Rhododendron Festival in Bhutan 2025

Rhododendron Festival in Bhutan 2025 Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Paro – Thimphu Sightseeing | 54 Km | Drive: 1 hour

Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, your guide and driver will welcome you and transfer you to Thimphu.

On the way, stop to view Tamchog Lhakhang, built in 1420 by Thang Tong Gyalpo, who constructed 108 bridges across Tibet and Bhutan, including 8 in Bhutan.

In the afternoon, visit the National Memorial Chorten, built in honor of the Late His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Next, see the world’s tallest sitting Buddha statue at Kuensel Phodrang (51.5 m). Finally, visit the craft bazaar to purchase Bhutanese handicrafts and artworks.

In the evening, tour Tashichho Dzong, the royal secretariat and central monastic body.

Dinner and overnight: Hotel in Thimphu.

Day 2: Thimphu Sightseeing | Altitude: 2334 m

Start your morning with a visit to Changangkha Lhakhang, built in the 13th century by Phajo Drugom Zhigpo. It is the oldest temple in Thimphu Valley.

Next, visit the Takin Preserve Center to see Bhutan’s national animal, believed by locals to have been created by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, the “Divine Madman.”

Proceed to Sangaygang View Point and Dupthop Lhakhang, one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan.

Lunch will be at Simply Bhutan Museum Restaurant.

In the afternoon, visit the Postal Museum where you can create personalized Bhutanese stamps with your photo. Then, tour the Painting School, which teaches the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan.

In the evening, enjoy free time to stroll around town.

Dinner and overnight: Hotel in Thimphu.

Day 3: Thimphu – Rhododendron Festival in Bhutan – Punakha

In the morning, drive to the picturesque Punakha Valley, the ancient capital of Bhutan.

Stop at the scenic Dochula Pass (3140 m), which features 108 small stupas and offers views of the Himalayas. The annual Druk Wangyel Festival is held here on December 13th.

Arrive at Lam Pelri Park to experience the Rhododendron Festival 2025. Enjoy walks in the garden and participate in cultural festivities.

In the evening, drive to Punakha.

Dinner and overnight: Hotel in Punakha.

Day 4: Punakha Sightseeing – Hike to Khamsum Yulley Monastery

In the morning, visit Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, built in 1638 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Though it was destroyed by fire in 2012, restoration is now complete.

Visit Chimi Lhakhang, built in 1499 to honor Drukpa Kuenley, the “Divine Madman.” Known as the “Temple of Fertility,” it attracts many childless couples who seek blessings here.

In the afternoon, explore the magnificent Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. It was here that King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck convened Bhutan’s first parliament in 1952.

Hike to Khamsum Yulley Monastery, built by Her Majesty the Queen Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck for the long life of His Majesty and for world peace.

Dinner and overnight: Hotel in Punakha.

Day 5: Punakha – Paro Sightseeing | 142 Km | Drive: 4 hours

In the morning, drive to Paro, with occasional stops for photographs.

In the afternoon, visit Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower now converted into the National Museum of Bhutan.

Visit Rinpung Dzong, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. This dzong is an architectural marvel and was featured in scenes from the movie “Little Buddha.”

In the evening, visit a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse.

Dinner and overnight: Hotel in Paro.

Day 6: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang)

In the morning, hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang), built in 1684 by Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgay. It is one of Bhutan’s most photographed landmarks. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, flew here on the back of a tigress. The round-trip hike takes about 4 hours and is part of the beautiful Bumdra Trek in Paro Valley.

In the afternoon, visit Drugyal Dzong, built in 1647 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal as a defense post against Tibetan invasions. Though destroyed by fire, restoration is underway.

Next, visit Kichu Lhakhang, built in 659 AD by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. This temple is one of the oldest in Bhutan, part of a series of 108 temples built to subdue an ogress.

In the evening, explore Paro town for shopping and photography.

Dinner and overnight: Hotel in Paro.

Day 7: Departure

In the morning, you will be driven to Paro International Airport for your departure, marking the end of your Rhododendron Festival tour in Bhutan.