Paro Festival Tour

Paro Tshechu (festival) is the most popular religious dance festival in Bhutan. It has been held annually since the 17th century when Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel (the founder of the state of Bhutan) and Ponpo Rigzin Nyingpo initiated Paro Tshechu festival together with the consecration of Paro Dzong (fortress) in 1644.

Paro Tsechu is held for 5 days beginning on the 10th Day of 2nd lunar month and ends on the 15th day. The Paro festival offers a best opportunity to witness the Bhutanese’s rich culture and history.

On the last day of Paro Tsechu there will be a display of a gigantic thangkha (embroidered painting), the Guru Throngdrol. Thongdrols are especially impressive examples of Buddhist art and never fail to amaze viewers. They are considered as sacred that simply seeing a Thongdrol is said to cleanse the viewer off sin.

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 1: Arrive Paro
During the flight, one will experience breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Mount Juomolhari and Jitchu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received and escorted to hotel by our company (Bhutan Tsholung Tours) representative. After check-in to hotel you will be exploring Paro town. 

Overnight hotel in Paro. 

Day 2: Paro Tshechu
Today you experience the color, excitement and spectacle of the Paro Tshechu Festival. It is the most divine and deeply symbolic of all the Buddhist festivals celebrated in Bhutan. Dressed in traditional finery, devotees flock to the Paro Dzong to proclaim their faith and receive blessings. Monks and lay people, dressed in elaborate silk brocade costumes perform festive dances of good triumphing over evil to the haunting sounds of trumpets, cymbals and flutes. The dances and costumes have survived unchanged for thousands of years, each dance is an exact re-enactment of visions seen by Bhutan’s great Buddhist saints and any changes would be seen as sacrilege.

You will spend the whole day at Paro festival with lunch in between. You will also take time off to visit the interior of Rinpung Dzong, built in 1645 to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. The Dzong is now being used as an administration center and school for monks. Then walk down to Rimpung Bridge (Traditonal Bridge), oldest bridge in Bhutan.

Dinner and overnight in Paro.

Day 3: Hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery)
In the morning take a hike to visit Taktsang monastery also known as tiger nest. 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 4: Paro-Thimphu
Early morning before dawn, you make your way to the early morning blessing from Guru Thongdroel (Thangka of Guru Rhinpoche). Today is the most auspicious day of the festivities and dances of the Heroes, Ging and Tsholing, the Eight Manifestations, the Sixteen Fairies and the Religious Song are all performed in a magnificent cacophony of sound and color.

After breakfast visit the National Museum, housed in the Ta Dzong (watchtower). Here is an intriguing collection of artefacts which provide you with a wonderful insight to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom of Bhutan.

From the Ta Dzong you will go to the festival ground to get a glimpse of the last day of Paro festival.

In the evening you will travel to Thimphu.

Dinner and overnight in Thimphu

Day 5: Thimphu Tour
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 6: Hike to Tango Monastery
After breakfast, travel to the base camp of Tango Monastery. The Tango Monastery site has had religious significance since the 12th century when it was the home of the highly revered Buddhist monks who brought the Drukpa Kagyupa school of Buddhism to Bhutan. The Tango Monastery was built in 1689 by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgyal.

Dinner and overnight hotel in Thimphu.

Day 7: 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 8: Punakha-Paro 

After breakfast, drive to upper Punakha valley passing farmhouses and take a leisure walk through it, and then walk to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten temple built by the Queen Mother of Bhutan. This temple is situated on the hilltop overlooking the valley below.

After lunch, drive back to Paro. Dinner and overnight hotel in Paro.

Day 9: Paro Departure
Departing from Paro international airport to your onwards destination. Head back to your destination with memories entangled by happiness.