5 Days Druk Wangyel Festival Tour

Highlight: Arrive in Paro and visit the King's Memorial Chorten and Buddha Dordenma in Thimphu.

Welcome to Bhutan, the land of the “Thunder Dragon”.

Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will meet your local travel guide and driver at the airport’s Arriving Hall.

Then, you will be transferred to Thimphu (2,350m), the capital city of Bhutan. Covering a total distance of around 54 kilometers, it will take you about 1 hour to get to Thimphu from Paro (2,250m).

On the way, you will first encounter a private temple - Tschogang Lhakhang, the temple of the excellent horse. Keep driving to Thimphu, you will have a short stop at Chuzom, a confluence where the Paro Chhu and Wong Chhu meet. It is decorated with three different styles of stupas, namely Tibetan, Nepalese, and Bhutanese.

After arriving in Thimphu, your guide will help you check in at the hotel. You can also take a short rest if needed.

Later, you will head to visit the King's Memorial Chorten (National Memorial Chorten), a stupa built in memory of the third king in 1974. The display inside shows good statues of tantric Buddhist and its philosophy.

Then, you will visit Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park, where you can see the 169-foot bronze statue of Buddha Dordenma, one of the largest Buddha statues in the world, as well as the Vajra Throne Buddha.

Stay overnight in Thimphu.

Witnessing the superb Punakha Dzong

Highlight: Experience the unique Druk Wangyel Festival at Dochula Pass and enjoy the beautiful Himalayan scenery on the way to Punakha.

After breakfast, you will leave Thimphu and drive toward Dochula Pass (3,100m), one of the most scenic mountain passes in Bhutan.

Upon arrival, you will experience the Druk Wangyel Festival, a unique annual festival held at Dochula Pass. You will enjoy colorful traditional dances and performances that celebrate Bhutanese culture and history. Surrounded by local people in traditional dress, you will have a great opportunity to experience the lively festival atmosphere of Bhutan.

During the festival, you will also see the famous 108 Druk Wangyel Chortens at Dochula Pass. On a clear day, you can enjoy panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayan mountains in the distance.

After enjoying the festival, you will continue your journey to Punakha (1,200m). As you descend from Dochula Pass, you will see the landscape gradually change from high mountain forests to the warmer and greener Punakha Valley.

Upon arrival in Punakha, your guide will help you check in at the hotel. You will enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.

Stay overnight in Punakha.

Thimphu National Memorial Chorten

Highlight: Visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, hike to Chimi Lhakhang, and explore the historic Paro Rinpung Dzong.

After breakfast, you will visit Punakha Dzong, one of the most beautiful and impressive dzongs in Bhutan. Located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, the dzong is surrounded by peaceful river landscapes and stunning mountain scenery.

You will walk across the traditional cantilever bridge to enter the dzong and explore its impressive courtyards, sacred temples, and traditional Bhutanese architecture. Your guide will introduce the important role Punakha Dzong has played in Bhutan’s religious and historical development.

Then, you will head to Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the Temple of Fertility. You will enjoy a short and scenic hike through rice fields and the traditional village of Sopsokha before reaching the temple. Along the way, you will experience the peaceful countryside views and local lifestyle of the Punakha Valley.

After the visit, you will drive back to Paro from Punakha, passing through the beautiful mountain landscapes of western Bhutan.

Upon arrival in Paro, you will visit Paro Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong), one of the most iconic landmarks in the Paro Valley. This impressive fortress showcases Bhutan’s traditional architecture and now serves as an important religious and administrative center, with a monastic school inside.

Stay overnight in Paro.

Druk Wangyel Festival

Highlights: Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery to enjoy spectacular views from it and visit Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro.

After breakfast, you will start your hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (also known as Taktsang Monastery). Perched on the side of a cliff 900 meters above the Paro Valley, Taktsang Monastery is one of the most famous monasteries in Bhutan. The principal monastery of the present monastic complex dates from 1692. Taktsang was damaged severely by fire in 1998 but has now been fully restored to its former glory. The hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery is about 3 km one way and takes around 5 to 6 hours for the round trip.

After exploring the monastery, you will begin your return tour to Paro.

In the afternoon, you will visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most beautiful temples built by the Tibetan King Songsten Gampo in the 7th century.

Stay overnight in Paro.

Trek to Taktshang Monastery

After breakfast, your guide will meet you at the hotel and transfer you to Paro International Airport for your next destination.

The tour service end.