Dochula Festival, also known as Druk Wangyel Tshechu, is an annual celebration held on December 13th at Dochula Pass, located between Thimphu and Punakha dzongkhags. The festival, commissioned by Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck in 2011, is dedicated to Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth King of Wangchuck Dynasty. Unlike other festivals performed solely by the monastery, this unique festival is performed not only by the state monk body but also by the Royal Bhutanese Army, who undergo three months of training in folk and mask dance. This tour offers to explore how the Dochula Festival represents the core value of Bhutan and its people.
Before your journey begins, you may hope to witness the rarity of the places and festival by:
Trip Costs
The minimum daily tour package covers the following services.
$ 1610 (Single Traveler)
$ 1497 (Couple- per person)
$ 1384 (3 – 6 Travelers – per person)
$ 1288 (7- 9 Travelers-per person)
$ 1191 (10 Travelers & above -per person)
Price Includes
Price Excludes
Driving Duration: 1.5hrs/50km
Elevation: 2350m / 7710ft
After landing at the airport, drive on to Thimphu for sightseeing
Attractions:
– Buddha Point
– Takin Reserve
– Zilukha Nunnery
– Tashichhodzong
– 13 Bhutanese Arts and Crafts (Zorig Chusum)
– Explore Thimphu town
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu
Driving Duration: 1.5hrs/64km
Elevation: 3088m/ 10130ft
After having breakfast at the hotel, drive to Dochula pass to witness the annual festival.
Attractions:
– Observe Dochula festival’s mask dances
– Druk Wangyal Lhakhang temple
– Perfect spot for photography
– View of the snow-capped Himalayan Mountain peaks
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu
Duration: 50km/ 1.5hrs
Elevation: 2200m/7218ft
Drive to Paro for sightseeing
Attractions:
– Rinpung/Paro Dzong
– Ta Dzong (National Museum)
Overnight at the hotel in Paro
Elevation: 2250m / 7382ft
Hike to the Tiger’s Nest
Attractions:
– Paro Taktsang
– Kyichu Lhakhang
Overnight at the hotel in Paro
On your penultimate day, enjoy an early hotel breakfast before being escorted to the airport for departure. Leave Bhutan with cherished memories as you board your flight.
