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Perched at 3,100 metres above sea level, Dochula Pass is already one of Bhutan’s most breathtaking viewpoints—where 108 majestic chortens stand watch over sweeping Himalayan panoramas. But on 13 December each year, this mountain pass transforms into something even more extraordinary. The Druk Wangyel Tshechu, a festival unlike any other in Bhutan, comes alive with powerful performances dedicated to the Fourth King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, and the Royal Bhutan Army.
Set against a backdrop of snow-dusted peaks and crisp winter skies, this one-day festival presents a modern yet deeply spiritual repertoire of masked dances, warrior chants and dramatic reenactments that you won’t see at any other tshechu in the country. It’s a tribute to Bhutan’s resilience, peace, and unity—told through art, movement, and symbolism.
Travelling to Dochula for the festival feels like stepping into a living canvas: fluttering prayer flags, the scent of juniper, dancers in vibrant brocade costumes, and the unmistakable sense that you’re witnessing a moment of national pride high above the clouds. It’s a profoundly cinematic way to experience Bhutan’s heritage.
Your journey to the Druk Wangyel Tshechu will take you through the winding roads between Thimphu and Punakha, leading you to one of Bhutan’s most iconic viewpoints—just in time to witness a festival that beautifully blends culture, history, and panoramic Himalayan splendour.
Druk Wangyel Tshechu Festival Date: 13th December
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7 Day Dochula Pass Festival Itinerary
1 Paro
2 Arrival in the Land of the Thunder Dragon
Welcome to Bhutan! The moment you arrive at Paro International Airport, you’ll be greeted warmly by your local guide. Today unfolds gently to help you acclimatise to the altitude. We’ll make our way to Thimphu, check in to your hotel, and enjoy your first taste of comforting Bhutanese cuisine. If time permits, we’ll explore a few key highlights around the capital.
Buddha Dordenma (Kuenselphodrang) – A magnificent 169-foot bronze Buddha overlooking the entire Thimphu Valley. It’s one of the largest seated Buddha statues in the world, and the views—especially as the sun sets—are stunning.
National Memorial Chorten – A cherished site of daily worship, built in honour of the Third King.
Tashichho Dzong – An impressive fortress-monastery that houses the offices of the King and government, and serves as the summer residence of the Chief Abbot.
3 Culture, Heritage, and Local Life
Spend the day immersing yourself in Thimphu’s artistry and traditions, along with its lively contemporary rhythm.
Folk Heritage Museum – Step back in time and learn how rural Bhutanese families lived for generations.
Textile Museum – Discover the country’s rich textile heritage and admire the intricate artistry of Bhutanese weaving.
Jungshi Handmade Paper-Making Factory – Watch artisans craft desho paper using ancient, sustainable methods.
Takin Reserve – Meet Bhutan’s national animal, the endearing and unusual takin.
Kaja Throm – A vibrant market filled with local food stalls, produce, and community life.
4 Thimphu to Punakha via Dochula Pass
Today’s journey takes you through one of Bhutan’s most scenic mountain routes.
Dochula Pass (3,100m) – A spectacular stop adorned with 108 chortens built by Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck. On a clear day, the snow-capped Eastern Himalayas stretch across the horizon.
Punakha Dzong – A masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Once the seat of the nation’s government, it remains the winter home of the Central Monastic Body.
Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten – A short, scenic hike leads to this stunning chorten built for the well-being of the world. Its richly symbolic interior makes it a contemporary spiritual gem.
5 Punakha to Bumthang
In the morning, we would start our drive to Central Bhutan. Before we start we will pay a visit to Chhimi Lhakhang (left) - A 20 minutes walk across terraced fields through the village of Sopsokha from the roadside to the small temple located on a hillock in the centre of the valley below Metshina. Ngawang Chogyel built the temple in 15th century after the ’Divine Madman’ Drukpa Kuenlay built a small chorten there. It is a pilgrim site for barren women.
Passing Wangdue (left), one of the major towns and district capital of Western Bhutan. Located south of Punakha, Wangdue is the last town before central Bhutan. The district is famous for its fine bamboo work and its slate and stone carving.
We will pause to view the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong. Built in 1638, Wangdue Dzong is dramatically perched on the spur of a hill and overlooks the confluence of the Tsang Chu and Dang Chu rivers.
