Thimphu and Gangtey Tshechu festivals tour, Bhutan
This nine-day tour is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in Bhutan’s unique culture by visiting not one, but two festivals – one in Thimpu and one in Gangtey, as well as many of the country’s top sights. A homestay, and insight from your local guide, bring it all to life.
Thimphu Tshechu (festival) Gangtey Tshechu (festival) Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery Hoist prayer flags at Dochula Pass Buddha Dordenma Statue & Memorial Chorten Phobjikha Valley - winter location of the black-necked cranes Hot stone bath Chimi Lhakang (the Temple of Fertility) Cultural show
Price
£2999 excluding flights
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Description of Thimphu and Gangtey Tshechu festivals tour, Bhutan
Spiritual Bhutan is well known for its festivals – known as tshechus – which take place around the year. People flock to celebrate with their families in a fun atmosphere of music, dancing, and performances in spectacular costumes and masks – and you can be there too!
On this Thimphu Tshechu Festival holiday you’ll head to Thimpu, Gangtey, Punakha and then back to Paro and the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. You'll take in two special festivals in Thimpu and Gangtey, as well as monasteries and temples, nature hikes and plenty of incredible scenery.
Bhutan’s tshechus celebrate Guru Rinpoche, the saint who brought Buddhism to the country. The largest religious festival in Bhutan occurs in its capital and only city, Thimphu and draws a huge crowd. It is also a social event, where people are off work, and are able to gather with friends and family. For tourists, the celebratory atmosphere is infectious.
Next it’s on to Gangtey for a smaller, more rural experience in the Phobkikha Valley. The valley is also famous for being the winter home of black neck cranes – spot these and other birds on a two-hour nature walk whilst you’re in the area.
After time at each festival you will take part in other activities designed to immerse you in Bhutanese culture – whether that’s hiking to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, raising prayer flags at the Dochula Pass, or enjoying a traditional hot stone bath. This, alongside stays in locally-owned accommodation, a homestay, and the assistance of a local guide, will give you an authentic stay that stays with you long after the festivities have finished.
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Price information
£2999 excluding flights
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Half board basis
Single room supplemt £170/$225
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Travel guides
Attending a local festival provides a fascinating insight into a culture – as well as being great fun.
We unlock the secrets of the dzongs, Druk Path trek and Buddhist festivals in our Bhutan travel guide.
Holiday information
Dietary requirements:
We can cater for vegetarian and vegan diets.
Reviews
1 Reviews of Thimphu and Gangtey Tshechu festivals tour, Bhutan
4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 19 Oct 2025 by Suzy Mills
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The Gangtey Tchechu
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Pre-trip information misleading for this time of year. Would be more beneficial to have targeted information for the time of year. No need for thermals and heavy jackets. Light jacket is enough, as on some days it was up to 27 centigrade. Lot of wasted space in suitcase. However, rain gear is essential, waterproof jacket/poncho, trousers and shoe cover. Rain can be very heavy and persistent. Also, no need for antibiotics. Including it as compulsory, is just scary.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Not sure.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very good holiday, but hotels are outside town, so need to taxi into town. It would be nicer to have hotels nearer to town.
Read the operator's response here:
Thank you so much for your constructive feedback Suzy we really appreciate you taking the time to share.
Thank you for also for your comment about being unsure if our holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation. As a sustainable travel company it is absolutely essential that our travellers and our potential clients know that each and every tour that we offer works with local guides and drivers, that we use refillable water stations instead of bottled water, we eat at local restaurants instead of chains, and that we reduce our carbon footprint wherever possible, starting with planting trees for every client who travels with us. We appreciate you letting us know that this was not celebrated in the way that it should be and have already spoken with our local teams about where this can be improved.
As the weather in Bhutan can be quite varied we always err on the side of caution to make sure clients are well prepared for a potential drop in temperature. In October temperatures regularly drop to 7 degrees especially at the higher altitudes, and we would hate for anyone to feel too cold to enjoy a mountain stroll in the evening due to lack of layers. Your group was particularly lucky with the temperature, but less so with the rain, so having a range of clothing really is the best way to make sure to stay comfortable no matter the weather. As the Scandinavians say 'there is not such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing'. Regarding the Anti-Biotics, we have taken your advice and have now adjusted our list to make sure it is clear to bring a supply of your own prescribed medicines and anti-biotics with you while you travel. Thank you so much for that! We have also noted that over the counter medicines are not essential, but are recommended. In terms of the hotels, you will be very pleased to hear that Sam our MD has just returned from a trip to Bhutan himself and inspected every single property to make sure we are only using the most convenient and quality locally owned properties. Thank you so much for your valuable feedback and your kind words, we are so pleased you had such a lovely time away and we cannot wait to welcome you back to travel with us again in the near future!
