The Thimphu Tshechu is one of the most significant festivals in Bhutan, celebrated in the capital city for three days, starting from the 10th day of the 8th lunar month. This festival witnesses a large number of locals and tourists flocking to the city to be part of the festivities. The event comprises colorful masked dances, music, and traditional performances that showcase the rich Bhutanese culture.
Days before the actual festival, the locals perform prayer and rituals to invoke the gods, adding a spiritual element to the event. This festival was initiated by the fourth Temporal Ruler of Bhutan, Gyalse Tenzin Rabgay, in 1867 and later enhanced by the third king Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1950s. The Thimphu Tshechu provides an excellent opportunity for tourists to witness the unique cultural traditions of Bhutan and explore the local customs of the country.
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HIGHLIGHTS
1
Accommodation: 3 stars rated hotel in Thimphu
Meals: lunch, dinner
Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, a T8 Untrodden Travels representative will be waiting outside the arrival terminal, holding a placard with your name on it. The representative will greet you in the traditional manner by offering a Trashi Khadar (greeting scarf), and will be your guide for the entire tour.
Before heading to Thimphu, you’ll visit Ta-Dzong, an ancient watchtower built-in 1656 and later renovated in 1968 to become the National Museum.
Located below the museum is the Rinpung Dzong, known as the “Heap of Jewels.” It was built-in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and serves as the center of civil and religious authority in the valley.
After lunch, you’ll take a scenic drive along the Paro Chu, which means water or river, downstream to the confluence with the Wang Chu. From there, you’ll turn upstream along the Wang Chu to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, which is scenically located.
In the evening, you’ll visit the Tashichho Dzong, which is the seat of the national government and the Central Monastic Body, including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot of Bhutan. This visit will give you a glimpse into the traditional Bhutanese architecture and culture.
2
Accommodation: 3 stars rated hotel in Thimphu
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
After breakfast, you’ll drive to Dodeyna to begin your climb through a beautiful forest track to reach the Tango Monastery. This ancient monastery overlooks a forested valley and other Buddhist retreats high up in the mountains, offering a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape.
After lunch, you’ll visit the National Memorial Chorten, built-in honor of Bhutan’s late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. This stupa is a significant landmark of Thimphu and is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
Next, you’ll head uphill to the Kuensel Phodrang, where you’ll witness the construction of a large statue of Buddha Shakya Muni. This statue is set to become one of the largest Buddha statues in the world, and the location offers a panoramic view of the entire Thimphu valley.
In the afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to visit several important institutions, including the National Institute of Traditional Medicines, the National Institute of Zorig Chusum (School of 13 arts & crafts), the Royal Textiles Academy, and a local handmade paper house. These visits will give you a deeper understanding of the traditional arts, crafts, and medicinal practices of Bhutan.
3
Accommodation: 3 stars rated hotel in Thimphu
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
You will have the unique opportunity to witness the Thimphu Tshechu festival, which is one of the most important cultural events in Bhutan. Depending on the schedule, you’ll attend the festival either on the first day or the second day in the afternoon.
During the festival, we’ll arrange for a walking tour along the beautiful Sangaygang-Wangtse walking trail. Along the way, you’ll visit the mini zoo at Motithang, where you can see the Takin, Bhutan’s national animal, up close.
In the evening, you’ll have some free time to explore Thimphu town, where you can shop for souvenirs and other items in the various shops and markets. This is a great opportunity to experience the local culture and take home some unique mementos of your trip to Bhutan.
5
Accommodation: 3 stars rated hotel in Punakha
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
On this day of the tour, you will drive to Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan, via the Dochula Pass at an altitude of 3,140 meters. Along the way, you will stop to admire the breathtaking array of Druk Wangyal Chortens, enjoy the panoramic view of the snow-capped Himalayan Mountains.
After lunch, take a leisurely 25-minute walk along the beautiful terraced farmlands to visit Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the “Temple of Fertility.” This temple was built in the 15th century by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who subdued a demoness with his “Magical Thunderbolt.”
Next, visit Punakha Dzong, an impressive fortress situated between the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. It is the winter residence of the Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot of the Central Monastic Body, and also the office of the district administration. You will have ample time to explore the dzong and its surroundings before returning to your hotel.
6
Accommodation: 3 stars rated hotel in Paro
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
After an early breakfast, you will drive approximately 7 km from Punakha and cross the suspension bridge over the Mochu River. You will then walk for about 30-45 minutes to reach the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten (Stupa), which is located on a strategic ridge overlooking nearby villages under Kabisa geog. This stupa was built under the sponsorship of Her Majesty the Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangden Wangchuck to promote peace, stability, and harmony throughout the world. It is the first of its kind in the world to have been constructed, with details and architectural designs drawn from scriptures as visualized by Dudjom Lingpa.
After the visit, you will drive to Paro with the journey taking approximately 4 hours via the Dochula Pass. You will stop for lunch at Druk Wangyel cafeteria.
Upon arrival in Paro, you will visit the Kyichu Lhakhang, a 7th century old temple located just a ten-minute drive from Paro town. This is one of the oldest temples to have been built in Bhutan, and is one of the 108 lhakhangs built by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century AD. The king is said to have built 108 lhakhangs in a day throughout the Himalayan regions, of which Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro and Jampa Lhakhang in Bumthang are two. Most of the remaining lhakhangs can be seen in Tibet.
After the visit to Kyichu Lhakhang, you will have the evening free to explore Paro town or do some last-minute souvenir shopping.
7
Accommodation: 3 stars rated hotel in Paro
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
After having breakfast, the day’s itinerary begins with a visit to Drugyal Dzong, which is located 16 km away from Paro. Although it is now in ruins, this fortress holds great historical importance for the people of Bhutan. It was a place where the Bhutanese finally defeated the Tibetan invasion. On a clear day, visitors can view the sacred Mt. Jomolhari, also known as the “Mountain of Goddess.”
After the visit to Drugyal Dzong, you will be driven to the trailhead to start a breathtaking and memorable hike through beautiful pine forests. Along the way, you will stop for light refreshments at the Taktsang cafeteria before continuing on to the famous Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest. The primary Lhakhang or main temple was built around Guru Rimpoche’s meditation cave in 1684 by the Penlop of Paro, Gyalse Tenzin Rabgay. This incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 m into the valley below. According to legend, Guru Padmasambhava, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan in 747 AD, flew here on the back of a flying tiger, Dorji Drolo from Kurtoe Singye Dzong in the east.
In the afternoon, you will have free time to explore the beautiful town of Paro. You can visit local shops and purchase souvenirs, handicrafts, and other items. Paro is a charming and picturesque town that is famous for its traditional architecture, lush green fields, and scenic views of the mountains.
8
Accommodation: NA
Meals: breakfast
After breakfast, proceed to Paro International Airport for your scheduled departure flight.
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