THIMPHU TSHECHU
FESTIVAL TOUR / THIMPHU TSHECHU
Thimphu Tshechu
Thimphu Tshechu is one of the most vibrant and significant festivals in Bhutan. The Thimphu Tshechu is a religious festival celebrated annually around later September or early October in the capital city of Thimphu, featuring colorful masked dances, traditional music, and religious rituals.
Day 1: Arrival in Paro
Arrive at Paro International Airport, Bhutan. Meet your tour guide and transfer to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. Check-in at your hotel and rest for a while. In the afternoon, visit the Memorial Chorten, a prominent Buddhist stupa dedicated to world peace and prosperity. Explore the local markets in Thimphu, where you can shop for traditional Bhutanese handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs. Enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, experiencing Bhutanese cuisine. Overnight stay in Thimphu.
Day 2: Thimphu Sightseeing and Festival Preparation
After breakfast, visit the National Folk Heritage Museum to learn about Bhutanese rural life, traditions, and culture. Next, visit the National Textile Museum to explore Bhutan’s rich textile heritage and traditional weaving techniques. Have lunch at a local restaurant, sampling authentic Bhutanese dishes. In the afternoon, visit the Tashichho Dzong, a magnificent fortress housing the throne room and government offices. Witness the vibrant preparations for the upcoming Thimphu Tshechu at the Tashichho Dzong. Attend a briefing session with your tour guide to learn more about the significance and schedule of the Thimphu Tshechu. Dinner and overnight stay in Thimphu.
Day 3: Thimphu Tshechu Day 1
Early morning, head to the Tashichho Dzong to witness the opening ceremony of the Thimphu Tshechu. Experience the mesmerizing, masked dances, traditional music, and religious rituals performed by monks and laymen. Explore the various stalls set up around the dzong, selling religious artifacts, handicrafts, and local delicacies. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the festival grounds, soaking in the festive atmosphere. In the evening, attend the grand procession (Thruep), where the sacred Thongdrol (giant thangka) is unfurled for public viewing. Dinner and overnight stay in Thimphu.
Day 4: Thimphu Tshechu Day 2 and Cultural Sightseeing
After breakfast, return to the Tashichho Dzong to continue witnessing the colorful performances of the Thimphu Tshechu. Explore other cultural attractions in Thimphu, such as the Buddha Dordenma Statue, a massive bronze statue overlooking the city. Visit the Changangkha Lhakhang, an ancient temple offering panoramic views of the Thimphu Valley. Have lunch at a local restaurant, savoring Bhutanese delicacies. In the afternoon, visit the Simply Bhutan Museum to learn more about Bhutanese culture, traditions, and way of life. Attend the evening session of the Thimphu Tshechu, enjoying more masked dances and cultural performances. Dinner and overnight stay in Thimphu.
Day 5: Thimphu to Punakha
Drive over the Dochu-La pass (108 chortens), which on a clear day offers an incredible view of Himalayan peaks before descending to Punakha valley. On arrival, visit Punakha Dzong which is situated at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu and is the winter headquarters of the Je Khenpo and the monk body. It was in 1907 in Punakha Dzong that Bhutan’s first king was crowned. After lunch, enjoy a walk to Chimi Lhakhang, temple of the Drukpa Kuenly who is also known as the Divine Madman. He is also considered a symbol of fertility and most childless couples go to his temple for blessing. Overnight at your hotel in Punakha/ Wangduephodrang.
Day 6: Punakha to Thimphu to Paro
In the morning, embark on a drive to Yabesa village and trek through the picturesque ricefields leading up to Khamsum Yueley Namgyal Chorten, a sacred monument constructed by her majesty Queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuk. Situated atop a hill overlooking the river, the Chorten is adorned with intricate paintings from the Nyingmapa Traditions. Return to Thimphu and explore The National Library, home to a vast collection of Bhutanese scriptures dating back to the 8th century, and visit the Folk Heritage Museum. Take the opportunity to browse through handicraft and souvenir shops. Visit Buddha Dodernma and memorial Chorten. Subsequently, make your way to Paro. Upon reaching Paro, settle into your hotel for the night. Enjoy your stay in Paro.
Day 7: Paro Sightseeing
After having breakfast, embark on a 2 hour hike to Taktsang Monastery. For those unable to hike, we can arrange a horse for transportation up to the viewing point. The sight of Taktsang Monastery perched on a steep cliff face 900 meters above the valley floor is truly breathtaking. Nearby, there is a teahouse where you can take a break and enjoy some refreshments and we can have lunch in Paro Town. Later in the afternoon, drive to the almost fully reconstructed Drukgyel Dzong. The original structure, destroyed by a fire in 1951, was initially built by Zhabdrung to commemorate his triumph over invading Tibetans in 1644. On the way back to Paro, explore other attractions in the Paro valley. Spend the night at your hotel in Paro.
Day 8: Depart from Paro
Breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination.
