Holiday Mountain

Thimphu Tshechu Festival tour

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US$ 110
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US$ 1,790
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Max. Elevation
2648 m / 8687 ft
Group size
Min 1+
Level
Easy
Transportation
Private deluxe vehicles during the tour in Bhutan as the itinerary
Best Season
Autumn (Sept, Oct, Nov,) and Spring (March, April, May )
Starts at / Ends at
Paro / Paro
Accomodation
3* category hotel/resorts during the tour in Bhutan
Meals
All meals, tea/coffee during the tour in Bhutan
Trip Route
Paro-Thimpu-Punakha-Gangtey-Paro

Highlights

  • Meeting local dress in traditional Bhutanese attire, such as the Gho for men and the Kira for women.
  • Witness the mesmerising masked dances, known as cham dances, performed by monks and laymen in elaborate costumes
  • Observe the various religious rituals and ceremonies conducted throughout the festival, including prayers, blessings, and offerings, which hold deep spiritual significance for the Bhutanese people.
  • Enjoy a diverse array of cultural performances, including traditional music, folk songs, and theatrical presentations, showcasing the rich heritage and artistic talents of Bhutan.
  • Participate in sacred ceremonies and rituals, such as the unfurling of the Thongdrol, a large thangka painting, which is believed to bestow blessings upon those who witness it.
  • Capture the vibrant colors, lively performances, and cultural moments of the Thimphu Tshechu Festival through photographs and videos, preserving memories of this unforgettable cultural celebration in Bhutan.
  • Hiking to Tiger’s Nest/Taktsang Monastery - a symbol of Bhutanese spirituality and an architectural marvel
  • Passing Dochula Pass -  a scenic mountain pass situated at an altitude of around 3,100 meters, which offers breathtaking scenery of the Himalayas.

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

Thimpu Tshechu Festival tour information
Festival date: 21-23 Sep, 2026
Location: Thimpu city the capital of Bhutan

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.

Important Note

-Book your tour well in advance as it's a very popular event and flights, hotels and other services will be fully booked.
-Festival dates are based on the lunar calendar and can sometimes shift slightly, so you should confirm it with your tour operators.
-It is possible to travel individually and in group.
-6 months valid passport copy is required to process the visa.
-Flight connection is from Nepal, Bangkok, India and Bangladesh
-Need to apply visa and other travel documentary through the authorised agency.


Trip Itinerary

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!



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Includes

  • 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

Doesn't Include

  • 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)

Upcoming Departure Dates

19 Sep 2026
From Paro
26 Sep 2026
To Paro
9
seats left
From 1,900
US$ 1,790
Saving US$ 110
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Art representing various natural and cultutal heritages of Nepal