6 Nights 7 Days  Thimphu Drubchen Festival Tour

About Thimphu Drubchen

Thimphu Drubchen, also commonly known as Thimphu Dromchoe was first introduced by Kuenga Gyeltshen( reincarnation of Jampel Dorji, son of Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyel) in 1710. The dromchoe is celebrated 3 days before the Thimphu Tshechu.

The Drubchen showcases the sacred dances, in dedication to the protective deity of Bhutan, Palden Lhamo. According to the myth, while Kuenga Gyeltshen was meditating, the deity Pelden Lhamo appeared and performed the dances. In tribute to the deity Pelden Lhamo dance, Kuenga Gyaltshen initiated the Dromchoe.

During Thimphu Drubchen, enjoy the mask dances and historical folk dances in colourful customs performed by the monks as well as by laymen. It is believed that merit is gained by attending these festivals. It is very important to know the name of the dances as it links to the afterlife. Tshechu is considered as an occasion for praying to the deities to wipe out misfortunes, increase good luck and grant personal wishes.

During the festival, you will notice an annual social gathering dressed in their finest clothing and jewellery. The experience being surrounded by the Bhutanese people will give you an insight into the Bhutanese way of life and belief.

Thimphu Dromchoe Schedule:  Sept 26, 2017

Day 01: Arrive Paro

Arrive at Paro International Airport. After completing your immigration formalities, you will be warmly welcomed by the representative of Advent Bhutan Tours who will be your Bhutan tour guide throughout your entire travel in Bhutan.  Then you will be driven to your hotel in Paro. After a brief rest, start your mesmeric experience of Bhutan by first visiting the National Museum, housed in the Ta Dzong (watchtower). Ta Dzong- National Museum of Bhutan is a cultural museum in the town of Paro established in 1968. Built on top of the hill above Rinpung Dzong, it was originally used to defend Rinpung Dzong and the Paro valley during times of war.

Here, an intriguing collection of finest samples of Bhutanese art, including masterpieces of bronze statues, paintings, suitable galleries are elegantly displayed on scientific lines, which collectively will lead to the wonderful introduction to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom.

Walk down to Paro Dzong, a Buddhist monastery and fortress which houses the district Monastic Body and government administrative offices of Paro Dzongkhag, a fine example of Bhutanese historic architecture.  It was built in 1645 to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. From the Dzong, march further down to Nyamai Zampa, a traditional cantilever bridge which lies below the sheer walls of  Rinpung Dzong. Stroll through Rimpung Bridge

(The oldest bridge in Bhutan)

Make a visit to a farmhouse which gives an insight of authentic lifestyle of a Bhutanese farming family.In the evening, you can stroll around Paro town.

Dinner & overnight at a hotel in Paro.

Day 02: Paro-Punakha/Wangdue( 4Hours-124Km)

Travel to Punakha & Wangdue.The journey runs down through the Paro valley, characterised by the narrow-gauged with high, rocky cliffs on the left. You can stop on the way to visit the magnificent Tamchhog Lhakhang, the hereditary place of worship for Bhutan’s iron bridge builder. Then passage through  Chuzom, is the entrance to the Thimphu valley,  the Confluence of Paro and Thimphu rivers. The road passes along the Simtokha Dzong, (Dzong means ‘castle-monastery’) – It is the oldest Dzong built in 1629 by Zhabdrug Ngawang Namgyal (who unified Bhutan). The Dzong functions as a monastic and as well as administrative centre. Today, it is one of the pre-eminent Dzongkha language (National Language) learning institutes.

After passing simtokha Dzong, the road diversion leads you to Punakha/Wangdue. The mesmeric journey through the majestic view of the Himalayan mountain ranges that pass by the beautiful 108 chortens Dochula. The Dochula Pass (3,088m/10,130ft) is a mountain pass, with the breathtaking view of 108 memorial stupas known as “Druk Wangyal Chortens”  built under the initiative of Royal Queen Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk( the eldest Queen Mother), built in honour of the fourth Druk Gyalpo (head of the state of Bhutan), Jigme Singye Wangchuck.

Stop for the lunch at Dochula Pass and after lunch, drive onto Punakha. Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan and presently the winter residence of the central monk body. It is also known as Pungtang Dewa chhenbi Phodrang (meaning “the palace of great happiness or bliss). It is the second oldest and largest dzong built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (Unifier of Bhutan) to serve as the religious and administrative seat of the region. Visit the Punakha Dzong, majestically sprawl between the Pho Chu (Male River) and the Mo Chu (Female River).

