7 Days Wangdue Phodrang Festival Tour

Highlight: Arrive in Bhutan and visit the National Memorial Chorten, Tashichho Dzong, and Buddha Dordenma Statue.

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 visit Tashichho Dzong, the eminent fortress where the national government and central monastic body are located. In addition, here sits the summer residence of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot of Bhutan.

After that, you will visit the King’s Memorial Chortern (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.

Stay overnight in Thimphu.

Tashichho Dzong

Highlights: Visit National Folk Heritage Museum, Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory, Simtokha Dzong, and Motithang Takin Preserve in Thimphu.

After breakfast, you will first visit the National Folk Heritage Museum. It dedicates itself to connecting people with the rich Bhutanese folk heritage and rural history through exhibits, demonstrations, educational programs, and documentation of Bhutanese rural life. The museum will strive to disseminate the rich cultural heritage across generations by preserving it in different forms.

Next, you will head to visit Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory. The factor is located approximately 1 kilometer from Thimphu city, and uses the bark of two tree species (the Daphne tree, and Dhekap tree) in the manufacture of traditional paper. You can observe the entire process of producing handmade paper using ancient traditional methods that have been practiced for generations. Besides, you are able to try your hand at this ancient craft and make some paper of your own as a souvenir.

Later, you will drive to upper Motithang in Thimphu to visit Motithang Takin Preserve, a wildlife reserve area for takin (Budorcas taxicolor), the national animal of Bhutan. It's worthwhile taking the time to see these oddball mammals here.

You will end today’s sightseeing after visiting Simtokha Dzong. It was built by Zhabdrung to consolidate his domain and subdue the demon in 1629. Nowadays, it is often said to be the first dzong built in Bhutan.

Stay overnight in Thimphu.

Thimphu National Memorial Chorten

Highlight: Cross Dochula Pass and explore the magnificent Punakha Dzong and Chimi Lhakhang.

After breakfast, you will drive from Thimphu to Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang, following a scenic mountain road through lush forests and peaceful Himalayan landscapes. Along the way, you will stop at Dochula Pass (3,100m), a beautiful viewpoint offering panoramic views of the Bhutanese Himalayas. The pass is also home to the impressive 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens, built to commemorate Bhutanese soldiers.

After arriving in Punakha, you will visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most impressive fortresses. Located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, this historic Dzong was built in the 17th century and remains an important center of Bhutanese religion and culture.

You will then visit Chimi Lhakhang, also known as Chime Monastery. Standing on a small hillock near the village of Lobesa, this beautiful Buddhist monastery was built by the 14th Drukpa hierarch, Ngawang Choegyel, and is one of Bhutan’s most unique religious sites.

After the visits, you will continue your journey to Wangdue Phodrang.

Stay overnight in Wangdue Phodrang.

Dochu La Pass

Highlight: Attend the Wangdue Phodrang Tshechu Festival and witness traditional mask dances and the sacred Thongdrel unveiling.

Today, you will spend the day experiencing the Wangdue Phodrang Tshechu Festival, one of the most important traditional festivals in western Bhutan. Held annually at Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, this three-day celebration was introduced by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal after the completion of the Dzong and continues to attract local people from Wangdi, Punakha, Thimphu, and surrounding regions.

During the festival, you will witness sacred Cham mask dances, traditional music performances, and colorful rituals performed by monks and dancers dressed in elaborate costumes. The highlight of the celebration is the unveiling of the magnificent Guru Tshengye Thongdrel, a large sacred tapestry depicting Guru Rinpoche in his eight manifestations, which is considered one of the most significant moments of the festival.

Through this vibrant celebration, you will experience Bhutan’s living Buddhist traditions and the strong connection between religion, culture, and local communities.

Stay overnight in Wangdue Phodrang.

Attend the Paro Tshechu

Highlight: Drive through the scenic Himalayan landscape and explore the Ta Dzong Museum and Paro Rinpung Dzong.

After breakfast, you will drive back to Paro from Wangdue Phodrang. The journey takes around 3 hours, offering beautiful views of the Bhutanese Himalayas along the way.

Upon arrival in Paro, you will visit the Ta Dzong Museum, Bhutan’s National Museum located on the hill above Paro Rinpung Dzong. Originally built as a watchtower, the museum now houses an impressive collection of traditional arts, religious relics, handicrafts, textiles, and jewelry, providing a deeper insight into Bhutan’s history, culture, and spiritual heritage.

You will then explore Paro Rinpung Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most iconic fortresses and monasteries. Built in the 17th century to defend the Paro Valley, the Dzong now serves as an important religious and administrative center while showcasing Bhutan’s unique architectural style.

Stay overnight in Paro.

Paro Rinpung Dzong

Highlight: 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 services end.