1. Home
    2. »
  2. Bhutan Tours
    3. »
  3. Punakha Drubchen Tour

Punakha Drubchen Tour

7 Days / 6 Nights
Festival at the Winter Capital

Tour Overview

Punakha Dzong guards Bhutan’s most sacred relic "Rangjung Kharsapani", a self-created image of the Bodhisattva of compassion. Tibetan forces invaded the valley to seize the relic but Bhutanese “pazaps” (local militia men) led by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel successfully guarded the relic and emerged victorious. To commemorate this victory, Zhabdrung introduced the Punakha Drubchen. Visitors from the nearby district of Gasa and the highlanders from Laya join the locals in Punakha to celebrate the festival. The highlight of the Drubchen is the recreation of the 17th-century battle scene to honor Zhabdrung and the great men.

Tour Highlights

  • Punakha Drubchen
  • Idyllic Gangtey Valley
  • Hike to Paro Taktsang
  • The Tallest Sitting Buddha on a mountain top
  • Tashichodzong – 17th century Fort
  • Punakha Dzong
  • Home stay experience
  • Paro Museum

Daily Itinerary for Punakha Drubchen Tour (7 Days)

Day 1

Arrive in Paro

Your guide and driver will meet you at the airport.

Drive from Paro to Thimphu.
Distance: 54 Km | Driving Time: 1 Hour

After a quick stop at your hotel and lunch, you'll spend the rest of the day exploring Thimphu.

Places and attractions:
Thimphu Authentic Craft Bazaar Buddha Dordenma Centenary Farmers Market Institute of Traditional Medical Services Memorial Chorten Tashichhodzong

Accommodation options:
City Hotel Le Meridien Hotel Bhutan

Day 2

Drive from Thimphu to Punakha

Dochula, at 3100 metres, is one of many motorable mountain passes in Bhutan. Take in the astonishing panoramic view of the snowcapped mountain range.
The place also has a memorial, 108 identical stupas to commemorate the victory against insurgency and honour the fallen.

Lunch will be served on your way to Punakha.

Drive to Punakha
Distance: 63Km Driving |Time: 1 Hr and 30 Mins

A short hike to Chimi Lhakang (the fertility temple) will take you through Sopsokha village. The unusual practice of worshipping phallus in Bhutanese culture originates from this village.

Places and attractions:
Punakha Dochula Pass Lungchutse Hike Punakha Dzong - The Palace of Great Bliss Punakha Suspension Bridge Chimi Lhakhang - The Fertility Temple

Accommodation options:
Drubchhu Resort Amankora Punakha Dhensa Boutique Resort

Day 3

Visit to Punakha Drubchen

You will be escorted to Punakha Dzong for the main event. Join the locals for an immersive cultural experience and watch the "pazaps" narrate the glorious battle fought 400 years ago to defend the nation.

Places and attractions:
Punakha Punakha Dzong - The Palace of Great Bliss

Accommodation options:
Drubchhu Resort Amankora Punakha Dhensa Boutique Resort

Day 4

Drive from Punakha to Phobjikha

Start the day with an early drive to Phobjikha.
Distance: 78 Km | Drive Time: 3 Hr 30 Mins

Let the serenity of the valley with its wide-open spaces and pristine nature help you unwind.

A 16th-century Gangtey Goemba (monastery) sits atop a hill overlooking the valley. The complex consists of monks' quarters, guesthouses, and meditation centres.

There are nature trails that run along the field and through the pine forest connecting small villages. You can explore them on a foot or go biking.

It's one of those destinations where you just want to clear your schedule and go with the flow.

Places and attractions:
Phobjikha Valley Black Necked Crane Information Centre Gangtey Monastery Gangtey Nature Trail Hot Stone Bath in Gangtey

Accommodation options:
Amankora Bumthang Gangtey Goenpa Lodge Dewachen Hotel

Day 5

Drive from Phobjikha to Paro

It will be a long drive back to Paro.
Distance: 185 Km | Drive Time: 7 Hrs

In the evening, it's worth taking a stroll along the oldest street in Paro town. The street is lined with traditional houses renovated with western-inspired storefronts running cafes and souvenir shops.

Places and attractions:
Paro Paro Town

Accommodation options:
Haven Resort Tashi Namgay Resort Le Meridien Paro Riverfront

Day 6

Hike to Taktsang

With few days to acclimatise, you are now ready for the ultimate experience in Bhutan.

An avid hiker will find this experience deeply rewarding. Bask in the scent of pine as you climb the trail in and out of the woods. Let your imagination run wild as your guide narrates the Buddhist mythology surrounding this place to keep you company on your hike.

When you get to the top, let the cold mountain air, the waterfall cascading down the cliff, and the ambiance of a secluded monastery inspire a spiritual experience for you.

Places and attractions:
Paro Tigers Nest Hike

Accommodation options:
Haven Resort Tashi Namgay Resort Le Meridien Paro Riverfront

Day 7

Depart From Paro

End of Trip

Payment & Cancellation Policy

Payment Terms
  • The approval of tourists VISA is contingent on the full payment of the tour
  • Flight ticket payment is subject to the Ticketing Time Limit issued by the airlines
Tour Cancellation and Refund Policy
  • 30 to 15 days prior to arrival - 20% of the total tour cost will be levied as cancellation fee
  • 14 to 7 days prior to arrival - 50% of the tour cost will be levied as cancellation fee
  • Less than a week prior to arrival - 100% cancellation charge will be levied as cancellation fee
Flight Ticket Cancellation and Refund Policy
  • Subject to the cancellation terms of the Airline
Rescheduling Tour Dates:
  • There are no charges for rescheduling your trip. However the minimum daily tariff, hotel rates, airline charges are subject to change depending on your new travelling dates.