On the way, stop for refreshment at Metsina village and take 15 minutes walk through the rice fields to the Devine Madman’s Monastery-Chhimi Lhakhang, famously known for its fertility shrine, where it is believed, one can receive special fertility blessings.

Then visit the Punakha Dzong, majestically sprawl between the Pho Chu (Male River) and the Mo Chu (Female River).

In the evening, stroll around the Punakha Town.

Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Punakha.

Day 03: Punakha-Thimphu (3Hours-70Km)

After breakfast travel to Thimphu. Stop for the refreshment at Dochula Pass en route. On arrival at Thimphu, check into your hotel and visit the following places:

After breakfast, drive through upper Punakha valley passing through farmhouses and take a leisure walk through farmhouses and then Visit Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten(stupa),(also known as Nyizergang Chöten and Punakha Zangdopelri). It was built in 2004 by the Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck. The establishment of the stupa is to bring peace and firmness in the world. Enjoy the amazing view of Punakha and Wangdue valleys from there.

Then travel to Thimphu with lunch en route.

On arrival at Thimphu check into your hotel and visit the following:

The Kuenselphodrang (commonly known as Buddha Point) – The Great Buddha Dordenma is sited amidst the ruins of Kuensel Phodrang, the palace of Sherab Wangchuck, the thirteenth Desi Druk, facing towards the Southern approach to Thimphu. It is one of the largest Buddha statues in the world, at 169 feet (52 m) and contains 100,000 8-inch-tall and 25,000 12-inch-tall gilded bronze Buddhas.

The Centenary Farmers’ market – Thimphu weekend market is one of the largest domestic markets for Bhutanese farmers. Farmers sell their own produced vegetables, flour, rice, roasted rice, rice flakes, spices, fruits and livestock products (cheese and butter). And also sell wild ferns or bamboo shoots which are collected from forests. People from villages from different cities as well as from town come to this weekend market.

The National Memorial Chorten (stupa), Also known as the Thimphu Chorten, was built in 1974 to honour the third Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (1928–1972), who is regarded as “The Father of Modern Bhutan”.   Buddhist call the monument “The mind of the Buddha”. It is an honoured landmark in the city with its golden spires and bells, widely known as “the most visible religious landmark in Bhutan”.

The Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts shops, aligned neatly below Norzin Lam, opposite to Nehru Wangchuk Cultural Centre, to witness Bhutanese fine traditional arts. Here you can buy hand-woven textiles, thangka paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewellery, and other eye-catching items made from local materials.

In the evening stroll around Thimphu downtown.

Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

Day 04: Thimphu Dromchoe

After breakfast, you will go and witness Thimphu Dromchoe (Festival) which will be held in the Courtyard of Tashichhoedzong. Thimphu Drubchen, also commonly known as Thimphu Dromchoe was first introduced by Kuenga Gyeltshen( reincarnation of Jampel Dorji, son of Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyel) in 1710. The dromchoe is celebrated 3 days before the Thimphu Tshechu.

The Drubchen showcases the sacred dances, in dedication to the protective deity of Bhutan, Palden Lhamo. According to the myth, while Kuenga Gyeltshen was meditating,  the deity Pelden Lhamo appeared and performed the dances. In tribute to the deity Pelden Lhamo dance, Kuenga Gyaltshen initiated the Dromchoe.

Enjoy the mask dances and historical folk dances in colorful customs performed by the monks as well as by laymen. It is believed that merit is gained by attending these festivals. It is very important to know the name of the dances as it links to the afterlife. Tshechu is considered as an occasion for praying to the deities to wipe out misfortunes, increase good luck and grant personal wishes.

During the festival, you will notice an annual social gathering dressed in their finest clothing and jewellery. The experience being surrounded by the Bhutanese people will give you an insight into the Bhutanese way of life and belief.

You also visit the Tashichhoe Dzong, It is a Buddhist monastery and fortress of the glorious religion on the northern edge of the city of Thimphu, built in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. It was rebuilt into the present structure by the late King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the year 1962-1969. It houses the secretariat building, the throne room and the office of the king, and the central monk body.

After the festival you will visit the following:

Takin Preserve, which houses the national animal, Takin (The national animal of Bhutan). The reason for declaring Takin as the national animal is attributed to a legend of the animal’s creation (goat’s head and cattle’s body) in Bhutan in the 15th century by Lama Drukpa Kunley. Drive further to Sangaygang to get a bird’s eye view of the beautiful Thimphu valley.

