Druk Wangyel Festival

Druk Wangyel Festival was established in 2011 in commemoration of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo and the Armed Forces’ victory over Indian insurgent forces residing in southern Bhutan in 2003.

The festival is held annually on December 13th at the Festival Ground near Druk Wangyel Lhakhang which is located at Dochula Pass. Dochula Pass is one of the most scenic passes in Bhutan, which offers spectacular views of the Himalayan mountain ranges.

Druk Wangyal Lhakhang was built over period of four years from 2004 – 2008 by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck (the Queen Mother of Bhutan) as a tribute to His Majesty the fourth King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck and armed forces after His Majesty led a successful operation against Indian militants who had occupied certain areas of Bhutan. The gallery of the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang has beautiful murals depicting some of the important events in the reigns of the Kings of Bhutan.

This 6 nights 7 days tour program also includes visits to culturally rich valleys of Western Bhutan such as Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Wangduephodrang and Phobjikha.

Inclusions

Hotel, transportation, guide, tea and snacks, visa fee, permits, entrance fee, mineral water (bottled), government tax and 3 meals daily.

Accommodation

3-star hotel (Bhutanese type), there is possibility of upgradation.

Exclusions

Flight ticket, insurance, tips, drinks and beverages, laundry, cellphone, internet and other personal expenditure or bills.

Insurance

We highly recommend you to obtain separate coverage of insurance from your home country since your package does not include any insurance.

Day 01: Paro – Thimphu
You will be received by our (Bhutan Tsholung Tours and Travels) representative who will be your tour guide throughout your tour. Drive to Thimphu, Check-in to hotel.

The sightseeing includes visiting memorial chorten (stupa built to commemorate late 3^rd king of Bhutan), Buddha point (largest buddha statue in the world), zoo (preserved area for the national animal of Bhutan, Takin).

In the evening, visit to Trashi Choedzong (fortress of glorious religion), it serves as the central administrative purpose and residence of central monk body.

Dinner and overnight hotel in Thimphu.

Day 02: Dochula Druk Wangyel Festival
After breakfast drive to Dochula Pass (3140 m) to attend the Druk Wangyel Festival. In the clear winter sky, you will get to enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayan Mountain ranges.

Attain Druk Wangyel Festival

Dinner and overnight hotel in Punakha.

Day 03: Punakha – Phobjikha 

In the morning visit Punakha Dzong. It has been inextricably linked to some of the most momentous events in the Bhutanese history and deserves its reputation as one of the most beautiful and significant regions at the heart of Bhutanese culture.

Further, you will visit the Divine Madman’s Monastery-Chhimi Lhakhang, famously known for its fertility shrine, where one can receive a special fertility blessing.

After lunch travel to Phobjikha valley via Wangdue. Phobjikha valley is part of the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park (formerly known as Black Mountains National Park), one of Bhutan’s most important nature sanctuaries. Each winter it is home to a flock of 300 rare and endangered black-necked cranes.

Dinner and overnight hotel in Phobjikha valley.

Day 04: Phobjikha – Thimphu 

After breakfast visit Gangtey Monastery and take a short hike from Gangtey Monastery along the Gangtey Nature Trail enjoying spectacular view of several villages in Phobjikha valley. You will end your hike at Black Necked crane center and visit the Black necked crane center (cranes will start immigrating to this area by Novermber). From black crane center take short walk through fields and farmhouses where you can have free interaction with local people and visit their houses.

After lunch travel to Thimphu, overnight hotel in Thimphu.

Day 05: Thimphu– Paro
Drive to Paro after breakfast. Sightseeing Paro and drive to parking lot near Paro Dzong and walk over traditional Cantilever Rimpung bridge which is oldest bridge in Bhutan to visit Paro dzong Paro Rinpung Dzong (fortress), built in 1645 to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. The Dzong is now being used as an administration center and school for monks.

After lunch visit Kichu temple,one of the 108 temples built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songsten Gampo.

In the evening explore Paro town on your own.

Dinner and overnight hotel in Paro.

Day 06: Hike to Taktsang

In the morning take a hike to visit Taktsang monastery also known as tiger nest. Bhutan’s most famous monastery, which stands at 3100m clings on the cliff.  In 8^th century spiritual master known as Guru Rimpoche has flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktsang monastery now stands. Lunch at Taktsang café and overnight hotel in Paro.

Overnight hotel in Paro.

Day 07: Departure from Paro
Departing from Paro international airport to your onwards destination. Head back to your destination with memories entangled by happiness.