Domkhar Festival in Bhutan 2026
The Domkhar Tshechu Festival is a three-day annual event held in Chumey Valley, Bumthang. This vibrant festival is popular among both locals and tourists, featuring sacred mask dances, traditional music, and religious rituals.
Founded by Lama Kuenkhen Longchen Rabjam in the 16th century, the festival marks the birthday anniversary of Guru Rinpoche, the Indian Buddhist saint who introduced Vajrayana Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century.
Festival Dates: 26th – 28th April 2026
Venue: Domkhar Lhakhang, Chumey Valley, Bumthang District
Domkhar Festival in Bhutan
Highlights of the trip:
- Witness the Domkhar tshechu festival.
- Meet local people.
- Visit ancient dzongs, temples and monasteries.
- Pristine villages and farm houses.
- Scenic landscapes.
- Archery matches.
- Scenic mountain flight.
Sketch itinerary:
- Day 1. Arrive Paro and sightseeing | Altitude: 2200 m.
- Day 2. Paro – Bumthang sightseeing (By Flight) | Altitude: 2600 m.
- Day 3. Bumthang sightseeing – Domkhar festival | 28 Km | Drive: 55 Minutes.
- Day 4. Bumthang – Domkhar tshechu festival | 28 Km | Drive: 55 minutes.
- Day 5. Bumthang – Trongsa – Gangtey | 146 km | Drive: 5 hours | Altitude: 3000 m.
- Day 6. Gangtey – Punakha sightseeing | 75 km | Drive: 2 hours| Altitude: 1242 m.
- Day 7. Punakha – Thimphu sightseeing | 76 km | Drive: 3 hours | Altitude: 2334 m.
- Day 8. Thimphu sightseeing | Altitude: 2334 m.
- Day 9. Thimphu – Paro (Hike to the Tiger’s nest) | 56 km | Drive: 1 hour | Hike: 4 hours.
- Day 10. Paro – Departure.
Domkhar 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 $ 2825 per person.
- 2 persons: US $ 2395 per person.
- 3 persons or more: US $ 2065 per person.
Nature of trip: Privately guided travel in Bhutan.
Domkhar Festival tour - Detail itinerary.
Day 01. Arrive Paro and sightseeing | Altitude: 2200 m.
Upon arrival in Paro, soak in the fresh Himalayan air and the picturesque valley surrounded by mountains.
After lunch, begin your exploration with a visit to Ta Dzong, Bhutan’s National Museum, housed in a historic watchtower. It offers fascinating exhibits of Bhutanese art, history, and culture. Next, visit the iconic Rinpung Dzong, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, which serves as the administrative center of Paro District.
In the evening, enjoy free time strolling through the charming Paro town, perfect for shopping and photography.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 02. Paro – Bumthang sightseeing (By Flight) | Altitude: 2600 m.
After breakfast, you’ll drive to Paro Airport for your domestic flight to Bumthang, located in central Bhutan. The flight offers scenic views of the surrounding mountains, making for a delightful journey.
Upon arrival in Bumthang, you’ll visit Jakar Dzong, which was built in 1667 by Lam Nagi Wangchuk. The dzong is perched on a hill overlooking the beautiful Chokhor Valley and is one of the most important landmarks in the region.
Next, head to Jambay Lhakhang, a sacred site built in 659 AD by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet. This historical temple is one of the oldest in Bhutan and holds immense religious significance.
Afterwards, visit Tamshing Lhakhang, which was established in 1501 by the revered saint Pema Lingpa. This monastery is famous for its religious murals and its role in preserving Bhutanese spiritual practices.
Finally, explore Kurjey Lhakhang, a monastery that is believed to house the body imprint of Guru Rinpoche. It’s a highly sacred site, and nearby you will also visit Kencho Sum Lhakhang, another important temple.
In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 03. Bumthang – Witness Domkhar tshechu festival.
In the morning, drive to Domkhar Monastery to witness the Domkhar Tshechu Festival 2025. This full-day event showcases sacred mask dances, vibrant cultural performances, and religious rituals performed by monks and local dancers. The festival is a significant spiritual and social gathering for the people of Bumthang.
In the evening, drive back to Bumthang, enjoying the scenic landscapes along the way.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 04. Bumthang – Witness Domkhar festival (Half Day).
In the morning, witness the Domkhar Tshechu Festival 2025, a vibrant celebration featuring sacred mask dances, traditional performances, and religious rituals. This festival is an important cultural event in Bumthang, drawing both locals and visitors.
