Dochula Festival - 6 Days

Prices

• Solo: $2160
• Group (5 person) : $1980
• Group (10 person): $1860

This six-day tour program offers a glimpse of Bhutan’s rich cultural and traditional heritage and spectacular mountainous landscape. You will see the beautiful valleys of Paro, Thimphu and Punakha. The tour will give an insight into Bhutan’s heritage, culture and traditions. You will have the opportunity to participate in the unique Dochula Druk Festival a one-of-its kind festival on a pass at 10,000 ft, in the peak of winter.
In Thimphu, you will have the opportunity to see one of the tallest statues of Buddha and to visit the Memorial Chorten. You will also learn more about Bhutanese life, arts and crafts from the visit to the folk museum, the institute of arts and crafts and the institute of traditional medicines. One highlight is the visit to the Trashichho Dzong, the seat of the administrative and religious power in Bhutan and which houses the throne room.
In Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan, you can see the Punakha Dzong nestled between two rivers and also make a visit to the sacred Chimi Lhakhang.
In Paro, for a memory of a lifetime you can visit the memorable Tiger’s Nest temple which is perched high up in the cliffs, and also visit Drugyel Dzong, a fortress of historical significance.

Overview
• Witness the magnificent Dochula Druk Wangyal festival and see the unique mask dances and cultural performances against a breathtaking view of the snow-peaked Himalayan mountain ranges.
• Glimpses of Bhutan’s cultural and historical heritage sites such as fortresses, monasteries and temples
• Hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) monastery – one of Bhutan’s most sacred places
• See how people live and learn about the traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan
• Experience the local culture and taste Bhutanese cuisine
Itinerary

Day 1: ARRIVE PARO – THIMPHU
The flight into Bhutan will give you a spectacular view of the Himalayan mountain ranges. On a clear day, you may be able to see Mount Everest, the tallest mountain in the world. Your tour representative will receive you upon arrival. The drive from Paro to Thimphu (capital city) will take you through beautiful rice terraced fields, and alongside the gushing Pho Chu and Wang Chu rivers. Afternoon visit Kuenselphodrang where a 169-feet statue of Buddha Dordenma has been built and overlooks the Thimphu valley. Evening visit the Memorial Chorten built in memory of the third King of Bhutan.

Day 2: THIMPHU
Morning visit the Folk Heritage Museum, Textile Museum and Institute of Zorig Chusum (13 traditional crafts). Afternoon visit the town and Crafts bazaar where different types of handicrafts are sold. Evening visit Tashichho Dzong which houses the King’s Throne Room, monastic body & Government offices.

Day 3: THIMPHU – DOCHULA – PUNAKHA
Early morning drive to Dochula Pass, which at around 10,000 ft, is one of the most spectacular passes in Bhutan. Witness the Dochula festival which was initiated in 2011 to celebrate the courage and achievements of the Fourth King and the Armed Forces of Bhutan during the military expedition of 2003 against foreign militants. Against the backdrop of the magnificent Himalyan mountains and the Druk Wangyel chortens, this festival is truly one of its kind. Visit also the 60th Anniversary Park was inaugurated in 2017 and dedicated to His Majesty the Great Fourth King for his visionary and selfless leadership. Some salient features of the park include the 11 meditation caves depicting the birth anniversary of His Majesty on the 11th day of the 11th month, the 16 steps – the age when His Majesty took on the responsibility of a King and the 34 stones depicting the 34 years of his glorious reign. Afternoon drive to Punakha. Evening at leisure.

Day 4: PUNAKHA – PARO
Punakha is the old capital of Bhutan. Morning visit Punakha Dzong, built at the junction of the two rivers Pho Chu (male river) and Mo Chu (female river). It is one of the most spectacular dzongs in the country. The Dzong serves as the winter residence for the Central Monastic Body. Drive to Chimi Lhakhang, a picturesque temple located on a small hillock and well-known for fertility. It is often frequented by people seeking blessing for parenthood. Continue the drive onwards to Paro. If time permits, visit Tamchog Lhakhang, a temple built by Thangtong Gyalpo is known for having introduced the construction of suspension bridges into Bhutan and Tibet (many of the bridges are still in use today).

Day 5: PARO – TAKTSANG MONSTERY
After breakfast drive to Ramthongkha. Hike uphill for about 2-3 hours to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest). This magical monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff 3,000 ft above the valley floor. It is a sacred monastery for the Bhutanese people who believe that it must be visited at least once in their life time. Afternoon drive to Drugyel Dzong, 18 kilometers away from Paro town. The Dzong, now in ruins, is a place of historical importance, from whose ramparts the Bhutanese once repelled Tibetan invaders. On a clear day, one can view the sacred Mount Chhomolari, Mountain of Goddess (24,000 ft). If time permits, visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in the country built in the 7th century AD.

Day 6: PARO – DEPARTURE
Early morning drive to Paro for departure. Your tour representative will see you off at the airport.

The Trip Cost Includes
• Sightseeing as per the program
• Three-star hotel on twin sharing basis
• Camping and porter horse
• All meals during the tour
• All land transfers & transportation within Bhutan
• Good English speaking certified guide
• Entrance fees to cultural sites
• Government Royalty of USD 100 per day
• Mineral water during sightseeing

• Air-tickets – International
• Visa Fee of USD 40 per person
• All beverages including water consumed in hotels / restaurants
• Laundry, phone calls and personal expenses
• Travel and health insurance (can be arranged)
• Language guide other than English speaking