Overview
The Domkhar Tsechu is an annual festival held in the picturesque Domkhar Valley in Bumthang, Bhutan. This vibrant cultural celebration is dedicated to honoring local deities, featuring traditional mask dances and spiritual rituals performed by both monks and villagers. The festival's highlight is the dramatic Cham dance, where participants wear elaborate masks and costumes, enacting scenes from Bhutanese mythology. The event offers a unique opportunity to experience Bhutanese culture in a rural setting, combining both spiritual devotion and community celebration.
Tour Highlights:
- Cham Dance: Traditional mask dance performances depicting mythological stories.
- Sacred Rituals: Witness Bhutanese monks performing spiritual ceremonies and blessings.
- Local Culture: Experience the customs and traditions of the Domkhar Valley community.
- Colorful Costumes: Photograph the vibrant masks and costumes worn by dancers.
- Breathtaking Scenery: Enjoy the stunning landscapes of the Domkhar Valley as a backdrop to the festival.
Tour Plan
Day 1: Arrival in Paro -Thimphu
- Get blessings at the oldest temple Kichu lhakhang, built in 629 AD by a Tibetan king.
- Visit Paro Ta Dzong, an ancient watch tower turned into one of the best museums of Asia.
- Rinpung Dzong “fortress of the heap of jewels.”
- In evening drive to Thimphu (drive 1hr). Thimphu is a charming capital city nestled in the heart of the Himalayas.
- Evening at your leisure
- Overnight inThimphu (Alt; 2320m).
Day 2: Discovering Punakha (78km/ 2hr)
- En route stop by Dochula pass (3150m) to enjoy spectacular views of the eastern Himalayan mountain range.
- Stroll around 108 stupas and enter Drukwangyel (Royal temple).
- Visit the Punakha Dzong, "Palace of the Great Happiness". This beautiful fortress lies between two rivers, the Pochu and Mochu, male and female river.
- Walk on the suspension bridge in Punakha. The colourful adorned bridge is longest suspension bridge in Bhutan.
- Hike along the Metshina village to Chimi lhakhang, a solitary “fertility temple” where a childless couple who comes to pray is usually blessed with a child.
- Overnight in Punakha & Wangdue/(Alt; 1240m)
Day 3: Trongsa & Bumthang Landscape Tour (197km/ 7 – 8 hr )
- In morning, drive to Trongsa, stopping for mountain-view at Pele La pass (3,300m). It’s common to spot yaks along this pass.
- As you reach Rukubji valley, the houses are clustered amid extensive fields of mustard, potatoes, barley, and wheat.
- En route circumambulate Chendebji Chorten, a large white stupa beside a stream.
- Enjoy full view of Trongsa Dzong from Tangsibji.
- Visit Trongsa Dzong; a white fortress that appears to grow directly up from the narrow green ridge.
- Drive over one of the most scenically beautiful routes via the Yotong La pass to Bumthang. (3425m).
- En route visit Yathra weaving centre in Chumey valley. The hand-woven woolen cloth produced locally.
- Stroll around the peaceful town of Bumthang.
- Overnight in Bumthang (Alt; 2580m)
Day 4: Bumthang Sightseeing (68km/ 3hr)
- After breakfast visit Jakar Dzong (fortress of the White-bird). It is one of the biggest Dzongs in Bhutan with the surrounding walls about 1 km in circumference.
- After lunch, Hike along a series of ancient and important sites such as, Jambay lhakhang, Kurjey lhakhang, Pema Sambha lhakhang & Tamshing lhakhang. (These temples have many mythical stories linked to its origin and dates back as early as 8th century. Your guide will unfold its mystery as you visit these sites).
- Late noon, take a short hike to Menbar Tsho (the burning lake). This lake is the holiest lake in the country and is believed to be a wish fulfilling lake.
- Visit the Red Panda local beer factory. The manager will show you how beer is brewed followed by a visit to Swiss & local cheese factory in Chumey valley.
