8 days
Daily Tour
Unlimited
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A Sacred Celebration of Victory, Faith & Himalayan Grace
“Where History Marches, Faith Dances, and the Himalayas Bless the Celebration.”
“Punakha Dromchöe & Tshechu – Relive Bhutan’s Living History in the Valley of Happiness.”
Festival Season: February – March (annually)
Destinations: Paro – Thimphu – Punakha – Paro
Festival Overview: Punakha Dromchöe & Tshechu
The Punakha Dromchöe, followed by the Punakha Tshechu, is one of Bhutan’s most dramatic and spiritually powerful festivals. Held at the majestic Punakha Dzong, the former capital of Bhutan, this festival commemorates Bhutan’s victory over Tibetan invasions in the 17th century under Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel.
This is not just a festival—it is Bhutan’s living history, devotion, and national pride brought to life.
Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you are warmly welcomed by your Bhutanese guide and driver. Begin a scenic drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s charming capital where tradition and modernity coexist gracefully.
Evening:
Relax after your journey—take a gentle stroll, enjoy Bhutanese hospitality, or simply unwind amidst crisp Himalayan air.
Overnight in Thimphu
A full day exploring Bhutan’s cultural heart:
Overnight in Thimphu
Drive toward Punakha, crossing the legendary Dochula Pass (3,100m).
Dochula Pass Experience:
On clear days, be rewarded with breathtaking views of the eastern Himalayas, including snow-capped peaks. The 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens, standing gracefully against the sky, create one of Bhutan’s most iconic landscapes—perfect for reflection and photography.
Hot Lunch En Route
Afternoon:
Arrive in Punakha and enjoy leisure time surrounded by subtropical valleys and rivers.
Overnight in Punakha
Morning:
Witness the Punakha Dromchöe, a powerful reenactment of historic battles performed by monks and lay participants. The rituals symbolize protection, unity, and the triumph of good over evil set against the dramatic backdrop of Punakha Dzong.
Afternoon:
Visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery, perched high above the valley. This serene complex offers:
Overnight in Punakha
Morning:
Continue witnessing the Punakha Tshechu, with vibrant masked dances, traditional music, and blessings that attract locals from surrounding valleys dressed in their finest attire.
Afternoon:
Embark on a scenic hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten:
Hike Insights:
Overnight in Punakha
Drive back to Paro through changing landscapes—from lush valleys to alpine forests.
Afternoon Sightseeing in Paro:
Overnight in Paro
Today’s journey leads to Bhutan’s most iconic landmark.
Tiger’s Nest Monastery Hike:
Clinging dramatically to a cliff 900 meters above the Paro Valley, Taktsang Monastery is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the Himalayas. The hike passes through pine forests, prayer flags, and scenic viewpoints. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche flew here on the back of a tigress to meditate.
Reaching the monastery is both a physical achievement and a spiritual reward, offering unforgettable views and a profound sense of accomplishment.
Overnight in Paro
After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport.
As you depart, carry with you:
Tashi Delek!
May the prayers you witnessed, the paths you walked, and the smiles you received continue to guide and inspire you. Bhutan does not say goodbye—it simply says “come back again.”
There are 19 languages spoken in Bhutan, but the national language is Dzongkha. English is used throughout Bhutan’s education system, so it is widely used and understood.
Bhutan is a year-round destination. There are four seasons: summer (June to August), autumn (September to November), winter (December to February) and spring (March to May). But because of the range of altitudes in the country, and the influence of the north Indian monsoons, the climate is incredibly varied.
In the south, the humid, subtropical climate is fairly consistent year-round, with temperatures between 15oC and 30oC. Central Bhutan, with its temperate forests, has a more seasonal climate, with warm summers and cool, dry winters. The northern regions are much colder during winter. Because of the high altitude, mountain peaks are snowy year-round and the lower reaches remain cool in summer.
In summer, the Indian monsoon season runs from late June or July to late September, mostly affecting the southern regions. Most farming activities take place in the summer, when crops thrive in verdant landscapes.
Autumn, from late September or early October to late November, follows the rainy season. It is characterised by bright, sunny days and some early snowfall at higher elevations. It’s the season of feasts and festivals as farmers reap the fruits of their work.
From late November until March, the crisp, clear and sunny winter sets in, with frost throughout much of the country and snowfall common above elevations of 3,000 metres. The winter northeast monsoon brings gale-force winds at the highest altitudes through high mountain passes, giving Bhutan the name Drukyul, which means Land of the Thunder Dragon in Dzongkha (Bhutan’s national language).
Bhutan’s generally dry spring starts in early March and lasts until mid-April. It is a botanist’s delight, with nature in full bloom. Summer weather commences in mid-April with occasional showers and continues to late June.
Visitors of all nationalities, except those from India, require a visa before entering Bhutan. For all visitors, except those from Bangladesh and the Maldives, this visa must be applied for and approved in advance of travel. Visitors from Bangladesh and the Maldives also require a visa, but this can be applied for and approved either in advance of travel or upon arrival in Bhutan.
Visitors from India are able to apply for a permit but are required to hold an Indian passport or an Indian voter ID card. For Indian nationals under the age of 18, a passport or a birth certificate can be used to enter and they must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
Nationals from Switzerland and Thailand holding diplomatic or government-official passports are eligible for a visa at their port of entry.
No, there are no restricted nationalities in Bhutan.
The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is a daily levy paid by visitors to support Bhutan’s development. Since the kingdom first opened its doors in 1974, guests have played a critical role in our country’s growth.
The SDF is collected by the national exchequer and funds are allocated to various projects that create long-term, sustainable opportunities for the Bhutanese people, through free healthcare, education and training, upskilling the tourism and hospitality industry, improved infrastructure, environmental preservation and conservation, cultural preservation programmes and initiatives that support local businesses and economies. The SDF is also a vital means of maintaining the exceptional forest cover and carbon-neutrality for which our small nation is world-renowned and globally critical. The SDF also helps us to ensure that we can continue to offer guests tranquillity and an intimate experience.
The SDF is USD 100 per night for adults from all countries except for India. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay USD 50 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF.
The SDF for Indian nationals (showing a valid Indian passport or Voter ID card) is Nu. 1,200 (or the equivalent amount in Indian rupees) per person, per night. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay Nu./INR 600 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF.
You may bring cash equivalent to US$10,000 into the country.
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