Druk Wangyal Festival

Dochula
Dochula Pass
Sunrise on Dochula 108 stupas
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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 (11 Dec): Arrive in Thimphu from Paro International Airport. Diatnace is 60Km | 1 Hour Drive.
DAY 02 (12 Dec): Thimphu City Tour. Alt 2300M.
DAY 03 (13 Dec): Thimphu to Punakha. Distance 80 Km | Time Taken 3 Hours | Alt 3200M at Dochula Pass.
DAY 04 (14 Dec): Punakha City Tour with Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Hike. Distance | Time Taken 3 Hours
DAY 05 (15 Dec): Punakha to Paro. Distance 130Km | Time Taken 4 Hours Drive
DAY 06 (16 Dec): Paro City Tour | Alt 2300M
DAY 07 (17 Dec): Paro to Chelela Hike | Distance 39 Km | Time Taken 3 Hours | Alt 4300M Highest in Bhutan Road.
DAY 08 (18 Dec): Depart to Paro International Airport.

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

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