BHUTANFor culturally curious travellers
Travellers who enjoy living traditions, local food and unhurried encounters. Walking is adjustable; Tiger’s Nest is optional.
Private winter festival journey · 12 days
Punakha Dromchoe & Winter Valleys 2027
9–20 February 2027. A half-day at Punakha Dromchoe, three nights in the valley, and quieter days in Gangtey, Haa and Paro.
- Duration
- 12 days / 11 nights
- Route
- Thimphu · Gangtey · Punakha · Haa · Paro
- Style
- Private & handcrafted
- Travel dates
- 9–20 February 2027
The journey in one thought
A festival morning. Five valleys to discover.
Discover Punakha Dromchoe through the ceremonial presence of pazaps, the valley’s traditional warrior groups. Your guide explains the history and religious meaning behind this distinctive Bhutanese celebration. This private Bhutan winter tour pairs one half-day festival visit with mountain valleys, farmhouse hospitality and everyday encounters.
Begin with two nights in Thimphu and two in Gangtey, then spend three nights in Punakha. Continue to Haa for two nights and finish with two in Paro. The planned half-day Dromchoe visit falls on 15 February, subject to the confirmed programme. Tiger’s Nest is optional, with a gentler Paro day available.
A journey through five valleys
Two nights in Thimphu, two in Gangtey, three in Punakha, two in Haa and two in Paro. A 12-day private journey from 9–20 February 2027.
A personal winter rhythm
One half-day festival visit, village walks and warm evenings. Punakha offers a gentler valley climate between the colder highland stays.
The story of the journey
Five experiences to carry home
A festival morning anchors the journey; Gangtey’s open valley, rural hospitality and quieter encounters give it depth.
Punakha’s two winter festivals
One festival visit, shaped around your dates.
Punakha Dromchoe is listed for 13–15 February 2027 and Punakha Tshechu for 16–18 February. This departure includes one half-day at Dromchoe, planned for 15 February. Tshechu offers an alternative festival experience for a separately tailored later departure.
Day by day
Twelve days, with time beyond the festival.
Travel from 9–20 February 2027 through Thimphu, Gangtey, Punakha, Haa and Paro. Three Punakha nights include one half-day festival visit; the rest of the journey follows an unhurried cultural and countryside rhythm.
Day01
9 February 2027 · Paro → Thimphu
A gentle welcome to Bhutan.
Meet your Raven guide at Paro Airport and drive to Thimphu. Settle into your hotel before a cup of tea and an easy neighbourhood walk. Depending on arrival time, visit the Memorial Chorten or simply enjoy a relaxed first dinner.
- Pace
- Easy arrival · 1–1½-hour drive
- Overnight
- Thimphu
Day02
10 February · Thimphu
Art, everyday life and winter flavours.
Discover the capital through traditional arts, small shops and the daily farmers’ market. Let seasonal produce and local ingredients introduce you to Bhutanese cooking. Choose a short forest walk, a quiet café or a friendly introduction to traditional games according to your interests.
- Pace
- Flexible cultural day
- Overnight
- Thimphu
Day03
11 February · Thimphu → Gangtey
Over Dochula, towards an open mountain valley.
Drive towards Gangtey, stopping at Dochula for the chortens and mountain views if skies are clear. Allow time for lunch and comfortable breaks along the winding road. Settle into your lodge in Phobjikha Valley for two nights, with a quiet evening after the journey.
- Pace
- Scenic travel day · lunch and photo stops
- Overnight
- Gangtey
Day04
12 February · Gangtey and Phobjikha
Valley paths and monastery prayers.
Enjoy the Gangtey Nature Trail at a comfortable pace, shortening the walk if winter conditions require. Visit the Black-necked Crane Information Centre and watch for cranes in the valley if they are present. Attend either morning or evening prayers at Gangtey Monastery when its schedule permits, with time for a warm lunch and rest at your lodge.
- Pace
- Gentle nature walk · flexible monastery visit
- Overnight
- Gangtey
Day05
13 February · Gangtey → Punakha
From highland air to farmhouse hospitality.
