Included in this package
- Bhutan visa fee
- Government royalty & taxes
- Dedicated English speaking tour guide
- Dedicated tour vehicle and driver
- 3-star accommodation (twin sharing)
- Daily 3 meals (B/L/D)
- Airport transfers
- Bottled water
Not Included
- Flights to and from Bhutan
- Personal expense/shopping
- Alcoholic Beverages
- 4 or 5 star accommodation (extra charges will apply)
- Punakha Drubchen Tour
Tour Overview
Punakha Dzong guards Bhutan’s most sacred relic "Rangjung Kharsapani", a self-created image of the Bodhisattva of compassion. Tibetan forces invaded the valley to seize the relic but Bhutanese “pazaps” (local militia men) led by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel successfully guarded the relic and emerged victorious. To commemorate this victory, Zhabdrung introduced the Punakha Drubchen. Visitors from the nearby district of Gasa and the highlanders from Laya join the locals in Punakha to celebrate the festival. The highlight of the Drubchen is the recreation of the 17th-century battle scene to honor Zhabdrung and the great men.
Tour Highlights
- Punakha Drubchen
- Idyllic Gangte Valley
- Hike to Paro Taktsang
- The Tallest Sitting Buddha on a mountain top
- Tashichodzong – 17th century Fort
- Punakha Dzong
- Home stay experience
- Paro Museum
Daily Itinerary for Punakha Drubchen Tour (9 Days / 8 Nights)
Day 1: Arrive in Paro & Transfer to Thimphu
Meet your guide and driver at the airport. Drive from Paro to Thimphu (54 Km, ~1 hour). After a quick stop at your hotel and lunch, spend the rest of the day exploring Thimphu.
Places and attractions: Authentic Craft Bazaar, Buddha Dordenma, Centenary Farmers Market, Institute of Traditional Medical Services, Memorial Chorten, Tashichodzong
Hotel: Thimphu
Places and attractions: Authentic Craft Bazaar, Buddha Dordenma, Centenary Farmers Market, Institute of Traditional Medical Services, Memorial Chorten, Tashichodzong
Hotel: Thimphu
Day 2: Thimphu to Punakha via Dochula Pass
Drive from Thimphu to Dochula (3100m) for panoramic mountain views and 108 memorial stupas. Lunch served en route. Continue to Punakha (63 Km, ~1.5 hours). Short hike to Chimi Lhakhang via Sopsokha village.
Places and attractions: Punakha, Dochula Pass, Lungchutse Hike, Punakha Dzong, Punakha Suspension Bridge, Chimi Lhakhang
Hotel: Punakha
Places and attractions: Punakha, Dochula Pass, Lungchutse Hike, Punakha Dzong, Punakha Suspension Bridge, Chimi Lhakhang
Hotel: Punakha
Day 3: Visit to Punakha Drubchen
You will be escorted to Punakha Dzong for the main event. Join the locals for an immersive cultural experience and watch the "pazaps" narrate the glorious battle fought 400 years ago to defend the nation.
Places and attractions: Punakha Dzong
Hotel: Punakha
Places and attractions: Punakha Dzong
Hotel: Punakha
Day 4: Drive from Punakha to Phobjikha
Early drive to Phobjikha (78 Km, ~3.5 hours). Enjoy the serenity and pristine nature. Visit Black Necked Crane Information Centre, Gangtey Monastery, Gangtey Nature Trail, and enjoy a hot stone bath.
Hotel: Phobjikha
Hotel: Phobjikha
Day 5: Drive from Phobjikha to Paro
Long drive to Paro (185 Km, ~7 hours). In the evening, stroll along the oldest street in Paro town, lined with traditional houses, cafes, and souvenir shops.
Places and attractions: Paro Town
Hotel: Paro
Places and attractions: Paro Town
Hotel: Paro
Day 6: Hike to Taktsang
Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery. Enjoy pine forests, waterfalls, and spiritual ambiance as your guide narrates Buddhist mythology.
Places and attractions: Paro, Tiger's Nest Hike
Hotel: Paro
Places and attractions: Paro, Tiger's Nest Hike
Hotel: Paro
Day 7: Depart From Paro
Transfer to Paro airport for your onward journey.
Day 8: Hike to Taktsang
Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery. Enjoy pine forests, waterfalls, and spiritual ambiance as your guide narrates Buddhist mythology.
Places and attractions: Paro, Tiger's Nest Hike
Hotel: Paro
Places and attractions: Paro, Tiger's Nest Hike
Hotel: Paro
Day 9: Depart From Paro
Transfer to Paro airport for your onward journey.
End of Trip
End of Trip