Thimphu Drubchen Festival Tour | 2026

The Thimphu Drubchen Festival Tour offers travelers a rare glimpse into one of Bhutan’s most sacred cultural traditions. Held for a single day at the majestic Tashichho Dzong in the heart of the capital, this festival brings together locals and visitors alike to witness the mesmerizing mask dances “cham” and elaborate rituals performed by monks.

Dating back centuries, the Thimphu Drubchen is an ancient custom where spiritual stories of good triumphing over evil are reenacted through vibrant costumes, symbolic dances and ceremonial chants. The festival is dedicated to Pelden Lhamo, the country’s protective deity and is believed to bring blessings, protection, and merit to all who attend.

Taking part in the Thimphu Drubchen Festival is more than just sightseeing. It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in Bhutan’s living Vajrayana traditions, connect with local culture and experience a spiritual celebration that has been cherished for generations. 

Dates: 17th September 2026  |   Tashichho Dzong, Thimphu

Highlights | Thimphu Drubchen Festival Tour

Important Landmarks: Explore Bhutan’s rich history through its grand dzongs, sacred monasteries, and ancient temples, which are architectural marvels and spiritual hubs.

Museums and government institutions: Visit Bhutan’s informative museums and government institutions to gain insights into the nation’s history, culture, and governance.

Cultural immersion: Dive deep into Bhutan’s rich heritage by participating in local customs and traditions offering a truly authentic experience of Bhutanese life. Enjoy vibrant mask dances and sacred rituals during the Thimphu Drubchen Festival tour.

Meet local people: Engage with Bhutanese locals, who are known for their warmth and hospitality, offering a glimpse into their daily lives and traditions.

Hiking adventures: Bhutan offers diverse hiking trails, from easy walks to challenging treks, showcasing its untouched natural beauty and spiritual landmarks along the way.

Bhutanese farmhouse experience: Stay in a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse to immerse yourself in authentic rural life, enjoying local food, culture and hospitality.

Mask Dance - Thimphu Drubchen Festival Tour
Thimphu Drubchen Festival - Tashicho Dzong

Itinerary Outline | 07 Nights/08 Days

Day 01: Arrival at Paro -Thimphu | Elevation 2320m | 55km | 1 hr.|
Day 02: Thimphu: Sightseeing | Elevation 2320m |
Day 03: Thimphu – Punakha: Sightseeing |Elevation 1200m | 76km | 3hrs.|
Day 04: Punakha – Gangtey: Sightseeing | Elevation 3000m | 73km | 2hrs. 20mins. |
Day 05: Gangtey – Thimphu | Elevation 2320m | 124km | 3hrs. 30mins. |
Day 06: Thimphu: Witness Thimphu Drubchen Festival – Paro | Elevation 2320m | 50km | 1hr.
Day 07: Paro: Hike to Tiger’s Nest | Elevation 2280m |
Day 08: Paro Departure | Elevation 2280m |

Detailed Itinerary | Thimphu Drubchen Festival Tour

Day 01. Paro – Thimphu: Sightseeing

Arrival in Paro

  • Touch down in Paro! Representative from Bhutan Mystical Tours will receive you in the airport. 

  • Drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. On the way see Tamchog Monastery built by Thangthong Gyalpo, the iron bridge builder who came to Bhutan in 1433 looking for Iron Ore. He built 108 bridges across Tibet and Bhutan, out of which 8 were built in Bhutan. 

  • On reaching Thimphu we will drive to a viewpoint known as kuensel Phodrang where sits a massive sized Statue of Buddha Dordenma. From this point you will be able to view the entire scene of the capital city.

  • Next you will visit National Memorial Chorten, a monument dedicated to the Third King of Bhutan, His Majesty King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.

  • In the evening stroll around the local market in Thimphu. 

  • Overnight in Thimphu

Day 02. Thimphu: Sightseeing

Thimphu | Cultural Exploration

  • Today, dive deeper into Thimphu’s culture.

  • Visit to the National Zoo which where the Takins, Bhutan’s national animal is preserved.

  • While returning, you may visit to Dupthop Lhakhang which is known to be one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan.

