Punakha is the old capital of Bhutan and the yearly festival of Punakha Dromchay happens at the beginning of the year. The festival is very unique as it hosts a dramatic recreation of the scene from the 17th-century battle with the Tibetan army. This is one of the oldest festivals in the district. The festival depicts how the local Bhutanese militia duped and defeated an invading Tibetan army and forced them to withdraw.

Punakha Festival Tour is an annual festival introduced by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel to commemorate the victories over the Tibetans. During the festival, the “pazaps” or local militia men dress in battle gear and showcase a battle scene of this distant past recalling the days. When in the absence of a standing army, men from eight Tshogchen or great village blocks of Thimphu came forward and managed to expel the Tibetan forces out of Bhutan ushering in a new-found internal peace and stability.

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Hotels

Overview

Druk Air Flight Details for Punakha Dromchay, 2025

5th March, Bangkok to Paro KB 153 Departs at 06:00 and Arrival at 08:15
9th March, Paro to Bangkok KB152 Departs at 11:50 and Arrival Bangkok at 16:00
5th March, Kathmandu to Paro KB 401 Departs at 09:00 and arrives at Paro at 10:20
9th March, Paro to Kathmandu KB 400 Departs at 07:00 and Arrival Kathmandu at 08:00

Punakha Dromchay Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival at Paro International and drive to Thimphu. Distance 60KM | Driving time 1 hour | Altitude 2400M.
Day 2 Thimphu to Punakha. Distance 72.8KM | Driving Time 2Hours 5 Minutes | Altitude 1200M.
Day 3 Punakha to Paro Drive. Distance 115KM | Driving Time 3 Hours 9 Minutes | Alt 2300M.
Day 4 Paro Tiger Nest Hike. Distance 15KM | Walking time 4 Hours | Altitude 3120M above sea level.
Day 5 Paro to Airport and See Off. Altitude 2300M.

Punakha Festival Tour Cost

All our tour costs include an SDF of USD 100 per person per night. The price includes meals, transport, guides, and hotels.

Single Traveller Cost USD 1290.00
2 Pax Group Cost USD 1040 Per Person
3 to 4 Pax Group Cost USD 940 Per Person

Punakha Dromchay Tour Dates

The tour date starts from 6th to 8th March 2025.

Similar Tours and Sights

Highlights

Enjoy the Religious Dance of Guru in different forms.
Get the Photoshoot at the Festival.
Cultural Emmersion
Enjoy Scenic beauty of Punakha Valley
Limited Tourist Crowd

Day 1 :

Arrival at Paro Airport and transfer to Thimphu. Distance 60KM | Driving time 1 hour | Altitude 2400M.

Upon your arrival at Paro Airport, our team from Tour Bhutan will warmly receive you with a white scarf, a customary gesture to welcome guests with khaddar. Our knowledgeable guide will provide you with a program briefing while assisting you with your luggage. From there, we will embark on a drive to Thimphu, where the tour officially commences. The first stop will be at the Memorial Chorten, followed by visits to the Folk Heritage Museum and the Takin preservation center. You will spend the night at a comfortable hotel.

Day 2 :

Thimphu to Punakha the old capital city | Distance 72.8KM | Driving Time 2Hours 5 Minutes | Altitude 1200M.

Enjoy the beautiful mountain road and drive towards the temperate Punakha valley. Secondly, we start early to see the festival. Additionally, the festival usually begins with a mask dance performed by the monk body, attracting locals who gather to witness the dance, driven by their belief in acquiring merits. Moreover, an interesting fact about the Punakha festival is the attendance of tribal people from Laya and Lunana. Notably, they faithfully participate in this annual festival before migrating back to the mountains with their Yaks.

Day 3 :

Punakha to Paro the cultural hub of Western Bhutan. Distance 115KM | Driving Time 3 Hours 9 Minutes | Altitude 2300M.

