7 days/ 6 nights · Private tour
Tour highlights
About this tour
The Druk Wangyel festival is held in the open air at Dochula Pass, at 3,100 metres, with the snow-capped Himalaya behind the dancers. It takes place every year on 13 December. In 2027, that is a Monday. Clear winter skies often give the best mountain views of the year.
This seven-day winter tour gives you the festival, plus Thimphu, Punakha Dzong and the hike to Tiger’s Nest. December is quiet and crisp, so you enjoy the sights with few other visitors.
Most tshechus are performed by monks inside a dzong. By contrast, this festival is performed in front of Druk Wangyel Lhakhang, a temple on the pass, and its dances were created specially for it. It began in 2011 to honour the Fourth King and the armed forces who defended the country in 2003.
Around the dance ground stand the 108 chortens of Dochula. As a result, the setting is one of the most dramatic of any festival in Bhutan. In 2026, the nation raised a second line of 108 stupas in Gelephu, in the south.
Dress warmly, with a down jacket, hat and gloves, because the pass is cold even on sunny days. Arrive early for a good spot. Photos are welcome, but please do not use flash or step into the dance space.
Visiting in spring? The Rhododendron festival Bhutan tour visits the forests just below Dochula in April. Or see every Bhutan festival tour for 2027.
Your Druk Wangyel festival tour starts from US$2,100 per person, and group discounts are available. The price covers the Sustainable Development Fee, hotels and all meals. It also includes a private vehicle and driver, a licensed guide, taxes and entry fees. Flights, insurance and drinks are extra.
The Sustainable Development Fee is USD 100 per night right now. That is half the standard rate set by Bhutan’s official tourism site. However, this lower rate is confirmed only until 31 August 2027. We have been licensed since 2012 and have welcomed more than 2,000 travellers.
Every year on 13 December, at Dochula Pass, about 30 kilometres from Thimphu. In 2028, it falls on a Wednesday.
Yes. Days are sunny and dry, with the clearest mountain views. Nights are cold, especially in Thimphu and Paro.
Yes. The Trongsa Tshechu usually follows in early January. Ask us to plan a longer trip.
Day by day
This itinerary shows one way to enjoy this trip. We can change any day, add or remove places, change the pace or the hotels, and add a festival. Every journey we run is curated around you.
Paro to Thimphu · 55 km · about 1.5 hours · 2,300 m Your flight drops into the Paro Valley, and your guide greets you with a white scarf. You follow the river to Thimphu, stopping at Chuzom, where three small stupas mark the meeting of two rivers. In the afternoon, you visit the Memorial Chorten, where elders turn prayer wheels. In the evening, you walk the main street of the capital. Overnight: Thimphu
Thimphu · full day · 2,300 m After breakfast, you visit Buddha Dordenma, the giant golden Buddha watching over the valley. Next, you see young artists at work in the School of Traditional Arts and browse the craft bazaar. In the evening, you visit Tashichho Dzong, the seat of government, as the light turns gold. Overnight: Thimphu
Thimphu to Dochula · 30 km · about 1 hour · 3,100 m · then on to Punakha You leave early and drive up to Dochula Pass. As the sun warms the dance ground, the festival begins in front of the 108 chortens, with the snow peaks shining behind. You spend the day watching the dances. In the late afternoon, you drive down into the warm Punakha Valley. Overnight: Punakha
Punakha · full day · 1,200 m In the morning, you cross a wooden bridge into Punakha Dzong, the most beautiful fortress in Bhutan, set where two rivers meet. Next, you walk the long suspension bridge that villagers use every day. In the afternoon, you hike gently up to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten for views over the valley. Overnight: Punakha
Punakha to Paro · 125 km · about 4.5 hours with stops You cross Dochula once more for a last look at the mountains, then follow the river roads to Paro. In the afternoon, you visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, and walk down from Rinpung Dzong across a covered wooden bridge. Overnight: Paro
Tiger's Nest hike · about 500 m climb · 4 to 6 hours return · 3,100 m You set off early through pine forest hung with prayer flags, climbing about 500 metres to the viewpoint opposite the monastery. From there, steps lead past a waterfall to Taktsang itself, clinging to the cliff above the valley. Your guide tells the story of Guru Rinpoche, who is said to have flown here on a tigress. In the afternoon, your legs can rest with an optional hot stone bath in a farmhouse. Overnight: Paro
Paro airport · short transfer After breakfast, your guide and driver take you to Paro airport and see you off with a farewell scarf. We hope to welcome you back soon, perhaps for a festival in another season.
Package does not include insurance of any kinds, and that you are required to obtain separate coverage from your home country or any insurance company of your choice.
Tell us your dates, and we will shape this trip around you.