6 Druk Wangyel Tshechu & Transfer to Paro
Begin your morning at Dochula Pass for the vibrant Druk Wangyel Tshechu.
Druk Wangyel Tshechu – This one-of-a-kind festival is performed entirely by the Royal Bhutan Army. Filled with sacred mask dances and dramatic re-enactments, it reflects Bhutan’s unity and national pride. The setting, framed by Himalayan peaks and prayer flags, is breathtaking.
Continue afterwards to Paro.
Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong) – A majestic 15th-century fortress that continues to play a central administrative and spiritual role.
Paro Valley – Enjoy sweeping views of terraced fields, traditional homes, and distant mountain peaks.
Drukgyal Dzong – Visit the evocative ruins of a fortress built to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over Tibetan invaders.
7 Bumthang
This is one of the most spectacular valleys in Bhutan and also the heartland of Buddhism in Bhutan. It is an area with a wide variety of fauna and flora. The Guru Rinpoche and his lineage of Tertons (treasure finders) making Bumthang his home have led to more than 40 temples being built in this peaceful valley.
In the morning, we will hike to the Tamshing Goemba, built in 1501 by the Buddhist saint Pema Lingpa. We will also visit Kurjey Lhakhang (left-bottom), one of the most sacred monasteries in Bhutan. Built by the Guru Rinpoche in 1652, it houses a rock with his body imprint. Legend has it that Guru Rimpoche manifested as a Garuda to defeat the demon Shelging Karpo who had taken the form of a white lion.
We will also visit Jambay Lhakhang, built in 659 by Tibetan King Sontsen Gampo to pin down a demoness who was obstructing the spread of Buddhism. Come October, the Jambay Lhakhang Drup is one of the most colourful festivals in Bhutan.
Jakar Dzong - pitched on a high ground overlooking the town junction, it was built as monastery in 1549 by the great grandfather of the Zhabdrung. It is now used as the administrative center for Bumthang district
In the afternoon, we will hike up toThangbi Valley, crossing a suspension bridge to visit theThangbi Lhakhang built in the 14th century via an unpaved road.
8 Ancient Sacred Sites of Paro
Today brings you deeper into Paro’s spiritual heart.
Kyichu Lhakhang – One of Bhutan’s oldest temples, dating back to the 7th century. Nearby, a small museum dedicated to Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche offers further insight into Bhutan’s spiritual lineage.
Dumtse Lhakhang – An extraordinary temple built by Thangtong Gyalpo, its three levels symbolising hell, earth, and heaven. Special permits are required, but the murals inside are well worth the visit.
9 Tiger’s Nest
No trip to Bhutan is complete without experiencing this iconic landmark.
Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) – Hike to this legendary cliffside monastery perched 900 metres above the valley floor. Steeped in mythology and spiritual significance, it offers unforgettable views and moments of quiet reflection.
Return to Paro Town for a relaxed stroll through streets lined with traditional Bhutanese façades, artisan shops, and cosy cafés—perfect for picking up handicrafts or a last taste of Bhutan’s charm.
10 Punakha to Gangtey
Traveling through the pristine mountains of central Bhutan, we enter the Phobjikha Valley, also known as the Gangtey Valley. This bowl-shaped valley borders the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park, and the entire area is a wildlife preserve. Here you may see the black-necked cranes (Grus nigricollis) that migrate here from November to March. You might also see other native animals, such as muntjac, sambar, serow, leopard, red fox, or yak.
On a hill overlooking the entire valley is the Gangtey Goempa, a large 17th-century monastery. The tshokhang (prayer hall) was built in Tibetan style and has eight great pillars. A five-day teschu (festival) is held here every fall where locals and monks perform traditional dances with colorful masks and swords to ward off evil spirits and celebrate the harvest.
Here you have the option to stay in a hotel or take the rare opportunity to room with a local family. Typically staying in a modest farmhouse, you will immerse yourself in family culture and share in their gracious hospitality.
11 Departure
As your journey comes to an end, we hope you depart with cherished memories and a deeper appreciation for Bhutan’s culture, landscapes, and spirit. Tashi Delek, and may your path lead you back again.
12 Paro
Drukgyal Dzong - A morning drive, north of Paro valley brings us to the ruins of Drukgyal Dzong. Built in 1647 by the great Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, father and unifier of medieval Bhutan, the Dzong was destroyed by an accidental fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate.Explore the ramparts and relive the memories of a glorious past.
