Festivals or Tsechus are held every year in various temples, monasteries or Dzongs across Bhutan. It is mainly a religious event celebrated corresponding to the birthday of Guru Padmasambhava, a Buddhist teacher. Tsechu is not simply a festival conducted for entertainment. It is a series of sacred events with the intent to cultivate an enlightened mind in all attendees and to promote happiness. One of the prominent tsechus is Thimphu Tsechu, held in the capital of Bhutan.
Festival dates change each year. Please consult the Festival Dates page and better yet, contact us so that we can reconfirm the dates (sometimes they change).
Program
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Day 1
Arrival in Bhutan
On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by the representative of Bhutan Peak Adventure. After Lunch, we will visit the National Museum and Rimpong Dzong. Drive to Thimphu.
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Day 2
Thimphu Festival
Today we will do some sightseeing. Drive to Changangkha Lhakhang for the blessing. This monastery is located on top of a ridge and is easily accessible. Many parents come here for their newborn’s blessing and new name. We will also visit the Mini Zoo to see the country’s most endangered national animal – the Takin. It’s a goat antelope found only in this part of the Himalayas and one of the planet’s most vulnerable creatures. We will then do a nature hike called the Wangditse hike. This easy hike is about an hour and a half through the pine forest. This hike ends at Dechenphodrang Monastery, where your vehicle will await pickup. Visit the Painting school and the National Institute for Traditional Medicine.
After lunch, we will visit a few other attractions, including the Royal Textile Museum, the Craft Bazaar, Bhutan Post, and the Centenary Farmer’s Market. In the evening, we will do shopping for traditional attire, which we encourage you to wear during the festival and immerse yourself in the local culture.
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Day 3
Thimphu Festival
In the morning, we will drive to Tashichho Dzong to observe Tshechu, where monks perform mask dances, wearing colourful silk brocade costumes. These dances depict the winning of good over evil. On this auspicious day, people, irrespective of age, are dressed in their finest clothes and jewellery, and flock to the Dzong to witness the festival.
After lunch, drive to Changlimithang archery ground to witness archery games. In the evening, we will drive up to Kuenselphodrang to view the tallest sitting statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, overlooking the capital.
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Day 4
Day Trip to Punakha
Today, we will take a scenic day trip to Punakha, just a 2.5-hour drive from Thimphu. To maximise our time, we’ll leave early, around 8 AM. Our journey will take us through the stunning Dochula Pass at 3,050 meters, where you can see 108 chortens and the beautiful Druk Wangyal Monastery. On clear days, the views of Bhutan’s majestic mountains are breathtaking. Once in Punakha, we will visit Khamsum Yuelley Monastery, a short 20-minute drive north. The easy 45-minute hike to the monastery is a delightful experience. After lunch, explore the impressive Punakha Dzong, located at the confluence of two rivers, and walk across the suspension bridge to enjoy the tranquil scenery before heading back to Thimphu.
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Day 5
Taktsang Monastery
Drive to the trail route of Taktsang Monastery in Paro, from where you will hike to the Monastery for about three hours. After a tour of the Monastery, walk toward the cafeteria, where lunch will be served. The cafeteria is a beautiful viewpoint from where the Taktsang Monastery is visible. After lunch, hike down where the car will be waiting to take you to the hotel. On the way, visit the sacred Kyichu Lhakhang for a free evening.
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Day 6
Departure
Our guide will see you off today for your onward flight to your next destination.
The price of $1350 per person is based on twin sharing in 3-star hotels such as Mandala Resort and Hotel Osel. During the Thimphu Tsechu the hotels in Thimphu are sold out several months in advance and may impose additional supplement charges. During festivals it is necessary to pay for hotels at the time of booking.
We recommend booking trips during the festivals at least 6 months in advance.
Included
- Visa fee and SDF
- Hotel accommodation on twin sharing basis
- Full board meal plan with Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Registered English speaking Guide
- Comfortable luxury private vehicle (according to group size)
- Complimentary water
- Entrance fees to parks, monuments, and monasteries listed on itinerary
Excluded
- Airline Tickets
- Table drinks and alcoholic beverages
- Any expenses arising out emergency situation
- Tips to guides and drivers
- Any other expenses not mentioned in the included section