Dochula Tshechu 13th December

5 Nights / 6 Days

Pick/Drop: Paro Airport

Private Tour

Overview

The Druk Wangyel Festival is a vibrant annual event held at the Dochula Pass in Bhutan. Dochula Pass is a mountain pass located on the road from Thimphu to Punakha, offering stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas. The festival is celebrated to honor the courageous deeds of the Fourth King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, and the Bhutanese armed forces.

The festival typically takes place on December 13th each year, marking the victory of Bhutanese armed forces over Indian insurgents in 2003. The main highlight of the festival is a masked dance performance performed by the Royal Bhutan Army personnel. The dances depict various aspects of Bhutanese culture, mythology, and history.

In addition to the cultural performances, the festival also features other activities such as traditional Bhutanese games, food stalls serving local delicacies, and arts and crafts exhibitions. The festival attracts both locals and tourists alike, providing a unique opportunity to experience Bhutanese culture amidst the breathtaking natural scenery of Dochula Pass.

Tour Highlights

  • Witness colorful masked dances, folk songs, and traditional music performed by monks and local dancers at Dochula Tshechu.
  • Hike the Taktsang ‘tiger’s nest’ monastery, one of Bhutan’s architectural highlights.
  • Visit the 300-year old Punakha Dzong which is located between Pho chu (male river) and Mo chu (female river).
  • Explore the bustling capital Thimphu, including sights like the Buddha Dordenma, the National Memorial Chorten and more.
  • Enjoy spectacular views of the himalayas from the Dochu la mountain pass
  • Walk across Farm Houses to reach Chimi Lhakhang, a 15th-century fertility temple
  • Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten situated on a ridge above the Punakha

What's Included & Excluded

Inclusions:

  • A minimum of 3-star accommodation
  • Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
  • Bottle of water in the car.
  • A licensed Bhutanese tour guide.
  • Private transport (transfer & sightseeing) 
  • Monument (Dzongs & Temples) and Museum Fees
  • Sustainable Development Fee & Visa Fee

Exclusions:

  • Air Transport/Flight
  • Personal Expenses such as Laundry, Tips, etc
  • Drinks & beverages.
  • Travel Insurance
  • Bank Charges

Itinerary

The early morning flight to Paro reveals scenic and breathtaking views of Himalayan Mountains of the world. If weather permits you will be able to see Mt. Everest (8848 m, 29,198ft) and other Himalayan Mountain Ranges. Once you arrive at the Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative (Guide) and then drive to Thimphu (50km) which takes approximately an hour. On the way visit;
Tachogang Iron Chain Bridge, located along Paro-Thimphu highway, before Chhuzom. It is just a 10 minutes walk from the highway. It is a great spot for photography with a stunning view and peaceful ambience.
After arriving in Thimphu,visit; National Memorial Chorten: Probably one of the most popular Thimphu points of interest. 
Lunch at Zombala 2 Restaurant, a popular eatery for both locals and tourists seeking authentic flavors. Try Momos (dumplings), Thukpa: A comforting noodle soup and Ema Datshi: Bhutan’s national dish made with chilies and cheese.

The Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory is reputedly the best place that manufactures traditional paper. You can buy this unique paper here which will make for interesting souvenir gifts.
Changlimithang Archery Ground to see local folks playing their tradition game archery.
The Centenary Farmers Market (Now Kaja Throm) is a vibrant and dynamic space, offering a diverse range of products and experiences. Walk through Bhutan’s capital city exploring Clock Tower Square, a prominent landmark adorned with intricate Bhutanese motifs and stroll towards Thimphu’s iconic traffic junction, famously known as the main traffic circle as it has no traffic lights. Instead, you’ll witness a white-gloved traffic officer gracefully directing vehicles in a choreographed style that has become a tourist attraction in its own right.
Lastly Tashichhodzong visit. This magnificent structure stands proudly on the banks of the Wang Chhu River and serves as both a religious and administrative hub of Bhutan. Now it houses the secretariat building, the throne room and the office of the King and central monk body.

