7 Days Thimphu Tshechu Festival Tour

Prices

• Solo: $2520
• Group (5 person) : $2310
• Group (10 person): $2170

One of Bhutan’s most significant and well-loved festivals, the Thimphu Tsechu, takes place over three days in the capital city, starting on the 10th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar. This 7-day Thimphu Tshechu Festival Tour offers an immersive experience in the vibrant celebrations of this major event while also allowing you to explore Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage. Key attractions of the tour include Tamchhog Lhakhang, the Folk Heritage Museum, Changangkha Lhakhang, Punakha Dzong, Paro Rinpung Dzong, and Taktshang Goemba.

Day 1 Arrival in Paro (2,250m); Transfer to Thimphu (2.350m)

Day 2 Thimphu – Attend the Thimphu Festival

Day 3 Thimphu – Attend the Thimphu Festival

Day 4 Thimphu to Punakha (1250m)

Day 5 Punakha to Paro

Day 6 Trek to Taksang Lhakhang (Tiger’s Nest)

Day 7 Departure from Paro

Day-to-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Paro (2,250m); Transfer to Thimphu (2,350m)

Upon your arrival in Paro with Bhutan’s national airline, Druk Air, your tour guide will greet you at the airport. After completing customs and visa procedures, you will head to Paro town for lunch.

Next, you will be driven to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, following the Pachu River. The 1.5-hour drive includes a stop to visit Tamchhog Lhakhang, a historic temple dedicated to Bhutan’s iron bridge builders.

Thimphu, unlike typical capitals, lacks high-rise buildings and heavy traffic. Surrounded by rolling mountains, it is known for its stunning dzongs, fresh air, and friendly locals. Once in Thimphu, you will visit Tashichho Dzong, the seat of Bhutan’s government, and explore the National Library and Folk Heritage Museum, housed in a 300-year-old traditional building.

Overnight in Thimphu

Day 2: Thimphu – Attend the Thimphu Festival

Spend the entire day at the Thimphu Festival, enjoying various mask dances and folk performances, along with comedic acts in the crowd. Monks and laymen perform the dances in elaborate masks and costumes, while locals attend in their finest traditional attire, the Gho and Kira, celebrating their deep-rooted culture and traditions.

Overnight in Thimphu

Day 3: Thimphu – Attend the Thimphu Festival

Continue experiencing the vibrant Thimphu Festival. Alternatively, in the afternoon, you may visit other significant heritage sites in Thimphu, such as Changangkha Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the valley dating back to the 12th century. This temple offers a panoramic view of Thimphu Valley and houses an impressive statue of Chenresig in its inner sanctum. A visit to the Takin Preserve, home to Bhutan’s national animal, can also be arranged.

Overnight in Thimphu

Day 4: Thimphu to Punakha (1,250m)

Start your day with a delicious Bhutanese breakfast before heading northeast to Punakha, Bhutan’s former capital. En route, stop at the scenic Dochu La Pass (3,100m) for refreshments and breathtaking views of the Himalayas.

After lunch in Wangduephodrang (1,350m), continue to Punakha, home to the renowned Punakha Dzong, considered one of Bhutan’s most beautiful dzongs, located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu Rivers. You will also visit Chimi Lhakhang, a famous Buddhist monastery founded in 1499 by Ngawang Chogyal.

Overnight in Punakha

Day 5: Punakha to Paro

After breakfast, drive from Punakha to Paro, passing again through the scenic Dochu La Pass. This route offers another chance to capture stunning views of the Himalayas.

After lunch, visit the Paro National Museum, which features an intriguing collection of art, relics, Thangka paintings, and Bhutan’s unique postage stamps. Later, explore Paro Rinpung Dzong, a 17th-century fortress providing picturesque scenery and a sense of tranquility.

Overnight in Paro

Day 6: Trek to Taksang Lhakhang (Tiger’s Nest)

Begin your day with a trek to Taktshang Goemba, also known as Tiger’s Nest. Perched on a cliff at 3,120 meters, it is Paro’s most iconic site and Bhutan’s holiest temple. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava flew here on a tigress and meditated in the cliffside caves for three months. The site offers panoramic views of Paro Valley.

After lunch, you may choose to relax with a traditional stone bath or explore the area at your leisure.

Overnight in Paro

Day 7: Departure from Paro

Your tour guide will transfer you to Paro International Airport for your departure. The tour concludes here.

• Government Royalty of USD 100 per day
• Sightseeing as per the program
• Three-star hotel on twin sharing basis
• All meals during the tour
• All land transfers & transportation within Bhutan
• Good English speaking certified guide
• Entrance fees to cultural sites
• Mineral water during sightseeing
• Visa Fee of USD 40 per person

The Trip Cost Excludes
• Air-tickets – International
• All beverages including water consumed in hotels / restaurants
• Laundry, phone calls and personal expenses
• Travel and health insurance