Wangdue Festival in Bhutan 2025
The Wangdue Tshechu Festival is a vibrant three-day event held in Wangdue Phodrang during the autumn season. This festival is famous for the Raksha Mangcham, or the Dance of the Ox, which symbolizes Buddhist teachings on the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Various masked dances are performed by monks and lay dancers, each with deep spiritual significance. The festival concludes with the unfurling of the Guru Tshengye Thongdrel, a large sacred tapestry depicting Guru Rinpoche, believed to bless all who witness it.
Wangdue Tshechu Festival 2025
- Festival Dates: 30th September – 2nd October 2025 (Three days)
- Venue: Tencholing Army Ground, Wangdue Phodrang District
This festival is a fantastic opportunity to experience Bhutanese culture, spirituality, and community celebrations in a picturesque setting.
Mask Dance in Wandue festival.
Highlights of the trip:
- Witness the Wangdue tshechu festival.
- Meet local people.
- Visit ancient dzongs, temples and monasteries.
- Scenic landscapes.
- Pristine villages and farm houses.
- Witness archery matches.
Sketch itinerary:
- Day 1. Arrive Paro – Thimphu sightseeing | 54 km | Drive: 1 hour | Altitude 2334 m.
- Day 2. Thimphu sightseeing | 2334 m.
- Day 3. Thimphu – Punakha sightseeing | 76 km | Drive: 3 hours | Altitude 1242 m.
- Day 4. Punakha – Wangdue tshechu festival |14 km | Drive: 30 minutes.
- Day 5. Witness the Wangdue tshechu festival | 14 km | Drive: 30 minutes.
- Day 6. Punakha – Paro sightseeing | 90 km |Drive: 4 hours | Altitude: 2280 m.
- Day 7. Paro – Hike to the Tiger’s nest monastery | 7 km | Hike: 4 hours.
- Day 8. Paro – Departure.
Wangdue Festival tour cost:
The cost given below is inclusive of sustainable development fee (SDF) of US $ 100 per person per night and Bhutan visa fee US $ 40 per person.
Entrance fees for monuments and festivals visits to be paid separately.
- Solo travel: US $ 2235 per person.
- 2 persons: US $ 1905 per person.
- 3 persons or more: US $ 1645 per person.
Nature of trip: Privately guided travel in Bhutan.
Wangdue Festival tour - Detail itinerary.
Day 1. Arrive Paro – Thimphu sightseeing | 54 Km | Drive: 1 hour | Altitude: 2334 m.
Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our guide and driver, who will accompany you on the scenic drive to Thimphu. Along the way, visit the historic Tamchog Monastery, built by the legendary iron bridge builder Thangtong Gyalpo.
In the afternoon, explore the Buddha Dordenma Statue, the tallest Buddha statue in the world at 51.5 meters, followed by visits to the sacred Changangkha Lhakhang and the Takin Preserve Center, home to Bhutan’s national animal.
In the evening, enjoy stunning views of Thimphu from the Sangaygang Viewpoint, visit the tranquil Dupthop Lhakhang Nunnery, and conclude with a tour of the majestic Tashichho Dzong, the royal secretariat and summer residence of the Je Khenpo. End your day with a delightful dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel.
Day 2. Thimphu sightseeing.
In the morning, start your day in Thimphu with a visit to the National Postal Museum, where you can learn about Bhutan’s unique philatelic history. Continue to the Painting School (Zorig Chusum Institute) to witness traditional Bhutanese art being taught and practiced. Explore the lively Craft Bazaar, showcasing authentic local handicrafts, and enjoy some free time strolling through the town, perfect for photography.
Afterward, drive to Paro and begin your afternoon with a visit to the Ta Dzong, Bhutan’s National Museum, followed by the impressive Rinpung Dzong, a historic fortress and monastery. End the afternoon with a visit to a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse, offering a glimpse into the rural lifestyle and culture. In the evening, enjoy free time exploring Paro town, ideal for shopping and photography. Conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel.
Day 3. Thimphu – Punakha sightseeing | 76 Km | Drive: 3 hours.
After breakfast, drive to Punakha, making scenic and cultural stops along the way.
Begin with a visit to Dochula Pass (3,140 m), famous for its 108 stupas and breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountain ranges. This pass is also the site of the Druk Wangyel Festival, held annually on 13th December. Next, explore the Royal Botanical Park, a nature reserve rich in wildlife, including monal pheasants, musk deer, leopards, and red pandas. The park features a rhododendron garden with 46 species, celebrated during the Rhododendron Festival in spring. Continue to Chimi Lhakhang, the Temple of Fertility, built in 1499 by Drukpa Kuenley, the “Divine Madman.”
