Autumn Festival Circuit

Autumn Festival Circuit

Overview: Experience Bhutan’s most celebrated festival season, combining three major Tshechus — Thimphu, Punakha, and Gangtey — with cultural insights and perfect autumn weather. Clear mountain views, golden rice paddies, and multi-festival immersion in a single journey.

  Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights     Season: September – November     Highlights: 3 Tshechu Festivals  

DayItinerary
Day 01Arrive Paro — Evening at Paro Dzong; welcome dinner with cultural performance and festival briefing.
Day 02Thimphu Festival Day 1 — Opening of Thimphu Tshechu; Dance of the Lords, Black Hat Dance; mask symbolism lecture.
Day 03Thimphu Festival Day 2 — Special costume access; Eight Manifestations of Guru Rinpoche dance; Textile Museum.
Day 04Journey to Punakha — Dochula Pass autumn colors; Chimi Lhakhang; Punakha Dzong; walk through red rice fields.
Day 05Punakha Tshechu — Reenactment of Tibetan invasion (Pazap dance); morning blessing ceremonies.
Day 06Rural Punakha — Village traditions; Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten; mask painting workshop; festival cooking class.
Day 07Gangtey Valley — Phobjikha scenic drive; Gangtey Goemba pre-festival preparations; evening hot stone bath.
Day 08Gangtey Tshechu — Intimate local festival; blessing from local lama; giant thangka unfurling; bonfire evening.
Day 09Return to Paro — Autumn markets; archery demonstration; Paro Festival preparation.
Day 10Paro Tshechu — Dawn Thongdrol unfurling; Dance of the Four Stags; full immersion at Paro Dzong.
Day 11Tiger’s Nest — Clear autumn views; special monastery blessing; farewell dinner with festival dancers.
Day 12Depart Paro.