Thimphu Tshechu Festival, Bhutan

1625 €, 8 Days

The Thimphu Tshechu Festival, held annually in Bhutan is a vibrant celebration of culture, tradition, and spirituality which commemorates the birth anniversary of Guru Rinpoche - a revered figure in Tibetan Buddhism and the Himalayan region, also considered the "Second Buddha". The festival is preceded by three days of prayers and rituals inside the dzong to invoke the deities. Various mask dances like the Guru Tshengye, Shaw Shachi and many more are performed. Besides colorful masked dances, this lively festival features traditional music performances, and religious ceremonies, offering visitors a captivating glimpse into Bhutanese heritage and customs. On ths tour, we will get to experience this unique festival and explore some of Bhutan's main attractions.

Highlights:
♦ Thimphu Tshechu Festival - a vibrant religious and cultural event celebrated annually in Bhutan
♦ Tiger’s Nest/Taktsang Monastery - a symbol of Bhutanese spirituality and an architectural marvel
♦ Dochula Pass - a scenic mountain pass situated at an altitude of around 3,100 meters, which offers breathtaking scenery of the Himalayas

Itinerary:

Day 1. Arrival in Paro - Thimphu
Arrival at the airport in Paro and transfer to the hotel in Thimphu. After a short break in the hotel, we will start exploring the town of Paro and its surroundings. Some of the places we will visit include the Kuensel Phodrang, also known as the Buddha point, where the massive golden Buddha Dordenma Statue is situated. From here, you can also enjoy some great panoramic views of the Thimphu Valley. Next, we are heading to the Craft Bazaar, which offers a diverse selection of Bhutanese art and craft products. We will finish the day by visiting The National Institute for Zorig Chusum. The term Zorig Chusum refers to Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts, which have been preserved here for centuries. Overnight in Thimphu. -/-/-

Day 2. Tashichho Dzong - Thimphu Tshechu Festival

After breakfast, we'll journey to Tashi Chodzong to join the Thimphu Tshechu Festival festival. During the festival, colorful masked dances, traditional music performances, and religious rituals are performed by the monks. Here Bhutanese culture and spirituality come to life and it's a cherished occasion that fosters a sense of community and devotion among the people of Bhutan. We will then continue to Takin Preserve, home to Bhutan's national animal, the Takin, found only in Bhutan's high altitudes. We'll then explore the Weekend Market, bustling with locals and offering a glimpse into Bhutanese culture. Later, we'll experience Bhutan's national sport, archery, at one of the best venues to witness traditional and modern matches. Overnight stay in Thimphu. B/L/D

Day 3. Thimphu-Punakha
Today we are heading towards the city of Punakha. We will travel via Dochula Pass (at 3140 meters), where we'll revel in panoramic views of the Himalayan Mountain ranges under the clear sky. The pass is also known for the 108 memorial shortens (stupas), built nearby in honor of Bhutanese soldiers who perished in battle. Next, we will explore Druk Wangyal Lhakhang monastery, constructed in tribute to the fourth King of Bhutan, showcasing beautiful murals depicting significant events in Bhutanese history. In the afternoon we will arrive in Punakha - a region steeped in Bhutanese history and culture, historically significant as the former capital and symbol of unified Bhutan.Our next stop will be Chimi Lhakhang monastery, also known as the Divine Madman's Monastery. It is dedicated to the eccentric saint Drukpa Kunley, known as the "Divine Madman," who preached Buddhism through unorthodox methods and humor. The temple is renowned for its fertility blessings, and couples often visit seeking blessings for conception and childbirth. Our last stop for the day will be the Punakha Dzong - a fortress-monastery, which serves as the religious and administrative center of the region. The dzong's striking architecture, with whitewashed walls, golden spires, and intricate woodwork, showcases traditional Bhutanese craftsmanship at its finest. We will explore some local villages in the region, before returning to Punakha for overnight. B/L/D

Day 4. Punakha Valley
Our day will start with a short hike to The Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten - a stupa built with the purpose of protecting Bhutan and the world from evil spirits and at the same time fostering peace and harmony among all beings. After lunch, we will drive to the scenic Limbukha village and traverse a 200-meter suspension bridge, surrounded by refreshing breezes and captivating vistas of the Dzong. The region of Limbukha is also famed for its cultivation of Bhutan's renowned red rice, celebrated for its medicinal qualities. Return to Punakha for overnight. B/L/D

Day 5. Punakha – Gangtey
After breakfast, we will embark on a scenic drive to Gangtey Valley, nestled within the picturesque and expansive Phobjikha glacial valley. It is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, vast meadows, lush forests, and the tranquil Phobjikha River. We will do a short hike in the region and explore some of its main sites including the sacred Gangtey Monastery and Khewa Lhakhang Monastery. Later, we'll visit the Black Necked Crane Information Centre, located on the forest's edge, where we can observe these majestic birds with high-powered telescopes and learn about the area's natural and cultural history. Overnigh in a hotel in Gangtey. B/L/D

Day 6. Gangtey - Paro
After breakfast, we are heading to Paro. On the way there, we will have a short stop to explore the Tamchog Lhakhang temple - accessible via an iron chain suspension bridge, constructed by the 13th-century Tibetan saint Thangthong Gyalpo. Upon arrival in Paro, we will visit the The National Museum, which is located in the Ta Dzong (watchtower) and showcases an array of artifacts that offer a glimpse into the Kingdom's rich culture and heritage. We will explore the city's local handicraft stores before checking in the hotel for overnight. B/L/D

Day 7. Taktsang Ghoempa (Tiger’s Nest Monastery)
After breakfast, we will start our hike to Taktsang Monastery, famously known as ‘Tiger’s Nest’. The ascent to the viewpoint takes approximately 1 – 1 ½ hours and offers a breathtaking view of the monastery clinging to the cliffside. We will have a short break at the view point cafeteria before continuing the trek to the monastery, which takes about 1 hour. According to the local legend, Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave here for 3 months. The principal Lhakhang (monastery) dates back to 1692 and has been meticulously restored after a fire in 1998. After visiting the monastery, we will trek back downhill and continue driving to Drukgyel Dzong (fortress), situated on a ridge in the upper Paro valley. The fortress served as a crucial defense base until it was destroyed by fire in 1951. The ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, protected as an important monument, provide insights into Bhutan's history and defense strategies. Overnight stay in Paro. B/L/D

Day 8. Departure
Transfer to Paro International Airport for departure. B/-/-

Good to know: the festival in 2025 is on dates 2nd to 4th of October. Please contact us for verification on the arrival date.

Price Includes:
accomodations on twin/dbl bed sharing basis in 3 star hotel
breakfast and dinner in respective hotels and lunch at local tourist standard restaurants
all transportation including airport transfers
daily USD 100 per person / night Gov. Sustainable Development Fee for Bhutan
entry fees according to program
English speaking local guide
visa fee USD 40 for Bhutan

Not Included:
international fight & internal flight
insurance
personal expenses
cost for any services not mentioned in the program
tips or any other services

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