Overview
Bhutan Thimpu Tshechu festival tour package cost I dates I itinerary I best company to organise festival tours to Bhutan I cultural and festival tours in Bhutan I Bhutan festival calendar of 2026
Festival Name: Thimpu Tshechu
Festival date: 21-23 Sep, 2026
Festival location: Thimpu
The Thimphu Tshechu is one of Bhutan's most significant and vibrant cultural celebrations, held annually in the capital city of Thimphu. In 2026, the festival is scheduled from Sep 21 to 23, taking place at the majestic Tashichho Dzong, the seat of the Bhutanese government and the monastic headquarters. This three-day event is deeply rooted in Buddhist traditions and offers a unique opportunity to witness the cultural and spiritual fervour that pervades the kingdom.
The festival's centrepiece is the performance of Cham dances—elaborate masked dances performed by monks and lay practitioners. These dances depict various aspects of Mahayana Buddhism and stories of the 8th-century saint, Guru Rinpoche. Each performance is intended to impart moral lessons or to ward off evil spirits. Adding a lighter note to the spiritual and solemn nature of the Tshechu are the Atsaras, or clowns, who wear expressive masks and interact with the crowd, often mimicking the dancers and creating humorous diversions. They play a crucial role in making the religious observances more accessible and enjoyable to the public.
On the final day of the festival, a large Thongdrel—a giant religious thangka—is unveiled at dawn. It is believed that a mere sight of the Thongdrel can cleanse the viewer of their sins, making this moment one of the most anticipated and sacred parts of the festival. The event is also a significant social gathering, where locals dress in their finest traditional attire and jewellery, coming together to celebrate and reinforce their cultural identity.
For those interested in experiencing the Thimphu Tshechu Festival, Holiday Mountain Treks & Expedition is recommended as the best company to organise Bhutan festival tours offering tailored tours that provide an in-depth cultural experience, combining the vibrant festivities with visits to Bhutan's ancient Dzongs, monasteries, and pristine landscapes. Their expertise ensures that travellers can witness the grandeur of the festival while enjoying the comfort and safety of expertly planned itineraries.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 : Sep 19th: Fly to Bhutan and arrive Paro airport 2200m.
Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by a representative of Holiday Mountain Treks from Bhutan. After a brief introduction and refreshments, transfer to your hotel where you can relax and acclimate to the altitude. In the afternoon, Paro Dzong, a fine example of Bhutanese architecture and visit the National Museum housed in the Ta Dzong, offering insight into Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage. We end the day with a welcome dinner featuring traditional Bhutanese cuisine.
Day 2 : Sep 20th: Drive to Thimpu 2335m. 50 kms and 1.30 hours
After breakfast, we embark on a scenic hike to Taktsang Monastery 3120m (Tiger’s Nest), Bhutan’s most iconic landmark perched dramatically on a cliff side. The hike offers spectacular views and an immersive spiritual experience. After lunch, visit the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. Late afternoon drive to Thimpu enjoying the beautiful scenery along the way.
Day 3 : Sep 21st: Enjoy the festival in Thimpu
After breakfast; drive to Tashicho Dzong where the Tshechu held to attend the Tshechu festival. Full day enjoy the spectacular and monk mask dances where is the crowd of foreigners and locals with their beautiful attires. It is such a wonderful time watching and experiencing them in close up is the best way to observe deeply. Late afternoon, visit Memorial Chorten (shrine), a monument dedicated to the past 3rd king of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Then visit the National Institute of Zorig Chusum where the students learn Bhutanese 13 different crafts and arts such as wood carving, painting, statue making, and embroidery.
Day 4 : Sep 22nd: Drive to Punakha 1200m, 77 kms and 2.30 hours
After breakfast; drive Tashicho Dzong to attend the Thanka celebration of Guru Rinpoche which displays before sunrise. It is believed that those who are present during the celebration can wash away their sin and accumulate merits. Enjoy the most spectacular second day of Thimphu Tshechu with religious dance performances mixed with folk dances and dance of Bhutanese warriors.
Late afternoon drive to Punakha via Dochu la Pass (3050m), a scenic viewpoint for Mountains and also a popular for at the same time you will visit Druk Wangyal Chorten (108 stupas) which are built to honor the Bhutanese soldiers who lose their lives in the 2003 war with Indian rebels.
Day 5 : Sep 23rd: Drive to Gangtey 3000m, 78 kms and 3 hours
After breakfast, continue eastward through the beautiful landscapes of Wangduephodrang, stopping briefly at the town and local market. Then proceed to the picturesque Phobjikha Valley (Gangtey), home to the endangered black-necked cranes (seasonal from late October). Visit the Gangtey Monastery, one of Bhutan’s oldest Nyingma institutions, overlooking the glacial valley. This tranquil region offers a peaceful contrast to the bustling festival and is ideal for light walks and birds watching.
