comfortable along the way. That’s why we only use vehicles which are the most comfortable to travel in and also that they are no more than five years old, ensuring a smooth and safe journey.

6. Authentic and Immersive Hospitality:

We go out of our way to ensure that your experience of Bhutan is authentic and immersive. Whether it’s learning how to prepare local delicacies like ema datshi or momos in a traditional kitchen or joining monks at a monastery for morning prayers, or helping farmers plant rice in the fields, we aim to connect you with Bhutan’s way of life. Sometimes, we like to invite our guests into our own homes for a meal. It’s not just about the food—it’s about giving you a chance to meet our friends and experience Bhutanese hospitality in a truly authentic way. We believe that the people you meet are what make a place special.

7. Souvenirs & Gifts:

At Breathe Bhutan, we believe that tourism is a powerful tool for uplifting communities and transforming lives. That’s why we thoughtfully choose gifts for our guests that reflect our deep commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs and farmers. Each item we offer is not just a token of appreciation, but a symbol of the positive impact your journey is making on the lives of people from all walks of life. By choosing us, you’re not just experiencing Bhutan—you’re helping to create opportunities and sustain livelihoods across the country.

8. Legacy of Conservation:

One of the most meaningful things we offer is the chance to plant a tree. It’s not just a symbolic gesture; it’s a real contribution to Bhutan’s environmental sustainability. And we don’t just plant the tree and forget about it—we take care of it, ensuring that it grows strong and healthy, just like the memories you’ll take home.

9. Surprise Elements:

We don’t want to give everything away upfront. Some of the special touches we include are meant to be surprises, little moments that we hope will make your journey with us even more memorable.

10. Beyond Business:

For us, Breathe Bhutan isn’t just a business— its an expression. We believe that by staying true to our values, we can offer something truly special—something that goes beyond the usual tourist experience and leaves a lasting impact on everyone who travels with us.