Festival Route
9-Day Jakar Tshechu Festival Tour via Trongsa
An overland Jakar Tshechu journey through Punakha, Trongsa, Bumthang, and Paro, with an optional Tiger's Nest extension.
Duration9 Days / 8 Nights
RouteParo - Thimphu - Punakha - Trongsa - Bumthang - Gangtey / Punakha - Paro
Best ForOverland central Bhutan festival route
Jakar TshechuTrongsaBumthangOverland Route
Day 01: Arrival in Paro - Transfer to Thimphu
- Arrival at Paro International Airport
- Traditional welcome with khaddar
- Scenic drive to Thimphu (approx. 1.5 hrs)
- Drive along Paro River via Chuzom
- En-route stop at Tachogang Lhakhang & suspension bridge (time permitting)
- Visit Buddha Dordenma viewpoint
- Leisure walk in Thimphu city & local markets
- Overnight stay in Thimphu (2,400 m)
Day 02: Thimphu - Drive to Punakha
- Drive past National Memorial Chorten
- Scenic drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass
- Stop at Dochula Pass (108 chortens & Himalayan views)
- Visit Punakha Dzong (river confluence fortress)
- Overnight stay in Punakha (1,350 m)
Day 03: Punakha - Drive to Trongsa
- Long scenic drive to Trongsa via Pelela Pass
- Stop at Pelela Pass for mountain views
- Visit Trongsa Dzong viewpoint if time permits
- Overnight stay in Trongsa (2,200 m)
Day 04: Trongsa - Drive to Bumthang / Jakar Tshechu
- Scenic drive to Bumthang via central Bhutan landscapes
- Attend Jakar Tshechu in the afternoon if timing allows
- Overnight stay in Bumthang (2,600 m)
Day 05: Jakar Tshechu
- Full-day visit to Jakar Tshechu festival
- Experience mask dances, rituals & local festival gathering
- Visit local temples and Jakar town in the evening
- Overnight stay in Bumthang (2,600 m)
Day 06: Jakar Tshechu / Bumthang Cultural Tour
- Morning festival visit at Jakar Tshechu
- Visit Kurjey Lhakhang, Jambay Lhakhang & Tamshing Lhakhang
- Overnight stay in Bumthang (2,600 m)
Day 07: Bumthang - Drive to Gangtey / Punakha
- Scenic drive back west via central Bhutan landscapes
- Overnight stay in Gangtey / Punakha depending on routing and hotel availability
Day 08: Gangtey / Punakha - Drive to Paro
- Scenic drive to Paro via Dochula Pass & Chuzom
- Visit Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) if time permits
- Overnight stay in Paro (2,200 m)
Day 09: Departure / Tiger's Nest Extension
- Breakfast at hotel
- Transfer to Paro International Airport for departure
- Optional extension for Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest) hike
- Departure from Bhutan
Prices mentioned are for international travelers and do not apply to regional travelers from India, Bangladesh, or Maldives.