- Wangdichholing Palace; the first palace of the present Wangchuk dynasty and also the first palace that was not designed as a fortress.
- In evening time at your leisure, free to roam around the villages and valley.
- Overnight in Bumthang
Day 5: Bumthang Domkhar Festival
- After breakfast, visit the religious and colorful Domkhar Festival held at the ancient courtyard of the Domkhar temple.
- Many villagers gather in gho & kira to witness the mask dances, nomadic folk & traditional dances, religious drama, Atsara the funny Clown, ceremonial rituals and blessings.
- Participate in the unique purification process at this festival. The locals attend the festival not only to enjoy and meet their old friends but also to collect merit and purify their lives
- In evening time at your leisure, free to roam around the villages and valley.
- Overnight in Bumthang
Day 6: Gangtey Rural Expedition (188km/ 5-6hr)
- On arrival, visit Gangtey gomba; the largest Nyingma Monastery of the kingdom. Interact with the monks and sit silently in the prayer room.
- Embark on the Nature trail hike across the refreshing Blue-pine forest to Kwewa village (1.5hr hike) ( optional ). Try homemade tea & local snacks at village home. Interact with the monks at Kewa Monastery.
- Visit the Crane Info Centre.
- Free to walk around village or drive to your hotel for rest.
- Overnight in Phobjikha (2900m)
Day 7: Thimphu Cultural Tour (142km/ 4hr)
- At dawn, free to walk out into the green valley to enjoy the sunrise.
- Stop at Drukwangyel Cafe for lunch and mountain-view and head to Thimphu. Thimphu is a small, charming capital city nestled in the heart of the Himalayas.
- Visit giant Buddha Dordenma Statue overlooking Thimphu is one of the biggest in the world.
- Circumambulate Memorial chorten (huge stupa). This is the favorite spot for the locals of all age to chant mantras, prostrate, pray and practice their devotion.
- In evening, time at your leisure.
- Overnight Thimphu (Alt; 2320m)
Day 8: Thimphu Cultural Sightseeing
- Drive to Sangay-gang where the national animal of Bhutan, the Takin, is found in captivity. This hill is also called the “romantic point” as lovers often come here to enjoy the panoramic view of the Thimphu valley.
- Zorig Chusum “School for Thirteen Traditional Arts and Crafts” followed by Craft Bazaar for authentic local handicraft and souvenir.
- Visit Post office, where you get customized stamps with your picture on it.
- The Tashichhoe Dzong, the main secretariat building, the office of the King and Throne room and also the house of the State Monastic Body.
- Farmers Weekend Market. Try some organic fruits & nuts.
- Overnight Thimphu
Day 9: Excursion to Mystical Taktsang
- After a wholesome breakfast, drive to Paro (1 Hr) and spend the day hiking up the forested path to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest.Tiger’s Nest clings to sheer cliffs of 900m above Paro valley.(4-5hrs round trip)
- Lunch at the hillside cafe with close Tiger’s Nest view.
- In evening, authentic Bhutanese farewell dinner at a typical village home with the local family with local liquor called “Ara.”
- Overnight in Paro (Alt; 2280m)
Day 10:Depart from Paro International Airport
- Our representative will bid you farewell at the Airport. Tashi Delek!
Included
- Visa Fee
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
- Accommodation in 3 star hotels on twin sharing
- All meals ( breakfast, lunch and dinner )
- Entrance fees for monuments and cultural sites
- Licensed English speaking guides
- Airport transfer and all transportation
- Bottled water during the tour
- All applicable taxes and service charges
Excluded
- International airfare to/from Bhutan
- Travel Insurance
- Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, shopping, etc.)
- Alcoholic and specialty beverages
- Tips for guides, drivers, and hotel staff
- Additional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Additional expenses due to unforeseen events (weather, flight cancellations, etc.)
Good to know
- More than 45 days before the tour: Free cancellation
- Within 30 days: 35% of the total cost
- Within 21 days: 50% of the total cost
- No-show in Bhutan: 100% of the total cost
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