Festival Date: 13th December 2016
The Royal Bhutan Army hosts the Druk Wangyel Tshechu Festival to commemorate the victories of Bhutan’s heroic Fourth King.
Enjoy panoramic Himalayan views from the scenic Dochula Pass – one of Bhutan’s most stunning natural treasures.
Itinerary
Dochula Tshechu or festival is commissioned by the Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck. 2011 will be the inaugural year for this festival. This is a unique festival as the festival is fully performed by the Royal Bhutan Army rather than monastery. The soldiers have been given three months training in folk and mask dance. The festival will start at 0900 and ends at 0415.
Day 1: Arrival in Paro, Bhutan
Elevation 2,320 m
Welcome to Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon. Touching down at Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by your guide upon exiting the arrival hall. Today, we will take it easy to acclimatize to the altitude. Drive to Thimphu, check in to the hotel and let’s have your first taste of Bhutanese cuisine and some light sightseeing in Thimphu if possible.
Buddha Point at Kuensel Phodrang, will be open to tourists once it is completed in 2012. The 169 feet bronze statue of Buddha Dordenma , Vajra Throne Buddha symbolising indestructibility will be completed soon. The Buddha statue itself is competed awaiting paintings, but visitors can drive up to the Buddha point and view the tallest statue of Lord Buddha. The view of Thimphu valley from the Buddha point is spectacular and beautiful, especially at night.
National Memorial Chorten – Which was built in honor of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk.
Thimphu Dzong – The largest Dzong, is also the seat of the office of the King of Bhutan.
Hotels:
 Jumolhari Hotel |
 Terma Linca Resort |
 Taj Tashi Thimphu |
Day 2: Tour of Thimphu
Elevation 2,320 mVisit Heritage Museum, built to connecting people to the Bhutanese rural past though exhibition of artefacts used in rural households. After which, head to Textile Museum to witnesses the art of traditional weaving then witnesses the art of papermaking at Paper making Factory. On the way to the viewpoint over Thimphu is the home of Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin; a strange looking beast some say looks like a bee stung moose.
Centenary Farmers’ Market – Every Saturday and Sunday most of the Thimphu population congregate on the banks of the river where the weekend market is held. Here villagers from the valley and other nearby places come to sell their agriculture products.
Hotels:
Jumolhari Hotel |
Terma Linca Resort |
Taj Tashi Thimphu |
Day 3: Punakha, Dochula Festival
Elevation 1,300 mAttend Dochula Festival at Dochula Pass
Dochula Pass – The 108 chortens was built by the present Queen Mother of Bhutan Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over Indian militants and to liberate of the souls lost.
Punakha Dzong – Built in 1637, the dzong continues to be the winter home for the clergy, headed by the Chief Abbott, the Je Khenpo. It is a stunning example of Bhutanese architecture, sitting at the fork of two rivers, portraying the image of a medieval city from a distance. The dzong was destroyed by fire and glacial floods over the years but has been carefully restored and is, today, a fine example of Bhutanese craftsmanship.
Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten – Built by the third Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangdon wangchuck this Chorten is a splendid example of of the Bhutanese architecture and art and is the only one of its kind in the world. It has been built over eight and a half years and its details have been drawn from religious scripture.
Hotels:
 Hotel Lobesa |
 Meri Puensum |
 Uma Punakha |
Day 4: Punakha to Gangtey
Elevation 3,000 mTraveling through the pristine mountains of central Bhutan, we enter the Phobjikha Valley, also known as the Gangtey Valley. This bowl-shaped valley borders the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park, and the entire area is a wildlife preserve. Here you may see the black-necked cranes (Grus nigricollis) that migrate here from November to March. You might also see other native animals, such as muntjac, sambar, serow, leopard, red fox, or yak.
On a hill overlooking the entire valley is the Gangtey Goempa, a large 17th-century monastery. The tshokhang (prayer hall) was built in Tibetan style and has eight great pillars. A five-day teschu (festival) is held here every fall where locals and monks perform traditional dances with colorful masks and swords to ward off evil spirits and celebrate the harvest.
