The festival of Punakha is celebrated every year before the nomadic people of Laya depart back home. The Punakha Tshechu (or ‘festival’) takes place each February or March inside the incredible Punakha Dzong, the ancient capital of Bhutan. As well as being a really fun and exciting day out for the Bhutanese, the tshechu also provides devout Buddhists with an opportunity for pilgrimage and prayer.
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.
Festival Date: 19th to 21st February 2024
Punakha Festival Tour Overview
Tour Outline
- Day 01: Arrive at Paro International Airport and drive to Thimphu. Distance 60KM | Driving Time 1 Hour | Altitude 2400M.
- Day 02: Drive from Thimphu to Punakha to witness Punakha Festival. Distance 80 Km | Time 3 Hours via Dochula Pass | Altitude 1200M.
- Day 03: Punakha to Paro City Tour. Distance 150 KM | Time 4 Hours via Thimphu | Altitude 2300M
- Day 04: Paro Tiger Nest Hike. Distance 15 KM | Hiking Time 4 Hours | Temple is 900M above Paro valley.
- Day 05: Drive to Paro Airport and See off. Altitude 2300M.
Punakha Festival Trip Fact
- Duration of the festival: 4 Nights and 5 Days
- Festival Trip Guide: Licensed Tour Guide
- Meals: All Inclusive
- Transport: Private
- Route: 1 night in Thimphu, 1 Night in Punakha, and 2 Nights at Paro.
Festival Date and Tour Cost
Punakha festival dates are usually scheduled in early spring when the nomadics from Laya start moving back to the village. The Punakha Festival starts from the 9th to the 11th of March 2025. For this tour, the cost includes daily SDF, Hotels, Meals, Guides and transportation.
- Solo travellers cost USD 1240.00
- 2 Pax Group Cost USD 1120 Per Person
- 3 to 4 Pax Group Cost USD 1040 Per Person
Flight Details for Punakha Festival March 8-12, 2025
- Flights Detail Bangkok to Paro KB 153 Departs at 0600 and Arrival at 0815
- Paro to Bangkok KB152 Departs at 1150 and Arrival Bangkok at 1600
- Kathmandu to Paro KB 401 Departs at 0900 and arrives at Paro at 1020
- Paro to Kathmandu KB 400 Departs at 0700 and Arrival Kathmandu at 0800
Similar Tours and Sights to Visit in Bhutan
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
