Punakha Drubchen & Tshechu — the Tibetan-invasion re-enactment, then the chams, at the most beautiful dzong in Bhutan.

What a visitor encounters

• The Serda procession

  Drubchen Day 1, late morning. Pazaps in armour and the relic carried through the courtyard. The historical re-enactment is acted in solemn earnest.

• The Tshechu chams

  The principal mask dance cycle on Day 2 of the Tshechu — the Pholay Molay, the Shawa Shachi, the Drametse Ngacham. The chams are framed by the dzong's whitewashed walls; the photographic tradition is exceptional.

• The pre-dawn thongdrel

  Closing morning of the Tshechu. The thongdrel is unfurled before sunrise; the window is perhaps thirty to forty minutes; the crowd is substantial but quieter than Paro.

• The dochu la drive

  The drive from Paro or Thimphu crosses the Dochu La pass at 3,100 metres — the 108 chortens are a notable photographic stop and on clear winter mornings the Himalayan panorama is visible.

Frequently asked

When exactly is Punakha Drubchen & Tshechu 2026?

21–26 February 2026 (six days total — three Drubchen days followed by three Tshechu days). The dates are per the Department of Tourism's published calendar and shift each year with the Bhutanese lunar calendar.

Why is Punakha less crowded than Paro or Thimphu?

The international cohort is smaller in the late-winter window than in the spring or autumn windows, and Punakha is a 4-hour drive from Paro airport. The festival itself is large by Bhutanese attendance, but the foreign visitor count is a fraction of the Paro Tshechu's.

What is the Serda procession?

The Serda is a 17th-century military re-enactment — the only such event in the Bhutanese festival calendar — commemorating the defeat of the Tibetan army by the Zhabdrung's forces in 1639. Pazaps process with the relic that drew the Tibetan army's pursuit; the procession is solemn rather than theatrical.

How do I get to Punakha?

Approximately 4 hours by road from Paro airport via Thimphu, crossing the Dochu La pass at 3,100 metres. The Dochu La is a notable photographic and walking stop. We recommend an overnight in Thimphu en route to break the drive and acclimatise.

Where do I stay for the festival?

Amankora Punakha (the lodge sits in the valley with a 20-minute drive to the dzong), COMO Uma Punakha, Six Senses Punakha, Dhensa Boutique Resort, and Zhingkham Resort. Premium lodges fill 3–6 months in advance for the festival window.