Nomad Festival Tour

This annual gathering of Bhutan’s nomadic highlanders in the central valley of Bumthang is your unforgettable opportunity to learn and experience how the nomads of Bhutan’s northwestern and northeastern Himalayan frontiers live.

Background
The two major nomadic tribes in Bhutan, the Brokpas of the east and the Layaps of the west, inhabit some of the most rugged terrains in the country. Their economy depends heavily on yaks, evident in the many ways in which these animals feature in their celebrations, and although both communities are gradually entering in the cash economy, a greater part of their livelihood still depends on ancient bartering practices. This journey into the sacred heartland of Bhutan also provides the added bonus of access to a series of the most exquisite temples and monasteries in the entire kingdom.

Things to See and Do at the Gathering

Dress like a Bhutanese highlander and try on an entire ensemble spun from yak hair, including the Brokpa black hat with the five long fringes down the front or the conical bamboo Layap headgear. For the ladies, try your hair done in traditional plaits and brightly colored ribbons. Or wear the wide beautiful apron that is tied at the waist and decorated with colorful motifs of flowers and animals.

Step into a yak herder’s tent and enjoy a meal as a traditional nomadic family would, in a cross-legged circle around the stone hearth in the middle. Shop for some of the finer examples of Bhutanese arts and crafts; catch an artisan breathing life into a bronze statue, a blacksmith forging a sword, a demonstration of a potter’s molding skills, the spinning of yak hair into weaving yarn.

You may also be interested in the festival-wide demonstrations of traditional Bhutanese village life. See how ancient millstones are still used for grinding maize, how rice harvests are pounded to separate the grain from the husk and ox-drawn ploughs are used to till the fields. All this and so more provides an intimate glimpse of the nomadic life.

On arrival at the International airport in Paro, drive to the capital, Thimphu. Continue to Bumthang on the national highway that links Eastern Bhutan to the west. The drive along the winding mountain roads will take you over three high passes with incredible Himalayan views. From Wangdue, drive straight to Bumthang or overnight in Trongsa, with the longest fortress in Bhutan. Expect a total eight hours on the road from the capital to Bumthang with plenty of time to take in the stunning sights.

Note: Contact us through mail or chat to get the detailed itinerary of this tour.

Government Royalty and taxes
Dedicated English speaking tour guide
Dedicated tour vehicle and driver
3-star accommodation (twin sharing)
Daily 3 meals (B/L/D)
Airport transfers
Bottled water
Entry fees to parks and monuments

Flights to and from Bhutan
Personal expense/shopping
Beverages (soda/juice/alcohol)
4 or 5 star accommodation (extra charges will apply)
Travel insurance
Tips for guide and driver