Thimphu Festival Tour

Thimphu Tshechu is one of the most popular festivals in Bhutan. This festival is held in Thimphu for 3 days beginning on 10th day of the 8th month of lunar calendar. Thimphu Tsechu was initiated by the 4th Desi, Gyalse Tenzin Rabgay in 1867 and later some changes were introduced in Thimphu Tshechu in the 1950s by the third Kingof Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.

This Thimphu festival is witnessed by thousands of people from all over Bhutan. The actual Tshechu is preceded by days and nights of prayer and rituals to invoke the gods.

To Bhutanese farmers, the Thimphu Tshechu is also seen as a break from farm life. It is an annual social gathering where people dress in their finest clothing and jewelries come to celebrate, receive blessings and pray for health and happiness.

During Thimphu Tshechu which is held at Tendrel Thang (Festival Ground in front of The sacred Thongdrol of Guru Rinphoche is unfurled early in the morning on the last day of Thimphu Tshechu. It is believed that the Thongdroel is unveiled at dawn to bring blessings to all who view it.

Inclusions

Hotel, transportation, guide, tea and snacks, visa fee, permits, entrance fee, mineral water (bottled), government tax and 3 meals daily.

Accommodation

3-star hotel (Bhutanese type), there is possibility of upgradation.

Exclusions

Flight ticket, insurance, tips, drinks and beverages, laundry, cellphone, internet and other personal expenditure or bills.

Insurance

We highly recommend you to obtain separate coverage of insurance from your home country since your package does not include any insurance.

Day 01: Paro-Thimphu
On arrival to Paro, you will be received by tour guide from Bhutan Tsholung Tours and Travels who will be with you during your entire trip in Bhutan (English speaking or language guide). After lunch you will drive to Thimphu (capital city) and check-in to a hotel in Thimphu. Despite beautiful scenes on the way you will explore more in the evening, walking in the city. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.

Day 02: 1st Day of Thimphu Tshechu (Festival)

After breakfast you will go to witness the 1st Day of Thimphu Tshechu (Festival) which will be held at the festival ground in front of Thimphu Tashichhodzong. Dressed in traditional finery, devotees flock to festival ground to proclaim their faith and receive blessings.

You will take off sometime from the festival to visit Tashichhoe Dzong, a fortress of the glorious religion. It was built in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel and was reconstructed into present structure by the late King, His majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the year 1962-1969. It houses the secretariat building, the throne room and the office of the king, and the central monk body.

Overnight hotel in Thimphu

Day 03: Short Hike to Tango Monastery
Drive to the base of Tango hill and then you will hike with your guide following trail in the forest. From the Tango monastery you can capture the entire valley of Thimphu. After lunch you will join in witnessing the festival. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.

Day 04: Last Day of Thimphu Tshechu
After breakfast go to festival ground to witness the most spectacular last day of Thimphu Tsechu with religious dance performances mixed with folk dances and dance of Bhutanese warriors. People from all walks of life gather at the festival in their finest dresses and ornaments.

The sightseeing includes visiting memorial chorten (stupa built to commemorate late 3^rd king of Bhutan), Buddha point (largest buddha statue in the world), school of arts and craft (painting school), zoo (preserved area for the national animal of Bhutan, Takin).

In the evening, visit to Trashi Choedzong (fortress of glorious religion), it serves as the central administrative purpose and residence of central monk body. Overnight hotel in Thimhu.

Day 05: Thimphu-Punakha

Driving on the scenic hillside, stop at Dochula Pass (3140 m), in the clear sky you can enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayan Mountain ranges. Then pass by the beautiful 108 chortens built on the upraised ground by Queen Mother of Bhutan.

After refreshment at Dochula Cafeteria, drive to Punakha (former capital of Bhutan 1637-1907). It has been inextricably linked to some of the most momentous events in the Bhutanese history and deserves its reputation as one of the most beautiful and significant regions at the heart of Bhutanese culture.

After lunch, you will visit the Divine Madman’s Monastery-Chhimi Lhakhang, famously known for its fertility shrine, where one can receive a special fertility blessing.

Check in-in to a hotel in Punakha and overnight hotel in Punakha.

Day 06: Punakha – Paro

Early morning, we will visit Punakha Dzong (fortress), which is considered as one of the most important and beautiful Dzong in the Kingdom. It has been inextricably linked to some of the most momentous events in the Bhutanese history and deserves its reputation as one of the most beautiful and significant regions at the heart of Bhutanese culture.

After lunch, you will visit the Divine Madman’s Monastery-Chhimi Lhakhang, famously known for its fertility shrine, where one can receive a special fertility blessing.

Drive back to Paro, overnight hotel in Paro.

Day 07: Day Hike to Taktsang
Its hiking day, and we begin by driving to base. Bhutan’s most famous monastery, which stands at 3100m clings on the cliff.  In 8^th century spiritual master known as Guru Rimpoche has flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktsang monastery now stands. Lunch at Taktsang café and overnight hotel in Paro.  

Day 08: Departure from Paro
Departing from Paro international airport to your onwards destination. Head back to your destination with memories entangled by happiness.