A 5-day Bhutan tour timed for the Punakha Drubchen warrior festival and Punakha Tsechu mask festival, with Taktsang and Punakha Dzong.
Trip highlights
- A once-a-year festival tour on the birth of Bhutan, the land of the Thunder Dragon
- The world's only Vajrayana Buddhist kingdom, nestled in the Himalayas
- The Punakha Drubchen "warrior festival", likened to a national day and re-enacting the founding of the country
- Sacred mask dances that embody the spirit of the Bhutanese people
- Punakha Dzong, a magnificent fortress in traditional architecture
- Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest), a mountain monastery to visit once in a lifetime
Highlight places
Led by historiansEvery trip travels with an expert history lecturer who brings each site to life in plain language.
Off the beaten pathCentral Asia, the Middle East, the Himalayas — places most tour companies never go.
Private groups, no rushingRight-sized groups and unhurried time at the places that matter most.
Beyond ordinary travelEvery tour is designed by writers and professional travellers to create experiences that reflect who you are — for travellers who want more than an ordinary holiday.
About this tour
The Birth of Bhutan: The Thunder Dragon's Warriors is a 5-day, 4-night tour to Bhutan timed for two of the country's best-loved festivals: the Punakha Drubchen, or warrior festival, which commemorates the Bhutanese victory over a Tibetan army, and the Punakha Tsechu, a mask festival honouring Guru Padmasambhava. Guests also have the chance to wear the national dress, the kira and gho, at the festivals.
The route runs through Paro, Thimphu and Punakha: the National Museum, Paro Rinpung Dzong, Kichu Lhakhang, the Buddha Dordenma statue, Dochula Pass, Chimi Lhakhang, Punakha Dzong and the hike to Taktsang Monastery, finishing with a traditional hot stone bath.
The tour is led by Pongsorn Phoomiwat (Khun Pup), owner of The Wild Chronicles. The 2025 departure ran 7-11 March, with Drukair flights, 4-star hotels (a boutique hotel in Punakha) and the visa arranged by the company.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1Bangkok – Paro – Thimphu
Meet at 03:00 at Suvarnabhumi Airport at the Drukair counters. Fly KB153 at 06:00 and land at Paro Airport at 08:15 (Bhutan is one hour behind Thailand). Rest to adjust to the altitude.
- National Museum of Bhutan, with over 3,000 objects spanning more than 1,500 years of history
- Paro Rinpung Dzong, built in the 17th century by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, with a five-storey central tower
- Kichu Lhakhang, a temple dating to the 7th century and one of King Songtsen Gampo's 108 temples
- Drive to Thimphu, stopping at the 54-metre Buddha Dordenma statue and Tashi Chhoedzong
Day 2Thimphu – Dochula Pass – Punakha (Punakha Drubchen)
Drive about 2.5 hours to Punakha via Dochula Pass (3,145 m), site of the 108 Druk Wangyel Chortens. Then join the Punakha Drubchen, the warrior festival commemorating the 1639 victory over the Tibetan army, with warrior dances and folk performances; guests may wear the kira and gho.
- Lobesa Village, set among rice fields in the valley
- Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of fertility founded in the 15th century by Drukpa Kunley, where Bhutanese come to pray for children
Day 3Punakha Tsechu – Punakha Dzong – Thimphu
Join the Punakha Tsechu, the mask festival celebrating the birthday of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), with colourful mask dances; guests may wear the kira and gho again.
- Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in timber and stone and the winter residence of the Je Khenpo
- Return to Thimphu (about 2.5 hours, 73 km) and stop at the Thimphu Craft Bazaar for souvenirs
Day 4Thimphu – Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) – Paro
Drive about 2 hours (62 km) from Thimphu to Taktsang, then hike about 2 km uphill (around 2 hours) through oak forest, meadows, prayer flags and 700 steps, with lunch on the way. Horse rental is available for 16 USD (not included).
Taktsang, the Tiger's Nest, clings to the Paro cliffs; legend says Guru Rinpoche rode a tigress here and meditated in a cave for three months. The day ends with a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath with menchu herbs.
Day 5Paro – Bangkok
Transfer to Paro Airport (about 15 minutes), fly Drukair KB152 at 11:50 and arrive at Suvarnabhumi at 16:00.
Included
- International economy round-trip flights (BKK – PBH – BKK)
- Baggage allowance per the international Drukair flight standard
- Transport and sightseeing vehicle with an experienced driver
- Accommodation as per the program, two guests per room
- Entrance fees as per the program
- Meals as per the program
- Experienced local guide
- Experienced Thai lecturer and tour leader
- Travel accident insurance with coverage of 1,000,000 baht per person (subject to the policy)
- Entry visa fee
- Bottled drinking water
Not included
- Single room supplement
- International business-class flights
- Personal expenses such as passport fees, phone, internet, laundry, minibar, special meals outside the program, extra drinks, excess baggage, seat reservations and medical costs for pre-existing conditions
- Tips for tour leader, local guide and driver (recommended 40 USD)
- 7% VAT, 3% withholding tax and other taxes
- Fuel surcharges and airport taxes if the airline raises them
- Horse rental to Taktsang Monastery, 16 USD per person
About this tour
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Bhutan: The Birth of Bhutan – Warrior and Mask Festivals
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