Bhutan Women-Only Fall Festival Tour

* Sorry you missed this tour! Please check out our Spring 2026 tour to Bhutan or our Fall 2026 Yoga Retreat to Bhutan. Otherwise, contact us if you’d like to be on a waitlist for future Bhutan trips! 

Note: Cancellation fees apply. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before registering.

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The group will fly from Bangkok, Thailand to Paro, Bhutan very early on the morning of October 1 (5:00 AM). It’s best to arrive in Bangkok at least 24 hours prior to departure to Bhutan in the event of flight delays.

We can suggest hotels in downtown Bangkok if you’d like to arrive in advance, or you can stay near the airport to make it easier on yourself the morning of our departure.

Bhutan Women-only Fall Festival Tour Itinerary

Day 1
Wednesday, October 1, 2025 – Bangkok – Paro – Thimphu
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Upon landing in Paro, we’ll be met by our guide and driver for the start of our journey through this pristine and peaceful kingdom.

You’ll immediately be struck by the crisp, clean air as you take in the scenery of this country that’s located in the foothills of the Himalayas.

Our first stop will be a short drive away to the town of Paro for lunch.

After lunch, we’ll begin our sightseeing with a visit to the National Museum of Bhutan. The building in which it’s located dates back to the 17th century and was once a ta dzong (watchtower). It now holds artifacts including thangkas (Buddhist paintings), textiles, armor and other relics that help tell the history of the country.

If there’s time, we may also visit Rimpung Dzong (literally translated as “fortress on a heap of jewels”), also built in the 17th century. But rather than a watchtower, this was built to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders.

From Paro, we’ll make the one-hour drive to Thimphu, the only capital city with no traffic lights!

We’ll get settled into our hotel and have a bit of time to relax in the late afternoon.

Dinner and overnight at Capital Hotel or similar in Thimphu.

Day 2
Thursday, October 2, 2025 – Thimphu (Festival day!)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, after breakfast, we’ll experience our first tshechu (festival) of the tour!

The Thimphu Tshechu is one of the largest festivals in the country, with hundreds of performers and thousands of locals–from both the city as well as the countryside–in attendance. Important as a social gathering for the community, these festivals celebrate Buddhism, the country’s primary religion.

We’ll take a break for lunch, but we will spend the day here, enjoying the traditional music, singing and dancing by both monks and laypeople. We’ll see elaborate costumes and masks and enjoy the antics of some of the light-hearted performers.

We’ll return to the hotel in the mid to late afternoon

Dinner and overnight at Capital Hotel or similar in Thimphu.

Day 3
Friday, October 3, 2025 – Thimphu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, we’ll enjoy a full day in Thimphu, with a chance to learn about the local culture, arts and religion by visiting a number of sites.

We’ll start at the city’s weekend market, filled with a wide variety of goods for both locals and tourists. Expect to see produce and meats for sale as well as souvenirs, clothes and items such as yak tail dusters, butter tea cups and jewelry from Nepal and Tibet.

From the market, we’ll visit the National Memorial Chorten, one of the most visited religious sights in Thimphu. This stupa was built in 1974 to honor the third king of Bhutan. It’s a sight to see (and hear!) with its golden spire and ringing bells.

By late morning, we’ll visit the Buddha Dordenma statue. This 170-foot-tall gilded Buddha is perched on a hill above the city atop a meditation hall. Inside the hall, there are 125,000 Buddha statues that range between 6 and 12 inches tall–all glittering in gold.

We’ll take a break for lunch at a local restaurant and then take a short (easy) hike through a rhododendron forest. Upon returning to town, we may have a chance to visit the handicrafts emporium, where tapestries, crafts, jewelry and clothes from around the country can be found, all in one location. We can also take time to look for souvenirs in some of the local shops.

Dinner and overnight at Capital Hotel or similar in Thimphu.

Day 4
Saturday, October 4, 2025 – Thimphu – Gangtey
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we’ll depart Thimphu to make our way east. Our first stop will be Dochu La Pass (10,171 feet) to enjoy some tea and walk around the 108 stupas built as a memorial for fallen Bhutanese soldiers killed in 2003 by Indian insurgents. On a clear day, there are spectacular views of the Himalayan mountain range.

From the pass, we’ll descend a series of hairpin turns and drive onward to the small village of Lobeysa, where we’ll have lunch at a local restaurant.

We’ll continue east to the Phobjikha Valley. This area is considered to be the most beautiful valley in all of Bhutan. It’s here that the Royal Society for Protection of Nature is very active in protecting the habitat because black-necked cranes migrate here from Tibet in October and November.