Leave Gangtey after breakfast and descend towards Punakha. Stop for a gentle village walk or Chimi Lhakhang if you wish, then settle into your valley base for three nights. A farmhouse visit and home-style meal offer a welcoming introduction to local life, with time to chat and explore nearby fields.
- Pace
- Scenic transfer · relaxed cultural stops
- Overnight
- Punakha
Day06
14 February · Khamsum and Neyzergang
Fields, river views and a monastery connection.
Walk towards Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten at a pace that suits you. Later, visit Neyzergang for butter lamps and conversation when the community’s schedule permits. Tree planting depends on suitable seasonal conditions and aftercare. Keep time for lunch and rest before tomorrow’s half-day festival visit.
- Pace
- Optional valley walk · unhurried monastery visit
- Overnight
- Punakha
Day07
15 February · Punakha Dromchoe
Punakha’s history, brought to life.
Spend half a day at Punakha Dromchoe, where pazap groups recall the valley’s historic defence through ceremonial traditions. Your guide explains the history and religious context, planning your visit around the confirmed local programme. Guests who wish can wear a gho or kira, with our team helping them dress. Afterwards, enjoy a relaxed meal and time at your lodge or a gentle countryside walk. No second festival session is scheduled.
- Pace
- Half-day Dromchoe visit · time to relax
- Overnight
- Punakha
Day08
16 February · Punakha → Haa
A quieter valley beyond the celebrations.
Leave after breakfast for the scenic journey to Haa. Allow a full travel day with lunch and comfortable stops. Your driver chooses the appropriate route for winter road conditions. Settle into your Haa stay for the first of two nights, with no fixed sightseeing after arrival.
- Pace
- Full travel day with breaks
- Overnight
- Haa
Day09
17 February · Haa
Village lanes and highland hospitality.
Explore Haa through village lanes, local temples and short pine-forest walks when paths are suitable. Share a local meal and learn about everyday life in the valley. Archery or khuru, traditional darts, may be arranged when available. Cold or icy conditions are a reason to shorten the walk and linger indoors.
- Pace
- Optional 2–5 km of gentle walking
- Overnight
- Haa
Day10
18 February · Haa → Paro
A leisurely morning, then back to Paro.
Enjoy a final Haa morning before driving to Paro. The route and any high-pass stop depend on snow, ice and road access; an alternative route may be used. Settle in and explore Paro town at an easy pace, leaving the evening free before your chosen experience tomorrow.
- Pace
- Scenic transfer · winter route dependent
- Overnight
- Paro
Day11
19 February · Paro
Tiger’s Nest, or a gentler day.
Choose the substantial hike to Tiger’s Nest, allowing roughly five to seven hours for the return walk and visit, with rests along the way. Alternatively, enjoy Kyichu Lhakhang, artisans and rural Paro at a gentler pace. A farmhouse lunch or traditional hot stone bath can form part of your confirmed programme.
- Pace
- Optional hike · about 6.5 km / +520 m
- Overnight
- Paro
Day12
20 February · Paro → Departure
A thoughtful farewell.
Enjoy breakfast as your flight schedule allows, then transfer privately to Paro International Airport. Your guide and chauffeur help bring the journey to a relaxed close, with memories of Punakha’s celebrations and the everyday warmth of its valleys.
- Pace
- Private airport transfer
- Overnight
- Departure
Why Raven designed it this way
A little celebration. Room to explore.
Three nights in Punakha allow one half-day at Dromchoe, a monastery encounter and farmhouse hospitality without filling every day with ceremonies. Two nights in Gangtey add a complete valley day for nature and quiet reflection before the celebration.
Two nights each in Thimphu, Haa and Paro create a varied journey without nightly hotel changes. The final Paro day offers Tiger’s Nest or a gentler alternative. Winter road conditions and local schedules guide the details.
Where you may stay
Characterful stays, thoughtfully placed.
Choose locally rooted boutique hotels, heritage properties or a more luxurious collection of stays. Raven confirms the properties, room categories and meal plan in your private proposal. Haa’s accommodation selection is smaller; early planning helps secure the best fit.
- Thimphu · 2 nights and Gangtey · 2 nights: local arts and food, followed by Phobjikha’s open valley and monastery life.
