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Bhutan has many indigenous celebrations and the most important ones are the Tshechu festivals.
Tshechu means “the tenth day” of the lunar calendar corresponding to the birthday of Guru Rinpoche (Guru Padmasambhava), the patron saint of Bhutan. Yet the exact month of celebration can vary depending on each temple or place. During these grand ceremonies, the locals will all gather at the temple to enjoy the festival and to receive blessings. It is also time for them to take a break from work and to socialize.
Tshechus are a spectacular celebration and display of colors, people, and culture. The most captivating part of Tshechus is the sacred mask dances. Performed by monks and sometimes joined by the laity, each dance has a special meaning or a story behind it. Some of the stories may be as old as from the time of Guru Padmasambhava, in the 8th century. Moreover, there will be other dances and performances to keep the lively atmosphere. Some Tshechus will also display a gigantic thangka of Guru Rinpoche and other Buddhist gods.
These festivals are one of the best ways to discover the rich heritage of Bhutan. Some of the biggest Tshechus in the country are Thimphu Tshechu Festival, Paro Tshechu Festival, Punakha Tshechu Festival, Gangtey Tshechu festival, and Bumthang Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival. Not only Bhutanese, but Tshechus are also unforgettable for any visitors that have attended the ceremony in Bhutan!
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 inThimphu.
Morning after breakfast you will drive about 50 minutes to the north of Thimphu. Our hike starts from the parking(2800m). Hike to Tango (3050) takes around one an half hour. The hike is gradual ascends in the forest of Rododendrons, silver fir and Hemlock. Explore the monastery which was in 15th century by Drukpa Kinley(Divine Madman. Lunch at Thimphu. After lunch we will School of Arts and Crafts (also known as the painting school), Jungzhi Traditional paper factory, Motithang Takin Preserve and Tashichho Dzong, the seat of the national government. Overnight in Thimphu.
After breakafast, sightseeing in Thimphu includes King’s Memorial Chorten (which was built in honor of late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck) and giant Buddha statue. Enjoy the scenic drive to Punakha. En route stop at Dochula pass (3150M), which on a clear day offers an incredible view of Himalayan peaks. Continue drive downhill into the forest of Hemlock, Fir and Rhododendrons, finally reached at Lobesa. After Lunch, short hike through farm houses and rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang(Fertility Temple), couple visit temple to be get children by Blessing from the Divine Mad-man Phallus. Overnight in Punakha.
After breakfast, drive to Punakha Dzong, which is the most beautiful dzong in the country. It is situated between Phochu(male) and Mochu(Female) river. Attend full day festival dances and mingle with colorful dressed by local people. Masked dances are performed in the honor of Guru Rinpoche, who bought Tantric Buddhism in the country. Overnight hotel in Punakha.
Today, we will drive to beautiful Phobjikha valley. We will stop in Wangdue to get the scenic of Wangdue Phodrang Dzong 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 remote 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. Walk in the village and local will be happy to interact offering local wine”Ara”. Overnight in Gangtey.
After breakfast, you will drive to Paro. Stop at Dochula pass and visit Druk Wangyal temple, which is on the hill. Enjoy Lunch in Thimphu.Continue drive to Paro. In the evening, you can stroll in Paro town. Overnight in hotel
Morning, we will hike up to the famous temple called Taktsang or the Tigers Nest perched on a rock face 900 meters above Paro valley. In 8th century, Guru Rinpoche, the great Indian saint who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, is believed to have arrived here flying on the back of a tigress and have meditated here for about three months. We will have lunch at the cafeteria on our way back from the monastery, and then continue our hike down to the parking. Overnight hotel in Paro.
After breakfast, drive to Airport for the flight to your next destination. Our representative will bid farewell.
Other Details
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.
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