Festivals in Bhutan – Thimphu Tshechu

Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
Location: Thimphu, Punakha & Paro

Day 01 | Arrival in Paro and transfer to Thimphu (1.2 Hrs)
Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by our representative and transferred to Thimphu by private vehicle. Check-in at the hotel. In the afternoon, visit the Memorial Chorten, a stupa built in memory of our third king. Then, visit the Buddha viewpoint, from where you can see the entire city of Thimphu.
Accommodation in Thimphu | Altitude: 2300 m

Day 02 | Thimphu Festival
We will spend the entire day at the festival, enjoying various mask dances and folk dances, along with performances by jesters in the crowd.
Accommodation in Thimphu

Day 03 | Thimphu Festival
Full day at the fascinating Thimphu Festival. In the afternoon, you may choose to visit other places such as the Changangkha Lhakhang temple, the oldest temple in the valley, and the takin preservation center. Later, visit the Textile Museum and the government handicraft emporium.
Accommodation in Thimphu

Day 04 | Thimphu – Punakha (2.5 Hrs)
After breakfast, visit the School of Arts and Crafts, where students learn 13 predominant arts in Bhutan, the Folk Heritage Museum, and the National Library. Transfer to Zilukha Nunnery to meet and converse with the nuns. Lunch in the city, then take a two-and-a-half-hour drive to Punakha, crossing the Dochula Pass (3200 m).
If the weather permits, enjoy a spectacular view of the Eastern Himalayas and Bhutan’s highest mountains stretching almost 180 degrees. Take a stroll around the 108 stupas and continue toward the subtropical Punakha valley.
Accommodation in Punakha | Altitude: 1350 m

Day 05 | Stay in Punakha
Morning visit to the Punakha Dzong (fortress), which houses the most elaborate temple in the country. It is an excellent example of Bhutanese art and architecture. Visit a farmhouse to see how Bhutanese people live. After lunch, take a one-hour hike to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten, located on a hill with views over the Punakha valley. During the hike, pass through villages and observe the daily life of locals. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Punakha.
Accommodation in Punakha

Day 06 | Punakha – Paro (3.5 Hrs)
Morning visit to Gangtey Gompa, the largest monastery and the only one of the Nyingmapa sect in Western Bhutan, before continuing the journey back to Paro, which will take approximately six hours. Visit the 17th-century Paro Dzong on foot and continue walking across the oldest wooden bridge still in use. In the afternoon, take a stroll through the old village of Paro and visit local handicraft shops to observe Bhutanese lifestyles.
Accommodation in Paro | Altitude: 2200 m

Day 07 | Paro – Haa – Paro (6 Hrs)
Hike to the Dzongdrakha temples, located on rocky cliffs. Continue the journey to Haa via the Chelela Pass, the highest point of the trip at 3800 m. If the weather permits, you may see the country’s most sacred mountain, Mt. Jomolhari (7314 m). Visit the tranquil and timeless Haa valley and enjoy a picnic lunch.
Accommodation in Paro

Day 08 | Paro Tour
Early morning, transfer to the base for the hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, the country’s most revered temple, which literally hangs from a granite cliff overlooking the Paro valley. It is said to be the place where the legendary Indian saint Guru Padmasambhava flew from eastern Bhutan on the back of a tiger to defeat demons in the Paro region who opposed the spread of Buddhism. Lunch at the monastery’s café. Most of the day will be spent hiking as you gradually ascend, enjoying breathtaking views along the way.
Accommodation in Paro

Day 09 | Departure
Morning transfer to the airport (15 minutes) for your departure flight. Our tour staff will bid you farewell at the airport.

Transportation and Travel Conditions in Bhutan
Ground transportation is provided in private vehicles depending on the number of travelers. We offer clean vehicles with air conditioning and heating. Expect poor road conditions with slopes and narrow paths; travel times may be delayed due to weather conditions.

Please consult with your doctor before traveling. Local doctors are available in Bhutan in case of need.

Hotels / Resorts / Tents
We choose the best quality hotels and accommodations available according to your budget. You will have private rooms with hot and cold shower facilities.

Guides, Drivers, and Assistants
Experienced local guides and drivers.