9 Days Thimphu Tshechu Festival Tour

Thimphu Tshechu Festival Tour Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive in Paro – Thimphu Sightseeing

• Distance: 54 km
• Drive: 1 hour
• Altitude: 2334 m

Upon arrival at Paro Airport, you will be greeted by our representative and driven to Thimphu. En route, visit Tamchog Lhakhang, built in 1420 by the Tibetan lama Thang Tong Gyalpo, known for constructing 108 bridges in Tibet and Bhutan, including 8 in Bhutan. In the evening, visit Tashichho Dzong, the royal secretariat and summer residence of the Chief Abbot of Bhutan. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 02: Thimphu Sightseeing

• Altitude: 2334 m

Morning visits include the National Postal Museum, where you can print your own Bhutanese stamps, Changangkha Lhakhang, the oldest monastery in the Thimphu valley built in the 13th century, the Takin Preserve Center, and Sangaygang View Point for panoramic views of Thimphu valley. Also visit Dupthop Lhakhang, one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan. In the afternoon, hike to Cheri Monastery. Evening free for shopping and photography. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 03: Thimphu – Punakha Sightseeing

• Distance: 76 km
• Drive: 3 hours

Drive to Punakha, stopping at Dochula Pass (3140 m) to see its 108 stupas and enjoy the spectacular Himalayan views. Visit Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the Temple of Fertility, built in 1499 by Lama Drukpa Kuenley. In the afternoon, explore Punakha Dzong, the winter residence of the Chief Abbot, and walk across the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan over the Pho Chu River. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 04: Punakha – Gangtey Sightseeing

• Distance: 75 km
• Drive: 2 hours
• Altitude: 3000 m

Hike to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten in the morning. Drive to Gangtey, stopping at Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, built in 1638. In the afternoon, visit Gangtey Gompa Monastery and the Crane Information Center. Explore the Phobjikha Valley, the winter roosting grounds of the rare black-necked cranes. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 05: Gangtey – Thimphu Festival

• Distance: 128 km
• Drive: 4 hours

Drive back to Thimphu with occasional stops for photos. In the afternoon, attend the Thimphu Tshechu Festival. In the evening, watch an archery match at Changlimithang Stadium. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 06: Thimphu Festival (Full Day) After breakfast, head to the Dzong to witness the full day of Thimphu Tshechu Festival. In the evening, visit the Memorial Chorten built in honor of the third king of Bhutan and the world’s tallest Buddha statue at Kuensel Phodrang. Evening free for a stroll in the town. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 07: Thimphu Tshechu Festival – Paro Sightseeing Attend the Thimphu Tshechu Festival in the morning, then drive to Paro in the afternoon. Visit the National Museum housed in Ta Dzong, and Rinpung Dzong, the administrative center of Paro. Evening free for shopping and photography. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 08: Paro – Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery Drive to Satsam Chorten and hike for 2 hours to reach Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang), one of Bhutan’s most photographed monuments. Visit the primary temple built around Guru Rinpoche’s meditation cave. In the afternoon, visit Drugyal Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. Evening free for shopping and photography. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 09: Paro – Departure After breakfast, transfer to Paro Airport for your departure, marking the end of your Bhutan Thimphu Tshechu Festival tour.