After lunch, visit Punakha Dzong, built in 1637, the winter residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and site of Bhutan’s first National Assembly (1952). Conclude the day with a walk across the Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge, the longest in Bhutan.
Dinner and overnight in Hotel.
Day 4. Witness Wangdue festival.
In the morning, immerse yourself in the vibrant Wangdue Tshechu Festival, a spectacular event featuring mask dances, cultural performances, and the famous Raksha Mangcham (Dance of the Ox). This festival, held in Wangdue Phodrang, concludes with the unfurling of the Guru Tshengye Thongdrel, a sacred Buddhist scroll believed to bestow blessings upon all who see it.
In the evening, embark on a scenic hike to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chöling Monastery, a stunning temple perched on a hilltop overlooking the Punakha Valley. Built by Her Majesty the Queen Mother, Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck, the monastery is known for its exquisite paintings and panoramic views of the lush surroundings.
Dinner and overnight in Hotel.
Day 5. Witness Wangdue festival.
Spend the whole day experiencing the Wangdue Tshechu Festival, where monks and local performers showcase colorful mask dances, folk songs, and religious rituals. The highlight of the festival is the unfurling of the Guru Tshengye Thongdrel, a sacred tapestry believed to bless all who lay eyes upon it.
In the evening, visit Rinchengang Village, a historic settlement known for its traditional Bhutanese stone houses and skilled craftsmen. This ancient village offers a glimpse into Bhutan’s rich architectural heritage and community lifestyle.
Dinner and overnight in Hotel.
Day 6. Punakha – Paro sightseeing | 132 km | Drive: 3 hours | Altitude: 2200 m).
In the morning, drive to Paro, stopping en route at the Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the Temple of Fertility. Built in 1499 by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, famously called “The Divine Madman,” the temple reflects his unique teaching style using songs and humor to convey spiritual lessons.
In the afternoon, visit the Ta Dzong, originally built in 1649, now serving as Bhutan’s National Museum, showcasing rich artifacts and cultural treasures. Continue to the nearby Rinpung Dzong, constructed in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, renowned for its traditional architecture and historical significance.
In the evening, enjoy a leisurely stroll in Paro town.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 7. Paro sightseeing – Hike to the Tiger’s nest monastery | Walk: 2 hours | Altitude: 2200 m.
In the morning, embark on a memorable hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang), perched dramatically on a cliff at 3,120 meters. The hike, a two-hour ascent, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, making it one of Bhutan’s most cherished experiences.
In the afternoon, visit Drugyel Dzong, also known as the “Fortress of Victory,” which holds significant historical importance, and the sacred Kichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples.
In the evening, enjoy free time exploring Paro town, perfect for shopping and photography. Conclude the day with a delicious dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel.
Day 8. Paro – Departure.
After breakfast, bid farewell to the enchanting kingdom of Bhutan as you drive to Paro International Airport. Your guide and driver will assist you with departure formalities, ensuring a smooth and memorable end to your journey. Safe travels!
FAQs - Wangdue Festival tour itinerary
Can photos and videos be taken during the festival?
Photography is allowed, but it’s courteous to avoid interrupting rituals. Always seek permission before photographing monks or performers.
Is prior booking necessary to attend the festival?
While tickets are not required for the festival itself, it’s advisable to book accommodations and transportation in advance due to high demand during festival time.
What should I wear to the festival?
Visitors are encouraged to dress modestly. Bhutanese attire like Gho (for men) and Kira (for women) is ideal but not mandatory. Comfortable, respectful clothing is recommended.
Tour cost includes
- All meals [breakfast / lunch / dinner].
- Accommodation [twin / double sharing basis]. Single room supplement is extra.
- All transportation within the country including airport transfers.
- Sustainable development fee (SDF).
- Bhutan visa fee.
- English speaking local guide.
- Sightseeing.
- Bottled water.
Tour Cost Excludes
- Entrance fees for museums and monuments.
- Domestic/International flight (Drukair / Bhutan Airlines fares).
- Insurance premiums.
- Payments for service provided on a personal basis.
- Cost incurred due to mishaps, strikes, political unrest etc.
- Cost for any services not mentioned in the “Cost Include head”.
- Personal expenses such as laundry, soft drinks, etc...
- Tips for guide and driver.
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