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The Punakha Festival Tour offers a unique chance to witness the vibrant Punakha Tshechu, a festival celebrated with traditional dances, rituals, and the reenactment of historical events. The tour also includes visits to the most important landmarks in Punakha, Paro, and Thimphu.
Included/Excluded
- The Bhutan SDF
- All accommodations
- Meals and mineral water
- A licensed English-speaking guide
- A driver and vehicle
- Air fare
- A visa fee of US$40
- Alcohol
- Gifts/Souvenirs
- Travel insurance and personal bills
- Museums & Monument Fees
Tour Plan
Day 1: Arrival in Paro and Transfer to Thimphu
- Arrive in Paro after a breathtaking Himalayan flight, meet our representative, and spend the afternoon exploring the National Museum and Rimpong Dzong, home to a revered painting of Milarepa, Bhutan’s meditation master. Then, drive to Thimphu, the capital city, for an overnight stay.
Day 2: Thimphu Sightseeing and Drive to Punakha
- After breakfast, enjoy sightseeing in Thimphu before driving over Dochu-La Pass (3,100 meters), where you can view the Himalayan mountains on a clear day. The journey to Punakha Valley takes about four hours. Punakha was once Bhutan's capital. Upon arrival, visit the stunning Punakha Dzong, also known as the "Palace of Great Happiness," and enjoy the festival.
Day 3: Punakha Festival and Sightseeing
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In the morning, visit Punakha Dzong to see the Punakha Tsechu festival, where monks perform masked dances in colorful robes while chanting Buddhist prayers. After lunch, take a short walk to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of Drukpa Kunley, also called the Divine Madman.
Day 4: Punakha to Phobjikha
- Drive to the scenic Phobjikha Valley via Wangduephodrang, passing through oak and rhododendron forests. This glacial valley is a winter home for black-necked cranes (Nov–Mar). After lunch, visit the Phobjikha Sanctuary to see the cranes (seasonal) and explore the 16th-century Gangtey Gompa.
Day 5: Phobjikha to Paro
- After breakfast, drive to Paro, a journey of about 4 to 5 hours. Stop at Dochu-La Pass to relax and take in the breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Continue the drive via Thimphu, where you can take a short break before reaching Paro. Spend the evening exploring Paro town, visiting local markets, and experiencing the charming atmosphere. Overnight stay at your hotel in Paro.
Day 6: Hiking to Tiger Nest
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Start the day with a hike to Taktsang Monastery after breakfast. The 2-hour uphill walk is on a clear path and offers beautiful views of Paro Valley. The monastery, sitting 900 meters above the valley on a cliff, is an incredible sight.
In the afternoon, head to a farmhouse to learn about the daily life of Bhutanese farmers. Overnight stay in Paro
Day 7: Departure to Airport
After breakfast, drive to the airport for your flight to your next destination. Your guide will bid you farewell.
Tour Map
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Frequently asked question
Itinerary is always flexible if you are travelling in a smaller group. You have a choice of eating in a different restaurant, however, the menu depends on the chef and usually it is a set menu but not necessarily the same menu every day.
It is in the tourism industry but it is not compulsory. It actually depends on the service rendered to you.
Yes, things that are not included in the tariff are all beverages, telecommunications, tips, laundry, massage and souvenir shopping.
Bhutan is well connected and every town has IDD services. Internet cafes are available almost everywhere. Cell phones can also be used but you need to get Bhutan prepaid SIM Card and recharge it. Recharge vouchers are available at every second shop in town.
You can exchange money in the banks as well as in the hotels were you are staying. Rates will be better in the banks plus US$ is acceptable in almost all of the shops in town.
It cannot be safer anywhere else in the world.
Bhutan is all season tourist destination for cultural tours. However the month of February, March, April, and September, October, November are considered the best time due to pleasant weather conditions. December and January are winter months and June, July and August, the rainy season. It is important to note that the climatic conditions during the winter months are not extreme. The average temperature would range from 10-17 degree Celsius during day time.
The money you have transferred will be with held by the Tourism Council of Bhutan till the day you depart. Travel Agents can only withdraw the money after your departure upon submitting your tour invoice. Therefore, your money is safe.
It is government rule that total tour payment must be remitted without which the government will not issue the visa.
Decide the number of days you want to spend in Bhutan according to your interest and budget.
Decide the date and the port of entry (You can fly into Bhutan from one of these cities; Bangkok, Katmandu, New Delhi, Calcutta and Dacca) into Bhutan.
Fill up the visa application form (You can download the visa application form here).
Remit the total tour payment (You can download the money transfer details here). It is government rule that total tour payment must be remitted without   which the government will not issue the visa.
Once we have confirmed dates, port of entry, dully filled visa application form, and money received, we will process your visa.
Except for travelers from India, Bangladesh and Maldives, all visitors to Bhutan are required to obtain visa approval prior to their arrival, which will be processed by us.
Tourism is not restricted but the minimum daily tariff is set by the government. It is also necessary that all tourists must come through a registered tour operator to plan your itinerary and process your visa. Tourist cannot come on their own unless they are invited guest.
Druk Air operates daily flight (once daily) from Bangkok (Thailand) and four flights a week from New Delhi, Kathmandu and Calcutta (India) and two flights a week from Dacca (Bangladesh). There are different flight schedules for the summer and the winter seasons. For Druk Air schedules click on Flights Details or you can also visit Druk Air web site at www.drukair.com.bt . You can also enter Bhutan via Bagdogra Airport, Siliguri (West Bengal) in India. It has regular flights from New Delhi (twice daily).
Bhutan is connected to the outside world through Druk Air (Royal Bhutan Airlines), the national carrier which is the only airline operating flights in and out of the kingdom.
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