6 Nights and 7 Days – Domkhar Festival
Overview
The Domkhar Festival tour is a 6-night, 7-day journey through Bhutan's scenic landscapes and cultural highlights. Visitors explore Thimphu, Punakha, Trongsa, and Bumthang, attending the vibrant Domkhar Festival. Key attractions include Punakha Dzong, the Buddha Dordenma statue, Dochula Pass, and Rinpung Dzong in Paro. The tour also includes a day excursion to the beautiful Ura Valley.
Tour Plan
Day-01-Paro – Thimphu—Punakha Altitude-1250m/3-4 hours drive:
During the journey by Druk Air ( Bhutan’s National Airline), one will experience spectacular view of Mt. Everest (of Nepal) and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the revered Mt. Jumolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake of Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by representatives of Indostan Viajes Moto Adventure. Drive to Thimph.The distance of about 65kms from Paro airport takes more than 1 hour. Drive south following Pachu River to the river confluence at Chuzom, which is also the hub of road network going to Paro, Ha, Thimphu and Phuntsholing. From Chuzom, the drive takes about less than 1 hour, staying close to the Wangchu River in the valley floor, as you pass through villages and suburbs to the capital, Thimphu. En-route, you can stop to view Tachogang temple.
Thimphu (2,300m): was a wooded farming valley until 1961, when it became Bhutan's official national capital. The massive Tashicho Dzong, about 700 years old, was carefully revamped in the 1960s by the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk to house the royal and main government offices. Even today, it still only has a few streets and no traffic lights with estimated population of 150,000 people. On arrival check in hotel and takes a short rest. Memorial Chorten: This landmark of Thimphu was built in 1974 in the memory of third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who is popularly regarded as Father of Modern Bhutan. It is a four-storey tall white building, containing statues and iconography of deities from complex tantric teachings and serves as an important place of worship for Thimphu residents, as well as from other parts of the country.Buddha Dordema: Early in the morning drive to the Buddha point to take beautiful shot of Buddha and the valley. The big statue of sitting Buddha is located on the hill of Thimphu valley. The statue is made of bronze and the high of the statue is 169ft (51.5m).Before you return back to hotel.Continue drive to punakha.The road climbs from Thimphu to Dochula Pass (3050m) and descends through ever changing forests into semi-tropical valley of Punakha at around 1250m.En-route stops at dochula Pass (3050m) where you can view the eastern Himalayas, including Bhutan’s highest mountain, Gangkhar Punsum (7550m). Overnight in hotel.
Day 02 – Punakha-Trongsa-Altitude 233m/139km/3-4 hours’ drive:
After breakfasts visit Punakha Dzong (fortress) or Pungthang Dechen Phodrang "Palace of Great Happiness” is located on the confluence of two rivers, the Pho and Mochu. It was built in 1637 by Shubdrung Nawang Namgyal and following the ancient traditions, it serves as winter residence for chief abbot (Je-khenpo) and the monks of Central Monastic Body, who return to Thimphu in the summer. Continue drive to Trongsa via Wangdue valley. From Wangdue, the road gradually winds up about 2 hours, almost till Pele La Pass (which divides central from western Bhutan) crosses the Black Mountain. Lunch will be provided en-route at Chendbji Chorten. After lunch continue drive to Trongsa for another 2 hours. Upon arrival in Trongsa, visit Trongsa Dzong if time permits. This is one of the largest Dzong (fortress / monastery) and it is one of most impressive fortress of its kind in the Kingdom. In the evening stroll around the town of Trongsa. Overnight at hotel.
Day: 03-Trongsa-Bumthang: Altitude 2700m/68km/2-3 hours drive:
After breakfast drive to Bumthang. The distance of about 68 kms .It will take3 hour drive across Yotong La pass (3400m) and descend into Chhume valley, the first of the four valleys in Bumthang District. On the way witness the Domkhar festival. IN the evening drive to Bumthang.
Day-04-Bumthang-Bumthang-Day excursion to URA valley:
After early breakfast drive to URA valley, one 0f 4 valleys. Visit URA temple and walk around the beautiful village of URA. Picnic lunch will be served. In the evening drive back to Bumthang. Overnight in hotel.
Day-05-Bumthang-Punakha-Altitude 1250m/210km/6 to 7 hours’ drive:
Drive back to Punakha via Trongsa .Stop in Trongsa and visit Trongsa museum. Picnic lunch will be served En-Route and evening sit down to a relaxing dinner. Overnight at hotel.
