Punakha Dromche Festival Tour - 10 Days

Trip Info

Trip Duration

10 Days

Max Altitude

Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery 3,120 m

Difficulty

moderate

Start From

Paro

Trip Ends At

Paro

Punakha Dromche Festival Tour Overview

The Punakha Festival Tour is an incredible 10 days journey to learn about the unique culture, tradition, history, and religion of this only Buddhist Kingdom.

Punakha Drubchen and Punakha Tshechu (festival) are two of the most important festivals in Bhutan that take place on the grounds of Punakha Dzong. The Punakha Dzong is an amazing fort located at the confluence of the Pochhu and Mochhu rivers, thus loaded with scenic views taking you to a different dimension.

The entire region is planned in a Tibetan style of architecture and is loaded with white walls paired with carvings made on reddish wood and gilded roofs.

The Punakha Drubchen is celebrated for 5 consecutive days featuring a dramatic recreation of the 17th century battle with the Tibetan army. Then the Punakha Tsechu takes place directly after, which consists of unique mask dances.

You will also explore other famous and important landmarks of Bhutan like Paro, Thimpu, Bumthang, Trongsa with many monasteries, Dzong, and other attractions. A hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tigers' Nest Monastery) will also add a charm to this trip, further showcasing cultural heritage of Bhutan.

So, if you are interested in witnessing the ancient living culture of "the Last Shangri La", this amazing festival tour is an ideal package for you.

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Itinerary Details

Day 1: Arrival in Paro & sightseeing

30 mins

Max Altitude: 2,200 m

A representative from Himalayan Trekkers will greet you and escort you to the hotel once you arrive at the Paro International Airport.

Once you reach the designated hotel, you will check-in and rest. Later, you will be assisted in explore the National Museum, and Paro Dzong. In the evening stroll around the local handicraft market.

Overnight.

Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: 3 star hotel in Paro

Day 2: Hike to Taktsang Monastery & scenic drive to Thimpu

3-4 hrs hike & 2 hrs drive

Max Altitude: 3,120 m

Afterr breakfast, drive and hike to Taktsang Monastery. Taktsang is one of the most venerated pilgrim sites of the Himalayan world which is also called as Tigers' Nest Monastery.

After lunch, scenic drive to Thimpu, capital of Bhutan.

Overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: 3 star hotel in Thimpu

Day 3: Full-day Thimpu sightseeing

5-6 hrs

Max Altitude: 2,350 m

After breakfast, you will have guided sightseeing of Thimpu. You will explore the King’s Memorial Chorten, Nunnery Temple, Changgangkha Monastery, Majestic Thimphu Dzong, etc. Besides that, we also go to the Central zoo to see the animals over there and among them the Takin, a goat-antelope is a major attraction as it is the national animal of Bhutan.

In the afternoon, visit the Weekend market, famous for all kinds of local products ranging from handicrafts to vegetables. You can also visit the radio tower on a hilltop, which offers a panoramic view of Thimpu city.

Overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: 3 star hotel in Thimpu

Day 4: Drive to Punakha & explore

3-4 hrs

Max Altitude: 1,200 m

We start the day with a drive to Punakha via Dochu La (3,100m). This town derives its name from the river on whose banks it is situated, the Punakha River.

We will make a brief visit to the fertility temple known as Chimi Lhakhang. Upon arrival at Punakha, we will have lunch and visit the Punakha Zhong in the evening.

Overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

Day 5: Experience the festival; Last day of Punakha Drubchen

Max Altitude: 1,200 m

After breakfast, you will attend the Punakha Drubchen festival held at the courtyard of the Punakha Dzong. This festival ends with a dramatic recreation of the scene from the 17th century battle with the Tibetan army.

In free time, you will explore the Punakha Dzong, and Namgyal Lhakhang (temple/monastery).

Overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

Day 6: Observe first day of Punakha Tsechu & drive to Bumthang

7-8 hrs

Max Altitude: 2,950 m

After breakfast, you will enjoy certain time by observing another festival; Punakha Tsechu and will have a scenic drive to Bumthang via Kiki La pass (2950m).

In the evening, explore the street of Bumthang and interact with locals.

Overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

Day 7: Explore Bumthang & drive to Wangdue

6-7 hrs

Max Altitude: 1,250 m

After breakfast, visit Jaka Dzong and drive towards Wangdue.

Wangdue is a typical Bhutanese village situated almost 200km from Bumthang renowned for its stone carving.

The drive will be scenic with lots of beautiful lush green forests, nice scenery, and small and interesting Bhutanese settlements.

Overnight at Wangdue.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel/guest house/ local lodges

Day 8: Short drive to Punakha; Last day of Tsechu festival

1 hr

Max Altitude: 1,200 m

You will have a short drive to Punakha and will enjoy the last day of the Punakha Tsechu festival.

In free time you will explore the remaining attraction of Punakha.

Overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

Day 9: Scenic drive to Paro

5-6 hrs

Max Altitude: 2,200 m

Soon after breakfast, we leave behind Punakha and drive to Paro. En route, we will halt at the Dochula Pass for some astounding views of the surrounding mountains and landscapes.

A scenic drive across hills, small passes, beautiful settlements by observing the culture & smile of Bhutanese people, will add more flavor to your drive.

After reaching Paro, free on your own.

Overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: 3 star hotel in Paro

Day 10: Final Departue

30 mins

After breakfast, you will be assisted to the Paro International Airport by your guide for a flight back to your home. onward destination.

Bidding farewell, we wish you a safe journey!

Meals: Breakfast

What is included / not included

Include

Airport pick-up and drop off
All Transfers as per the itinerary
Accommodation as per the itinerary with all meals
Bhutan Entry Fees
All Permit and Entrance Fees
Bottle of mineral water
Guide and Driver
All Taxes and office surcharges

Exclude

International airfares & airport taxes
Personal expenses such as laundry, liquor, room service, phone bills, bar bills, etc.
Tips to Guide and Driver
Your Travel Insurance
Any cost occurs from any unfavorable conditions such as landslide, bad weather, flight cancellation, etc.
Anything not mentioned in the INCLUSION section

Accommodation

Himalayan Trekkers promises to manage the best, most comfortable and preferable accommodation.

Generally, in cities like Paro, Thimpu, and Punakha, we arrange basic three-star facilities. If available, you can opt for a more budget-friendly option or upgrade to a more luxurious hotel by paying a little extra.

Although all the places might not have all the modern facilities, we will make sure to arrange safe and comfortable accommodation. In general, hygienic and safe tea houses/local lodges/ home-stays with all the basic facilities are arranged. But you can, if possible, personalize according to your preference.

Meals

All meals in Bhutan are included within the evident cost. However, if you want to eat your meals other than at your hotel or local restaurant, you will have to pay the additional amount.

In more remote areas, usually, there are not many options. But you can always find hygienic and well-prepared food. We can help you make changes according to your preference and budget, but only if choices are available!

Please go through the detailed itinerary for more information. We are always there to help you travel to your heart’s content.

Punakha Dromche Festival Tour - 10 Days

Trip Info

Trip Duration

Max Altitude

Difficulty

Start From

Trip Ends At

Punakha Dromche Festival Tour Overview

Booking

2,539

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