Druk Wangyal Festival 13th Dec.2024

8 Days

The Druk Wangyel Tshechu Festival, unlike traditional festivals of Bhutan performed by monks or lay people. It stands as a distinctive event performed by the Royal Bhutan Army. This remarkable festival serves as a tribute to the wise leadership of His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck. He is the Fourth King of Bhutan.

  • The Druk Wangyel Festival was introduced back in 2011 in commemoration of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo. This was done for the Armed Forces’ victory over Indian insurgent forces residing in southern Bhutan in 2003. The Tsechu takes place every December 13th at the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang Festival Ground. It is located at Dochula Pass around 22km from the capital city Thimphu.
  • The Royal Bhutan Army performs the Druk Wangyel Festival or Tshechu. Making it unique compared to festivals performed by monks or lay people.

Why Druk Wangyel Festival?

  • It is a tribute to the wise leadership of His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth King of Bhutan. It also celebrates the continuous efforts of the Royal Bhutan Army in protecting the sovereignty and the stability of the country.
  • Her Majesty the Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck is the founder and patron of the Druk Wangyal Festival. She built Druk Wangyal Lhakhang, the venue for the festival, and the 108 Khangzang Chortens at the Dochula Pass. The Pass is located at an altitude of 3,116m and is one of the most scenic locations in the entire
    kingdom, offering a stunning panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges.
  • The proximity of this festival to Paro and Thimphu makes it ideal for those with limited time looking to experience a Bhutanese festival. Also gives them the unique cultural experiences that Bhutan has to offer.

Druk Wangyal Tshechu Festival Date

The Druk Wangyel Tshechu is scheduled for 13th December 2024. It’s a day program.

Detail Itinerary for Druk Wangyal Tshechu Festival

DAY 01 : Arrival at Paro International Airport and drive to Thimphu. 60 KM | Driving Hour 1 Hour | Altitude 2400M
DAY 02 : Thimphu to Dochula to Attend Druk Wangyal Festival | Distance 22KM | Driving Time 38 Minutes| Altitude 3100M.
DAY 03 : Thimphu to Punakha. Distance 72.8 Km | Driving time 2 Hours 5Minutes | Altitude 1200M
DAY 04 : Punakha City Tour with Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Hike. Distance 21KM | Hiking time 4/5 Hours.
DAY 05 : Punakha to Paro. Distance 114.8KM | Driving Time 3Hours 10 Minutes | Altitude 2300M
DAY 06 : Paro City Tour | Altitude 2300M
DAY 07 : Paro Tiger Nest Hike. Distance 15 KM | Walking time 4 Hours | Altitude 3120M.
DAY 08 : Drop at Paro International Airport and See off. Altitude 2300M

NOTE: The Druk Wangyel Festival date falls on 13th December 2024, please check similar Festival dates for Bhutan.

Similar Tours and Sightseeing

Detail Itinerary for Druk Wangyel Festival

Upon arrival you will be received by our Team from Tour Bhutan White scarf will be given for welcome to Bhutan. Small briefing will be given for the festival tour by the guide. Drive to Thimphu. On the way visit privately owned Tamchog monastery just after driving 45 minutes. The monastery is connected by traditional bridge made by the saint THnagtong Gyelpo the black smith who travelled all the way from Tibet. Iron bridge is still seen.

Get yourself ready to attend one of the unique festival called Druk Wangyal Festival which is held every once a year. After breakfast, head towards Dochula pass and attend the festival. Lunch at Cafeteria and later in the evening return to your hotel and rest.

Drive over the Dochu-La pass (3,100 meters), which, on a clear day, offers an incredible view of Himalayan peaks. This scenic journey takes approximately three hours and descends into the balmy Punakha valley. As you traverse the countryside, you gain a glimpse into the everyday life of this remote Himalayan kingdom. Moreover, in the Dochu-La area, you will be surrounded by vast Rhododendron forests. It transform into majestic trees and bloom with vibrant colors in late April and early May, creating a spectacular display of springtime beauty.

Upon arrival, your first stop is Punakha Dzong, known as the “Palace of Great Happiness.” It serves as the winter headquarters for the Je Khenpo and hundreds of monks who migrate from Thimphu to this warmer location. The three-story main temple within Punakha Dzong is a breathtaking example of traditional design. It features four intricately embossed entrance pillars made from cypress and adorned with gold and silver. Notably, it was within these sacred walls that Bhutan’s first king was crowned in 1907.

Conclude your day’s adventures by retreating to your hotel in Punakha, where you can relax and enjoy a peaceful overnight stay.

Today marks the beautifull Hike starting from the base towards the monastery. Hike is one of the most popular and amazing 4to5 hours leaisure hike. The trail passes through paddy fields, fruit trees and villages. You also come across local shops selling fruits and vegetables. If you are fond of greenaries you can buy from this vendors and taste the organic fruits. Upon reaching the monastery you are welcmes with 360 degree view of Punakha valley and Mochu rivers. In the afternoon visit Punakha Dzong.

Dive is about 5 hours from Punakha to Paro. On the way if time permit visit fertility temple. Prepare yourself to see varieties of male private parts considered secret in Bhutanese religious belief. Guide will be better to explain the detail. The roads are good from Punakha to Paro. On the way you can have a quick rest at Dochula Pass for Tea. Drive Paro visit Drugyel Dzong. Over night at Hotel.

Paro is a nice valley which produces red rice. The weekend markets are exciting to visit. This gives the opportunity to check bhutanese products like, handicrafts and paintings.

Hike the most popular and unique monastery of Bhutan. Taktsang is the most visited temple of Bhutan among all the temples. During peak season around thousand of tourist visit everyday. The hike is about 4 hours uphill walk and one can take horses. You might have to pay around USD 25 per horse. The route can also be taken to hike Bumdra Trek via Tiger nest temple.

From $2,070
/ Adult

General Trip Information

  • Paro International Airport
  • Paro International Airport
  • All our trips are Guided tour and you shall be accompanied by Guide throughout the Trip
  • The trip includes Hotel transports and Airport
  • All hotels have good WiFi and duirng the tour you can buy tourist SIM card with 4G Internet connection
  • Accept both credit card and bank transfer. 5% charge will be applicable for card payment.
  • Insurance is must for Bhutan Visit.
  • We use high quality Cars and Buses for the entire tour.
  • 3 Star hotel approved by TCB
  • All entrance fees for Temples and monuments are included in the cost
  • Refer our Cancellation Policy
  • 3120M at Tiger Nest Monastery.
  • Available
  • 13th December 2024