Traditional temple with a golden roof ornament in Bumthang

Tamshing Phala Choepa Festival Tour

Ten days from the western valleys to our home village in Bumthang, timed around the festival of Tamshing Lhakhang.

Duration: 10 days / 9 nights
Route: Paro · Thimphu · Punakha · Gangtey · Bumthang
Accommodation: 3-star hotels as standard; 4-star, boutique, luxury or homestays on request
Best season: Autumn (2027 festival: 10–12 October)
Group size: Private tour, 1 traveller or more

Overview

Each autumn, our home village of Tamshing gathers in the courtyard of Tamshing Lhakhang, the temple our company is named after, for three days of masked dances and blessings. It is a small village festival that few visitors ever see. This journey travels east through Thimphu, Punakha and the Phobjikha valley to Bumthang, where you will spend the festival with our family and neighbours, before flying back to Paro.

Trip highlights

The Tamshing Phala Choepa, celebrated with our family and neighbours
A day in Tamshing village, our home
Bumthang’s ancient temples, including Jambay and Kurjey Lhakhang
The Phobjikha valley and Trongsa Dzong on the way east

Sample itinerary

Paro · Thimphu · Punakha · Gangtey · Bumthang · 9 nights

Day 1
Arrive in Paro, drive to Thimphu
Your guide meets you at the airport for the drive to the capital. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 2
Thimphu
The capital’s landmarks, and a gho or kira to wear to the festival. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 3
Over Dochula Pass to Punakha
Dochula Pass, Punakha Dzong and Chimi Lhakhang. Overnight in Punakha.
Day 4
Up to Gangtey
Gangtey Monastery and the Phobjikha valley. Overnight in Gangtey.
Day 5
Over the mountains to Bumthang
Via Trongsa Dzong into central Bhutan. Overnight in Bumthang.
Day 6
Tamshing Phala Choepa, day one
Masked dances in the courtyard of Tamshing Lhakhang, alongside our family and neighbours. Overnight in Bumthang.
Day 7
Festival and Bumthang temples
Morning at the festival, then Jambay Lhakhang and Kurjey Lhakhang. Overnight in Bumthang.
Day 8
A day in Tamshing village
The final day of the festival, and time in our home village. Overnight in Bumthang.
Day 9
Fly back to Paro
A short domestic flight back to the Paro valley, and an afternoon at Rinpung Dzong. Overnight in Paro.
Day 10
Departure
Transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward flight.

Festival dates follow the Bhutanese lunar calendar; the 2027 dates are tentative, so we confirm them before you book. The Bumthang to Paro flight depends on the weather; if it doesn’t run, we drive you back instead. Would you like to hike to Tiger’s Nest as well? We can add a day in Paro. This is a sample itinerary. We share the full day-by-day plan, with hotels and experiences, once we start planning your trip.

What’s included

Included

Accommodation in 3-star hotels approved by the Department of Tourism, twin or double sharing. Prefer something different? Choose 4-star, boutique or luxury hotels, or village homestays and farmhouse stays, priced on request
All meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Bottled drinking water throughout your trip
Licensed English-speaking guide
Private vehicle with an experienced driver, sized to your group
Airport arrival and departure transfers
Bumthang to Paro domestic flight (or the drive back if the flight doesn’t run)
Daily sightseeing and activities as listed in the itinerary
Entrance fees to all sites on your itinerary
Bhutan visa fee (US$40) and processing: we apply for your visa on your behalf
Sustainable Development Fee (US$100 per person per night), government taxes and surcharges
Help from our team before, during and after your trip

Not included

Flights to and from Bhutan (we are happy to book these for you)
Single room supplement when two travellers would like separate rooms
Travel insurance
Drinks other than water, including alcohol
Meals at 4–5 star restaurants outside the itinerary
Tips for your guide and driver
Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls and souvenirs

Prices are per person in US dollars and include the visa fee and the Sustainable Development Fee, with 3-star accommodation as standard. The 2-traveller price is per person, sharing a twin or double room. Quotes are valid for 30 days; see our Booking Terms.

Enquire about this journey