This festival takes you to Zhemgang Bhutan. This allows visitors to get close to the local community and appreciate the distinct culture of central Bhutan.

In the 17th century, Bhutan faced multiple incursions by Tibetan forces who sought a highly prized relic, the Ranjung Kharsapani. Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the leader of Bhutan, successfully repelled the Tibetan invaders, and in commemoration of this victory, he instituted the Punakha Drubchen festival. Consequently, Punakha Drubchen has since become an annual celebration in Punakha Dzongkhag.

Immerse yourself in Bhutan’s ancient traditions during the Punakha Tshechu festival! Held during March, this colorful celebration features mesmerizing masked dances performed by monks. Between dances, lively clowns (atsaras) entertain the crowd with jokes and antics. Don’t miss the awe-inspiring unfurling of the Thongdrol—a giant silk painting—on the festival’s final day. It’s a joyous blend of spirituality, art, and community.

Chorten Kora, located in Eastern Bhutan, stands as a beloved tourist destination and a revered stupa. Its splendid design and serene atmosphere captivate visitors. Inspired by Nepal’s iconic Boudhanath Stupa, Chorten Kora showcases intricate Buddhist architecture. Set alongside the glistening Kulong Chu River in Trashiyangtse, this magnificent structure holds deep religious and cultural significance. Lama Ngawang Loday, the nephew of the revered Lama Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, dedicated 12 years to its construction in the 18th century. The Chorten Kora Festival, also known as the Circumambulation Festival, involves Bhutanese people (specifically the Drukpa community) performing a sacred circumambulation around the famous Chorten Kora stupa. This takes place during the 15th day of the buddhist month.