Festivals of Bhutan – Trongsa
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 Trongsa Festival, the oldest festival in Bhutan, which pays tribute to Guru Rinpoche through sacred performances and dances.
Please note: This itinerary is valid for the departure starting in Kathmandu on 14 December 2026 (Trongsa Festival).
See the Paro Festival itinerary for departures starting in Kathmandu on 2 April 2025 and 23 March 2026.
See the Thimphu Festival itinerary for departures starting in Kathmandu on 30 September 2025 and 20 September 2026.
Profile
— Accommodation: 10 Classic nights (hotels) — Group normally 4 to 16 plus tour leader and local staff. Minimum age: 16 — Full-day festival experience — Travel by private minibus
At a Glance
— Accommodation: 10 Classic nights (hotels) — Group normally 4 to 16 plus tour leader and local staff. Minimum age: 16 — Full-day festival experience — Travel by private minibus
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 the departure starting in Kathmandu on 14 December 2026 (Trongsa Festival).
See the Paro Festival itinerary for departures starting in Kathmandu on 2 April 2025 and 23 March 2026. See the Thimphu Festival itinerary for departures starting in Kathmandu on 30 September 2025 and 20 September 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 10 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
— Experience the sacred masked dances of the Trongsa Festival — Visit the Paro Dzong and the incredible Tiger's Nest monastery at Taktsang — Drive across the Dochu La and visit Punakha Dzong — Walk in the quiet Gangtey Valley — Visit the impressive Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress in Thimphu
Trip Details
Product Code: 30686
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: waiting.
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Exodus Travel
Supplier Code: AIBC
Starts: Kathmandu, Bhutan
Finishes: Kathmandu, Bhutan
Duration: 11 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Unknown
Includes
— All breakfasts, eight lunches, eight dinners — All accommodation — All transport and listed activities — Tour leader throughout — Free arrival and departure transfers for everyone — Bhutanese visaAccommodation
Hotels and guesthousesWe spend 10 nights in local-style hotels, all with bathrooms and heaters. All food is included at the hotels and local restaurants and is usually a buffet – it is simple and a mixture of Bhutanese, continental and Chinese.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $10,260 ($933 /day)
Itinerary
Welcome to Kathmandu, a brief stop en route to Bhutan. On arrival, you are met by a local representative for your transfer to our hotel. Please check the Joining Instructions for information on how to confirm your transfer. The evening is free to relax. Accommodation: Royal Singi Hotel (or similar)
Today we fly to Paro. Our route takes us over the eastern Himalaya and, if the weather is clear, we should get a fantastic view of magnificent peaks including Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu and Kanchenjunga. The Paro Valley is considered one of the most beautiful in Bhutan, with blue pine-covered hills and attractive solidly built houses among the paddy fields. If there is time in the afternoon, we can visit the museum and Rinpung Dzong before heading to Thimphu (approximately one hour drive). Accommodation: Gakyil Hotel (or similar)
This morning, we explore the relatively new capital of the Kingdom of Bhutan. The ancient city of Punakha was replaced as the capital by Thimphu in 1961 by the third king, Druk Gyalpo Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The main sights include Kuensel Phodrang, known locally as Buddha Point, where there is a huge statue of Buddha overlooking the whole valley. Simtokha Dzong, the oldest dzong (fortified monastery) in Bhutan, built in 1629, now serves as the Institute of Language and Cultural Studies. It houses numerous statues and paintings of various religious figures and deities. This afternoon, we drive to the subtropical Punakha, which may take about three hours. En route, we visit the Chimi Lhakhang, built in 1499 to honour Drukpa Kuenley. Nicknamed the Divine Madman or Mad Saint, he was a maverick spiritual leader, who subdued a demon controlling the Dochu La. He built a chorten where the monastery stands and was reputed to have unorthodox ways of teaching Buddhism – he advocated for phallic symbols to be painted on walls and houses, which were intended to drive away the evil eye. Most of the houses in this area are decorated with highly ornate phallic paintings. We walk through the village to the monastery with a chance to see traditional Bhutanese-style farmhouses. We then continue to Punakha, which, at 3,940ft (1,200m), is warmer than Paro or Thimphu. Punakha was once the capital of Bhutan and is still the winter residence of the monastic body. We visit the dzong, one of the most beautiful in Bhutan. This remarkable fortress between the Mo and Po Chhu rivers has survived many fires, an earthquake and several floods. Accommodation: Sonamgang Hotel (or similar)
