Thimphu Tshechu
Tour Overview
The Thimphu Festival (Tsechu) is one of the grandest of Bhutan’s festivals and attracts the largest audience. Featuring dances performed by trained monks and laymen in amazing masks and costumes, Tsechus (festivals) are one of the best ways to experience the ancient living culture of Bhutan. A Tsechu is a Buddhist festival in honour of Guru Rimpoche, the saint who brought Buddhism to Bhutan. The Thimphu Tsechu was established by the 4th Temporal Ruler, Tenzing Rabgye (1638-1696) in 1670. This festival also provides a great opportunity to witness locals gathered in their finest Gho’s and Kira’s in a celebration of their culture and faith. This tour also visits sacred sites in Paro, Thimphu and Punakha.
Tour Highlight
- Witness sacred dances and rituals performed by monks and laymen in elaborate, colourful costumes.
- Join in with locals in a special occasion of celebration, blessings and socialising.
- Discover some of the most sacred Buddhist monasteries and temples in the Himalaya.
- Visit many cultural attractions including medieval fortresses (Dzongs), markets and museums.
- Hike up to the famous Taktsang Monastery, perched on a cliff 900m above the valley floor.
- Marvel at the elaborate and ancient wall paintings and carvings in Dzongs and temples.
- Traverse beautiful landscapes from lush valleys to dense forests.
- Incorporate a Value-Added Option such as a cooking lesson or meditation session with a monk.
Itinerary of Thimphu Tshechu
Your guide and driver will meet you at the airport. Drive from Paro to Thimphu
Distance: 54 Km|Driving Time: 1 hour
After a quick stop at your hotel and lunch, you’ll spend the rest of the day exploring Thimphu.
Places and attractions:
✅Thimphu ✅Authentic Craft Bazaar ✅Buddha Dordenma ✅Tashichhodzong ✅Motithang Takin Preserve
Accommodation options:
✅ City Hotel ✅Le Meridien ✅Hotel Bhutan
You will be escorted to Tashichhodzong, the venue for the main event. Get your camera and your senses ready for this colour fest. During the event, monks perform dances wearing colourful silk costumes and exquisitely hand-crafted masks depicting deities, demons, and animals.
This is also an opportunity for you to try a traditional outfit.
Highlights of the dance include the dance of the lord of the cremation ground and the narration of the judgment day after death according to Buddhist legend and the unfurling of Thongdrel (large applique) on the final day.
Drive from Thimphu to Dochula
Distance: 31Km|Driving Time: 1 hour
Dochula, at 3100 metres, is one of many motorable mountain passes in Bhutan. Take in the astonishing panoramic view of the snowcapped mountain range.
The place also has a memorial, 108 identical stupas to commemorate the victory against insurgency and honour the fallen.
Lunch will be served on your way to Punakha.
Drive to Punakha
Distance: 63Km Driving |Time: 1 Hr and 30 Mins
A short hike to Chimi Lhakang (the fertility temple) will take you through Sopsokha village. The unusual practice of worshipping phallus in Bhutanese culture originates from this village.
Drive from Punakha to Paro
Distance: 126 km Driving Time: 3 Hr. 25 Min
Start with an early drive back to Paro. After lunch, explore Paro town and nearby attractions.
Places and attractions:
✅Paro ✅Paro Rinpung Dzong ✅National Museum Paro Ta Dzong ✅Kyichu Lhakhang ✅Drukgyel Dzong
With a few days to acclimatize in Bhutan, you are now ready for the ultimate experience in Bhutan.
An avid hiker will find this experience deeply rewarding. Bask in the scent of pine as you climb the trail in and out of the woods. Let your imagination run wild as your guide narrates the Buddhist mythology surrounding this place to keep you company on your hike.
When you get to the top, let the cold mountain air, the waterfall cascading down the cliff, and the ambiance of a secluded monastery inspire a spiritual experience for you.
Places and attractions:
✅Paro ✅Tigers Nest Hike
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to catch the onward flight. Bid farewell to the remote and legendary Dragon Kingdom disappearing again behind its guardian mountains. (Breakfast only included)
Payment & Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
- The approval of tourists VISA is contingent on the full payment of the tour
- Flight ticket payment is subject to the Ticketing Time Limit issued by the airlines
Tour Cancellation and Refund Policy
- 30 to 15 days prior to arrival – 20% of the total tour cost will be levied as cancellation fee
- 14 to 7 days prior to arrival – 50% of the tour cost will be levied as cancellation fee
- Less than a week prior to arrival – 100% cancellation charge will be levied as cancellation fee
Flight Ticket Cancellation and Refund Policy
- Subject to the cancellation terms of the Airline
Rescheduling Tour Dates:
- There are no charges for rescheduling your trip. However the minimum daily tariff, hotel rates, airline charges are subject to change depending on your new travelling dates.
Starting From
PER PERSON
Inclusion
- Bhutan visa fee
- Government royalty & taxes
- Dedicated English speaking tour guide
- Dedicated tour vehicle and driver
- 3-star accommodation (twin sharing)
- Daily 3 meals (B/L/D)
- Airport transfers
- Bottled water
Exclusion
- Flights to and from Bhutan
- Personal expense/shopping
- Alcoholic Beverages
- 4 or 5 star accommodation (extra charges will apply)
- Travel insurance
- Entry fees to parks and monuments
- Tips for guide and driver
