Experience one of Bhutan's most distinctive cultural celebrations during the Druk Wangyel Tshechu, held annually at the breathtaking Dochula Pass. Perched at an elevation of approximately 3,100 metres, this remarkable festival is unlike any other in Bhutan. Rather than being performed by monks, the sacred mask dances are presented by members of the Royal Bhutan Army, honouring the vision of the Fourth King, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, and celebrating Bhutan's unity, peace and sovereignty.
Surrounded by the famous 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens and panoramic Himalayan views, the festival combines spirituality, history and patriotism in a spectacular mountain setting. Alongside the festival, explore Bhutan's cultural treasures, including Thimphu, Punakha and Paro, before completing your journey with the unforgettable hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery.
USD 1,850
per person - SDF INCLUDED Plan This Journey →✓ WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Private licensed guide
- Bhutan visa assistance
- Airport transfers
- 3-star hotel accommodation
- Daily meals as per itinerary
- Private vehicle with driver
- Monument entrance fees
- Tour planning support
7 Days Druk Wangyel Tshechu Festival Itinerary
1
Arrival in Paro • Transfer to Thimphu
Arrival in Paro • Transfer to Thimphu
Arrive at Paro International Airport, where your private guide will warmly welcome you to Bhutan.
Enjoy a scenic drive through river valleys and pine forests to Thimphu. Depending on your arrival time, visit Buddha Dordenma and the National Memorial Chorten before checking into your hotel. End the day with a traditional Bhutanese welcome dinner.
Highlights- Airport welcome
- Scenic drive to Thimphu
- Buddha Dordenma
- National Memorial Chorten
- Traditional Bhutanese dinner
2
Discover the Heritage of Thimphu
Discover the Heritage of Thimphu
Spend the day exploring Bhutan's capital city and its rich cultural heritage.
Visit Tashichho Dzong, the Folk Heritage Museum, the Textile Museum and the Traditional Handmade Paper Factory. Browse local handicrafts before enjoying an evening at leisure.
Highlights- Tashichho Dzong
- Folk Heritage Museum
- Textile Museum
- Handmade Paper Factory
- Local handicraft market
3
Punakha Valley via Dochula Pass
Punakha Valley via Dochula Pass
Travel across the spectacular Dochula Pass, where 108 memorial chortens overlook the eastern Himalayas. On clear days, enjoy breathtaking views of Bhutan's snow-capped peaks.
Continue into the fertile Punakha Valley to visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong before taking a leisurely walk through rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, the Temple of Fertility.
Highlights- Dochula Pass
- 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens
- Himalayan panorama
- Punakha Dzong
- Chimi Lhakhang
4
Druk Wangyel Tshechu • Transfer to Paro
Druk Wangyel Tshechu • Transfer to Paro
Return to Dochula Pass to attend the spectacular Druk Wangyel Tshechu.
Unlike traditional Bhutanese tshechus, this festival is performed entirely by the Royal Bhutan Army, featuring sacred mask dances, dramatic historical reenactments and traditional performances that celebrate Bhutan's resilience, peace and national identity. The festival was established to honour the Fourth King and is held annually on 13 December.
After the festival, continue to Paro and visit the magnificent Rinpung Dzong, one of Bhutan's finest fortress-monasteries.
Highlights- Druk Wangyel Tshechu
- Royal Bhutan Army performances
- Sacred mask dances
- Druk Wangyal Lhakhang
- Rinpung Dzong
- Scenic drive to Paro
5
Explore Paro Valley
Explore Paro Valley
Discover the cultural treasures of Paro Valley.
Visit the National Museum, housed in the historic Ta Dzong, before exploring Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest and most sacred temples. Spend the afternoon strolling through Paro town, where traditional Bhutanese architecture, cafés and handicraft shops create a relaxed atmosphere.
Highlights- National Museum
- Kyichu Lhakhang
- Traditional Bhutanese architecture
- Local handicrafts
- Paro town
6
Tiger's Nest Monastery
Tiger's Nest Monastery
Embark on Bhutan's most iconic hike to Taktsang Monastery, famously known as Tiger's Nest.
Follow a scenic trail through pine forests to the monastery, dramatically perched on a cliff nearly 900 metres above Paro Valley. Learn about Guru Rinpoche's legendary meditation retreat before descending for a farewell Bhutanese dinner.
Guests may also enjoy an optional traditional hot stone bath after the hike.
Highlights- Tiger's Nest Monastery
- Guided mountain hike
- Panoramic Paro Valley views
- Optional hot stone bath
- Farewell dinner
7
Departure from Paro
Departure from Paro
After breakfast, your guide will transfer you to Paro International Airport for your onward journey.
Depart Bhutan with unforgettable memories of sacred festivals, majestic Himalayan landscapes and the warm hospitality of the Bhutanese people.
Highlights- Breakfast
- Airport transfer
- Departure assistance
- Farewell to Bhutan
× WHAT'S EXCLUDED
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Tips for guide and driver
✓ Why You'll Love This Retreat
The 7 Days Druk Wangyel Tshechu Festival Journey offers an extraordinary blend of culture, history and mountain scenery. From witnessing the unique performances of the Royal Bhutan Army at Dochula Pass and exploring the architectural masterpiece of Punakha Dzong to hiking the legendary Tiger's Nest Monastery, every day reveals a different chapter of Bhutan's remarkable heritage and enduring spirit.
Trusted by Travellers
★★★★★ 5.0 Guest Rating
2,500+ Happy Travellers
10+ Years Local Experience