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?

Folk Heritage Museum longest suspension bridge paro airport

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 13th to 15th Feb 2027: A Celebration

Punakha Dromchey Festival Tour. Punakha is the old capital of Bhutan, and the yearly festival of Punakha Dromchey happens at the beginning of the year. The Bhutan festival is 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 during the Punakha Dromchey Festival.

The festival was introduced by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel to commemorate the victories over the Tibetans. The Dromchay Festival is when “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. They managed to expel the Tibetan forces from Bhutan, ushering in a newfound internal peace and stability. This tradition continues through the Dromchay Festival.

Highlight for 2027 Punakha Dromchey Festival Tours:

Festival Dates: The 2027 Punakha Dromchey Festival is scheduled for 13 – 15 February 2027.
Duration: 4 to 5 days (standard options).
Highlights of Punakha Dromchey Festival: Colourful mask dances (Cham), traditional music, and the unveiling of the giant Thongdrel tapestry at dawn.
Key Locations: Punakha Dzong.
Experience Type: Cultural immersion, photography, and spiritual exploration in central Bhutan.
Best Time to Book: Early, as the festival is highly popular and draws large crowds in the peak Autumn season.
Hotel: 3 Star, but upgradation is available

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Paro International Airport and drive to Thimphu. Distance 60KM | Driving time 1 hour | Altitude 2400.
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 15 km | Walking time 4 Hours | Altitude 3120M above sea level.
Day 5 Paro to Airport and See Off. Altitude 2300M.

Dromchay Festival Tour Cost

Solo Trip Cost 1440.00
2 Pax Group Cost USD 1240 Per Person
3 to 4 Pax Group Cost USD 1120 per person

The cost of experiencing the Punakha Dromchey Festival is comprehensive. All our tour costs include an SDF of USD 100 per person per night. The price includes meals, transport, guides, and hotels.

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Dromchay festival 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. The first stop will be at the Memorial Chorten in Thimphu, followed by visits to the Folk Heritage Museum and the Takin preservation center. The sightseeing coverage will depend upon the flight landing time. Over night at 3 Star Hotel.

Day 2 :

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

Today we start early to witness Punakha Dromchay Festival. Drive towards the temperate Punakha valley. 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.

Before heading back to Paro 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.

Furthermore, in Paro, we have the opportunity to visit Drugyal Dzong, which has recently completed its construction after being destroyed by fire in 1957. There is a popular spring festival that takes place every year. If you date coincides with the festival you can witness the amazing event in Paro

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.