7 Nights 8 Days Dochula Druk Wangyel Festival Tours

Brief Background

The Dochula Druk Wangyel Festival is held on December 13th at the Festival Ground near Druk Wangyel Lhakhang which is located at Dochula Pass. It started in 2011, in commemoration of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo and the Armed Forces’ victory over Indian insurgent forces residing in southern Bhutan in 2003.

Druk Wangyal Lhakhang (temple) was built under the initiative of Royal Queen Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk( the eldest Queen Mother),  in honour of the fourth Druk Gyalpo (head of the state of Bhutan), Jigme Singye Wangchuck. one of the greatest histories made by  His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, apart from the development of the country, he led a successful operation against Indian militants who had occupied certain areas of Bhutan in 2003. The gallery of the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang has a breathtaking view of 108 memorial stupas.

Festival Schedule: December 13, 2017

Day 01: Dec 11: Arrive, Paro

On arrival at Paro airport and 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.

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)

Overnight in Paro

Day 02:  Paro Excursion to Taktsang (3hours 30 minutes Walk)-Travel to Thimphu (2Hours-55Km)

In the morning, 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.

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.

Then voyage to Thimphu.

Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

Day  03: Dochula Druk Wangyel Festival (45Minutes) and travel to Punakha(2Hours)

After breakfast, drive for about 45 minutes to Dochula Pass (3140 m) to attend the day-long Druk Wangyel Festival. You will be fascinated by the spectacular view of the Himalayan Mountain ranges and enjoy the unique, beautifully coloured mask dance and historical folk dances under the clear winter sky.

Druk Wangyal Lhakhang (temple) was built under the initiative of Royal Queen Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk( the eldest Queen Mother),  in honour of the fourth Druk Gyalpo (head of the state of Bhutan), Jigme Singye Wangchuck. one of the greatest histories made by  His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, apart from the development of the country, he led a successful operation against Indian militants who had occupied certain areas of Bhutan in 2003. The gallery of the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang has a breathtaking view of 108 memorial stupas.

Dochula Druk Wangyel Festival program

After the festival, drive to Punakha which takes about 2 hours drive from Dochula.

Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Punakha.

Day 04: Dec 14: Punakha Sightseeing

After breakfast, drive through upper Punakha valley and take a hike through farmhouses to the beautiful 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 visit the Punakha Dzong, majestically sprawl between the Pho Chu (Male River) and the Mo Chu (Female River). It is 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.

After lunch, drive to Metshina 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.

Afterwards, a drive to Wangdue (25 Minutes journey from Punakha). Visit Wangdue Dzong. It was founded by the Zhabdrung in 1638. In the 17th century, Wangdue played a critical role in unifying Shar Chog Khorlo Tsebgay (the western, central and southern regions of the country). It is one of the largest dzongkhags (districts) in the country covering 4,308 sq km and ranges from 800-5800 m in altitude. On 24 June 2012, the dzong caught fire and was burnt down.The renovation is still ongoing and is expected to continue until 2021.

In the evening you may visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendup Lhakhang Nunnery and enjoy the beautiful view of Punakha and Wangdue valleys.

Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Punakha/Wangdue.

Day 05: Punakha-Phobjikha-Punakha( 2Hours30Minutes-64Km)

After breakfast drive to Phobjikha valley via Gantey village where you see the Gangtey  Monastery and visit the monastery. Gangtey Gompa, an important monastery of Nyingmapa school of Buddhism, is one of the main seats of the religious tradition based on Pema Lingpa’s revelations.It is the most tourists visited the place during the winter season to see the magnificent black-necked cranes that migrate from far-flung remote parts of Tibet. The spectacular ambience surrounded by hills and mountains are home to wandering shepherds and yak-herders. The view is breathtaking.

You will have refreshment and lunch at a resort/restaurant in this valley. Afternoon you can visit the Black Necked Crane Center and enjoy the fascinating sight of these birds in this beautiful scenic valley.

In the late afternoon drive back to Punakha and overnight at a hotel in Punakha.

Day 06: Punakha-Thimphu(3Hours-70km)

After breakfast, travel onto Thimphu.  After lunch at Thimphu visit the following places:

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.

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 an important collection of antique textile artefacts.

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 Folk Heritage Museum– The museum was launched on 28 July 2001 under the initiative of founder Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo. The outdoor museum gives an insight into rural life.The museum exhibit diverse materials associated with the Bhutanese culture and way of life.The exhibition comprises of rural households’ artefacts, equipment, objects and tools.

The Memorial Chorten– 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 Tashichho 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.

Then, stroll down 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.

Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

 Day 07 :Thimphu Sightseeing (National Day Celebration) and Thimphu-Paro(

2Hours-55Km)

After breakfast, attend the National Day Celebration which will be held at Changlimithang Stadium.  After lunch, Thimphu Sightseeing includes the visit to the following places:

The 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.

In the late afternoon, drive to Paro.

Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Paro.

Day 08: 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

Tour Price

***Thank you & Tashi Delek***