Druk Wangyel Festival

The Dochula Festival, also known as the Druk Wangyel Tshechu, began in 2011 under the patronage of Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck. What sets this festival apart is its unique performers-the Royal Bhutan Army, rather than traditional monastic figures. Soldiers undergo an intensive three-month training program in folk and mask dances to prepare for the event. The festival runs from 9 am to 4:15 pm, showcasing a full day of vibrant cultural performances.

Beyond the tshechu, this offers a deep dive into Bhutan's rich culture, allowing participants to truly experience the essence of the Himalayan kingdom. Explore the valleys of Thimphu, Punakha, and Paro, and embark on a hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery. This tour promises a unique blend of cultural immersion, historical exploration, and breathtaking natural beauty.

Tour Costing:

1 Pax: $2630 per person
2 Pax: $2250 per person
3 Pax and More: $1960 per person

Note: The above tour cost is inclusive of the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of US$100 per day (per adult, with concessionary rates for children). A non-refundable, one-time visa application fee of US$40 is also payable.

Entrance fees for monuments and festivals visits to be paid separately.

Included:

Accommodation (usually 3-star hotels, can upgrade at additional cost)
All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
Transport within Bhutan including airport transfers.
Sustainable development fee (SDF).
Bhutan visa fee.
English speaking guide.
Sightseeing.
Bottled water.

Not Included:

International airfare to/from Bhutan.
Entrance fees for museums and monuments.
Insurance premiums.
Payments for service provided on a personal basis.
Cost for any services not mentioned in the “Cost Include head”.
Cost incurred due to mishaps, strikes, political unrest etc.
Personal expenses (souvenirs, tips, additional beverages, etc.)

Detailed Itinerary

Meet and greet at the Paro airport and drive to Thimphu.

On the way, we take a short stop to view Tamchog monastery. It was built in 1420 by Thang Tong Gyalpo (1385 – 1464).

In the afternoon, visit to:

National memorial chorten.
Craft bazaar.
Tashichho dzong, the royal secretariat.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

In the morning, visit to:

Tallest statue of sitting Buddha in the world (51.5 meters) at Kuensel Phodrang.
Changangkha lhakhang.
Takin preserve center.
Sangay gang view point.
Dupthop lhakhang, one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan.

Lunch at Simply Bhutan museum restaurant.

In the afternoon, visit to:

National postal museum where you can make your own personalized stamps.
School of 13 arts and crafts (Painting school).

In the evening, free to stroll in the town for shopping and photography.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

In the morning, drive to the Dochu La Pass and visit 108 stupas. You can also see the beautiful view of Himalayan mountain ranges in the north.

Witness the Druk Wangyel festival 2025 in Bhutan.

In the afternoon, witness the festival and then drive to Punakha.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

In the morning, visit to:

Chimi lhakhang built in 1499 by Lama Drukpa Kuenley (Popularly known as “The divine madman”. The temple is also called “The temple of fertility”.
Punakha dzong built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

Afternoon, hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Choling monastery built by Her Majesty the Queen Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck.

In the evening, walk the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan (160 meters).

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

In the morning, drive to Gangtey.

On the way, we take a view of Wangdue Phodrang dzong built in 1638 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

Note: Upper part of the valley is called Gangtey and lower part is called Phobjikha.

While in Gangtey, visit to:

Gangtey Gompa monastery founded in 1613 by Gyaltse Pema Thinley, the grandson and mind reincarnation of Pema Lingpa.
Crane information center.
In the evening, explore Phobjikha valley, the roosting ground of the rare black necked cranes in winter.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

In the morning, drive to Paro. We occasionally stop on the way to take pictures.

Afternoon, we visit:

Ta dzong built in 1649, an ancient watch tower which now houses the national museum of Bhutan.
The Rinpung dzong built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

In the evening, free to stroll in the town for shopping and photography.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

In the morning, hike to the Tiger’s nest monastery (Paro Taktsang). This temple is probably the most photographed monument in Bhutan. The hiking trail is also a part of the beautiful Bumdra trek in Paro valley. It is one of the main highlights of the trip.

Afternoon, visit to:

Drugyal dzong built in 1647 by the great Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
Kichu lhakhang built in 659 A.D by the Tibetan King Srongtsen Gampo.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

A representative of our company and the tour guide will see you off at the exit gate. Wishing you a safe and pleasant journey. See you next time!

Bhutan Festival