3,120 meters
70–80 km
2–3 hours
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Arrive at Paro International Airport and meet your guide before driving to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. Visit Buddha Point at Kuensel Phodrang, offering panoramic views of Thimphu Valley, followed by the National Memorial Chorten. Continue to Tashichho Dzong, an impressive fortress-monastery and important administrative centre. Enjoy the evening exploring Thimphu before checking into your hotel.
After breakfast, explore Thimphu’s cultural heritage. Visit the Heritage Museum to learn about Bhutanese traditional architecture, lifestyle, and customs. Continue to the Centenary Farmers’ Market, where farmers from surrounding areas display fresh produce and local products. Explore the colourful market atmosphere and observe local trading traditions. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure or exploring Thimphu’s streets.
After breakfast, drive from Thimphu towards Punakha, crossing the scenic Dochula Pass at approximately 3,100 metres. The pass is famous for its 108 Druk Wangyel Chortens and spectacular Himalayan views on clear days. Continue through changing landscapes of forests, mountain slopes, and traditional villages before descending into the warmer Punakha Valley for your overnight stay.
Begin the day by attending the colourful Druk Wangyel Festival at Dochula Pass, featuring traditional mask dances, music, and cultural performances. Later, continue to Punakha and visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, situated between the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Complete the day with a visit to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, surrounded by beautiful valley scenery and rice fields.
After breakfast, depart Punakha and drive towards Paro through picturesque mountain landscapes and traditional villages. Upon arrival, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples. Continue to Jangtsa Dumtseg Lhakhang, a unique three-storey temple built on a hilltop. Explore Paro town in the evening before returning to your hotel for overnight stay.
After breakfast, drive to the trailhead for the hike to Taktsang, popularly known as Tiger’s Nest Monastery. The hike takes approximately four hours round trip, passing through pine forests and offering spectacular views of the monastery. Later, visit Drukgyal Dzong, a historic fortress with views towards Mount Jomolhari. Return to Paro for your final overnight stay.
After breakfast, enjoy your final moments in the peaceful Paro Valley. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time to explore Paro town or purchase traditional Bhutanese handicrafts and souvenirs. Your guide will then transfer you to Paro International Airport for your onward journey, marking the end of your memorable Druk Wangyel Festival tour.
The Druk Wangyel Festival is a colourful annual celebration held at Dochula Pass, featuring traditional mask dances, music, and cultural performances.
The festival takes place at Dochula Pass, approximately 3,100 metres above sea level, between Thimphu and Punakha.
The festival is traditionally held in December. The exact date can vary each year according to the Bhutanese calendar.
Visitors can witness traditional mask dances, cultural performances, religious ceremonies, colourful costumes, music, and local Bhutanese traditions.
A typical tour can include Thimphu, Dochula Pass, Punakha, Punakha Dzong, Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, and Paro, including the Tiger’s Nest hike.
| Festival Tour | Best Time | Location | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jumolhari Mountain Festival | August | Jumolhari Base Camp | Bhutan’s largest and most famous cultural festival |
| Thimphu Tshechu Tour | September – October | Thimphu | Vibrant mask dances in Bhutan’s capital city |
| Punakha Drubchen & Tshechu Tour | February – March | Punakha | Historic battle re-enactments and religious celebrations |
| Jambay Lhakhang Drup Tour | October – November | Bumthang | Sacred fire ceremony and unique ancient traditions |
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