Day-06-Punakha-Paro—Altitude 2200m/ 135km/3-4 hours’ drive:
Paro is one of the most beautiful valleys in the country with Bhutan’s only airport located here, among the terraced fields, and elegant farm houses. Willow trees line many of the roads, contrasting with bright colors of the fields and the most popular and important sites also found within Paro district. Paro town (2,280m) is still a small with one main street and less than one hundred small family-run shops.
Rinpung Dzong: meaning "fortress of the heap of jewels". Built in mid 17th century, it now serves as the administrative and judicial seat of Paro district and residence for the 200 monks of Paro. Several years ago, the colorful movie Little Buddha was filmed here.
Day-07-Departure:
After breakfast, transfer to the airport in time for your departure.
Tour Map
Included/Excluded
- 3*hotel twin sharing
- 3 meals(Breakfast, Lunch and dinner)
- English speaking guide
- SDF
- Visa fees
- Transportation with driver
- Entrance fees
- International flight tickets
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Payment transfer fees
- Tips to service provider
- and any other cost which is not included in given cost
- Additional cost for 4* hotel and above
Frequently asked questions
Bhutan is a year-round destination. There are four seasons: summer (June to August), autumn (September to November), winter (December to February) and spring (March to May). But because of the range of altitudes in the country, and the influence of the north Indian monsoons, the climate is incredibly varied.
In the south, the humid, subtropical climate is fairly consistent year-round, with temperatures between 15oC and 30oC. Central Bhutan, with its temperate forests, has a more seasonal climate, with warm summers and cool, dry winters. The northern regions are much colder during winter. Because of the high altitude, mountain peaks are snowy year-round and the lower reaches remain cool in summer.
In summer, the Indian monsoon season runs from late June or July to late September, mostly affecting the southern regions. Most farming activities take place in the summer, when crops thrive in verdant landscapes.
Autumn, from late September or early October to late November, follows the rainy season. It is characterised by bright, sunny days and some early snowfall at higher elevations. It’s the season of feasts and festivals as farmers reap the fruits of their work.
From late November until March, the crisp, clear and sunny winter sets in, with frost throughout much of the country and snowfall common above elevations of 3,000 metres. The winter northeast monsoon brings gale-force winds at the highest altitudes through high mountain passes, giving Bhutan the name Drukyul, which means Land of the Thunder Dragon in Dzongkha (Bhutan’s national language).
Bhutan’s generally dry spring starts in early March and lasts until mid-April. It is a botanist’s delight, with nature in full bloom. Summer weather commences in mid-April with occasional showers and continues to late June.
Visitors of all nationalities, except those from India, require a visa before entering Bhutan. For all visitors, except those from Bangladesh and the Maldives, this visa must be applied for and approved in advance of travel. Visitors from Bangladesh and the Maldives also require a visa, but this can be applied for and approved either in advance of travel or upon arrival in Bhutan.
Visitors from India are able to apply for a permit but are required to hold an Indian passport or an Indian voter ID card. For Indian nationals under the age of 18, a passport or a birth certificate can be used to enter and they must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
Nationals from Switzerland and Thailand holding diplomatic or government-official passports are eligible for a visa at their port of entry.
A correctly input visa application can take up to five days to process.
The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is a daily levy paid by visitors to support Bhutan’s development. Since the kingdom first opened its doors in 1974, guests have played a critical role in our country’s growth.
The SDF is collected by the national exchequer and funds are allocated to various projects that create long-term, sustainable opportunities for the Bhutanese people, through free healthcare, education and training, upskilling the tourism and hospitality industry, improved infrastructure, environmental preservation and conservation, cultural preservation programmes and initiatives that support local businesses and economies. The SDF is also a vital means of maintaining the exceptional forest cover and carbon-neutrality for which our small nation is world-renowned and globally critical. The SDF also helps us to ensure that we can continue to offer guests tranquillity and an intimate experience.
The SDF is USD 100 per night for adults from all countries except for India. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay USD 50 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF.
The SDF for Indian nationals (showing a valid Indian passport or Voter ID card) is Nu. 1,200 (or the equivalent amount in Indian rupees) per person, per night. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay Nu./INR 600 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF.
You may like
Reviews
Book This Tour
Last Minute Deals
1 Comment
I had a great time in Bhutan! I really recommend a visit to this country if you want to have a great and different experience. I exclusively recommend Indostan Viajes Tours that provided me with this satisfying opportunity. The tour guide was brilliant and I was exposed to the original Bhutan.
Regards,
Comments are closed.