Rhododendron Festival

The Rhododendron Festival is a vibrant celebration of Bhutan’s natural beauty, held annually in the spring at the Lamperi Botanical Garden. During this festival, the garden comes alive with a stunning display of rhododendron flowers in various colors, transforming the landscape into a breathtaking floral wonderland.

Visitors can enjoy cultural performances, including traditional dances and music, while taking in the spectacular views of the blooming rhododendrons. The festival also offers guided nature walks through the botanical garden, providing a closer look at Bhutan’s rich biodiversity and the many species of rhododendrons and other native plants that thrive in the region.

In addition to celebrating nature, the festival allows visitors to immerse themselves in Bhutanese traditions and enjoy the tranquil beauty of the Lamperi valley. It’s a wonderful opportunity for nature lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike to experience the magic of Bhutan in full bloom.

This tour also covers the major attractions of Bhutan, including the capital city of Thimphu, the serene Paro, and the cultural heart of Punakha. Beginning in Paro, known for its sacred sites and stunning landscapes, we will explore the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, a breathtaking cliffside retreat that is one of the most famous landmarks in Bhutan.

Tour Costing:

1 Pax: $2190 per person
2 Pax: $1980 per person
3 Pax and More: $1770 per person

Note: The above tour cost is inclusive of the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of US$100 per day (per adult, with concessionary rates for children). A non-refundable, one-time visa application fee of US$40 is also payable.

Entrance fees for monuments and festivals visits to be paid separately.

Included:

Accommodation (usually 3-star hotels, can upgrade at additional cost)
All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
Transport within Bhutan including airport transfers.
Sustainable development fee (SDF).
Bhutan visa fee.
English speaking guide.
Sightseeing.
Bottled water.

Not Included:

International airfare to/from Bhutan.
Entrance fees for museums and monuments.
Insurance premiums.
Payments for service provided on a personal basis.
Cost for any services not mentioned in the “Cost Include head”.
Cost incurred due to mishaps, strikes, political unrest etc.
Personal expenses (souvenirs, tips, additional beverages, etc.)

Detailed Itinerary

Your guide and driver will receive you at the Paro International Airport and drive to Thimphu.

On the way, view Tamchog lhakhang built in 1420 by Thang Tong Gyalpo. He built 108 bridges across Tibet and Bhutan and 8 were built in Bhutan.

Afternoon, visit the national memorial chorten built in honor of the Late His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Then visit the tallest statue of sitting Buddha in the world at Kuensel Phodrang (51.5 m). Finally visit to the craft bazaar where you can buy Bhutanese handicrafts and art works.

In the evening, visit to Tashichho dzong, the royal secretariat and central monastic body.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

In the morning, visit Changangkha lhakhang built in the 13th century by Phajo Drugom Zhigpo. It is the oldest temple in Thimphu valley.

Then visit Takin preserve center. Takin is the national animal of Bhutan. The Bhutanese believe that it was created by lama Drukpa Kuenley, the divine madman of Bhutan.

Finally visit Sangay gang view point and Dupthop lhakhang, one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan.

Lunch at Simply Bhutan museum restaurant.

In the afternoon, visit to postal museum where you can print your photos on the official Bhutanese stamps. Then visit the painting school (13 arts and crafts).

In the evening, free to stroll in the town.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

In the morning, drive to the beautiful Punakha valley, the ancient capital of Bhutan.

Punakha dzong is the winter residence of Je Khenpo, the chief abbot of Bhutan and the monk body.

We stop at the scenic Dochu la pass (3140 m) with 108 small stupas and enjoy the view of the Himalayas. The annual Druk Wangyel festival is held here on the 13th December.

Witness Rhododendron festival 2025 in Bhutan at Lam Pelri park. You can take a walk in the garden or take part in the cultural festivities.

In the evening, drive to Punakha.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

In the morning, visit to Wangdue Phodrang dzong built in 1638 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

This dzong was destroyed by fire in 2012 and the repair work has complete now.

Visit Chimi lhakhang built in 1499 to honor Drukpa Kuenley, popularly known as “The divine madman”. The temple is also called “the temple of fertility”. He travelled throughout Bhutan and Tibet using songs and humor to dramatize his teachings of salvation through sex. Many childless couples from across the country visit the temple to offer prayers and seek the blessings. This monument is also the highlight honeymoon in Bhutan.

In the afternoon, visit the magnificent Punakha dzong built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The dzong is located at the confluence of Pho chu and Mo chu rivers. His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck convened the first parliament here in 1952.

Hike to the beautiful Khamsum Yulley monastery built by Her Majesty the Queen Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck. It was built for the long life of His Majesty and for the world peace.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

In the morning, drive to Paro. We occasionally stop on the way to take pictures.

Afternoon, visit Ta dzong, an ancient watch tower which is now converted to the national museum of Bhutan.

Visit Rinpung dzong built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. This dzong is an architectural delight and some scenes of the movie, Little Buddha were shot here.

In the evening, visit a typical Bhutanese farm house.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

In the morning, hike to the Tiger’s nest monastery (Paro Taktsang) built in 1684 by Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgay.

It is probably the most photographed monument in Bhutan. Guru Rinpoche, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan flew here on a back of a tigress. The hike is for 4 hours for round trip. The trail is a part of the beautiful Bumdra trek in Paro valley.

Afternoon, visit Drugyal dzong built in 1647 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. This dzong was built as a defense post against the Tibetan invasion. This dzong was destroyed by accidental fire and is under repair now.

Then visit Kichu lhakhang built in 659 A.D by the Tibetan king Srongtsen Gampo. This temple is probably the oldest one in the country. Srongtsen Gampo built 108 temple in a single day across the Himalayan region to suppress an ogress. Six of these temples lie in Bhutan including Jambay lhakhang in Jakar, Bumthang.

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

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

A representative of our company and the tour guide will see you off at the exit gate. Wishing you a safe and pleasant journey. See you next time!

Bhutan Festival