The Kuenselphodrang (commonly known as Buddha Point) – The Great Buddha Dordenma is sited amidst the ruins of Kuensel Phodrang, the palace of Sherab Wangchuck, the thirteenth Desi Druk, facing towards the Southern approach to Thimphu. It is one of the largest Buddha statues in the world, at 169 feet (52 m) and contains 100,000 8-inch-tall and 25,000 12-inch-tall gilded bronze Buddhas.

Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Thimphu

Day 05: Day long Thimphu Sightseeing

After breakfast, Day long Thimphu Sightseeing includes the visit to the following places:

The Bhutan Postal Museum (recently launched) -The Bhutan Postal Museum was launched on 7 November 2015 at the General Post Office building. The postal museum portrays the story of the evolution of communication, transportation and postal services in Bhutan’s history

The National Textile Museum – Art of traditional weaving being kept alive and preserved through exhibition and has a good collection of old textiles which are rich in colours and designs.  The National Textile Museum is located near the National Library of Bhutan. It was established in 2001 and operated by the National Commission for Cultural Affairs. Ever since its establishment, the museum has gained national and international recognition and has generated a important collection of antique textile artifacts.

The Institute of traditional medicine– The Institute of traditional medicine sprawled on a hilltop with the Traditional Arts Center and National Library just below, was established in 1978. This institute collect medicinal plants from far-flung areas of the Bhutanese Himalaya, such as Lingzhi, Laya and Lunana, conducts research on Bhutan’s medicinal plants to identify the ingredients to help develop new health product and then dispense pills, tablets, ointments and medicinal teas to regional health-care units around the country.

The School of Thangka Painting-The traditional arts is known as zorigchusum (zo = the ability to make; rig = science or craft; chusum = thirteen). These traditional crafts depict hundreds of years of knowledge and ability that has been passed down through generations.The students undergo a six-year course to consummate learning the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan.

The Traditional Bhutanese paper making factory– Jungshi Paper Factory was established in November 1990 as an undertaking of the Royal Government of Bhutan.This small factory produces traditional Bhutanese paper handmade from the bark of the Daphne bush. The unit now boasts as a major and sole dealer in handmade paper and its products.

After lunch, drive to the base camp of Tango Monastery and hike up to the Monastery. Tango is the highest centre of Buddhist learning for monks in the country. It is believed that almost every Je Khenpo (religious head of Bhutan) accomplished the 9-year program there. After completing that program, monks traditionally spend years meditating at the nearby Cheri Goemba retreat, built in 1619 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal(unifier of Bhutan).

The climb aloft will take approximately about 45 minutes. The view from Tango Monastery is breathtaking, which shall rejuvenate your soul surrounded by the calm ambience.

Drive back to Thimphu. In evening, you can relax /stroll around Thimphu town.

Dinner & overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

Day  06: Thimphu-Paro (2 Hours-55 km) & Paro Excursion to Taktsang (3hours 30 minutes Walk)

Drive to Satsam Chorten and then hike to the Taktshang, the Tiger’s Nest. Normally it takes about three and half hours to complete the hike but might take longer depending on your fitness.  Paro Taktsang, also known as the Tiger’s Nest, is an important  Buddhist sacred site which clings to the rock face, 900 metres above the valley floor.To the rear of the Taktsang lies Senge Samdup cave where Guru Rinpoche is said to have meditated for three years, three months, three weeks, three days and three hours in the 8th century. Today, Paro Taktsang is popularly known for the thirteen Taktsang or “tiger lair” caves in which he meditated..it is believed that Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) flew to Taktshang from Tibet on the back of a tigress from Khenpajong. This place was consecrated to tame the Tiger demon.

Refreshment will be served at View Point Cafeteria en route.After visiting the monastery, descend back to viewpoint cafeteria for lunch and then further descend downhill to the base. Then drive to your hotel. On the way visit Kichu temple. It is one of the 108 temples built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songsten Gampo. The Jowo Temple of Kyichu is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. To overcome a giant demon who prevented the spread of Buddhism, laid on the whole area of Tibet and the Himalayas, King Songtsen Gampo build 108 temples placed on all the points of her body.

In the evening you may relax in the traditional hot stone bath.

Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Paro.

Day 07: Paro – Departure

Advent Bhutan Tours & Travels (your local Bhutan travel agent) will see you off at the Paro International Airport for your onward destinations.

End of the Tour

Bhutan Trip Cost for this  6 Nights  7 Days  Tour Itinerary

***Thank you & Tashi Delek***