Bhutan13 days
Bhutan: Ura Festival, Valleys & Monasteries — 13 Days
Witness masked dances at Ura Festival in Bumthang, then traverse sacred sites from Thimphu to Taktshang Monastery across 13 days.
This itinerary centers on the Ura Festival, held annually in Bumthang valley, where masked dances and ritual performances take place over several days. The tour moves through Bhutan's western and central regions—from the capital Thimphu through Punakha's valley dzongs, over Dochu La Pass, to the high plateaus of Bumthang and Gangtey. Along the way, you visit major monasteries and dzongs spanning centuries: Taksgang at 900 meters above Paro valley, Jakar Dzong overlooking the Chokhor valley, and structures dating to the 7th century. Driving times range from two to four hours between regions. Optional day hikes visit hill-top temples; alternatives allow exploration by vehicle. The itinerary includes stays in both Thimphu and Paro, and accommodations in Paro can include a night in a traditional farmhouse or a hotel.
Best time to go: Festival Dates: 2026: Apr 29 – May 1 2027: Apr 18 – 20
Highlights
- Ura Festival masked dances and ritual performances in Bumthang valley
- Taktshang Monastery on a vertical rock face 900 meters above Paro valley
- Jakar Dzong, Bhutan's largest dzong, overlooking the Chokhor valley
- Dochu La Pass with views of the Eastern Himalayan range
- Gangtey Gompa monastery in Phobjikha valley at 3,500 meters
- Membar Tsho (Flaming Lake), a pilgrimage site in Bumthang
- Wangdi Dzong, rebuilt after a 2012 fire and renovated over 12 years
- Kyichu Lhakhang, a 7th-century temple in Paro
- Trongsa Dzong commanding views in central Bhutan's mountain pass
Day by day
1Arrival in Paro and Drive to ThimphuParo · Tamchhog Lhakhang · Thimphu's town center · Paro to Thimphu
You arrive in Paro and meet your guide for a drive north through river valleys toward Thimphu, the capital. The route follows the Paro river, then transitions to the Thimphu river valley. En route, you can stop at Tamchhog Lhakhang, a temple associated with the historical iron bridge builder of Bhutan. In the evening, walk around Thimphu's town center to observe daily life: shops, markets, and residents wearing the national dress (gho for men, kira for women).
2Sacred Sites and Cultural Institutions in ThimphuThe National Library · The School of Traditional Arts and Crafts · Dechen Phodrang monastery · Pangri Zampa · Simtokha Dzong
Spend the day visiting Thimphu's major sites. The National Library holds manuscripts and texts on Bhutanese Buddhism. The School of Traditional Arts and Crafts trains artisans in painting, woodcarving, and weaving. In the afternoon, choose between Dechen Phodrang monastery, Pangri Zampa, or Simtokha Dzong, one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan.
3Dochu La Pass and Punakha Valley DzongsDochu La Pass · Chimi Lhakhang · Punakha Dzong
Drive south from Thimphu toward Punakha, climbing to Dochu La Pass. Stop for a hot drink and observe views of the Eastern Himalayan range. Descend into Punakha valley. Visit Chimi Lhakhang (15th century) and Punakha Dzong, a large structure sitting at the confluence of two rivers.
4Trongsa Dzong and Drive to BumthangTrongsa Dzong · Punakha to Bumthang valley
Depart Punakha for the central highlands. Stop at Trongsa Dzong, a fortress commanding a mountain pass. Tour the structure and its surroundings. Continue driving east through forested terrain to Bumthang valley, arriving in the late afternoon.
5Ura Festival Masked Dances and RitualsUra village · central courtyard
Travel to Ura village for the festival, which typically spans three days. Local people arrive in formal dress from surrounding areas to attend. The festival features masked dances performed by monks and lay dancers. Dances include the "thunderbolt step," a rhythmic movement pattern. Masks represent deities, animals, and demonic figures used in ritual purification. The Atsara, a clown figure, mimics other dancers and provides comedic interludes. Many dances function as narrative performances depicting moral stories or historical events, particularly episodes from the life of Padmasambhava, the 8th-century figure credited with introducing Buddhism to Bhutan. The festival's spiritual purpose centers on invoking deities, increasing merit, and dispelling misfortune. Spectators gather around the central courtyard to observe over several hours.
