Thimphu Tshechu Festival Experience in Bhutan

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive at Paro-Drive to Thimpu
2 stops
1
Paro
Land at Paro International Airport, one of the world's most scenic airports, surrounded by emerald valleys and towering peaks. Warm welcome by our Bhutanese Guide and transfer by private vehicle to Thimpu. Enjoy the 1.5 hours scenic drive to Thimpu.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free
2
Thimphu
Check into your hotel in Thimpu and rest from your journey. In the evening you can take a gentle walk through Thimpu's main street experiencing handicraft shops, art galleries and farmer's market.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Thimpu Tshechu Festival & City Exploration.
6 stops
3
Tashichho Dzong (Thimpu Dzong)
After breakfast, head to Tashichho Dzong Courtyard to witness the grandeur of the Thimpu Tshechu Festival, held annually since the 17th century by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal who is also known as founder of Bhutan. Experience masked dances performed by monks, telling Buddhist stories of compassion and enlightment, along with folk dances and beautifully dressed locals in their finest traditional attire.(kira for women,gho for men)
2 hours • Admission ticket included
4
Buddha Dordenma
Afternoon sightseeing will take you to Buddha Dordenma, one of the largest Buddha Statues in the world of about 169ft. Explore the golden meditation halls beneath the statue ,overlooking the valley.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
5
Thimphu Chorten (Memorial Chorten)
Visit Memorial Chorten built in the honor of the Third King. Experience the slice of Bhutanese life where locals come daily for meditation and prayers.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
6
National Folk Heritage Museum
Folk Heritage Museum is a preserved 19th century farmhouse showcasing rural Bhutanese lifestyle.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
7
Explore Bhutan's intricate weaving tradition, considered one of the highest art forms.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
8
Centenary Farmers Market
Explore the vibrant market and see the local produce. You will get drawn to its lively atmosphere, observe local business interactions and experience Bhutanese culture first hand.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
Day 3
Festival Morning and Scenic Drive to Punakha
2 stops
9
Tashichho Dzong (Thimpu Dzong)
Morning session at the Thimpu Tshechu Festival for additional mask dances unique to the day's schedule. Each day features different performances.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
10
Dochula Pass
Early afternoon depart for Punakha and via Dochula Pass which is at an elevation of 3100m.Visit its 108 stupas in a misty environment. Enjoy the breathtaking Himalayan Panoramas. Warm descent into subtropical Punakha Valley where rice terraces and river valleys replace mountain chills. Evening stroll through the Punakha town or along the riverside.
3 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 4
Punakha Valley Exploration
3 stops
11
Punakha Dzong
Morning visit Punakha Dzong, also known as 'Palace of Great Happiness'. Bhutan's most stunning fortress, built in 1637 at the confluence of two rivers. Historical seat of Bhutan's Kings and still an active monastery.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
12
Punakha Suspension Bridge
One of the longest bridge in Bhutan, draped with colorful prayer flags and offering sweeping views of Pho Chu River.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
13
Chimi Lhakhang Temple
After finishing the Suspension bridge, get ready for a mini hike through terraced fields and villages to Chimi Lhakhang also popularly known as 'Fertility Temple'. The temple is linked to Lama Drukpa Kunley, Buthan's eccentric 'Divine Madman'. During the evening you can have riverside picnic, stroll through the town,or visit local craft making shops.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 5
Return to Paro
2 stops
14
Kyichu Lhakhang
Enjoy the scenic drive on your way back from Punakha to Paro which is of 125 kms and would take approx 4-5 hrs.You get the chance to visit Dochula Pass again on your way back. Once you reach Paro, head towards ,7th century, Kyichu Lhakhang temple, one amongst the oldest temple in Bhutan. Enjoy the quiet and serene environment. The ancient monastery is a fantastic place where you will find elderly pilgrims circumambulating around the temple as they spin the prayer wheels. Legend says it was built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo to subdue the ogress lying across Himalayas.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
15
Rinpung Dzong
Rinpun Dzong stands as one of Bhutan's most iconic landmarks, blending centuries of history with breathtaking architecture. Evening is free to explore Paro town's vibrant shops, cafes and local markets.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 6
Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery(Taktsang)
1 stop
16
Paro Taktsang
Early morning start for the Tiger's Nest Hike which is 5-6 hours of round trip. Soak in the trail winds through the pine forests dotted with prayer flags, teahouses and dramatic view points. Taksang Monastery is at the elevation of 3120 m, clings miraculously to a cliffside. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche flew here on the back of a tigress to subdue local demons, making it one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites. Descend and enjoy the lunch in the valley. After relaxation, experience a traditional HOT STONE bath perfect for soothing and tired muscles.
6 hours • Admission ticket included

Additional info

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

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