Punakha Drubchen Festival
Witness unique warrior dances at Bhutan's ancient winter capital
📍Bhutan
📅February-March
👥2-12 people
🕐8 Days / 7 Nights
Gallery
Detailed Itinerary
Day
1
Arrival in Paro
Arrive in Paro. Airport reception and transfer to hotel. Visit Paro Rinpung Dzong and town. Evening welcome dinner.
🍽️
Meals
Dinner
🏨
Stay
3-star hotel in Paro
Day
2
Paro to Thimphu
Drive to Thimphu. Visit Memorial Chorten, Buddha Dordenma, and Tashichho Dzong. Explore local markets.
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Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🏨
Stay
3-star hotel in Thimphu
Day
3
Thimphu to Punakha
Journey to Punakha via Dochula Pass (3,100m) with panoramic Himalayan views. Arrive in Punakha valley. Visit Chimi Lhakhang.
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Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🏨
Stay
3-star hotel in Punakha
Day
4
Punakha Drubchen Festival - Day 1
Attend the Punakha Drubchen festival. Witness the dramatic reenactment of the 17th-century Tibetan invasion repulsion. Spectacular costumes and choreography.
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Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🏨
Stay
3-star hotel in Punakha
Day
5
Punakha Drubchen - Day 2 & Tshechu Begins
Morning continues Drubchen. Afternoon marks transition to Punakha Tshechu with sacred mask dances inside Punakha Dzong.
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Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🏨
Stay
3-star hotel in Punakha
Day
6
Punakha Tshechu Festival
Full day at Tshechu festival. Witness the unfurling of the giant thongdrel scroll and receive blessings. Various mask dances and religious ceremonies.
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Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🏨
Stay
3-star hotel in Punakha
Day
7
Punakha to Paro - Tiger's Nest Trek
Return to Paro. Afternoon trek to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest), one of Bhutan's most iconic sites. 4-5 hour round trip hike.
🍽️
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🏨
Stay
3-star hotel in Paro
Day
8
Departure
Transfer to Paro airport for departure. Tashi Delek!
🍽️
Meals
Breakfast
🏨
Stay
N/A
Highlights
- Punakha Drubchen battle reenactment
- Punakha Tshechu mask dances
- Stunning Punakha Dzong setting
- Chimi Lhakhang fertility temple visit
- Scenic valley hikes
- Traditional Bhutanese ceremonies
Package Overview
The Punakha Drubchen is a distinctive festival that recreates the 17th-century battle scene. Unlike other festivals, it features warrior dances (pazaps) rather than mask dances. Set in the stunning Punakha Dzong at the confluence of two rivers, this festival offers a unique cultural experience.