Druk Wangyel Tshechu (Festival) Tour

The Druk Wangyal festival is held every year on 13th December at Druk Wangyel Lhakhang at Dochula pass in commemoration of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo and the Armed Forces’ victory over insurgent forces residing in southern Bhutan, in 2003. Dochula Pass (3,080m) is one of the most visited landmarks offering a stunning panoramic view of the Himalayan Mountain range. Set amidst this spectacular backdrop, the Druk Wangyel festival is an experience unlike any other that truly exemplifies Bhutanese cultural traditions. Unlike rest of the religious festivals, Druk Wangyel Tshechu showcases unique sets of mask dances performed by the Royal Bodyguards, Royal Bhutan Army and Royal Bhutan Police.

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Day 1: Arrive Paro (Bhutan) by Flight & drive to Thimphu (55km, approx. 1.1/2-hour drive)

• On arrival at Paro International Airport, received by our representative after immigration formalities & baggage collection and then transfer to Bhutan’s capital city, Thimphu. En route photo stop at Tamchog temple viewpoint & Chuzom, the confluence of Paro & Thimphu rivers.
• On arrival in Thimphu check into the hotel.
• Later visit King’s Memorial Stupa.
• Evening an exploratory walk around Thimphu city centre.
• Overnight in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320m).
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Day 2: Thimphu

• Full day exploration of Thimphu valley includes visit to, Folk Heritage Museum, Textile Museum, Institute of Zorig Chusum or Arts & Crafts School, Takin Preserve, Thimphu Post office, Buddha Dordenma and Trashichhoedzong, the beautiful medieval fortress / monastery.
• Overnight in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320m).
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Day 3: Thimphu – Dochula pass - Punakha (75km, approx. 2.1/2-hour drive)

• After early breakfast, drive to Dochula pass (3,080m) (25km, approx. 45 min drive) to witness Druk Wangyel Tshechu, unique festival celebrated every year on 13th Dec, performed by members from Royal Bhutan Army as a tribute to leadership of Bhutan’s Fourth King, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuk.
• Evening drive onwards to Punakha (50km, approx. 1hour & 45 min drive).
• Overnight in Punakha (Altitude 1,300m).
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Day 4: Punakha

• After breakfast visit historic Punakha Dzong (fortress cum monastery).
• Then a walking excursion (approx. 2-hour round trip walk) to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Stupa.
• Afternoon visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang (Nunnery) and then a short walking excursion (about 30 min round trip walk) to Chimi Lhakhang or ‘Fertility Temple’.
• Overnight in Punakha (Altitude 1,300m).
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Day 5: Punakha – Paro (125km, approx. 4-hour drive)

• Morning after breakfast, drive to Paro via Dochula pass.
• Afternoon visit to Ta Dzong (National Museum) & Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) or ‘Fortress on a Heap of Jewels’.
• Evening an exploratory walk around Paro city centre.
• Overnight in Paro (Altitude 2,280m).
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Day 6: Paro

• After breakfast, walking excursion (approx. 5-hour round trip walk) to Taktsang monastery or ‘Tiger Nest’.
• Afternoon visit Kyichu & Dungtse temples.
• Overnight in Paro (Altitude 2,280m).
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Day 7: Depart Paro (Bhutan)

• Morning transfer to Paro International Airport for flight to onward destination.