Druk Wangyel Tshechu
📅 Festival date: 13th December 2026. Venue: Dochula Pass , Punakha district.
The Druk Wangyel tshechu festival 2026 in Bhutan is a very unique festival in Bhutan and will be performed by the Royal Bhutanese army. This event is a tribute to the wise leadership of His Majesty the King Jigme Singye Wangchuck. It is also to celebrate efforts of the Royal Bhutan Army in protecting the sovereignty and stability of the country. This festival is performed at the beautiful Dochu la pass with well arranged 108 stupas. You can also enjoy the stunning view of the Himalayan mountains in the north.
Duration
8 Days / 7 Nights



Highlights of the tour:
Unique Tradition: Performed by the Royal Bhutan Army to honor national heroes.
Symbolic Backdrop: Set amidst the iconic 108 memorial chortens.
Cultural Blend: Features rare mask dances and deep spiritual rituals.
Ideal Timing: A premier December event offering clear skies and festive atmosphere
Meet and greet at the Paro airport and drive to Thimphu.
On the way, we take a short stop to view Tamchog monastery. It was built in 1420 by Thang Tong Gyalpo (1385 – 1464).
In the afternoon, visit to:
– National memorial chorten.
– Craft bazaar.
– Tashichho dzong, the royal secretariat.
Dinner and overnight in Hotel.
In the morning, visit to:
– Tallest statue of sitting Buddha in the world (51.5 meters) at Kuensel Phodrang.
– Changangkha lhakhang.
– Takin preserve center.
– Sangay gang view point.
– Dupthop lhakhang, one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan.
Lunch at Simply Bhutan museum restaurant.
In the afternoon, visit to:
– National postal museum where you can make your own personalized stamps.
– School of 13 arts and crafts (Painting school).
In the evening, free to stroll in the town for shopping and photography.
Dinner and overnight in Hotel.
In the morning, drive to the Dochu La Pass and visit 108 stupas. You can also see the beautiful view of Himalayan mountain ranges in the north.
– Witness the Druk Wangyel festival 2026 in Bhutan.
In the afternoon, witness the festival and then drive to Punakha.
Dinner and overnight in Hotel.
In the morning, visit to:
– Chimi lhakhang built in 1499 by Lama Drukpa Kuenley (Popularly known as “The divine madman”. The temple is also called “The temple of fertility”.
– Punakha dzong built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
Afternoon, hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Choling monastery built by Her Majesty the Queen Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck.
In the evening, walk the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan (160 meters).
Dinner and overnight in Hotel.
In the morning, drive to Gangtey.
On the way, we take a view of Wangdue Phodrang dzong built in 1638 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
Note: Upper part of the valley is called Gangtey and lower part is called Phobjikha.
While in Gangtey, visit to:
– Gangtey Gompa monastery founded in 1613 by Gyaltse Pema Thinley, the grandson and mind reincarnation of Pema Lingpa.
– Crane information center.
In the evening, explore Phobjikha valley, the roosting ground of the rare black necked cranes in winter.
Dinner and overnight in Hotel.
In the morning, drive to Paro. We occasionally stop on the way to take pictures.
Afternoon, we visit:
– Ta dzong built in 1649, an ancient watch tower which now houses the national museum of Bhutan.
– The Rinpung dzong built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
In the evening, free to stroll in the town for shopping and photography.
Dinner and overnight in Hotel.
In the morning, hike to the Tiger’s nest monastery (Paro Taktsang). This temple is probably the most photographed monument in Bhutan. The hiking trail is also a part of the beautiful Bumdra trek in Paro valley. It is one of the main highlights of the trip.
Afternoon, visit to:
– Drugyal dzong built in 1647 by the great Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
– Kichu lhakhang built in 659 A.D by the Tibetan King Srongtsen Gampo.
Dinner and overnight in Hotel.
After breakfast, drive to the airport and farewell (End of Druk Wangyel tshechu festival tour).
Trip Cost Includes:
- Bhutan visa fee
- Government royalty & taxes
- Dedicated English speaking tour guide
- Dedicated tour vehicle and driver
- 3-star accommodation (twin sharing)
- Daily 3 meals (B/L/D)
- Airport transfers
- Bottled water
- Entry fees to parks and monuments
Trip Cost Excludes:
- Flights to and from Bhutan
- Personal expense/shopping
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Travel Insurance
- 4 or 5 star hotel (extra charges will apply)
- Tips for guide and driver
