EVARA TRAVEL • BHUTAN FESTIVAL JOURNEY

9 Days Punakha Drubchen
& Tshechu Tour

Witness Punakha’s historic warrior procession, sacred masked dances and colourful religious celebrations while exploring Bhutan’s ancient capital, Thimphu and Paro.

ENQUIRE ABOUT THIS TOUR →
DURATION 9 Days / 8 Nights
DESTINATIONS Thimphu · Punakha · Paro
TOUR STYLE Festival & Heritage
FESTIVAL Drubchen & Tshechu
THE JOURNEY

History and Spiritual Tradition Come Alive

The 9 Days Punakha Drubchen & Tshechu Tour brings you to Bhutan’s ancient capital for two deeply significant annual celebrations.

Punakha Drubchen recreates Bhutan’s historic defence against invading forces through a dramatic warrior procession, while the Tshechu presents sacred masked dances and Buddhist stories.

Alongside the celebrations, explore Thimphu’s cultural landmarks, Punakha’s rural communities and the sacred landscapes of Paro Valley.

A distinctive festival journey combining Bhutanese history, sacred performance and meaningful cultural encounters.
Traditional Bhutanese fortress and cultural heritage
YOUR ROUTE Paro → Thimphu → Punakha → Paro
JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS

Sacred Celebrations and Historic Traditions

Experience Punakha’s unique festival traditions alongside Bhutan’s important cultural and spiritual landmarks.

01

Punakha Drubchen

Witness the dramatic warrior procession commemorating Bhutan’s historic defence against invading forces.

02

Punakha Tshechu

Experience sacred masked dances, religious performances, traditional music and community celebrations.

03

Punakha Dzong

Explore Bhutan’s magnificent riverside fortress and learn about its central role in the kingdom’s history.

04

Dochula Pass

Visit the 108 memorial chortens and admire panoramic Himalayan views on the journey to Punakha.

05

Traditional Village Life

Walk through Punakha’s rural communities and discover farming traditions, temples and local hospitality.

06

Tiger’s Nest Monastery

Complete the journey with Bhutan’s celebrated forest hike to sacred Taktsang Monastery above Paro.

DAY-BY-DAY JOURNEY

Your Punakha Festival Itinerary

Festival visits and daily activities may be adjusted according to the confirmed Drubchen and Tshechu programmes, local arrangements and international flight schedules.

JOURNEY ROUTE Paro → Thimphu → Punakha → Paro
DAY 01 Arrival in Paro and Transfer to Thimphu +
Meet your Evara Travel guide at Paro International Airport and travel through the river valley to Thimphu. Enjoy a relaxed orientation walk after settling into your hotel.
DAY 02 Discover Thimphu +
Visit the Buddha Dordenma, Memorial Chorten and selected cultural institutions. Discover Bhutanese arts, traditional crafts and daily life in the capital.
DAY 03 Thimphu to Punakha via Dochula +
Cross Dochula Pass and visit its 108 memorial chortens. Continue into the warmer Punakha Valley and enjoy a gentle walk through rural communities to Chimi Lhakhang.
DAY 04 Experience the Punakha Drubchen +
Attend the historic Punakha Drubchen and witness the traditional warrior procession that recreates Bhutan’s defence against invading forces. Your guide will explain its historical and spiritual significance.
DAY 05 Punakha Tshechu Celebrations +
Experience sacred masked dances, traditional music and religious performances at Punakha Dzong. Join local families gathering in their finest national dress.
DAY 06 Punakha Valley and Village Life +
Explore the Punakha suspension bridge and surrounding rural landscapes. Depending on your interests, include a village walk, farmhouse experience or riverside activity.
DAY 07 Punakha to Paro +
Return to Paro through western Bhutan’s mountain scenery. After arrival, visit Rinpung Dzong, the National Museum or selected cultural landmarks in Paro Valley.
DAY 08 Tiger’s Nest Monastery Hike +
Hike through pine forest to Taktsang Monastery, dramatically positioned on a cliff above Paro Valley. Finish with an optional hot-stone bath or relaxed farewell evening.
DAY 09 Departure from Paro +
Transfer to Paro International Airport with assistance from your guide and depart Bhutan with memories of its sacred festivals, living history and welcoming communities.
TOUR DETAILS

What Your Journey Includes

Your final quotation will clearly confirm every included service and applicable fee.

01

Included

  • Selected accommodation
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Licensed Bhutanese guide
  • Private vehicle and professional driver
  • Airport transfers
  • Listed sightseeing and activities
  • Applicable monument entrance fees
  • Drinking water during sightseeing
  • Visa-processing assistance
  • Evara Travel support
02

Not Included

  • International flights
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Personal shopping and expenses
  • Laundry and room services
  • Tips for guides and drivers
  • Optional hot-stone bath
  • Hotel or room upgrades
  • Unlisted services
PLEASE NOTE

Visa charges and Bhutan’s Sustainable Development Fee will be displayed separately in your confirmed quotation.

GOOD TO KNOW

Your Punakha Festival Experience

01

Festival Dates

The Drubchen and Tshechu follow Bhutan’s lunar calendar. Confirmed dates should be checked before booking flights.

02

Historic Re-Enactment

The Drubchen includes a traditional warrior procession commemorating an important event in Bhutanese history.

03

Festival Etiquette

Visitors should dress respectfully, avoid disrupting ceremonies and follow instructions from their guide.

04

Festival Crowds

Major festival days attract large local audiences. Early arrival is recommended for a comfortable viewing area.

05

Photography

Photography is generally possible outdoors, but restrictions may apply during sacred rituals and inside temples.

06

Early Reservations

Punakha accommodation becomes limited during the festival. Advance booking is strongly recommended.