Thimphu Tshechu Festival, Bhutan

Itinerary:

Day 1. Arrive in Paro & Paro-Thimphu (Distance: 54 km, estimated driving time:1 hr)

Fly into Paro by DrukAir / Bhutan Airlines. After completing your immigration formalities, you will be received by our representative, who will be your tour guide throughout your tour. Then you take on to your destination- Thimphu. On arrival at Thimphu, check into your hotel and after refreshment, visit the following:
- Kuensel Phodrang and see the tallest Buddha statue and enjoy the full view of the Thimphu Valley below.
- Craft Bazaar -A one-stop place to witness Bhutanese culture and buy Bhutan-made art and craft products. The Bazaar, in its 80 stalls, covers all aspects of the traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. At this Bazaar, craftsmen and artisans from across the country display and sell their handicrafts. And also visit other handicraft stores.
- Institute for Zorig Chusum, commonly known as Arts & Crafts School or Painting School, the Institute offers a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. On a visit, one can see students learning the various skills taught at the school.
Overnight at Thimphu. -/-/-

Day 2. Thimphu Festival & Local sightseeing

After breakfast, we will drive to Tashi Chodzong for the festival. Later, we will visit the following places:

- Takin Preserve, which houses the national animal, the Takin, that is only found in Bhutan. This is an extremely rare member of the goat family. Found in herds in the very high altitudes (13,125ft and over). They live on a diet of grass and bamboo. It can weigh as much as 550 pounds.
- Weekend Market: Every Saturday and Sunday, most of Thimphu's scant population and many valley dwellers congregate on the banks of the river where the weekend market is held. It is an interesting place to visit and provides an opportunity to mingle with the local people.
- National Sport of Bhutan ( Archery ): One of the best places to witness a game of traditional and modern archery. Which is a national sport of Bhutan. If you want to take some good pictures of an archery match, then this is one of the best places to be. Almost all the time, there is a tournament being played
Overnight at Thimphu. B/L/D

Day 3. Thimphu-Punakha (Distance: 71 km, estimated driving time: 2 ½ hours)
After breakfast, begin your journey to Punakha, traveling through the scenic Dochula Pass (3,140 m). On a clear spring day, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges. Along the way, you’ll also pass the striking 108 chortens built by Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck (the Queen Mother of Bhutan) in honor of the security and well-being of His Majesty, the King of Bhutan. You will then visit the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang, a monastery commissioned by the Queen Mother as a tribute to His Majesty the Fourth King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, and the armed forces, following the successful operation against Indian militants who had occupied parts of Bhutan. The monastery’s gallery features beautiful murals illustrating significant events from the reigns of Bhutan’s kings.

Afterward, continue on to Punakha, a region deeply linked to some of the most momentous events in Bhutanese history. Known for its beauty and cultural significance, Punakha served as Bhutan’s capital from 1637 to 1907. Its historic dzong stands as a powerful symbol of a unified Bhutan.

En route, stop for lunch at Metsina village before visiting the Divine Madman’s Monastery—Chhimi Lhakhang—famous for its fertility shrine, where visitors can receive a special blessing. Later, explore the majestic Punakha Dzong, located at the confluence of the Pho-Chu (male) and Mo-Chu (female) rivers. Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the dzong served as the region’s religious and administrative center and showcases some of the finest woodwork in Bhutan.

In the evening, visit Rinchengang and Lobesa villages, where you can enjoy a leisurely walk and interact freely with the local villagers. Overnight in Punakha.. B/L/D

Day 4.Punakha Short Hike & Local sightseeing
After breakfast, you take on a beautiful hike to the regal Khamsum Yuelley Namgel Chorten, which was built to remove negative forces and promote peace, stability, and harmony in the changing world. The Chorten dominates the upper Punakha Valley with commanding views across the Mo Chhu and up towards the mountainous peaks of Gasa and beyond.

After lunch, you drive towards Limbu Khah village later walk across the suspension bridge (about 200m long) through a fresh breeze and a fascinating view of Dzong. Follow the farm houses gradually climbing towards Dompala hills. The view of Dzong, Pho Chhu, Mo Chhu rivers, and the surrounding village is superb amidst chirpine forests. The climb is another two and a half hours to Limbukha.