- Punakha · 3 nights: one half-day festival visit, rural hospitality and time beside the rivers.
- Haa · 2 nights and Paro · 2 nights: quieter village encounters followed by your choice of final-day experiences.
Festival-period rooms are subject to availability. The final proposal confirms all eleven nights and any requested upgrades.
Read Raven’s approach to staysPractical clarity
What Raven takes care of
Your private proposal confirms accommodation, meals, site fees, visa arrangements and the applicable Sustainable Development Fee. There is no festival-linked SDF waiver included in this February journey.
Your private arrangements
- Private journey design, visa processing and applicable SDF as confirmed in your proposal
- Private airport transfers and road transport throughout the confirmed journey
- A licensed Raven guide and private chauffeur
- Eleven nights in the confirmed properties and room categories
- Meals, refreshments and farmhouse hospitality as specified
- One guided half-day festival visit, plus confirmed cultural sites and entrance fees
- Gangtey, Khamsum and Haa walks, monastery arrangements and Tiger’s Nest when selected
- Confirmed hot stone bath, local activities and on-ground support
Not normally included
- International flights unless expressly included
- Travel insurance, including appropriate medical and evacuation cover
- Alcohol, shopping, laundry and personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
- Hotel and room upgrades beyond the confirmed proposal
- Optional activities and treatments not specified as included
- Applicable card and bank-transfer charges
- Costs arising from unforeseen changes to flights or travel arrangements
Rest and personal choices
A softer finish, shaped around you.
Add a traditional hot stone bath, choose a gentle Paro day or extend your stay in Haa. Tiger’s Nest is entirely optional. Raven can arrange additional wellbeing experiences and quieter evenings around your interests, with availability and inclusions confirmed in advance.
Questions before you travel
Your winter journey, explained.
Practical answers about your half-day festival visit, five-valley route, winter travel and private arrangements.
When are Punakha Dromchoe and Tshechu in 2027?
The published tentative dates are 13–15 February 2027 for Punakha Dromchoe and 16–18 February for Punakha Tshechu. This 9–20 February journey includes one half-day at Dromchoe, planned for 15 February. Raven reconfirms the local calendar and ceremonial programme before travel. A later departure can be tailored around Tshechu instead.
What is the difference between Dromchoe and Tshechu?
Dromchoe includes the pazap warrior tradition associated with Punakha’s historic defence and religious ceremonies. Tshechu follows with sacred masked dances and community celebration. Your guide explains the context and etiquette of each occasion.
How many nights do we spend in each valley?
This 12-day Bhutan itinerary includes 11 nights: two in Thimphu, two in Gangtey, three in Punakha, two in Haa and two in Paro. Gangtey comes before Punakha so the journey reaches the valley in time for Dromchoe.
How much time do we spend at the festival?
The itinerary includes one half-day at Punakha Dromchoe, with the exact visit timed around the confirmed ceremonial programme. The rest of the day allows a relaxed meal, a gentle walk or rest. It does not include attendance at Tshechu; a later departure can be tailored for that festival instead.
Is Tiger’s Nest compulsory?
No. Tiger’s Nest is an optional substantial hike, approximately 6.5 km return with around 520 metres of ascent and five to seven hours including the visit. A gentler Paro day can include temples, artisans and farmhouse hospitality instead.
What is Bhutan like in February?
Expect cold mornings and evenings, especially in Gangtey, Haa and at mountain passes. Punakha is generally milder. Snow or ice can affect higher roads and paths, so layers, warm evening clothing and suitable walking shoes are essential. Your guide may adjust walks and driving routes.
Are the SDF, visa and festival arrangements included?
Your private proposal states the applicable Sustainable Development Fee, visa arrangements, festival guiding, accommodation, meals and site fees. No special SDF waiver is included for this February itinerary. Flights, insurance, personal spending and unlisted activities are normally separate.
Your journey starts with a conversation
What would you like to discover in Bhutan?
Tell us who is travelling, your interest in Punakha Dromchoe, preferred stays and walking comfort. We will shape your private Bhutan winter journey with a half-day celebration and time for the valleys and people you would like to know.
Begin a private conversation