Overnight in Thimphu

After breakfast, drive to Dochula, 45 minutes to 1 hour from Thimphu. The Druk Wangyel Festival is a vibrant annual event held at the Dochula Pass in Bhutan. Dochula Pass is a mountain pass located on the road from Thimphu to Punakha, offering stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas. The festival typically takes place on December 13th each year.

The dances depict various aspects of Bhutanese culture, mythology, and history.

In addition to the cultural performances, the festival also features other activities such as traditional Bhutanese games, food stalls serving local delicacies.

After festival drive to Punakha. In Punakha, walk across farmhouses to reach Chimi Lhakhang, A 15th-century fertility temple, blessed by Lam Drukpa Kuenley, who is known as the Divine Madman for his eccentric behaviors. He is also considered a symbol of fertility and many childless couples go to his temple for blessing. 

Overnight in Punakha

After breakfast, 45 minutes hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel chorten with the picturesque view of the rice terraces along the river. It is a beautiful chorten located on a ridge at Kabesa Gewog in Punakha overlooking several villages. It is a 30-minute drive from the Khuruthang Town and a 45-minute uphill hike from the base of the hill through suspension bridge and rice fields.

Then visit Punakha Dzong, one of the majestic fortresses which is located between Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River). Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan. Then visit the longest suspension bridge across the dzong, spanning 160m over the Phochu River, and connects the Punakha Dzong (fortress) with the nearby villages and agricultural lands.

Overnight in Punakha

After breakfast, drive to Paro (3 and half hrs). After lunch visit Paro Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the oldest and most revered temples in Bhutan, steeped in history and spiritual significance and visit Chencho Weaving Center in Paro Town, a locally-run weaving center showcases the intricate art of traditional Bhutanese weaving, offering visitors a chance to witness skilled artisans at work.

Later, stroll around Paro downtown for shopping or a cup of coffee.
Namgay Artisanal Brewery: Did you know Bhutan has some of the most reputed and highly enjoyed brews? Well, if you are a beer lover and want to taste some of the finest brews, you must visit the Namgay Artisanal Brewery in Paro Valley.

Overnight in Paro

Taktsang Monastery: The wooden structure built amazingly, stands bravely on a cliff. It is said that the great Guru Rinpoche flew here on the back of a tigress and set up this monastery when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. From the road, the hike toward Taktsang follows an uphill route and returning back takes approximately 5-6 hours at an average walking pace on a clear, sunny day.

Later we welcome you to visit Bhutanese homes for Hot Stone Bath. A Bhutanese hot stone bath is the perfect way to relax and wind down after a long day of sightseeing and is also believed to have numerous health benefits and practice Archery is the national sport of Bhutan. With our archery lessons, your guide will set up the targets and teach you the rules, as well as how to correctly hold the bow.
Darts are another popular pastime in Bhutan, with a different scoring system to the western tradition, and a target low to the ground. Both sports are a fun way to spend an afternoon, enjoying some healthy competition. Later dinner with them and experience their hospitality. A visit gives you an interesting glimpse into the lifestyle of Bhutan.

In the morning drive to Paro airport for departure to your onward destination.

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs

The tour is ideal year-round. However, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are particularly popular for their pleasant weather, clear skies, and vibrant festivals.

Yes, the itinerary can be tailored to your preferences. Discuss your interests with your tour operator to customize your experience.

We offer a minimum of 3-star rated accommodations to Luxury Resorts, certified by the Department of Tourism, Bhutan.

Our selection of 3-star accommodations has been carefully curated based on top ratings and consistent positive feedback from our past clients. These hotels offer a blend of comfort, convenience, and authentic Bhutanese hospitality.

We also offer Homestays with a local family that can give you an authentic Bhutanese experience. Rooms are typically modest but comfortable, often featuring traditional Bhutanese décor.

Send us the scan copy of your passport and passport sized photos, we will apply on your behalf. Read more about the visa here. 

Contact us for your Visa.

A correctly input visa application can take up to five days to process.

There is a one-off fee of US$40 for the processing of your application. This is payable at the same time as your Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), as part of the process of submitting your visa application.