Overview
- Journey style
- Festival Tours
- Route
- Paro · Thimphu
- Flexibility
- Private and fully customisable
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:
- Visiting the extraordinary Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest)
- Observe Dochula festival’s mask dances
- Experience the perfect blend of modernity and tradition
Highlights
- Seasons: Winter
Price includes
- A minimum of 3-star accommodation (4 & 5 stars can be upgraded at an additional fee)
- All meals / Tea & snacks
- All internal transport (excluding Domestic flights)
- Sightseeing with entrance fees
- An experienced English speaking tour leader
- Bottled water in the vehicle
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), government fees & visa fee
Price excludes
- Flights
- Travel & Health Insurance
- Additional personal expenses such as souvenirs, meals, snacks, alcohol, laundry, tips, and gratuities for the tour leader and staff.
The Sustainable Development Fee, visa and permits are all included — see how the Bhutan visa & permits process works.
Day by day
Itinerary
Day 01 Arrival: Paro - Thimphu Sightseeing
Driving Duration: 1.5hrs/50km
Elevation: 2350m / 7710ft
After landing at the airport, drive on to Thimphu for sightseeing. Please note that the sightseeing depends on the flight timing.
Attractions:
- Buddha Point
- Takin Reserve
- The Jungshi paper factory
- Tashichhodzong
- 13 Bhutanese Arts and Crafts (Closed on weekends & Government holidays)
- Explore Thimphu town
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu
Day 02 Thimphu - Punakha via Dochula (Attend Dochula Festival)
Driving Duration: 1.5hrs/64km
Elevation: 3088m/ 10130ft
After having breakfast at the hotel, drive to Dochula pass to witness the annual festival. After the festival, drive to Punakha
Attractions:
- Observe Dochula festival’s mask dances
- Druk Wangyel Lhakhang temple
- Perfect spot for photography
- View of the snow-capped Himalayan Mountain peaks
In the evening, drive on to Punakha and visit Chimi Lhakhang.
Overnight at the hotel in Punakha
Day 03 Punakha Sightseeing – Paro
Elevation: 1310m / 4300 ft
Today’s journey will involve an excursion along the Punakha valley before driving to Paro.
Visit the following sites:
- Punakha Dzong
- Punakha suspension bridge
After the sightseeing, drive to Paro
Overnight at the hotel in Paro
Day 04 Paro - Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Hiking Duration: Approx. 5-6 hrs roundtrip
Elevation: 3120m / 10236ft
Hike to the Tiger's Nest Monastery
Attractions:
- Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest)
- Traditional farmhouse (Optional)
- Kyichu Lhakhang
Overnight at the hotel in Paro
Day 05 Departure
Drive to Paro Airport. Seven days’ tour will end after boarding your flight to your onward destination as you bid farewell to the beautiful Kingdom of Bhutan.
Like the look of this itinerary? Every departure is customisable.
Enquire about this tourWhere you'll go
In pictures