Taktsang Monastery - A one hour hike to the cafeteria is also a vantage view whereby you can enjoy the stunning view of the monastery. Prayer flags adorn the cliffs and this is also where Guru Padmasambhava landed on the back of a tigress in the 8th century.
Kyichu Lhakhang - After a sumptuous local lunch, we will retrace our steps to visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan.
13 Depart Paro
Today we will bid fond farewell to this beautiful Himalayan country and take an early flight back to Singapore. We hope by now you would have made some friends and also kept many photos and beautiful memories of Bhutan! And we look forward to seeing you again in this beautiful land of endless Enchantments! Tashi Delek!
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What Our Travellers Say
Excellent one stop services for the Bhutan's trip and I never regretted choosing to go with Druk Asia. The 7D6N trip have given me and my wife an understanding of the rich Buddhist culture and lifestyle of Bhutan.
From the pick up at Paro International Airport on the first day to the sending off on the last day by the Guide and Driver were seamlessly perfect. The hotels are great but the free WIFI have rooms for improvement for the 3 stars hotel/resort that we had stayed in.
Every meal is fantastic especially the vegetable dishes.
The climb to Tiger's nest was most memorable especially when rookies like us were struggling to climb up the path and you see elderly locals walked past us effortlessly.
Definitely will go to Bhutan again with Druk Asia!
I had a fantastic time in Bhutan and enjoyed every minute.
My dedicated guide Ms Tashi Dema and my driver Dorji Dago were excellent in every way and very professional.
I would like to thank them from the bottom of my heart. The new Hyundai Santa Fe car 2200 cc was excellent with good road holding. Im glad i went alone and did not join the tour because it gave me more flexibility.
Will certainly return to Bhutan in April.
We had a wonderful and magical time in Bhutan. You have an amazing country and we left in awe.
About the trip - we feel privileged to have been amongst the few travellers to have visited Bhutan.
The itinerary was fine, as per what was described in your travel notes. So we were well prepared. We were lucky to have encountered National Day and saw some of the festivities. We also enjoyed the traditional festival (sorry forgot the name for that). I think besides the amazing scenery, the other most interesting aspect of the tour is understanding the culture of Bhutan.
For this, the guide plays a very important role. He/She is almost the only touchpoint we have to understanding the culture better. We felt Kunzang was good with children and willing to be patient with them. Perhaps she could
Kuzuzangpo La
It is quite regrettable to learn that my elder daughter is among the least travelled within her peer group. In January this year I made her a proposition to visit Bhutan together after finishing her 'O' Levels examination in December and at that time Bhutan is merely an unfamiliar geographical term to her. Choosing Bhutan is to let her have a unique travelling experience different from the mainstream in addition to learn the Bhutanese way of being the happiest people in the world.
We started falling in love at first sight with the beautiful landscape and architecture out of the aircraft window before the landing when the plane flew within a very close distance to the mountain range, puzzling if we were in Kolkata but finally learned that we have arrived about an hour ahead
It has been a few days since I was back at work, and I can't help but miss the days when I was in Bhutan. I miss the beautiful valleys, the mythical mountains, the clear rivers and most importantly, the kind people whom I've met during my short stay in Bhutan. Guess I left a piece of my heart in Bhutan.
Kinley went out of his way to make us feel at home, acceded to our various requests and even volunteered to carry our heavy bags up tiger's nest because it was clear to him that we were all tired from the climb. It did not feel like Kinley was there with us merely as a guide doing his job. It felt like he was a friend showing us his beautiful home. We also want to thank our driver (I think he is called Chillie - not sure how to spell) who really tried to make our rides as smooth and
Kuzuzangpo La,
Thank you for the time in organizing our trip and answering our queries patiently.
Our visit to Bhutan took our breath away. Not by the air of the altitude but by the clear blue skies, the carefully preserved mountains, the richness of the culture that is deeply build on Buddhism and the warm service rendered during our stay.
The experience would not have been possible without our guide, Kuenzang Tshering and our skillful driver Passang. Passang's driving made us feel safe as the mountainous hairpin curve leads to another, to another, and to another. Kinza, our guide is highly knowledgeable about Bhutan's history & Buddhism. He exemplifies the practise of the religion which makes our understanding of the country beyond the superficial level.