We’ll arrive in time to visit the Gangtey Goempa (temple) and then take a one-hour walk down the nature trail through the woods that wind down to the valley floor.

We’ll then check in to our hotel, located in the beautiful valley itself.

Dinner and overnight at ABC Eco Lodge in Gangtey.

Day 5
Sunday, October 5, 2025 – Gangtey – Bumthang Valley
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast at our lodge, we’ll continue west. The road winds its way up through tropical vegetation and over Pele La Pass (over 10,800 feet). If it’s a clear day, we’ll stop for views of the snow-clad mountains, including that of Bhutan’s sacred peak, Mt. Jomolhari.

We’ll stop for lunch at a charming roadside restaurant that features views of a spectacular waterfall.

After lunch, we’ll head toward Trongsa and stop at a museum that provides an excellent overview of the country, its history and Buddhism’s place in the culture.

By late afternoon, we’ll have arrived in the small village of Chamkar, located in Bumthang Valley. This area is considered one of the most sacred in the country and is thought to be the birthplace of Buddhism in Bhutan. It’s here that kings were cremated and where the present royal family traces their ancestry back to the famous saint, Pema Lingpa.

Dinner and overnight at River Lodge or similar in Chamkar (Bumthang Valley).

Day 6
Monday, October 6, 2025 – Bumthang Valley
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We’ll start our sightseeing with a visit to Tamshing Monastery, which is one of the oldest monastic schools. We’ll also visit Kurjey Lhakhang, which is where Guru Rinpoche is said to have subdued a local demon. Legends say that the imprint of the demon’s body is still in a local cave.

We’ll also visit Jambay Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples built in the 7th century, and Jakar Dzong, the valley’s imposing fortress.

We’ll have lunch at a nearby restaurant, then visit a local yak cheese maker and stop at a shop specializing in honey and other local delicacies.

Dinner and overnight at River Lodge or similar in Chamkar (Bumthang Valley).

Day 7
Tuesday, October 7, 2025 – Bumthang Valley (Festival day!)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Following breakfast, we’ll go to the Thangbi Lhakhang Tshechu, our second festival of the tour!

This will be similar to the Thimphu Festivals, except it’s quite special as it’s located in the country’s most sacred of villages.

We’ll either have a picnic or return to the hotel for our lunch.

There will be plenty of time today to wander around the festival, shop for souvenirs from the many vendors and photograph both the performers and the locals, all dressed in their finest outfits.

Dinner and overnight at River Lodge or similar in Chamkar (Bumthang Valley).

Day 8
Wednesday, October 8, 2025 – Bumthang – Punakha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, we’ll begin making our way west, back toward Thimphu and Paro.

Our first stop will be Trongsa. Here, we’ll visit the inner courtyard of the historical Trongsa Dzong, the largest and one of the most impressive dzongs in Bhutan.

We’ll have lunch at a nearby restaurant before continuing our drive back to Lobeysa, where the temple of the divine madman is located. The namesake “mad saint” is best known for his unorthodox methods of teaching Buddhism. Among other things, he used singing, humor and outrageous behavior that included sexual overtones.

We’ll have dinner and overnight at Bhutanic Resort or similar in Punakha.

Day 9
Thursday, October 9, 2025 – Punakha – Paro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we’ll visit nearby Punakha Dzong. This fortified monastery is considered the most beautiful of all dzongs in Bhutan.

We’ll meander through this complex of buildings where hundreds of monks live and study during the winter months. We’ll also visit the magnificent main temple that contains several massive Buddhas at the altar in addition to thousands of small Buddha statues inset in the walls.

After our visit, we’ll drive onward to Thimphu, where we’ll have lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we’ll take a trip to the Royal Takin Preserve, where we’ll see the extraordinary takin, the country’s national animal. Also located here are Samba deer and several kinds of birds.

We’ll continue on to Paro where we’ll have dinner and overnight at River Valley Resort or similar.

Day 10
Friday, October 10, 2025 – Paro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, after breakfast, we’ll drive to the Haa Valley via Chela La Pass (13,083 feet). This is the highest motorable point in Bhutan. On a clear day, there are spectacular views of the Himalayas, including Mt. Jomolhari.

After taking in the views, we’ll have lunch at a local restaurant in Haa.

If the group is up for it, we can then take a hike through a gigantic rhododendron forest to the Kila Goempa nunnery, which is spectacularly perched on the side of a hill.

