Punakha Festival Tour from 16th to 18th Feb 2027

Embark on a memorable Punakha Festival Tour and discover the vibrant culture of Bhutan. The festival of Punakha for 2026 is ready. It is a 5-day itinerary that covers Thimphu, the Punakha festival, and Paro. The Punakha Festival is celebrated every year before the nomadic people of Laya return 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.

The Punakha Festival Tour is a five-day program starting from Paro and ending at Paro. During the festival, the “pazaps,” or local militia men, dress in battle gear and showcase a battle scene from this distant past, recalling the days. When a standing army was absent, men from eight Tshogchen, or great village blocks of Thimphu, came forward and managed to expel the Tibetan forces from Bhutan, ushering in a newfound internal peace and stability.

Punakha Festival Tour Cost

Solo travellers cost USD 1240.00
2 Pax Group Cost: USD 1120 Per Person
3 to 4 Pax Group Cost: USD 1040 Per Person

All our Trip costs include SDF, one-time Visa Fees, meals, a Guide, Transport and sightseeing.

Overview

Itinerary

Inclusion / Exclusion

FAQs

Map

Hotels

Punakha Festival Tour Overview

Punakha Festival is a yearly event that takes place in Punakha Dzong. People from all over Punakha including Gasa attend this yearly event. The festival showcase the Mask Dance, Blessing, unfurling of Thangka.

Punakha Festival Tour Highlights

Enjoy the Religious Dance of Guru in different forms.
Get the Photoshoot at the Festival with tribal people from Laya and Lunana
Cultural Emmersion
Enjoy Scenic beauty of Punakha Valley
Limited Tourist Crowd

Day 1 :

Arrival at Paro Airport and Drive to Thimphu. Distance 60KM | Driving Time 1 Hour | Altitude 2400M.

Upon your arrival at Paro Airport, our team from Excursion to Himalayas will warmly receive you with a white scarf. A customary gesture to welcome guests with khaddar.

Our guide will brief you about the tour while assisting you with your luggage. From there, we will 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 centre. You will spend the night at a comfortable hotel.

Day 2 :

Thimphu to Punakha and Attend Festival in Old Capital. Distance 80 Km | Time 3 Hours via Dochula Pass | Altitude 1200M

Today we begin the journey from Thimphu to Punakha via Dochula pass. Enjoy the 360 degree view of Dochula pass. on the way visit lampelri Botanical garden where yearly Rhododendron festival takes place in spring.

The festival usually begins with a mask dance performed by the monks' bodies, 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 150 KM | Time 4 Hours via Thimphu | Altitude 2300M

Today we go for river rafting that starts from longest Suspension bridge. The rafting takes about 1.5 hours along the mochu river.

We also visit longest suspension bridge that 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 Drugyel Dzong, which has recently completed its construction after being destroyed by fire in 1957.

Day 4 :

Paro Tiger Nest Temple Hike. Distance 15 KM | Hiking Time 4 Hours | Temple is 900M above Paro valley

Tiger Nest temple is one of the most visited temple in bhutan both by locals and tourist alike. The hike is about 3 hours and entrance fees of USD 15 per person. The temple clings on a solid rock 900m above Paro valley.

After visiting the temple, we usually take our guest for local Jacuzzi experience alos called Hotstone bath in Home stay. each person will be provided with 1 tub. in the evening enjoy local meals cooked by the host family. Enjoy the evening with local people.

Day 5 :

Drive to the Airport and see off. 15 Minutes drive to Airport from Hotel

Your short Bhutan tour to attend Punakha Festival ends here. We drop you at the 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)

Is there an entry fee for the Punakha Festival?

There is no entry fee for the festival itself. However, international tourists need to follow Bhutan’s tourism policy, which includes a Daily Sustainable Development Fee (SDF). This fee covers accommodation, food, guide services, and transportation.

Are there any photography restrictions?

Photography is allowed, but with certain restrictions:

Be mindful when taking photos of monks and ceremonies.
Flash photography is usually not permitted during sacred rituals.
Some specific religious moments or objects may have photography restrictions, so it’s always a good idea to check with your guide.

How long does the festival last?

The Punakha Tshechu generally lasts three days, with the final day featuring some of the most important and grand performances.