  • Visit the National Library to see a vast collection of ancient texts and scriptures. The library is a treasure trove for those interested in Bhutanese history and culture.

  • A visit to the National institute for Zorig Choesum (13 traditional arts) the painting School is on your next list. Bhutanese tradition has been preserved through painting and sculptures. Thangkas, the sacred Buddhist religious scrolls are either painted or embroidered on high-quality fabrics.

  • Walk for a minute to Folk Heritage Museum which offers visitors the Bhutanese folk heritage and craftsmanship of Bhutan’s rural past. 

  • Driving further to the city, visit National Postal Museum, which is worth a visit for you can get your own picture on Bhutanese stamp right then and there. Get a photo clicked then and there or give a photo of your dear ones and you will get personalized stamps in 5 minutes.

  • Explore Centenary Farmers Market if you’re there on a weekend, this bustling market is a great place to experience local life and try fresh produce.

  • Overnight in Thimphu

Day 03. Thimphu – Punakha: Sightseeing

Explore Punakha

  • Take a scenic drive to Punakha, En route, stop at the Dochula Pass (3116m) for panoramic views of the magnificent range of the Higher Himalayas.

  • Visit the Royal Botanical Garden, the Royal Botanical Park, also known as the Rhododendron Garden at Lamperi, located on the way to Punakha/Wangdue valleys. 

  • On reaching Punakha, take a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang, which was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley also known as “The Divine Madman”, in the year 1499. The Temple is also known as “the Temple of Fertility”.

  • Visit Punakha Dzong built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and is situated at the confluence of the Pho Chu (Male River) and the Mo Chu (Female River). For many years until the time of the second king, it served as the seat of the Government. War materials captured during the various battles with Tibetans are preserved here. 

  • Overnight in Punakha

Day 04. Punakha – Gangtay: Sightseeing

Gangtey Valley | Nature & Cultural Immersion

  • As you leave Punakha, the road ascends through the picturesque valleys of the Wangdue Phodrang district. You’ll encounter lush green rice fields, small settlements, and the occasional sight of local farmers tending to their crops.

  • On reaching, visit Gangtey Gompa founded in 1613. It is a Nyingma monastery and is affiliated to other Nyingma monasteries including Tamshing in Bumthang.

  • Explore the beautiful Phobjikha valley, where you will be able to see the rare, Black-Necked Crane, especially during wintertime.

  • For more information on this magnificent bird, you can also visit the Crane Information center, under the supervision of the Royal Society for the Protection of Nature.

  • During your Thimphu Drubchen Festival tour, staying at a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse provides a unique cultural immersion. The farmhouse stay in Phobjikha is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy the serene beauty of the valley. It will allow you to experience traditional Bhutanese hospitality with home-cooked meals made from fresh, local ingredients. Spend time with the family, learning about their way of life, participating in farming activities, traditional crafts, or even cooking sessions.

  • Overnight in Gangtey

Day 05. Gangtay – Thimphu: Sightseeing

Return to Thimphu

  • Drive back to Thimphu. On the way, you may stop occasionally to take the pictures. On reaching Thimphu, visit Simply Bhutan Museum, a welcome drink of local brewery “Ara” and an authentic Bhutanese cuisine for dinner. In the evening, free to stroll in the town.
  • Overnight in Thimphu

Day 06. Thimphu: Witness Thimphu Drubchen Festival

Festival Highlights and Spiritual Encounter

  • In the morning, as a part of the Thimphu Drubchen Festival Tour, visit Tashichho Dzong to witness the Thimphu Drubchen festival. The event showcases ceremonial processions and traditional mask dances, which are steeped in history and significance. 

  • In the evening drive to Paro.

  • Overnight in Thimphu

Day 07. Paro: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery

Hike to Tiger’s Nest

  • Dedicate your final day to a delightful excursion to the Tiger’s Nest, locally known as Taktsang Monastery. Reaching Takshang Monastery is as much an adventure as the destination itself.The hike is challenging but incredibly rewarding.

  • On returning to the base, a Bhutanese cuisine experience in the woods is a celebration of both food and nature. It offers a unique way to engage with Bhutan’s rich culinary traditions while
    surrounded by the tranquility and beauty of the natural world.

