Masutake Festival Tour (11 Days)
Celebrate the start of the Matsutake mushroom season in the picturesque Ura Valley during the Masutake Festival. Learn to identify and pick these prized mushrooms, enjoy Matsutake-based recipes, and engage in local songs, dances, and the rich traditions of rural Bhutan. This tour also takes you to iconic destinations like Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, and Bumthang.
Overview
- Day 1: Arrive Paro – Thimphu
- Day 2: Thimphu
- Day 3: Thimphu – Trongsa
- Day 4: Trongsa – Bumthang
- Day 5: Bumthang
- Day 6: Bumthang
- Day 7: Bumthang – Gangtey
- Day 8: Gangtey – Punakha
- Day 9: Punakha – Paro
- Day 10: Paro
- Day 11: Depart Paro
Day 1: Arrive Paro – Thimphu
Arrive in Paro and meet your guide. Visit the Ta Dzong Museum and Rinpung Dzong to explore Bhutan’s cultural heritage before driving along the Pachu River to Thimphu. Overnight in Thimphu.
Included Activities:
- Ta Dzong Museum: Showcasing Bhutanese artefacts and cultural relics.
- Rinpung Dzong: A historic fortress and administrative centre.
Day 2: Thimphu
Explore Thimphu’s cultural and historical sites, including the National Memorial Chorten, Changangkha Temple, and Zilukha Nunnery. Visit the Takin Preserve to see Bhutan’s national animal. Overnight in Thimphu.
Included Activities:
- National Memorial Chorten: A landmark dedicated to Bhutan’s Third King.
- Changangkha Temple: A historic temple with stunning views of the valley.
- Takin Preserve: Home to Bhutan’s unique national animal.
Day 3: Thimphu – Trongsa
Drive through scenic mountain passes, stopping at Chendebji Chorten, before reaching Trongsa. Explore Trongsa town in the evening. Overnight in Trongsa.
Included Activities:
- Chendebji Chorten: A historic 18th-century stupa.
Day 4: Trongsa – Bumthang
Visit Trongsa Dzong and Ta Dzong Museum before heading to Bumthang, the spiritual heartland of Bhutan. Explore Jakar Dzong and local villages. Overnight in Bumthang.
Included Activities:
- Trongsa Dzong: A stunning fortress and ancestral seat of Bhutan’s monarchy.
- Ta Dzong Museum: Showcasing artefacts from Bhutan’s monarchy.
Day 5: Bumthang
Discover Bumthang’s iconic landmarks, including Jampey Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, and Tamshing Lhakhang. Overnight in Bumthang.
Included Activities:
- Jampey Lhakhang: One of Bhutan’s oldest temples.
- Kurjey Lhakhang: A sacred site where Guru Rimpoche meditated.
- Tamshing Lhakhang: Home to ancient frescoes by Pema Lingpa.
Day 6: Bumthang
Participate in the Masutake Festival in Ura Valley, featuring mushroom picking, local dishes, and cultural activities. Overnight in Bumthang.
Day 7: Bumthang – Gangtey
Drive to Gangtey, visiting Phobjikha Valley and Gangtey Monastery. This scenic valley is the winter home of the Black-Necked Cranes. Overnight in Gangtey.
Included Activities:
- Phobjikha Valley: A serene glacial valley and crane habitat.
- Gangtey Monastery: A revered Nyingmapa monastery.
Day 8: Gangtey – Punakha
Visit the Black-Necked Crane Centre before travelling to Punakha. Overnight in Punakha.
Day 9: Punakha – Paro
Tour Punakha Dzong and Chimi Lhakhang before driving to Paro. Overnight in Paro.
Included Activities:
- Punakha Dzong: Known as the “Palace of Great Happiness.”
- Chimi Lhakhang: A temple dedicated to the Divine Madman.
Day 10: Paro
Hike to Taktsang Monastery and visit Drukgyel Dzong. Spend the afternoon exploring Paro’s cultural landmarks. Overnight in Paro.
Included Activities:
- Taktsang Monastery: A sacred pilgrimage site perched on a cliff.
- Drukgyel Dzong: A historic fortress with spectacular views.
Day 11: Depart Paro
Transfer to Paro International Airport for your departure. Tashi Delek!