After breakfast, we walk over the suspension bridge to Punakha Dzong, one of the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan, which is located between two rivers, Phochu and Mochu. Returning to our hotel, we check out and then continue our journey to Trongsa (approximately a six-hour drive). The drive takes us through Wangdiphrodrang Dzong, which is perched on a hill, offering breathtaking views of terraced fields, lush valleys and traditional Bhutanese villages. While we climb gradually over the Pelela Pass (10,990ft/3,350m), we stop at Chendebji Chorten, a stupa 26mi (42km) from Trongsa. Upon arrival in Trongsa, we visit a viewpoint with the most impressive and largest dzong in Bhutan, strategically located on ridge. Accommodation: Tendrel Resorts (or similar)
The Trongsa Tshechu is one of Bhutan’s most significant and vibrant festivals. Held annually at the majestic Trongsa Dzong, it pays tribute to the Buddhist master Guru Rinpoche. A series of sacred mask dances, it also serves as a social gathering, bringing people together from various walks of life to celebrate and enjoy the festive spirit. The Taa Dzong Museum, also known as the Tower of Trongsa, is a fascinating museum with a rich history. Originally built in 1652 by Chogyal Minjur Tempa, the first Governor of Trongsa, it served as a watchtower to guard the Trongsa Dzong from internal rebellion. The structure has four observation points resembling a tiger, lion, garuda and dragon Accommodation: Tendrel Resorts (or similar)
Our three to four-hour drive to the Phobjikha Valley is a scenic journey through the heart of Bhutan, offering breathtaking views of lush landscapes and traditional Bhutanese villages. Also known as Gangtey, it is a U-shaped glacial valley at an elevation of about 9,800ft (3,000M), home to endangered black-necked cranes, which migrate from the Tibetan Plateau in the winter. We visit the Gangtey Monastery and the crane centre, witnessing black-necked cranes in the fields. Accommodation: Phuntso Yangkhil Lodge (or similar)
This morning, we set off on foot from our hotel for a hike (approximately 3mi/5km, two to three hours) through the valley – the climb up to the monastery involves around 1,640ft (500m) ascent. Later, we drive (four hours) to Thimphu, passing through green fields and traditional Bhutanese villages into Wangdi phrodrang and back via the Dochula Pass (10,005ft/3,050m) Accommodation: Gakyil Hotel (or similar)
In the morning, we drive for about three hours back to Paro. En route, we visit the 600-year-old Tachogang Lhakhang Bridge, which crosses the Paro Chhu. It is popularly known as the Iron Chain Bridge, and was built by Thangtong Gyalpo in the late 1300s, who is said to have built 108 bridges in Tibet and Bhutan. Made of wood and iron, this is the first bridge to have ever been built in Bhutan. We continue our drive and come to the Dzongdrakha Goemba, also known as Mini Taktsang, a serene site above the village of Bondey on the western side of the Paro Valley. Often overlooked by tourists because of its rather old facade, this divine place comprises four shrines, while stories related to spirits, saints and magic are narrated here. Before arriving at our hotel, we stop at Kyichu Lhakhang. Built in the seventh century, it is said to be the oldest temple in Bhutan and therefore holds great spiritual significance. Legend says a king built it in one night on an ogre’s foot. Accommodation: Rema Resorts (or similar)
Today, we hike (approximately 7mi/11km round trip with an elevation of approximately 3,000ft/915m) to Taktsang Monastery, also known as the Tiger’s Nest. This spectacular building is perched on the ledge of a cliff high above the Paro Valley. Partly destroyed by fire in 1998, it has now been completely restored to its former magnificence. From the car park to the cafeteria viewpoint is about two hours’ uphill walk through the forest. From here, we have incredible views of the monastic buildings that cling to the cliff. For the energetic, there is the chance to walk even higher to the actual monastery. This takes another two hours and involves walking up and down stone steps. We highly recommend a trekking pole or you can buy a wooden stick at the car park. There are horses available up to the cafeteria for those who do not wish to hike but please note this is an unregulated activity and helmets are not available. We spend about an hour at the monastery looking around the temples (photography is not allowed inside) before descending to the cafeteria for lunch. After lunch, we return to the car park and drive back to our hotel. There should be some time to have a look round Paro before dinner Accommodation: Rema Resorts (or similar)
We transfer to the airport to check in for our flight back to Kathmandu. The rest of the day is free for individual sightseeing or shopping. You may want to visit Durbar Square in the heart of the old city, the monkey temple at Swayambhunath, the largest Buddhist stupa on earth at Boudhanath or the Hindu temple at Pashupathinath. Another option is to take a taxi to Bhaktapur, the medieval city 10.5mi (17km) east of the capital. Bhaktapur has its own Durbar Square with many temples and statues and a maze of narrow streets, which are generally quieter than the capital. The Exodus representative in Kathmandu can give you more information on what there is to see. Accommodation: Royal Singi Hotel (or similar)
Your journey ends in Kathmandu after breakfast. If you’d like to spend more time in the Nepalese capital, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
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Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
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