In the afternoon, visit Mebar Tsho, also known as “The Burning Lake.” This sacred site is where Terton Pema Lingpa discovered hidden treasures of Guru Rinpoche in the 14th century. The lake holds great spiritual significance and is a popular pilgrimage destination.
In the evening, enjoy free time to stroll around Bumthang town, explore local markets, and capture beautiful photographs.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 05. Bumthang – Trongsa – Gangtey |146 km | Drive: 5 hours | Altitude: 3000 m.
After breakfast, drive to Gangtey, passing through stunning mountain landscapes. En route, visit Trongsa Dzong, built in 1648 by Chogyal Minjur Tempa. This historic fortress was the seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan, and the first two kings of Bhutan ruled the country from here. Then, visit Ta Dzong, now a Royal Heritage Museum, which offers deep insights into Bhutanese history and culture.
After lunch, continue your journey to the picturesque Gangtey Valley. Upon arrival, visit Gangtey Gompa Monastery, founded in 1613 by Gyaltse Pema Thinley. This important religious site belongs to the Nyingma school of Buddhism.
Later, explore the breathtaking Phobjikha Valley, a serene glacial valley that serves as the winter roosting ground for the rare black-necked cranes. The valley’s pristine beauty and unique ecosystem make it a must-visit destination.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 06. Gangtey – Punakha sightseeing | 75 km | Drive: 2 hours | Altitude: 1242 m.
After breakfast, drive to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan. En route, visit Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, built in 1638 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Though destroyed by fire in 2012, the dzong has been restored to its former glory and remains an important cultural landmark.
Next, visit Chimi Lhakhang, the renowned “Temple of Fertility”, built in 1499 by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, also known as the Divine Madman. Famous for his unconventional teachings using humor and songs, he is revered for blessing childless couples who seek fertility prayers at the temple.
After lunch, explore Punakha Dzong, an architectural masterpiece built in 1637. Situated at the confluence of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, it serves as the winter residence of the Je Khenpo and hosted Bhutan’s first national assembly in 1952.
In the evening, enjoy a scenic hike to Khamsum Yulley Monastery, offering panoramic views of the valley.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 07. Punakha – Thimphu sightseeing | 76 km | Drive: 2 hours | Altitude: 2334 m.
In the morning, drive to Thimphu, with a stop at Dochula Pass to admire the 108 stupas and the stunning view of the higher Himalayas. This pass is also the venue for the Druk Wangyel Festival, held annually on 13th December.
After lunch, explore the Weekend Vegetable Market, where you can see fresh produce from around the country. Then, witness an exciting archery match at Changlimithang Stadium, a popular sport in Bhutan.
Overnight in the hotel.
Day 08. Thimphu sightseeing | Altitude: 2334 m.
After breakfast, visit the National Memorial Chorten (1974), built in honor of the late His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Then, explore the Postal Museum and marvel at the tallest statue of the sitting Buddha in the world (51.5 m). Continue with a visit to Changangkha Lhakhang and the Takin Preserve Center, home to Bhutan’s national animal.
Next, head to Sangay Gang Viewpoint for panoramic views, followed by a visit to Dupthop Lhakhang, one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan.
In the afternoon, visit the Painting School, the School of 13 Arts and Crafts.
In the evening, enjoy free time for shopping and photography in town.
Dinner and overnight in the hotel.
Day 09. Thimphu – Paro sightseeing (Tiger’s nest monastery) | 54 km | Drive: 1 hour | Hike: 4 hours.
After breakfast, drive to Paro, making a short stop to view Tamchog Monastery, built in 1420 by Thang Tong Gyalpo. He constructed 108 bridges across Tibet and Bhutan, with 8 located in Bhutan.
Next, embark on a hike to the spectacular Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang), a highlight of the trip. The hike takes about 2 hours to reach the monastery. This trail is part of the scenic Bumdra Trek in the Paro Valley.
In the afternoon, visit Drugyal Dzong, built in 1647 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, followed by a visit to Kichu Lhakhang, built in 659 A.D. by the Tibetan king Srongtsen Gampo, who constructed 108 temples in a single day to pin an ogress to the earth.
In the evening, enjoy free time to stroll in the town for shopping and photography.
Dinner and overnight in the hotel.
Day 10. Paro – Departure (End of tour).
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 - Domkhar 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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