Important Information

Region
Bhutan Tour
Duration
7 Days
Max Altitude 3140m
Best Season September - October
Activity Per Day
5-6 hrs
Grade
Level 2
Group Size
2 - 20 people
Transportation Flight - Car

Thimphu Tshechu festival is the biggest annual event of Thimphu in Bhutan. During this festival, all the government offices, private institutes, and even the farmers are on holiday to celebrate this religion festival. This festival is held in front of Tashichhoe Dzong which is 2 kilometers away from the heart of Thimphu city. Thimphu Tshechu is held in honor of Tantric Master, Guru Rinpoche who introduces Buddhism in Bhutan and also for the local deities for the protection of the country and prosperity of citizens. This is the best time for travelers to experience the culture of Bhutan.

All the festivals and events are held according to the Bhutanese calendar. Generally, Tshechu means the 10th day of a lunar calendar month. This year this festival falls on the 10th day of 8th Bhutanese month (5th October 2022). Tshechu lasts for three days where the people from different parts of the country gather at Thimphu for celebrations. You will explore the black hat monk dance, national sport Archery, and local songs and dances.  

In this seven days trip, you will visit various landmarks of Thimphu, Punakha, and Paro including the three days Tshechu. If this package doesn’t meet your choice of tour and wants to do it in a different way/itinerary please Customize your Trip. HWW’s travel advisor will assist you to create your Trek according to your time availability and interest.

Outline Itinerary ( 7 Days )

Day 1

Arrival to Paro (2200m) & drive to Thimphu (2320m)

Landing to Paro will offer you one of the best views of the Himalayas including Everest. On your arrival at Paro International Airport, you will assistance by Himalayan Wander Walkers' representative. You will first drive to Bhutan National Museum which is used to the watchtower in the past. You will learn something about history by exploring impressive collections like statues, festival masks, Thanka paintings, and interesting curving on woods. Then you will visit Rinpung Dzong of Paro, one of the finest fortresses. This structure of Dzong is unique and appreciating architecture. This Dzong is currently seat for the monk body and centers for government administration. Later drive to Thimphu.    

Overnight accommodation is set with AP Plan.

Day 2

First Day of Tshechu Festival & Sightseeing in Thimphu

After your breakfast, you will drive to Tashicho Dzong to attend the Tshechu festival. Today you will be watching the spectacular and monk mask dances (cham). You will see locals come to attend Tshechu with their beautiful attires. Watching and experiencing them in close up is the best way to observe deeply. After the performances of monks, you will explore the periphery of the fortress. Later you will visit Buddha Dordenma, a large statue of Buddha facing toward the Thimphu city. This is dedicated to world peace.

Overnight accommodation is set with AP Plan.

Day 3

Second Day of Tshechu Festival $ Sightseeing in Thimphu

In the morning you will drive to Tendrel Thang, ground in front of Tashicho Dzong where the Tshechu held. After the performance, you will visit Memorial Chorten (shrine), a monument dedicated to the past 3rd king of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Then visit the National Institute of Zorig Chusum where the students learn Bhutanese 13 different crafts and arts such as wood carving, painting, statue making, and embroidery. Finally, you will visit the Bhutan post office museum where you can see the interesting exhibition of the evolution of Postal services in Bhutan.

Overnight accommodation is set with AP Plan.

Day 4

Third/Last Day of Tshechu Festival & Drive to Punakha (1242m)

Today you will observe the last day of Thimphu Tshechu. You will drive early morning to attend the Thanka celebration of Guru Rinpoche which displays before sunrise. It is believed that those who are present during the celebration can wash away their sin and accumulate merits. Each day of Tshechu is different. Later you will drive to Punakha via Dochu la Pass (3050m), a scenic viewpoint for Mountains and also a popular for at the same time you will visit Druk Wangyal Chorten (108 stupas) which are built to honor the Bhutanese soldiers who lose their lives in the 2003 war with Indian rebels.

Overnight accommodation is set with AP Plan.

Day 5

Punakha Sightseeing & Drive to Paro

Today you will visit Punakha Dzong. Punakha Dzong is located between the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. It is the second-largest dzong of Bhutan and built-in remarkable structure. Then visit Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of fertility). It was built by the Divine Madman who is originally known for Lama Drukpa Kunley in 1499. On the route, you will find wooden phalluses hanging in local houses and paintings on the wall of the house. This site is especially popular for the childless couple who come to pray for a child. Then visit Wangdu Phodrang Dzong. Wangdu Phodrang Dzong enjoys an important status in history as well, and it was the second capital city in the early days. Later drive to Paro.

Overnight accommodation is set with AP Plan.

Day 6

Hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) (3000m)

Today we will hike to the most important landmark of Bhutan. After your breakfast, your guide and driver will receive you from your hotel and drive to the hiking point. The hike will be about 5 hours both way up and down. Those who are difficulty with walking can hire a horse to ease your hike. Taktsang or Tiger Nest was beautifully lying on the edge of the rocky mountain which was burned by fire in 1998 and restored later. This is also a popular pilgrimage site of Guru Rinpoche (Tantric Master). Later you will drive to Paro and invite for dinner at the farmhouse to experience the local dishes which are served and prepared by Paro farmers. This will provide you an opportunity to learn about the lifestyle of a farming family.

Overnight accommodation is set with AP Plan.

Day 7

Final Departure

Our team is saying goodbye as your journey to Bhutan comes to an end today. If you have more time you can do some shopping or sightseeing. Approximately 2 hours before your scheduled flight guide from Himalayan Wander walkers will take you to the airport. On your way home you'll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful countries of Bhutan, Nepal, and Tibet.

*AP (American plan) = Meal includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

 

Include

Bhutan Visa arrangement service
Government royalty and all the taxes
FIT Surcharge for one and two persons
Accommodations in 3-star hotels
Three meals a day breakfast, lunch & dinner
Full-time English speaking Bhutanese guide
Private transportation and sightseeing as per the itinerary
Museums and parks fees indicated in the itinerary
Bottled drinking water throughout the journey

Exclude

Flight fares from Kathmandu, Bangkok, Singapore, Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Dhaka, Mumbai, Guwahati, and Gaya to Bhutan- please choose the route.
Personal expenses and any alcoholic, non-alcoholic beverages
Tips to guide and driver
Single room supplement charge for two Pax and above
Luxury hotels/resorts available on supplement cost
Specialized /language guides available on supplement cost
Travel / Medical Insurance

Important Information

* The Price given here is per person based on a minimum of 2 pax. The price will be cheaper with the increase in the number of people.

* If you are flying from Nepal then let us know we can help you to book your flight to Bhutan.

* Single Room Supplement is an extra charge.

Equipment

The most important consideration for any tour is staying warm and dry, lightweight, breathable, moisture-winking under layers are highly recommended. Insulating layers and jackets are necessary. Comfortable hiking shoes, quality socks (quality socks are recommended), and head covering (insulating caps and brimmed caps designed to block sunlight) are essential. Outer layers should be made of waterproof, wind-blocking material such as Gore-Tex. Sunglasses and sun-block cream, drinking water bottles, torchlight, foot care items such as foot powder and Moleskin, insect repellent, and personal hygiene items are also necessary. 

Useful Information

DRESS CODE FOR VISITING FORTRESSES, MONASTERIES, AND TEMPLES IN BHUTAN

  • Shirt (either half or full sleeve)
  • Full pants/long skirts
  • Any type of shoes with socks
  • No Hats, No Umbrella, No Slippers, No t-shirts, No short skirt, and No half-pants
  • Photographs allowed in the courtyard only.

Frequently Asked Question