Punakha Dromchoe Festival Tour

Thimphu, Paro, Punakha

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Tour snapshot

Duration:
7 days

Tour Type:
Festival Tours

Language(s):
English

Highlight:
Top-rated experience

Overview

Experience the warriors of Bhutan at the Punakha Drubchen. See historic battle scenes, sacred rituals, & the grand Punakha Dzong in this immersive 2027 festival tour.

Included Services

Hotel, Meals, Transport, Guide

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Description

The Punakha Dromchoe Festival is a vivid celebration of Bhutan’s rich history and cultural heritage, commemorating the construction of the iconic Punakha Dzong by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the unifier of Bhutan as a nation-state. This unique festival brings to life the dramatic tales of internal conflicts and external invasions during the fortress’s construction in 1637 through sacred mask dances and folk performances by both the central monastic body and the local community. A highlight of the festival is the impressive re-enactment of ancient battle scenes by the “Pazaps”, local men dressed in traditional battle gear. This immersive journey also offers travelers the chance to explore Bhutan’s breathtaking landscapes, historic temples, and spiritual sites, culminating in a memorable hike to the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery.

What's Included

Inclusions

✓ Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
✓ VISA Fee
✓ Accommodation
✓ All meals
✓ Transport
✓ All internal taxes & charges
✓ Licensed Bhutanese Tour Guide
✓ Tourist Sim Card
✓Bhutanese costume experiences
✓Bottled water in the car

Exclusions

✗ Flight tickets
✗ Insurance
✗ Drinks and Beverages
✗ Tips for the guide and driver
✗ Internet and Phone bills
✗ Other bills of personal nature

Additional information

Confirmation is sent at the time of booking
Please provide your arrival details so pickup can be arranged
Some sites may close at short notice for religious or official events
The itinerary may change based on weather and local conditions

Itinerary

1

Day 1: Day 1 (10 February, Wednesday): Arrive Paro to Thimphu

During the journey, one will experience breath-taking view of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks including the sacred Jumolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by your guide and take you to Thimphu which is 54 km from Paro Airport and about 45 minutes drive. Later in the afternoon visit the King’s Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan); Changgangkha Monastery; visit the mini zoo where you will see national animal of Bhutan Takin, and the majestic Tashichhodzong. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.
2

Day 2: Day 2 (11 February, Thursday): Thimphu

After breakfast, visit Buddha statue, and is presumed to be the largest Bronze statue in the world. The three storied high throne of the statue will consists of temples on each floor. Traditional paper factory, visit Post office were you can personalize your stamp, visit weaving centre, Semtokha Dzong. Evening: Stroll through the town. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.
3

Day 3: Day 3 (12 February, Friday): Thimphu to Punakha

After breakfast this morning, visit Post office were you can personalize your stamp, after post office enjoy the scenic drive to Punakha with a stop for tea at Dochu La (3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Eastern Himalayas. From the pass, drive downhill through the forests of rhododendron, fir and hemlock. You will arrive Punakha after traversing through rice field and along the bank of Punakha River. On the way to Punakha, you will stop at Metsina village and take a 20 minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, which is a fertility temple. After Lunch you will visit the Punakha Dzong, which is stunningly situated inbetween the male and female rivers like an anchored ship. Overnight hotel in Punakha.
4

Day 4: Day 4 (13 February, Saturday): Punakha Dromchoe Festival

After breakfast, you will attend the festival in Punakha. Enjoy the celebration of the mask dances by the local people and the monks. Overnight hotel in Punakha.
5

Day 5: Day 5 (14 February, Sunday): Punakha to Paro

Drive back to Paro, crossing the Dochula Pass and enjoying stunning views of the Himalayas. Stop in Thimphu for lunch and then continue drive to Paro. In Paro, visit local archery ground and watch locals playing archery. Overnight hotel in Paro
6

Day 6: Day 6 (15 February, Monday ): Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery

In the morning you will hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan’s most famous monastery situated at 3180meters. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. The Moanstery is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. Lunch will be served at the Cafeteria. Explore the monastery and hike back to the valley in the afternoon. Overnight hotel in Paro
7

Day 7: Day 7 (16 February, Tuesday): Depart Paro

Drive to the airport for departure. Our representative will bid you farewell.