Day 6 : Sep 24th: Drive back to Thimpu 2335m, 145 kms and 3.30 hours
Today we begin our return journey to Thimpu, retracing our route through the Dochula Pass. On the way, we stop for lunch and tea while enjoying the serene Bhutanese countryside. On arrival in Thimpu, you’ll have time for relax and walk around the city for some souvenir shopping around city or optional visits to any sites missed earlier
Day 7 : Sep 25th: Drive to Paro 2200m, 50 kms and 1.30 hors
After breakfast, Visit Traditional Bhutanese Jungshi Paper paper making factory (the handmade paper making) in Bhutan stemmed from the age old tradition originated in 8th century of Bhutanese history. Then visit Takin Preserve, which houses the National animal the Takin that is only found in Bhutan and lives above 13,000ft and finally visit Changankha Lhakhang temple situated atop a small hound overlooking the Thimphu valley which was built in the 13th century by the illustrious Lam Phajo Dugom Zhigpo. The temple is considered the spiritual home of children born in the Chang valley. After lunch drive back to Paro. On arrival in Paro, you’ll have time for last-minute shopping around Paro city or optional visits to any sites missed earlier. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner celebrating your memorable cultural journey in Bhutan.
Day 8 : Sep 26th: Departure from Bhutan
After breakfast, our team will escort you to Paro International Airport for your onward flight. As you bid farewell to Bhutan, take with you the deep impressions of the Thimphu Tshechu, the spiritual calm of its monasteries, and the enduring warmth of its people. Tashi Delek!
Inclusions
What is included?
- All ground transport in Nepal and Bhutan
- Border clearance, porter fees, and permits
- hotels/guesthouses and full board meals in Bhutan
- Export guide, Nepali kitchen crew, and monastery fees
- All transportation in Bhutan
- Agency service charge and taxes
What isn't included?
- Kathmandu meals, accommodation, and activities
- International flights and visas (Nepal/Bhutan)
- Personal expenses, gear, and insurance
- Emergency evacuation, trip changes, and tips
- Horse rental and extra porters (if needed)
Complimentary
Introduction and trip briefing:
On our all tours, we give a short brief about the trip on the same day of your arrival and introduce your tour guide. At the mean time, we provide an opportunity for individuals to ask questions if any about the trip.
Tour Guide:
English speaking, well experienced and knowledgeable holding license from the government. They are well trained about eco tourism, social/culture/traditions responsibilities, and sincerely dedicated on their duty. Actually the tour guide play an invaluable role in ensuring that our clients have the best opportunity to experience, learn about, and enjoy their trip presenting them whenever you need any help.
Accommodation:
A wide variety of accommodation is available ranging from farmhouse stays and budget hotels to the high-end resorts. However, there is no rating on the star category but all government approved A-B-C grade. Basically comfortable 2/3 star category resorts and hotels are used on the tour.
Transportation:
Our local agent in Bhutan has own fleet of luxury Japanese/Korean and Indian car, van and buses. All major places of interest are connected by paved roads so travelling will be smooth and pleasant.
Tour itinerary:
Given tour itinerary is fixed as the route permit is taken while applying visa of the planned tour itinerary. In the special case there will be possibility to extend or shorten the tour so please discuss this with your tour guide and express your wishes.
Food and drinks:
As a full board package tour; three times meals are provided. The favorite Bhutanese dishes being Ema Dasti- a cheese and chilly dish. All Bhutanese dishes use an abundance of chilly so do order according to your palette strength. You will also have Indian and Chinese cuisine too. Besides the locally produced beer and whiskey, the local brew, are that is distilled from rice, barley or wheat is also popular with visitor
Photography:
Bhutan is the picturesque country for the Photograph so bring a good camera with extra batteries memory as what you need may not be available in Bhutan. It is polite to ask people if you may take their picture. Ask your guide when it is permissible to take pictures in religious and public buildings.
Risk and Liability:
Holiday Mountain Treks is not responsible for any loss, injury, or damage sustained by tourists. Additional expenses caused by weather-related delays, original itinerary change, and political actions must be borne by the traveler.
Tipping and Gifts:
You will find no beggars in Bhutan. Please do not hand out candy or trinkets to children. Small gifts to people you stay with and tips for your guide and driver are appropriate.
Travel Insurance:
Normally city tours no need any emergency evacuation insurance but we encourage people to purchase travel insurance that covers baggage and travel delays as well as helicopter evacuation for medical emergencies.