Step into the heart of Bhutanese culture and witness the magnificence of the Paro festival, hailed as a beacon of tradition and spirituality. Mark your calendars for April 8th – 12th, 2025, when the enchanting rituals and vibrant ceremonies unfold against the backdrop of Paro fortress.
Immerse yourself in the essence of Bhutanese heritage as the festival unfolds in three captivating acts. Experience the solemnity of pre-festival rituals, the grandeur of ceremonies within the fortress walls, and the jubilant atmosphere of the main festival grounds for three exhilarating days.
A highlight of the event is the unveiling of a majestic applique painting, a symbol of enlightenment and liberation. As the intricate Buddhist image unfolds before your eyes, feel the seed of enlightenment taking root within you, paving the way for a journey towards inner freedom and transcendence from the cycle of suffering.
Join us in celebrating the richness of Bhutanese culture and the timeless wisdom it holds. Let the Paro festival be your gateway to a profound spiritual experience and a deeper understanding of the human spirit.
Overview
This festival provides an opportunity to meet Bhutanese of all walks of life, dressed in traditional attire. In addition, the tour package Includes visits to four other districts of western Bhutan.
Venue: Paro Fortress
Suitability: First time travelers, for those to study society and culture
Duration: you can choose from five to 10 days.
Best to visit: Any time of the year coinciding with festival dates
Itinerary
Arrive at Paro International Airport from Delhi or Kathmandu. Paro is situated in a beautiful valley and is a fitting introduction to this charming kingdom. Your tour guide will meet you and take you on a drive along the Paro and Thimphu river valleys to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. You can stop on the way to take in the magnificent Tamchhog Lhakhang, the hereditary place of worship for Bhutan’s iron bridge builder. Take an afternoon walk around town and soak in the atmosphere of this magical capital with its busy shops and bazaars and photogenic citizens in national dress.
After Dinner night halt at hotel. Overnight at 3 Standard Hotels, Thimphu.
Thimphu sightseeing. We will visit the weekly market, the revered Memorial Chorten, the National Library and the School of Traditional Arts. In the afternoon we will drive up to the Radio Tower (offering splendid views of the city from a hilltop festooned with prayer flags), visit the Takin Reserve showcasing the unique national animal, the Takin, and then browse the striking collection of intricate textiles at the National Textile Museum.
Dinner and overnight stay at 3 star Standard Hotels or similar Thimphu.
Thimphu to Punakha. In the morning drive to the old capital, Punakha, via Dochu La pass at 3050 metres, where we will stop for a hot drink and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Eastern Himalaya ranges. In the afternoon visit the imposing Punakha Dzong, and Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility) built in the 15th century by the ‘Divine Madman’ (Lama Drukpa Kuenley).
Dinner and overnight stay 3 star Standard Hotels or similar in Punakha.
Today we return to Paro via Wangdi, originally considered Bhutan’s secondary capital and commanding an important central position. We will stop for lunch or a drink in Wangdi although sadly the Dzong, built by the Shabdrung in 1638 on an auspicious site where four ravens were seen flying in four different directions. After lunch continue on your way. You should see plenty of flowering rhododendrons, orchids and magnolia to enhance the drive.
Dinner and overnight stay at 3 star Standard Hotels or similar Paro.
This morning you will visit Paro Festival. You will see locals dressed in their finest clothes who have walked from miles around to attend the festivities. They come to watch masked dances, to pray, and to feast. While the underlying purpose of the festival is spiritual, dances are more often like plays, telling stories where good triumphs over evil, or depicting significant historical events, especially surrounding the life of Bhutan’s patron saint, Padmasambhava (also known as Guru Rinpoche). There is inevitably a great deal of socialising as well. The occasion provides an opportunity for people to relax and forget the daily routine, and to dress in their finest clothes and jewellery, but it is also an occasion for prayer and blessings. In the afternoon, visit Ta Dzong (‘the watch tower’) now housing the National Museum. Built on top of the hill above RinpungDzong, it was originally used to defend RinpungDzong and the Paro valley during times of war. Its unusual circular construction resembles a conch shell and it now contains a magnificent collection of Bhutanese artefacts – costumes, religious paintings, arms, textiles and a fascinating collection of Bhutan stamps.