Limbukha farmers grow Bhutan's famous red rice, which is supposed to have medicinal values. This particular rice needs clean mountain spring water so that the taste is good and the nutritional value is maintained. Limbukha is also known for its love of peace and tranquility. Legends say that during medieval wars, the "limpus" or the people of Limbukha always volunteered as peace negotiators. This is also depicted during the yearly festival called 'Serda', when the men are found carrying peace flags instead of swords and fireworks. Over night at Punakha. B/L/D

Day 5. Punakha – Gangtey (Distance: 73 km, estimated driving time: 2 hours)
After breakfast, drive to the serene Gangtey Valley, located in the broad, U-shaped glacial valley of Phobjikha. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy a lunch of delicious local cuisine. In the afternoon, set out on a nature hike. Beginning from the small hilltop overlooking Gangtey Goemba, the trail leads gently downhill through flower-filled meadows to Semchubara village, then continues through beautiful forests before opening into the valley. After passing a chorten and Khewa Lhakhang, the trail ends near the local community school, followed by a short 30-minute walk into town.
Located along the main road at the edge of the forest and wetlands, the Black-Necked Crane Information Centre features an observation room equipped with high-powered telescopes and spotting scopes for excellent views of the cranes. The centre also displays information highlighting the natural and cultural history of the region, and includes a small gift shop offering locally made handicrafts. Overnight in Gangtey. B/L/D

Day 6. Gangtey -Paro (Distance: 179 km, estimated driving time: 4hr 35 mints)
After breakfast, travel to Paro. On the way, visit the following:

Tamchog Lhakhang & Iron Chain Bridge
Located across the river along the Thimphu–Paro highway, Tamchog Lhakhang is reached by crossing an iron chain suspension bridge. About a 30-minute drive from Paro toward Thimphu, the temple sits on the opposite bank of the Paro River. Both the Lhakhang and the bridge were built by the 13th-century Tibetan saint Thangthong Gyalpo, who was also a renowned blacksmith and architect. Of the many iron chain bridges he constructed, only a few remain in use today. Crossing this historic bridge offers an exciting glimpse into Bhutan’s engineering heritage. Some of the original iron chain links made by the saint are preserved and displayed at the National Museum in Paro.

Paro Airport Bird’s-Eye View
Paro International Airport is Bhutan’s only international airport and the sole air gateway into the country. Though small, with a single runway and limited international traffic, it is known both as one of the world’s most challenging airports for landing and as one of the most beautiful, thanks to its dramatic landscape and traditional Bhutanese architecture.

Upon arrival in Paro, check into your hotel and later visit the National Museum.

National Museum (Ta Dzong)
Housed in the historic Ta Dzong watchtower, the National Museum features a fascinating collection of artefacts that offer a rich introduction to Bhutan’s culture and heritage.

In the evening, enjoy a leisurely stroll through Paro town and explore the local handicraft shops. Overnight in Paro. B/L/D

 Day 7. A Day Hike to Taktsang Ghoempa (Tiger’s Nest Monastery)

After breakfast, hike up to Taktsang Monastery, also known as ‘Tiger’s Nest’. The walk up to the viewpoint will take about 1 – 1 ½ hrs, depending on your fitness level, and from the viewpoint you will enjoy a spectacular view of the monastery clinging to the side of the cliff. We will for refreshments at the viewpoint Cafeteria. Then we continue further up to the monastery, which will take about 1 hour. It is said that in the 8th century, Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress from eastern Bhutan to this place and meditated in a cave here for 3 months. The principal Lhakhang (monastery) of the present monastic complex dates from 1692. Taktsang was damaged severely by fire in 1998, but has now been fully restored to its former glory. After visiting the monastery, walk downhill back to the road on the way stop for lunch, and then walk further downhill to the road point. Then we take on to Drukgyel Dzong (fortress) that is situated on a ridge in the upper Paro valley, which is a 30-minute drive north of Paro town. Drugyel Dzong also means “Fortress Of Victorious Drukpas, which was built in 1649 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. The existing ruins of the Dzong are comparatively well preserved. Overnight at Paro. B/L/D

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

Good to know: the festival in 2026 is scheduled for 21-23 of September. Please contact us for verification on the arrival date.