Thimphu Tshechu is one of the most popular festivals in the country, which is held on the 10th Dayof the 8th Bhutanese Lunar Month for 3 day.
The festival was initiated in 1867 by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgay who was the 4th Desi. The festival is witnessed by thousands of people from all around the country. The festival is also seen as a break from the normal busy lives and an opportunity to catch up with friends and family, as they wear their finest cloths and join the festival. In the festival you will witness different types of masks dances, each with its own history. It is believed that the onlooker as blessed by these dances and it removes all the negative energies or misfortunes. The sacred Guru Thongdrel is displayed early in the morning on the last Dayof the festival; it is believed that ones who witness it are blessed with good merits in life. The festival is an opportunity for the visitors to all the visitors to experience and learn more about the country and its rich culture.
Paro Day
As you arrive at the airport, your tour manager will receive you and drive you to your hotel. Once you are ready move to Ta Dzong, it was built as a watch tower and now it is established as the National Museum. Then descend to the Paro Rinpung Dzong, the fortress is located in a commanding location which offers a scenic view of the Paro valley.
During the evening you can explore Paro town.
Overnight at Paro (Altitude 2,280m)
Paro Day Tour
In the morning hike to the Tiger’s Nest, which is one of the most famous and sacred sites in the county. It is built on the side of a cliff 900m above the valley. In the afternoon visit Kyichu Lhakhang, this was built in the 7th century, making it one of the oldest in the country.
Overnight at Paro (Altitude 2,280m)
Paro – Thimphu
In the morning drive to Thimphu. Visit the Simply Bhutan Museum, National Library, Institute of Zorig Chusum and the Textile Museum, which will give you the insight of the culture and tradition of the country. In the afternoon go to the Buddha point, then visit Changangkha Lhakhang and later visit the Takin Preserve center.
Then drive to Sangaygang and walk through hundreds of prayer flags with a scenic view of the Thimphu valley.
Overnight at Thimphu (Altitude 2,320m)
Thimphu Day Tour (First Day of Thimphu Tshechu)
Today you will witness the Thimphu Tshechu. Walk with the locals to the Tendral Thang (the festival ground) next to the dzong and witness the festival with the crowd. You will take some time from the festival to visit the Thimphu Tashichhoe Dzong, which houses the office of the King.
Towards the afternoon you will go to witness a archery match and explore the local market. Towards the evening go to the Memorial Chorten and offer your prayers.
Overnight at Thimphu (Altitude 2,320m)
Thimphu - Gangtey
Post breakfast drive to Dochula pass (3088m), which offers the view of the highest peak in country Gangkarpuensum (7494m). You will also find 108 stupas and Druk Wangyal Lhakhang at Dochula. Then drive to Gangtey, which is considered one of the most beautiful valleys in the country. In the afternoon visit Gangtey Monastery and explore the fascinating Phobjikha valley.
Overnight at Gangtey (Altitude 3,000m)
Gangtey – Punakha
In the morning drive to Punakha Dzong, this is the fortress where the Royal Wedding of the Fifth King was held. Towards the afternoon go for a short hike through the local farms to Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the Fertility Temple.
In the evening explore the local market.
Overnight at Punakha (Altitude 1,300m)
Punakha – Paro
Post breakfast visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang and then hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgel Chorten. In the afternoon drive to Paro and on the way visit Simthokha Dozng, this is one of the oldest dzongs in the country.
Overnight at Paro (Altitude 2,280m)
Depart Paro
In the morning your tour manager will escort you to the airport and bid you farewell.
Tour Ends!