  • At the end of the day, we recommend you have a Traditional hot stone bath to get relaxed after a tiring day. It is not only practiced as a comforting leisure but also to treat various diseases.

  • You can stroll down the Paro town where you can always find Bhutanese authentic handicrafts which can be good souvenirs and remembrances of this exotic and serene Himalayan Kingdom ‘Bhutan’.

  • Overnight in Paro

Day 08. Paro (Departure)

End of Thimphu Drubchen Festival Tour

  • Our guide will drop you at Paro international airport as per your flight schedule. Farewell for your onwards journey.

Cost & Inclusions | Thimphu Tshechu Festival Tour

The cost listed below includes the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of US $100 per person per night and the Bhutan visa fee of US $40 per person. Please note that entrance fees for museums & monuments visits are not included and must be paid directly at the respective sites. This Thimphu Drubchen Festival tour package is designed to offer value and comfort.

US$1,930 per person

  • Accommodation: twin/double sharing basis (single room supplement available at extra cost)
  • All meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner and evening tea/coffee
  • All transportation within Bhutan, including airport transfers
  • All Sightseeing tours
  • SDF and government taxes
  • Bhutan visa fee
  • English-speaking local guide
  • Bottled water
  • Entrance fees for museums and monuments
  • Flight fares [Drukair / Bhutan Airlines]
  • Insurance premiums
  • Expenses arising from accidents, labor disputes, civil disturbances or similar events
  • Individual expenses including laundry, beverages, camera fees, miscellaneous costs, luggage handling, bellboy tips, gratuities and other personal services.

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FAQs | Thimphu Drubchen Festival Tour

Why Thimphu Drubchen Festival Tour

The Thimphu Drubchen Festival tour immerses you in Bhutan’s spiritual heritage through sacred mask dances (cham), ancient rituals, and vibrant processions at Tashichho Dzong. Unlike other festivals, the Drubchen Festival Bhutan highlights profound Tantric Buddhist traditions. The tour also includes visits to Punakha Dzong, Tiger’s Nest Monastery, and farmstays—blending culture, history, and nature.

Booking Thimphu Drubchen Festival Tour

The Thimphu Drubchen Festival 2025 takes place on September 28th, with the 8-day tour spanning key destinations like Thimphu, Punakha, and Paro. Due to limited accommodations and high demand during festivals, we recommend booking 6–8 months in advance. Early reservations ensure visa processing, permits, and curated experiences like farmhouse stays or private guided hikes.

 Photography Tips: Thimphu Drubchen Festival Tour

Yes! Photography is allowed at the Thimphu Drubchen Festival, but respect local customs. Avoid using flash during sacred rituals, and always ask permission before photographing monks or locals up close.

Yes, all tourists are required to book their trip through a local tour operator to visit Bhutan, except for citizens of India, Bangladesh and the Maldives. This is a mandatory step to obtain a visa. The tour operator must be certified by the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB). Bhutan Mystical is a trusted, TCB-certified tour operator in the country.

Bhutan Visa

The visa fee for Bhutan is USD 40 per person per trip. This fee is applicable to all nationalities, except for citizens of India, who do not require a visa to visit Bhutan.

Planning Your Journey

For peak tourist seasons—March, April, May, September, October and November—it’s best to book your trip at least 6 months or early in advance. If you’re planning to visit during the off-peak months of June, July, August or December through February, booking 3 months ahead is generally recommended.

Dressing Tips | Thimphu Drubchen Festival Tour

  • Modest, respectful clothing is required (covered shoulders/knees)

  • Comfortable walking shoes (you’ll be standing/sitting for ceremonies)

  • Layers for changing weather (mornings can be chilly)

Bhutan Flights

Bhutan Mystical will book and ticket your flights to and from Paro with Drukair (Royal Bhutan Airlines) or Bhutan Airlines. As your tour operator, we will manage all aspects of your Paro flights, including notifying you of any changes to flight schedules. Since flight timings can change at short notice, we will keep you informed.

Drukair
Drukair Official Website

Bhutan Airlines
Bhutan Airlines Official Website