6Bumthang Valleys: Dzongs, Temples, and Pilgrimage SitesJakar Dzong · Jamba Lhakhang · Kurjey Lhakhang · Tamshing Lhakhang · Membar Tsho · Bumthang's Swiss cheese factory and dairy operation · Red Panda Brewery
Begin at Jakar Dzong, Bhutan's largest dzong, positioned on a ridge overlooking the Chokhor valley. Your guide leads you to nearby sacred sites: Jamba Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, and Tamshing Lhakhang, three temples with different historical periods and architectural details. Visit Membar Tsho, known locally as the Flaming Lake, a significant pilgrimage destination. Optional visits include Bumthang's Swiss cheese factory and dairy operation, or the Red Panda Brewery.
7Day Hike in Bumthang Valleys or Valley Exploration by VehicleBumthang valleys · hill-top temples and monasteries in Bumthang
Optional day hike to hill-top temples and monasteries in Bumthang, with difficulty and distance adjusted to your fitness level. If you prefer not to hike, your guide can show you more of the valley by vehicle, including agricultural areas and smaller religious sites.
8Trongsa Museum and Drive to Gangtey Gompa at 3,500 MetersGangtey Gompa · Trongsa watchtower · Phobjikha valley
Return west through Trongsa, stopping at the museum housed in the Trongsa watchtower. The museum documents the Royal Wangchuk dynasty and displays personal items from Bhutan's kings and queens. Continue driving to Phobjikha valley, a wide, high plateau. Arrive at Gangtey Gompa, one of Bhutan's oldest monastery complexes, extensively renovated in recent decades. The surrounding valley sits at 3,500 meters elevation.
9Day Hike in Phobjikha Valley or Local ExplorationPhobjikha valley
Optional day hike through Phobjikha valley, a remote, sparsely populated area. Alternatively, wander by vehicle or on foot from your accommodation.
10Wangdi Dzong and Return to ThimphuWangdi Dzong · Wangdi town · Wangdi to Thimphu
Drive west toward Thimphu via Wangdi, stopping to tour Wangdi Dzong. The dzong was built in 1638 and damaged in a fire in June 2012; restoration took 12 years and the structure is now open to visitors. The surrounding area displays flowering rhododendrons, orchids, and magnolia during spring months. Stop for a meal or beverage in Wangdi town before continuing to Thimphu.
11Paro Dzong, Kyichu Lhakhang, and Farmhouse or Hotel AccommodationParo · Kyichu Lhakhang · Paro Rinpung Dzong · Drukgyel Dzong
Drive west to Paro and visit Paro Rinpung Dzong, a fortress overlooking the valley. Tour Kyichu Lhakhang, a 7th-century temple and one of Bhutan's oldest sacred structures. View the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1644 to commemorate a victory over Tibetan invaders and destroyed by fire in 1951. In Paro, you can stay in a traditional farmhouse with a local family or choose a hotel accommodation.
12Taktshang Monastery TrekTaktshang Monastery · cafeteria and viewpoint partway up
Walk to Taktshang Monastery, which clings to a cliff face 900 meters above Paro valley. The path ascends through forest. A cafeteria and viewpoint sits partway up, offering views of the monastery's white buildings against the rock wall.
13Departure from ParoParo airport
Early in the morning, your guide will accompany you to Paro airport for your departure flight, offering a final Tashi Delek—a traditional Bhutanese goodbye and blessing for your journey ahead.
Where you go
- 1Paro
- 2Dochu La Pass
- 3Punakha Dzong
- 4Trongsa Dzong
- 5Ura Village
- 6Phobjikha Valley
- 7Paro
- 8Kyichu Lhakhang
- 9Taktshang Monastery