(Optional: Early in the morning visit the Festival to see the excitement of the thongdrel ceremony, where a large religious painting made of cloth is unfurled on the side of the Dzong, an event that only takes place on the last day of the annual festival.)
Dinner and overnight stay at 3 star Standard Hotels or similar Paro.
Take a day walk to the ‘Tiger’s Nest’, the sacred Taktshang monastery which clings to the rock face 900 metres above the valley floor. Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown to the site riding on a tigress. He subsequently meditated here for three months. It is one of Bhutan’s most holy sites and draws pilgrims not only from Bhutan but also from neighbouring Buddhist countries. You can have lunch at the Taktshang cafeteria from where you get a spectacular view of the monastery.
Dinner and overnight stay at 3 star Standard Hotels or similar Paro.
Early in the morning your guide will accompany you to the airport to see you off onto your flight to Delhi or Kathmandu and wish you Tashi Delek (goodbye and good luck).
Dinner and overnight stay at 3 star Standard Hotels or similar Paro
The Trip Cost Includes
- Department of Tourism’s certified 3 star Standard hotel accommodation twin sharing room;
- All Meals.
- USD 100 nightly SDF Fee (Sustainable Development fee) that goes for free education and health care for the citizens of Bhutan and tourist alike.
- Tourism Council’s certified Professional English speaking Cultural tour guide.
- Comfortable Toyota/Hyundai Tour Vehicle with Tourism Council’s Certified Driver.
- Mineral Water
- Domestic travel insurance.
- Entry Fees to museums, cultural monuments and fortresses.
- Visa/Permit process.
- USD 40 Visa fee
The Trip Cost Excludes
- Any airfare.
- Any cost of excess baggage/weight.
- Tips to the guide and driver.
- Beverage, alcohol, laundry and any personal nature expenses.
Frequently asked Questions
The Abloom Springtime-PARO FESTIVAL, also known as Paro Tsechu, is one of the most popular and colorful religious festivals celebrated in Bhutan. It is held annually in the town of Paro and is dedicated to Guru Rinpoche, the saint who brought Buddhism to Bhutan.
The Paro Festival is usually celebrated in spring, typically in April. The exact dates vary each year according to the Bhutanese lunar calendar, so travelers should check with their tour operator for the latest schedule. The Paro Festival is scheduled for 8th-12th April 2025 next year.
The Paro Festival features traditional mask dances, religious ceremonies, cultural performances, and colorful processions. Monks and laypeople perform intricate Cham dances representing various aspects of Bhutanese mythology and spiritual beliefs. The highlight of the festival is the unveiling of the Thongdrel, a large silk tapestry depicting Guru Rinpoche, believed to bestow blessings on those who view it.
The festival typically spans over 5 days, with each day featuring different rituals and performances. Travelers can choose to attend the entire festival or select specific days based on their interests and schedule.
The Paro Festival is open to visitors of all ages and backgrounds, offering a fascinating glimpse into Bhutanese culture and spirituality. However, travelers should be prepared for large crowds, especially during the peak days of the festival, and should respect the sanctity of the religious ceremonies and cultural traditions.
Travelers interested in experiencing the Paro Festival can book a tour through us as we are reputable travel agency specializing in Bhutanese Cultural tourism. It’s advisable to book well in advance, as the festival is a popular cultural event and accommodations can fill up quickly during this time.
In addition to attending the festival, travelers can explore the picturesque town of Paro and its surrounding attractions, including the iconic Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) monastery, Rinpung Dzong (Paro Fortress), and National Museum of Bhutan. The Paro Valley also offers opportunities for hiking, nature walks, and cultural experiences.
Photography and videography are generally permitted during the festival, but visitors should be respectful of cultural norms and avoid disrupting religious ceremonies or taking photos without permission, especially inside temples and monasteries. Some festival events may have specific guidelines regarding photography, so it’s important to follow the instructions of your guide.
When packing for the festival tour, you should bring comfortable clothing suitable for both outdoor activities and temple visits, as well as sturdy walking shoes, sun protection, a reusable water bottle, and any personal medications or toiletries. Additionally, it’s advisable to pack a small daypack for carrying essentials during festival outings.