In the afternoon, we’ll return to our hotel in Paro.

Dinner and overnight at River Valley Resort or similar in Paro.

Day 11
Saturday, October 11, 2025 – Paro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we’ll get an early start in order to hike Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang), the country’s most photographed and well-known monastery.

We’ll take breaks along the way, but expect the hike up to the main buildings (at 10,240 feet) to take more than two hours.

About halfway up, there is a cafe/tea shop, if you’d like to stop and wait for the group to return. You may also take a mule to this halfway point if you aren’t up for the walk.

Once at the top, we’ll tour the few temples located here and have time to take in the stunning view.

On the way down, we’ll stop at the cafe/tea shop for lunch and enjoy the unparalleled views of Tiger’s Nest up above.

On our way back to Paro, we can stop in town for some last-minute souvenir shopping.

We’ll return to the hotel in the afternoon for a well-deserved rest!

Dinner and overnight at River Valley Resort or similar in Paro.

Day 12
Sunday, October 12, 2025 – Paro – Bangkok
Meals: Breakfast

Following breakfast, we’ll leave for the airport for our flight to Bangkok. Flights usually arrive into Bangkok late in the afternoon or early evening (on this tour, approximately 8:30 PM). Though you can connect with an international flight that night, you might consider staying in Bangkok for one night in case flights out of Paro are delayed (not uncommon).

If you’d like to overnight in Bangkok and would like suggestions for hotels in the city or near the airport, we’d be happy to provide you with some suggestions.

** Itinerary subject to change without notice.

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* We have just 3 spots left on this tour. Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of Bhutan! Register now to secure your spot!

Secure your spot by registering with a deposit via PayPal by clicking on the Register Now button. You can sign in as a guest and do not need a PayPal account.

Note: Cancellation fees apply. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before registering.

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Costs

Land cost: $6,185
Flights from Bangkok to/from Paro: $950 (approximate)
Single Supplement: $865

NOTE: We will book your flights from Bangkok, Thailand to/from Paro, Bhutan. Price above is approximate and will be confirmed once final payments are due.

Interested in sharing the cost with another traveler? We do our best to pair up travelers so as to avoid the single supplement. However, priority is given to the first deposits received. If you’re interested in sharing, please send in your deposit as soon as possible in order to take advantage of this benefit. (Why a single supplement charge? See this FAQ page for an explanation.)

Looking to share a room? Check out this post to see what’s available.

Booking and Payment Details

Price includes: Transportation and accommodation in Bhutan, 33 meals, snacks, tea/coffee, bottled water during activities, tips for guide and driver, Bhutanese visa, government Sustainable Development Fund fee, entrance to monasteries and festivals as noted in itinerary.

Price does not include: Flights to and hotel in Bangkok, ground transportation (if required) in Bangkok, travel insurance (highly recommended), tips for WanderTours Trip Leader, personal purchases such as beverages, souvenirs and laundry.

This trip is limited to 15 women and requires a $900 deposit on a first come, first served basis.

Minimum bookings required: 8 people (minimum reached!)

Final payment due no later than August 2, 2025.

As a boutique tour company, we really appreciate checks as it helps cut down tremendously on bank fees. We ask that if you’re able, please pay the deposit or full amount by check, Venmo or wire transfer.

Here’s our mailing address:

WanderTours
PO Box 16102
Seattle, WA 98116

Cancellation fees apply. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before registering.

The fine print

Registration Form for the Bhutan Women-only Fall Festival Tour 2025 (sent once you register)

Itinerary for Bhutan Women-Only Fall Festival Tour 2025 (PDF)

We have now partnered with Travel Insured International so that you have the ability to purchase cancel for any reason insurance. We HIGHLY recommend travel insurance (no matter who your provider is) to protect your travel investment from any future issues.

For tour questions, please contact Beth at:
beth (at) wandertours (dot) com
206-317-1860

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Trip Leader: Ranan Richardson

Born in Seattle and educated in Europe, Ranan (pronounced like “run ann”) has had one foot on each continent from an early age. She’s lived and worked in such diverse places as Europe, South America, the Caribbean, Africa and Asia. Her passion for travel and seeing the more unique side of each country is continuously being cultivated.

With over 35 years of experience in the travel industry, she has worked professionally as a tour guide/trip leader throughout the world for a wide variety of travel styles. Her goal is to try to ensure unique and extraordinary experiences for her discerning clientele.

She is beyond thrilled to be escorting this group through Bhutan!