Rhododendron Festival
Into the Land of the Brokpas
Experience Bhutan like never before on this 10-day journey from the western cultural heartlands to the remote highlands of Merak and Sakteng. The tour culminates with the Rhododendron Festival (Etho Metho), celebrating the arrival of endangered black-necked cranes and the vibrant life of the Brokpa community. Explore Bhutan’s scenic valleys, sacred monasteries, and traditional villages while witnessing unique festivals, cultural rituals, and breathtaking landscapes.
Highlights of the Journey
- Cultural immersion with the Brokpa community in Merak and Sakteng
- Rhododendron Festival at Gangtey Monastery (11th November 2026)
- Scenic hikes and gentle nature walks in blooming highlands
- Tiger’s Nest Monastery cliffside hike in Paro
- Panoramic views from Dochula Pass (3,100 m)
- Punakha Dzong and suspension bridge visit
- Authentic experiences with traditional attire and local customs
- Exploration of Eastern Bhutan’s remote highlands
DAY 01: Arrival – Thimphu
- Arrival at Paro International Airport
- Scenic drive to Thimphu (1.5 hours)
- Visit Buddha Dordenma and National Memorial Chorten
- Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu
DAY 02: Thimphu Sightseeing – Drive to Phobjikha via Dochula Pass
- Visit Takin Preserve and Royal Textile Academy
- Explore Simply Bhutan Living Museum and Bhutan Postal Museum
- Drive to Phobjikha Valley (4–5 hours) with stop at Dochula Pass (3,100 m)
- Overnight: Hotel in Phobjikha
DAY 03: Gangtey Festival & Sightseeing
- Attend Black-Necked Crane Festival at Gangtey Goenpa
- Cultural performances, rituals, and traditional dances
- Walk along Gangtey Nature Trail
- Visit Black-Necked Crane Information Centre
- Overnight: Hotel in Phobjikha
DAY 04: Gangtey – Punakha
- Drive to Punakha (3–4 hours)
- Riverside lunch at Zomlithang
- Explore Punakha Dzong and Punakh Suspension Bridge
- Optional visits to local villages
- Overnight: Hotel in Punakha
DAY 05: Punakha – Paro via Dochula Pass
- Morning hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
- Drive back to Paro (4–5 hours), revisiting Dochula Pass
- Evening at leisure in Paro
- Overnight: Hotel in Paro
DAY 06: Tiger’s Nest Climb & Paro Exploration
- Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang Lhakhang)
- Alternative option: Visit Kyichu Lhakhang and Paro Rinpung Dzong
- Explore Paro Town
- Evening farewell dinner
- Overnight: Hotel in Paro
DAY 07: Flight to Eastern Bhutan – Trashigang
- Fly to Trashigang
- Explore Trashigang Dzong and town
- Overnight: Hotel in Trashigang
DAY 08: Merak – Rhododendron Festival
- Travel to Merak, home of the Brokpa community
- Attend Rhododendron Festival (Etho Metho)
- Engage in traditional dances, local games, and cultural interactions
- Try on Brokpa attire
- Gentle nature walks through blooming rhododendron forests
- Overnight: Hotel in Merak
DAY 09: Merak – Sakteng (Brokpa Immersion)
- Explore Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary
- Immerse in Brokpa village life, yak herding, and traditional cuisine
- Learn about flora, fauna, and cultural heritage
- Overnight: Hotel in Sakteng
DAY 10: Sakteng – Trashigang & Departure Options
- Return to Trashigang
- Option 1: Domestic flight to Paro for onward departure
- Option 2: Overland exit via India (Samdrup Jongkhar / Guwahati)
- End of journey with memories of Bhutan’s unique cultural and natural treasures
- Tashi Delek!