Arrive at Paro International Airport, Bhutan. Meet your tour guide and transfer to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. Check-in at your hotel and rest for a while. In the afternoon, visit the Memorial Chorten, a prominent Buddhist stupa dedicated to world peace and prosperity. Explore the local markets in Thimphu, where you can shop for traditional Bhutanese handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs. Enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, experiencing Bhutanese cuisine. Overnight stay in Thimphu.
Day 2: Thimphu Sightseeing and Festival Preparation
After breakfast, visit the National Folk Heritage Museum to learn about Bhutanese rural life, traditions, and culture. Next, visit the National Textile Museum to explore Bhutan’s rich textile heritage and traditional weaving techniques. Have lunch at a local restaurant, sampling authentic Bhutanese dishes. In the afternoon, visit the Tashichho Dzong, a magnificent fortress housing the throne room and government offices. Witness the vibrant preparations for the upcoming Thimphu Tshechu at the Tashichho Dzong. Attend a briefing session with your tour guide to learn more about the significance and schedule of the Thimphu Tshechu. Dinner and overnight stay in Thimphu.
Day 3: Thimphu Tshechu Day 1
Early morning, head to the Tashichho Dzong to witness the opening ceremony of the Thimphu Tshechu. Experience the mesmerizing, masked dances, traditional music, and religious rituals performed by monks and laymen. Explore the various stalls set up around the dzong, selling religious artifacts, handicrafts, and local delicacies. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the festival grounds, soaking in the festive atmosphere. In the evening, attend the grand procession (Thruep), where the sacred Thongdrol (giant thangka) is unfurled for public viewing. Dinner and overnight stay in Thimphu.
Day 4: Thimphu Tshechu Day 2 and Cultural Sightseeing
After breakfast, return to the Tashichho Dzong to continue witnessing the colorful performances of the Thimphu Tshechu. Explore other cultural attractions in Thimphu, such as the Buddha Dordenma Statue, a massive bronze statue overlooking the city. Visit the Changangkha Lhakhang, an ancient temple offering panoramic views of the Thimphu Valley. Have lunch at a local restaurant, savoring Bhutanese delicacies. In the afternoon, visit the Simply Bhutan Museum to learn more about Bhutanese culture, traditions, and way of life. Attend the evening session of the Thimphu Tshechu, enjoying more masked dances and cultural performances. Dinner and overnight stay in Thimphu.
Day 5: Thimphu to Punakha
Drive over the Dochu-La pass (108 chortens), which on a clear day offers an incredible view of Himalayan peaks before descending to Punakha valley. On arrival, visit Punakha Dzong which is situated at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu and is the winter headquarters of the Je Khenpo and the monk body. It was in 1907 in Punakha Dzong that Bhutan’s first king was crowned. After lunch, enjoy a walk to Chimi Lhakhang, temple of the Drukpa Kuenly who is also known as the Divine Madman. He is also considered a symbol of fertility and most childless couples go to his temple for blessing. Overnight at your hotel in Punakha/ Wangduephodrang.
Day 6: Punakha to Thimphu to Paro
In the morning, embark on a drive to Yabesa village and trek through the picturesque ricefields leading up to Khamsum Yueley Namgyal Chorten, a sacred monument constructed by her majesty Queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuk. Situated atop a hill overlooking the river, the Chorten is adorned with intricate paintings from the Nyingmapa Traditions. Return to Thimphu and explore The National Library, home to a vast collection of Bhutanese scriptures dating back to the 8th century, and visit the Folk Heritage Museum. Take the opportunity to browse through handicraft and souvenir shops. Visit Buddha Dodernma and memorial Chorten. Subsequently, make your way to Paro. Upon reaching Paro, settle into your hotel for the night. Enjoy your stay in Paro.
Day 7: Paro Sightseeing
After having breakfast, embark on a 2 hour hike to Taktsang Monastery. For those unable to hike, we can arrange a horse for transportation up to the viewing point. The sight of Taktsang Monastery perched on a steep cliff face 900 meters above the valley floor is truly breathtaking. Nearby, there is a teahouse where you can take a break and enjoy some refreshments and we can have lunch in Paro Town. Later in the afternoon, drive to the almost fully reconstructed Drukgyel Dzong. The original structure, destroyed by a fire in 1951, was initially built by Zhabdrung to commemorate his triumph over invading Tibetans in 1644. On the way back to Paro, explore other attractions in the Paro valley. Spend the night at your hotel in Paro.
Day 8: Depart from Paro
Breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination.
Price Includes :
- A minimum of 3-star accommodation (4 & 5 stars can be upgraded at an additional fee)
- All meals / Tea & snacks
- All internal transport (excluding Domestic flights)
- Sightseeing with entrance fees
- An experienced English speaking tour leader
- Bottled water in the vehicle
- SDF (Sustainable Development Fees/Government Fees) & Visa Fees
Price Excludes :
- Flights
- Travel & Health Insurance
- Additional personal expenses such as souvenirs, meals, snacks, alcohol, laundry, tips, and gratuities for the tour leader and staff.