Today we visit the longest suspension bridge in the morning and then drive to Paro in the afternoon. Specifically, the morning time is the best for visiting the bridge as it connects villages with Punakha dzong, the administrative center for Punakha. Afterward, we embark on a scenic drive to Paro, which takes approximately 3.5 hours. Furthermore, in Paro, we have the opportunity to visit Drugyal Dzong, which has recently completed its construction after being destroyed by fire in 1957.

Day 4 :

Paro Tiger Nest Temple Hike. Distance 15KM | Walking time 4 Hours |Altitude 3120M above sea level.

Hiking the iconic Tiger Nest temple is a must-do during your tour of Bhutan. Moreover, no good thing comes easy, and reaching the temple is a herculean task as it involves a 3-hour uphill trek covering 12 km. The temple clings on a solid rock 900m above Paro valley. After visiting the temple, if time permits, you can also visit Paro dzong and the cantilever bridge of Paro Chu. Spend the night at the hotel for a well-deserved rest.

Day 5 :

Drive to the Airport and see off. Altitude 2300M.

Your short Bhutan tour to attend Punakha Dromchey ends here. We will drop you at airport and see you off.

FAQs

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What is the tour cancellation policy?

90% refund for the tour cancelled 45 days prior to arrival date, payment transfer charges will be charged 75% refund for the tour cancelled between 30 to 45 days prior to arrival date No refund for the tour cancelled less than 30 days of arrival date and for the change of itinerary Booking made for 4* and 5* hotels have to follow individual hotel’s cancellation policies.

What is the flight cancellation policy?

70% refund for cancellation made before 30 days prior to arrival date (Documentation charge USD 25 applicable) 30% refund for cancellation made between 15 to 30 days of travel date NO refund for cancellation made less than 15 days of travel date Documentation charge applicable for the change of dates, sectors etc (issued tickets only, USD30/ticket)

What are the Destinations I can visit during this Festival Trip?

When is the Punakha Dromche Festival celebrated?

The Punakha Dromche typically takes place in March, depending on the Bhutanese lunar calendar. It lasts for about three days and is followed by the famous Punakha Tsechu. However, 2025 Punakha Dromchey will held on 6th to 8th March for three days.

What are the key highlights of the Punakha Dromche?

One of the main highlights of the festival is the re-enactment of the battle between Bhutanese forces and Tibetan invaders, performed by monks dressed as warriors. The masked dances, religious rituals, and ceremonial processions are also major attractions, with many of the dances performed to honor the protector deities.

Can tourists attend the Punakha Dromche Festival?

Yes, tourists are welcome to attend the festival. It is one of the most popular festivals in Bhutan, offering a chance to witness traditional Bhutanese culture, dance, and religious practices. Early travel arrangements are recommended due to the festival’s popularity.

What is the connection between the Punakha Dromche and the Punakha Tsechu?

The Punakha Dromche is followed by the Punakha Tsechu, another important festival that celebrates the teachings of Guru Rinpoche, the patron saint of Bhutan. While the Dromche focuses on the protector deities and Bhutan’s military history, the Tsechu highlights religious teachings through sacred mask dances.

Punakha Dromchay Festival 6th to 8th March,2025

Overview

Itinerary

Inclusion / Exclusion

FAQs

Hotels

Overview

Druk Air Flight Details for Punakha Dromchay, 2025

Punakha Dromchay Tour Itinerary

Punakha Festival Tour Cost

Punakha Dromchay Tour Dates

Similar Tours and Sights

Highlights

Punakha Festival Itinerary

Inclusion / Exclusion

Inclusion

Exclusion

FAQs

Hotels used during Punakha Dromchey

Trip Info

Pages

Important Links

Contact

Office Number

Phone Number

Email Address

Visit office

Overview

Druk Air Flight Details for Punakha Dromchay, 2025

Punakha Dromchay Tour Itinerary

Punakha Festival Tour Cost

Punakha Dromchay Tour Dates

Similar Tours and Sights

Highlights

Punakha Festival Itinerary

Inclusion / Exclusion

Inclusion

Exclusion

FAQs

Hotels used during Punakha Dromchey

Trip Info

Related trips

Pages

Important Links

Contact

Office Number

Phone Number

Email Address

Visit office