Himalayan Unique Travels

Bhutan Unique Travels

memories for a lifetime

Thimphu Festival

Detail about the package

Tour Itinerary

The Thimphu Festival (Tsechu) is one of the grandest of Bhutan’s festivals and attracts the largest audience. Featuring dances performed by trained monks and laymen in amazing masks and costumes, Tsechus (festivals) are one of the best ways to experience the ancient living culture of Bhutan.

A Tsechu is a Buddhist festival in honour of Guru Rimpoche, the saint who brought Buddhism to Bhutan. The Thimphu Tsechu was established by the 4th Temporal Ruler, Tenzing Rabgye (1638-1696) in 1670. This festival also provides a great opportunity to witness locals gathered in their finest Gho’s and Kira’s in a celebration of their culture and faith. This tour also visits sacred sites in Paro, Thimphu and Punakha.

Your flight Arrives at Paro Airport. Our representative will receive you and taken to the one of the restaurant in Paro. After lunch, you will visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong, the 15th century massive fortress which now serves as administrative and monastic center of the valley. From the Dzong, you can walk down to the road head crossing a traditional wooden bridge. After that you will be taken to Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and the most sacred temple built in 7th century. In the evening, you will drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Overnight in Thimphu.

After breakfast, you will attend full day festival and mingle with finely dressed with locals. The Festival is held outside the courtyard of Tashichhodzong. Overnight in Thimphu.

Today, we will enjoy the scenic drive to Punakha. From Simtokha the road climbs to the Dochula pass (3150 meters) where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas. We will take some time at the pass and exploring 108 stupas. We will drive downhill through the forests of rhododendrone,fir and hemlock .  When you arrive at Metshina Village, you can take short walk through rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang( temple of fertility). After lunch continue drive to Punakha. On arrival, visit Punakha Dzong, which is the most beautiful Dzongs in Bhutan. Overnight in Punakha.

Today, we will drive to beautiful Phobjikha valley. We will stop in Wangdue to the scenic of Wangdue Phodrang Dzong that dramatically sits on the ridge .We will continue our drive  through dense forests of oak and rhododendrons till Lawala pass(3250m). The pass offers exotic views of the Himalayan Mountains. Drive downhill for some time and get the stunning views of Gangtey Goenpa and Phobjikha Valley. Visit Gangtey Goenpa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan. Later in the afternoon, you can hike amazing Phobjikha valley and visit Crane Centre has detail information.The home to the Black Necked Cranes, which migrate from the Tibet to this valley in winter. Overnight in Gangtey.

After breakfast, you will drive to Bumthang. The route is along a spectacular winding road, passing Pele La pass (3400m). Lunch will be served at Trongsa. After lunch, visit Trongsa Dzong, the largest dzong in the country with unique of Bhutanese architecture. You will then proceed to Bumthang, which is often described as the spiritual heartland of the kingdom. We will stop at Chummey Yathra (textile weaving) factory, where the yathras are designed with different patterns. Overnight in Bumthang.

Today, sightseeing in Bumthang includes  Jakar Dzong  located on a ridge built in 15th century. Kurjey Lhakhang where body imprints of Guru Rinpoche in 8th century remains preserved on the rock. Jambay Lhakhang which was built by Tibetan king Songtshen Gempo in 7th century and then short hike to Tamshing Lhakhang built in 15th century by the Buddhist saint Pema Lingpa. In the afternoon, you can walk around in Bumthang town and interact with locals.

After breakfast, you will drive to Wangdue. En route stop at Chendebji stupa built in 18th century by Saint Shida in Nepalese style with eyes painted at four cardinal points. After lunch continue drive to Wangdue. Overnight in Wangdue.

After breakfast, you will drive to Paro. Stop at Dochula pass and visit Druk Wangyal temple, which is on the hilltop. Lunch in Thimphu and visit Kings memorial stupa and giant Buddha statue .Continue drive to Paro. In the evening, you can stroll in Paro town. Overnight in hotel

Today, you will hike to Taksang, (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan’s most famous temple. It is located at the face of a cliff about (3100m). In 8th century, Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse to meditate in a cave, where temple now stands. After having explored the temple and lunch is served in the Cafeteria Restaurant, about halfway up the mountain. After lunch, you will hike down to the valley floor. Overnight in Paro.

Morning, drive to Airport for departure. Our representative will bid farewell.

Other Details

Inclusion & Exclusion

Festival and Dances

Tshechu is a religious festival meaning “tenth day” held annually in various temples, monasteries and dzongs throughout the country.

The Tshechu is a religious event celebrated on tenth day of a month of the lunar calendar corresponding to the birthday of Guru Rimpoche (Guru Padmasambhava). However the exact month of the Tshechu varies from place to place and temple to temple.

Detail about the package

Tour Itinerary

Thimphu festival dates corresponds to 10th day of the 8th month of the Bhutanese Lunar calendar.

The festival is preceded by prayer and ritual ceremony performed inside the dzong to invoke the deities. The mask dances depicting eight manifestations of Guru Rinpoche are performed by the monks. These colorful dances are an integral part of Buddhist culture in Bhutan and are performed to honor Guru Rinpoche. It is also a time for the Bhutanese folks to wear new clothes, drink and enjoy. Bhutan Thimphu festival is one of the most favorite of tourists and is witnessed by thousands of people, both local and tourists.

 

Other Details

Inclusion & Exclusion

Festival and Dances

Tshechu is a religious festival meaning “tenth day” held annually in various temples, monasteries and dzongs throughout the country.

The Tshechu is a religious event celebrated on tenth day of a month of the lunar calendar corresponding to the birthday of Guru Rimpoche (Guru Padmasambhava). However the exact month of the Tshechu varies from place to place and temple to temple.