You arrive at Gangtey Lodge to the sound of traditional song, a welcome massage, and a warm drink waiting for you. It sets the tone for everything that follows. Tucked in Bhutan’s Phobjikha Valley, the lodge sits high above one of the country’s most unspoiled landscapes, surrounded by mountains, forests, and centuries of monastic history.
Some journeys are beautiful, and then there are the ones that stay with you. The Tiger’s Nest hike in Bhutan falls firmly into the second category. Paro Taktsang, a monastery that appears to grow straight out of a sheer cliff face, is unlike anything else we’ve seen in years of travel. The path follows the same route pilgrims have walked for centuries.
This 7-day Bhutan itinerary is designed around two festivals – Thimphu Tshechu and Gangtey Tshechu – giving you a chance to experience both a large-scale celebration and a more intimate local gathering. It’s an ideal introduction to Bhutan for first-time visitors, balancing festival attendance with visits to the country’s most iconic sites.