7 Day Druk Wangyel Festival
Day 1: Arrival in Thimphu
Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by your guide and driver who will take you on a scenic drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. After checking into your hotel and freshening up, you can explore the city and visit attractions like the Tashichho Dzong, the National Memorial Chorten, and the Buddha Dordenma statue. Overnight stay in Thimphu.
Day 2: Druk Wangyel Festival
After breakfast, drive to Dochula and attend Druk Wangyel Festival, which is held annually near Dochula Pass. You will witness colorful displays of Bhutanese culture, music, and dance performances, as well as a procession of men in traditional Bhutanese attire. The festival celebrates the victories of Bhutan’s fourth king and pays homage to the country’s armed forces. Overnight stay in Thimphu.
Day 3: Thimphu Sightseeing
After breakfast visit the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, where you can witness the traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan being taught, the Folk Heritage Museum, and the Royal Textile Academy. You can also visit the Changangkha Lhakhang temple, a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Overnight stay in Thimphu.
Day 4: Thimphu to Punakha
After breakfast, drive to Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan. Visit the Punakha Dzong, an architectural marvel that sits at the confluence of two rivers, and take a leisurely walk across the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan. Visit the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a beautiful temple built by the Queen Mother of Bhutan. Visit the Chimmi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to the Divine Madman, and learn about his life and teachings. Then, visit the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, a magnificent fortress. In the afternoon, visit the Rinchengang village to see how traditional Bhutanese houses are built using mud and stones.
Day 5: Punakha to Paro
After breakfast, you will drive to Paro, with enroute stops at the Dochula Pass and the Chimi Lhakhang temple. In Paro, you can visit the Ta Dzong, now the National Museum of Bhutan, and the Rinpung Dzong, a fortress monastery that is one of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture. Overnight stay in Paro.
Day 6: Tiger’s Nest
Hike Today, you will take a hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest monastery, one of the most famous landmarks of Bhutan. The hike takes approximately three hours round-trip and offers stunning views of the Paro valley. The monastery is perched on a cliff and is said to have been built at the spot where Guru Rinpoche meditated in the 8th century. Overnight stay in Paro.
Day 7: Departure
After breakfast, your guide and driver will transfer you to Paro International Airport for your departure flight.