Here you have the option to stay in a hotel or take the rare opportunity to room with a local family. Typically staying in a modest farmhouse, you will immerse yourself in family culture and share in their gracious hospitality.
Hotels:
 Homestay |
 Dewachen |
Day 5: Gangtey to Paro
Elevation 2,280 mParo Valley – The beautiful valley is home to many of Bhutan’s old monasteries and temples. The country’s only Airport is in Paro. The valley is also home to mount Chomolhari (7,300 meters) situated at the northern end of the valley whose glacier water forms the Pachu flowing through the valley. The following are some of the prominent places to visit in Paro.
Paro Dzong also known as Rinpung Dzong, this 15th century massive fortress/monastery, is also the administrative center of the dzonkhag.
Ta Dzong – Built as a watchtower the Ta Dzong, it was converted into the National Museum in 1968. The museum boasts antique Thangka, textiles, weapons and armour, household objects and rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.
Drukgyal Dzong – Built in 1647 by the great Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, father and unifier of medieval Bhutan. The Dzong was destroyed by an accidental fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate. Explore the ramparts and relive the memories of a glorious past.
Hotels:
 Tenzinling Resort |
 Metta Resort & Spa |
 Uma Paro |
Day 6: Paro
Elevation 2,280 mDrukgyal Dzong – A morning drive, north of Paro valley brings us to the ruins of Drukgyal Dzong. Built in 1647 by the great Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, father and unifier of medieval Bhutan, the Dzong was destroyed by an accidental fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate.Explore the ramparts and relive the memories of a glorious past.
Taktsang Monastery – A one hour hike to the cafeteria is also a vantage view whereby you can enjoy the stunning view of the monastery. Prayer flags adorn the cliffs and this is also where Guru Padmasambhava landed on the back of a tigress in the 8th century.
Kyichu Lhakhang – After a sumptuous local lunch, we will retrace our steps to visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan.
Hotels:
Tenzinling Resort |
Metta Resort & Spa |
Uma Paro |
Day 7: Depart Paro
Elevation 2,280 mToday we will bid fond farewell to this beautiful Himalayan country and take an early flight back to Singapore. We hope by now you would have made some friends and also kept many photos and beautiful memories of Bhutan! And we look forward to seeing you again in this beautiful land of endless Enchantments! Tashi Delek!
Group Departures
| Dates Start-End |
Availability Remaining Spaces |
Price Per Person |
Room Type |
| Sun, 11 Dec 2016 – Sat, 17 Dec 2016 | 7+ | $from USD 1249 | Standard Single |
More than 90% of our travellers choose this option.
What’s Included
» Private guided tour
Visas for Bhutan
Airport transfers
Daily 3 meals (B/L/D) at designated restaurants or hotels
Accommodation at 3 star hotel
A qualified & licensed English-speaking guide
An experienced driver
A tour vehicle
Entry fees & road permits
Government fee, royalty, taxes & surcharges
Mineral bottled water
Set of traditional costume (to be return at the end of your stay)
Full service & assistance before, during and after your Bhutan trip
Suitable Months
Festival Date: 13th December 2016
Prices
For Travel during Druk Wangyel Tshechu
USD 1,969 for 1 person traveler
USD 1,889 per person for 2 person travelers
USD 1,649 per person for group with 3 or more
What’s Excluded
» Flight into Bhutan via Drukair (can be arranged with us)
» Flight on other airline to catch Drukair Flight
» Hotel stay outside of Bhutan
» Travel Insurance (can be arranged with us)
» Meals at 4-5 stars restaurants
» Tips for the guide and driver
» Alcoholic drink
» Expenditure of personal nature
Our Guarantee
Guaranteed Visa approval. We have yet to disappoint a single of our travellers in term of Visa issuance.
Your choice of hotels will be confirmed for your inspection before your arrival. We only book you on hotels which we love and would love again.
We will be happy to change your guide, driver or vehicle on the first two days of arrival in Thimphu if you are not satisfied with our selection. Drop us a note and our hospitality team be on the spot to assist you.
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