| Trip code | |
| Package name | Thimphu Tshechu Festival tour |
| Duration | 8 |
| Max. elevation | 2648 m |
| Level | Easy |
| Transportation | Private deluxe vehicles during the tour in Bhutan as the itinerary |
| Accomodation | 3* category hotel/resorts during the tour in Bhutan |
| Starts at | Paro |
| Ends at | Paro |
| Trip route | Paro-Thimpu-Punakha-Gangtey-Paro |
| Cost | USD 1,790 per person |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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!