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

Drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan and the base for your Thimphu Drubchen Festival Tour.

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

Today, dive deeper into the heart of Thimphu’s rich culture and heritage, an essential part of your Bhutan festival tour experience.

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

Depart Thimphu and take a scenic drive towards Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan. En route, stop at the iconic Dochula Pass (3,116m). On a clear day, you will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the snow-capped eastern Himalayan peaks. It is one of the most photographed spots in all of Bhutan.

Visit the Royal Botanical Park at Lamperi, also known as the Rhododendron Garden. It is a beautiful green sanctuary bursting with colour and biodiversity. It sits on the descent towards the Punakha and Wangdue valleys.

On reaching Punakha, take a gentle hike through picturesque paddy fields to reach Chimi Lhakhang. It was built in 1499 by the beloved saint Lama Drukpa Kuenley, famously known as “The Divine Madman.” This charming temple is widely revered as the Temple of Fertility, visited by couples hoping to be blessed with children.

End the day with a visit to the magnificent Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. It sits at the sacred confluence of the Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River). Once the seat of Bhutan’s government, the dzong is a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture. It also houses priceless war relics captured during historic battles with Tibet.

Overnight in Punakha

As you leave Punakha, the road ascends through the picturesque valleys of the Wangdue Phodrang district. You will pass lush green rice fields and small settlements. Occasionally, you will spot 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.

This evening, enjoy an overnight stay in a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse in the heart of Phobjikha. Savour home-cooked meals made from fresh local ingredients. Spend time with your host family and join in farming activities, traditional crafts, or a local cooking session. This is authentic Bhutan at its most intimate.

Overnight in Gangtey

Begin the scenic drive back to Thimphu, with occasional stops along the way to soak in the views and capture photographs of Bhutan’s pristine landscapes.

On arriving in Thimphu, visit Simply Bhutan Museum, an immersive living museum that brings Bhutanese culture to life. Be welcomed with a traditional drink of local Ara (Bhutanese rice wine). Then sit down to enjoy an authentic Bhutanese dinner as part of the experience.

In the evening, enjoy free time to stroll around Thimphu town and browse local handicraft shops.

Overnight in Thimphu

Today is the day you have been waiting for, the Thimphu Drubchen Festival at the magnificent Tashichho Dzong.

The day unfolds in three parts. Mornings open with the Chipdrel Procession, as monks escort the high lamas into the courtyard. This is followed by the Dance of the Protecting Deities in elaborate silk brocade costumes. After a midday break, the afternoon builds to the Main Wrathful Cham from 1:30 to 4:30 PM. This is the spiritual climax of the Thimphu Drubchen. The ceremony closes with a Grand Finale said to cast a protective shield over Bhutan.

This festival is dedicated to Pelden Lhamo, Bhutan’s fierce protective deity. Attending is believed to cleanse negative karma and bring blessings to all who witness it. Unlike the larger Thimphu Tshechu held days later, there’s no Thongdrel unfurling here, making this a more intimate, deeply tantric experience. If you can only attend part of the day, early afternoon is the most dramatic window.

Your guide will explain each ritual and the stories told through dance, bringing this ancient tradition vividly to life.

In the afternoon, drive to Paro, 

Overnight in Paro

Dedicate this day to one of the most iconic hikes in all of Asia, the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery, locally known as Taktsang Palphug. Perched dramatically on a sheer cliff face 900 metres above the Paro Valley floor, this sacred monastery is Bhutan’s most recognisable landmark and a deeply spiritual site for Buddhists worldwide.

The hike to Tiger’s Nest takes approximately 2–3 hours uphill through fragrant pine forests and prayer flag-lined trails, with breathtaking views at every step. Challenging but incredibly rewarding, this is a highlight of the entire Bhutan festival tour.

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

Your Thimphu Drubchen Festival Tour comes to a close today. After breakfast, your guide will transfer you to Paro International Airport in time for your onward flight. As Bhutan fades from view, carry with you the blessings of Pelden Lhamo, the echoes of the sacred cham dances, and memories that will last a lifetime.

We hope to welcome you back to the Land of the Thunder Dragon very soon.