What is the Paro Tshechu Festival?

Paro Tshechu is one of Bhutan's most popular festivals which takes place every year on the 5th day of the 2nd Bhutanese lunar month. It provides mask dances, cultural programs, and a huge Thongdrel or Thankha display, credited to cleanse a soul of all sins through viewing.

What activities am I expecting to observe during the festival?

Mask dances by the monks and laymen in their traditional form. Cultural events for the promotion of Bhutanese culture. Local markets and animated gatherings in the Dzong courtyard.

What is the best time to visit Bhutan for the Paro Tshechu tour?

The Paro Tshechu falls in early springtime, late March or April, and is one of the best seasons to visit Bhutan. It's a good season with minimal rainfall and beautiful rhododendrons in full bloom that add beauty to the valleys.

Will the tour allow scenic views of Bhutan's landscapes?

Yes, the tour will cover the following: Phobjikha Valley: Famous for the Black-necked Cranes, which established their home in a peaceful environment. Dochula Pass: Situated between forests and the Himalayas. Punakha and Paro Valleys: a beautiful model of the traditional farmhouses and terraced fields.

Paro Tshechu Festival Bhutan

8 Days / 7 Nights

About Paro Tshechu Festival Bhutan

Held on the 5th Dayof the 2nd Bhutanese Lunar Month, Paro Tshechu is one of the most popular festivals in the country.

It has been held annually since the concretion of the Dzong by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in the 1644. People from all around the country gather in their finest attire to celebrate the festival. During the 5 Dayfestival you will witness different types of masks dances and cultural programs, an opportunity to witness the rich Bhutanese culture history.On the last Dayof the festival a gigantic Thankha (Thongdrel) of Guru Rinpochoe will be displayed early in the morning for few hours, it is believed that one can cleanse their sole of all sins upon viewing the magnificent Thankha.This Year festival will be held on April 4th 2020.

Destinations Covered

AParo
BThimphu
CPunakha
DPhobjikha
EParo

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01Arrival Paro

Once you arrive at the airport, your tour manager will receive you and drive you to the hotel. Once you have checked in during the afternoon visit the Ta Dzong, the watch tower was built to watch over the Dzong in the past and which now is established as the National Museum. Then drive to Kichu Lhakhang, which was built in the 7th century and is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the country and on the way visit Dungtse Lhakhang.

Overnight at Paro (Altitude 2280).

Day 02Paro Day Tour (First Day of Festival)

ToDayyou will witness the Paro Tshechu, which is considered one of the most sacred and deeply symbolic in all of the festivals. Walk to the Dzong along with the locals and witness the mask dances with the crowd. You will also visit the interior of the Paro Dzong before leaving for lunch. In the afternoon visit explore the town and the local market.

Overnight at Paro (Altitude 2280).

Day 03Paro - Thimphu

Visit the Simply Bhutan Museum, National Library, Textile Museum, Institute of Zorig Chusum and the Folk Heritage Museum, which will give you a good insight of the culture, tradition and arts and crafts of the country. In the afternoon visit Changgangkha Lhakhang which was built in the 12th century. Then drive to the Buddha Point, where one of the biggest statues of the Buddha in the world is located.

Later visit the Memorial Chorten, which is one of the most important land marks in the capital. Then conclude the Dayby visiting the Tashichhoe Dzong which houses the office of the King.

Overnight at Thimphu (Altitude 2320m).

Day 04Thimphu – Punakha

After breakfast, drive to Punakha which used to be the capital of the country until 1955. En route stop at Dochula pass (3088m), with favorable weather you will be able to see the highest peak in the country Gangkarpunsum (7497m). At Dochula you will also find 108 stupas and Druk Wangyel Lhakhang. Drive further and you will arrive at the Royal Botanical Park.

In the afternoon visit Punakha Dzong, the fortress where the royal weeding of the 5th King took place. Then hike through the farms to Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the temple of fertility. Later during the evening explore the local market.

Overnight at the hotel in Punakha (Altitude 1300m).

Day 05Punakha Day Tour

The Daywill start with a drive to Sangchhen Dorji Lhendrup Lhakhang. Then hike to the Khamsum Yulley Namgel Chorten which is located at a commanding view over the valley. Post lunch drive to Gangtey which is one of the most beautiful valleys in the country. As you arrive, visit the Gangtey Monastry. Then drive to Phobjikha and explore the beautiful valley.

Overnight at Gangtey (Altitude 2320m).

Day 06Gangtak/phobjikha Day Tour – Paro

Visit the Black-Necked Crane Information Center and visit a local farm house. In the afternoon drive back to Paro and on the way visit Simthokha Dzong, this is one of the oldest dzongs in the country.

Overnight at Paro (Altitude 2280).

Day 07Paro

Today you will hike to the Taktshang Monastery. Also known as the Tiger’s Nest, it is one of the most famous and religious sites in the country. It is built on the side of a cliff 900m above the valley. Later in the afternoon drive to the base of Drukgyel Dzong, the drive offers scenic views of the valleys and the mountains where typical traditional farm houses are built.

Overnight at Paro (Altitude 2280m).

Day 08Departure

In the morning your tour manager will drive you to the airport and bid you farewell.

Tour Ends!

FAQs

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Visitation of some religious sites such as Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest) and Paro Dzong. Cultural landmarks include the National Museum and Punakha Dzong. Use of the landscape of the valley to encounter Gangtey and Phobjikha. Driving through Dochula Pass with 108 stupas and Himalayan views.