Bhutan Small Group Cultural Tour

Odyssey offers easy, convenient, and relaxed escorted small group tours into Bhutan. We explore Bhutan's  natural beauty, its ancient history and Buddhist spirituality, and its World Heritage Sites, and cities, all with some truly spectacular scenery along the way. This and more is all waiting to be explored on one of Odyssey’s small group tours of  Bhutan, designed for the senior traveller, and led by experienced, and enthusiastic like minded people.

The Bhutan small group cultural tours are an unhurried journey set in an ocean of calm in a crowded continent. Bhutan is scenically magnificent. The snow-capped mountains of the Himalayas rise above jungle-covered hills and verdant green river valleys, where farms and villages are clustered. Bhutanese culture remains almost untouched by the outside world. Centuries of Buddhist tradition inherited from Tibet, their northern neighbour, shape this land with art, dance and music. Today, Bhutan measures itself in terms of 'gross national happiness' instead of GDP. A dignified and hospitable people, the Bhutanese will welcome you to share their distinctive culture, and pristine environment on your Bhutan trip.

Small group tours Bhutan itinerary

From the moment you arrive at Thimphu airport you enter a different world. Our tour of Bhutan takes in the majestic architecture of Bhutan's many sacred sites , temples of Bhutan  and traditional centres of political power.

We also explore the capital Thimphu, where we visit the National Textile Museum, and a paper factory where you can see paper crafted by hand. A visit to the famous Tiger's Nest Monastery is also part of this tour.

Festivals of Bhutan

Our small group tours Bhutan are generally scheduled around a traditional festival, where you can join the Bhutanese people in the colourful festivities such as the Nalakar Tshechu Festival.

Tshechu, or religious festivals are at the very heart of Bhutan’s unique way of life. These sacred festivals take place all year round – in every monastery and temple, even in the most remote parts of the country. Bhutan’s festivals are not re-enactments of the traditions of a bygone age, but a form of living art and culture.

• April 2020 departure: Ura Festival

At the Ura Festival, you will see locals dressed in their finest clothes having travelled from miles around to watch masked dances, pray, and enjoy a feast. We will see colourful brocades whirl through the air as the dancers spin and dance the "thunderbolt step". Masks of demons and animals arouse our senses as we watch the purification take place. Watch for the Atsara, or clown, a dancer unique in his own style who mimics the other dancers and entertains onlookers! Festival deities are invoked through benediction.

• September 2020 departure: Tamshingphala Festival

The September departure includes an excursion from Bumthang to the Tang Valley to visit Ugyengchholing Palace and Membar Tsho ("the burning lake")

Upon our return to Bumthang, we will experience a fire ritual, which marks the start of the Tamsingphala Festival. At the Tamsingphala Festival, we will see masked dances representing demons and animals, and be captivated by the sound of cymbals, drums, and horns, accompanied by the chanting of Buddhist monks as they perform the religious dance of purification.

While the underlying purpose of both festivals is spiritual, the dances are more often like plays, telling stories of the fight between good and evil, or historical events, especially those surrounding the life of Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, who is believed to have introduced Buddhism into the Indian subcontinent in the 8^th century. He is venerated as a "second Buddha" by adherents of Tibetan Buddhism in Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Himalayan states of India.

Further afield we will visit botanical gardens to view Bhutan's exotic fauna, including Bhutan's national animal, the gentle takin. At the National Textile Museum, we see and learn about the creation of Bhutan's distinctive woven fabrics. We also explore markets where trade continues almost unchanged with the passage of time.

Join us in Bhutan

English is Bhutan's second language, and you will have time with the local guides to wander and meet local people throughout your travels. On this Odyssey tour, travel around Bhutan in a comfortable modern coach at a slow pace, accompanied by knowledgeable local guides as well as your tour leader. Accommodation is in clean, modern hotels that nonetheless retain Bhutanese character. You dine on fresh and healthy local produce during the tour.

Our cultural tours of Bhutan are a unique opportunity to see one of the most exotic lands on earth. Bhutan is truly independent, selecting those aspects of the modern world that it needs while retaining its own colourful and fascinating culture. Bhutan is a special place, a destination you will always remember with pleasure, and a memory you will always treasure.

For more information about Bhutan, take a look at our articles: Bhutan: the Hidden Kingdom, and our guide to the traditional festivals of Bhutan. Travellers interested in Buddhism and South-East Asian culture might also be interested in our article on Bagan, the ancient capital of Myanmar.

For more details about Odyssey's Bhutan tour itinerary, click the ‘Top 5’ or ‘Itinerary’ buttons above! If you’re keen to experience this tour, please call or send an email. Or, to book, simply fill in the form on the right hand side of this page.

Articles about Bhutan

The following list of articles are either published by Odyssey Traveller or are carefully selected external source to maximise senior travellers' knowledge and enjoyment of Bhutan when visiting:

• Bhutan: A Journey into the Hidden Kingdom
• Festivals of Bhutan
• Visit the world’s only carbon-neutral country.
• Traveling in Bhutan: What you need to know before you go
• 23 facts about Asia’s most mysterious country

• Discovery
• Level 2 - Moderate
• Short Trip