Thank you for also for your comment about being unsure if our holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation. As a sustainable travel company it is absolutely essential that our travellers and our potential clients know that each and every tour that we offer works with local guides and drivers, that we use refillable water stations instead of bottled water, we eat at local restaurants instead of chains, and that we reduce our carbon footprint wherever possible, starting with planting trees for every client who travels with us. We appreciate you letting us know that this was not celebrated in the way that it should be and have already spoken with our local teams about where this can be improved.
As the weather in Bhutan can be quite varied we always err on the side of caution to make sure clients are well prepared for a potential drop in temperature. In October temperatures regularly drop to 7 degrees especially at the higher altitudes, and we would hate for anyone to feel too cold to enjoy a mountain stroll in the evening due to lack of layers. Your group was particularly lucky with the temperature, but less so with the rain, so having a range of clothing really is the best way to make sure to stay comfortable no matter the weather. As the Scandinavians say 'there is not such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing'. Regarding the Anti-Biotics, we have taken your advice and have now adjusted our list to make sure it is clear to bring a supply of your own prescribed medicines and anti-biotics with you while you travel. Thank you so much for that! We have also noted that over the counter medicines are not essential, but are recommended. In terms of the hotels, you will be very pleased to hear that Sam our MD has just returned from a trip to Bhutan himself and inspected every single property to make sure we are only using the most convenient and quality locally owned properties. Thank you so much for your valuable feedback and your kind words, we are so pleased you had such a lovely time away and we cannot wait to welcome you back to travel with us again in the near future!
Responsible Travel
As the pioneers of responsible tourism, we've screened this (and every) holiday so that you can travel knowing we've worked to maximise the benefits of your holiday to local people and places, and minimise any negative impacts.
Planet
This Bhutan adventure encompasses the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), a vital governmental contribution supporting the nation's development and sustainability efforts, crucial for maintaining its Carbon Negative status.Our ethos revolves around crafting enriching experiences that resonate deeply with both hosts and guests.
As we navigate through vibrant communities and pristine landscapes, we recognise how they are connected to broader ecosystems and cultures, fostering mutual growth through these meaningful encounters.
In partnership with Water-To-Go, renowned experts in personal and expedition water purification, we're thrilled to offer cutting-edge solutions for safe hydration. Their innovative 350L water bottles feature state-of-the-art filtration technology, instantly converting even the most challenging water sources into potable drinking water as you refill. This transformative capability not only enhances the adventure experience but also champions sustainability by eliminating reliance on single-use plastic bottles. To ensure accessibility, we subsidise this invaluable product for our travelers.
Bhutan offers a variety of culinary delights, including options suitable for vegans and vegetarians. While Bhutanese cuisine traditionally features meat and dairy products, there are still plenty of plant-based options available to cater to vegan and vegetarian diets. In Bhutan, rice is a staple food, accompanied by a variety of vegetables, lentils, and legumes. Ema datshi, a popular dish, consists of chili peppers cooked with cheese, but it can easily be made without cheese for a vegan version. In urban areas like Thimphu and Paro, you can find restaurants and cafes offering international cuisines, including vegan and vegetarian options. These establishments often serve dishes like salads, pasta, vegetable stir-fries, and soups, providing ample choices for plant-based eaters.
Furthermore, our chosen accommodations prioritise the utilisation of locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, reflecting our commitment to supporting regional communities and reducing environmental impact.
People
We take great pride in promoting community tourism. This means that our tours are delicately designed to ensure that local community is beneficially engaged in the delivery of our services. In the past we have supported community water projects, underprivileged students with school supplies, and monks.Helping communities prosper, and sustaining their efforts in protecting and caring for their environment is very important to us.
Bhutan, with its rich and distinct culture, stands as a beacon of uniqueness deserving preservation. Embedded within our tour is the mandatory government SDF fee, a contribution vital for safeguarding Bhutanese heritage amidst the pressures of mass tourism.
Our meticulously planned itinerary not only promises adventure but also strives for a positive impact on both the local populace and Bhutan's tourism sector. Throughout your Bhutanese odyssey, you'll engage intimately with local communities, infusing vitality into the economy with every interaction. For instance, on Day 3, you'll find respite at Gasothang Farmhouse.
Our commitment extends to lodging in locally-owned accommodations, channeling profits back into bolstering regional economies. With locally employed guides and a trusted operator, we ensure an authentic travel experience, far from the trodden paths of commercial tourism. Embracing local expertise, we delve into genuine 'off the beaten track' encounters, where credible knowledge and indigenous insights illuminate our journey.
We and our ground operating partners are committed to ensuring fair wages for all staff members, exceeding the minimum wage requirements in this destination.
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