Bhutan Tourism Corporation Limited (BTCL)

Duration

8 Nights | 9 Days

Tour Type

Festival Tour

Destination

Bhutan

The Dance of Warriors: Druk Wangyel Tshechu Tour

  • Festival Date: Annually on December 13

  • Location: Druk Wangyel Lhakhang, Dochula Pass

This 9-day cultural and spiritual journey revolves around the Druk Wangyel Tshechu, a unique one-day festival held annually on December 13 at Dochula pass, the only festival performed by the Royal Bhutan Army. It commemorates the 2003 military operation led by His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck to expel insurgents from Bhutan’s southern forests, honoring Bhutan’s military history while offering immersive cultural experiences through Bhutan’s majestic valleys—Thimphu, Gangtey, Punakha, and Paro. Guests will witness monasteries, fortress architecture, sacred chortens, and the mystical Taktsang Monastery while enjoying sustainable artisan experiences and pristine Himalayan scenery

DETAILED ITINERARY

Meet your guide after immigration clearance.

En route, visit Tachog Lhakhang, a 15th-century temple built by Thangtong Gyalpo.

Visit Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre renowned for royal textiles.

Evening visit to Tashichho Dzong, the administrative and spiritual hub of Thimphu.

Visit Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the Third King.

See the majestic Buddha Dordenma at Kuenselphodrang.

Explore the Takin Preserve, home to Bhutan’s national animal.

Visit the Green Weaving Center showcasing sustainable crafts by women.

Optional: Stroll through Kaja Throm or Craft Bazaar.

Drive to Dochula Pass to witness this military-led cultural performance, including masked dances and local crafts.

Return to Thimphu.

Drive via Dochula Pass (brief stop for views of the Himalayan peaks).

Explore Phobjikha Valley, winter home of the black-necked cranes.

Visit the Crane Information Centre and enjoy an optional Nature Trail Walk.

Visit the Gangtey Monastery, Bhutan’s only Nyingmapa institution.

Visit the sacred Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple.

Explore the Sangchen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery, a spiritual and architectural gem.

Visit Punakha Dzong, Bhutan’s most picturesque fortress.

Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, built by the Queen Mother.

Walk across Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge.

Drive via Dochula with a tea break en route.

In Thimphu, visit the Post Office for personalized stamps.

In Paro, visit the National Museum (Ta Dzong) and Rinpung Dzong.



Full-day hike to the iconic Taktsang Monastery, perched 914m above the valley.

Lunch at the cafeteria near the monastery (vegetarian).

For non-hikers: Viewpoint + visit Kyichu Lhakhang and Satsam Chorten.

Leisure time and shopping in Paro.

Transfer to Paro International Airport.

Optional stop in Paro town for final shopping if time permits.

Festival Dates 2025

Festival Dates 2026

Additional Activities