Thimpu Festival Tour

Start Point

Paro

End Point

Paro

Duration

8N/9D

Grade

Easy

Max Altitude

2334 meter

Meals

B+L+D

Accomodation

Hotel/Resort

No. of Person

Min. 02 Pax

Highlights

Mask Dances: The tsechu features intricate and elaborate mask dances performed by monks and local dancers. Each dance has a specific meaning and is often a portrayal of important historical or spiritual events.
Religious Ceremonies: The festivals have strong religious significance, with monks conducting rituals and prayers to invoke blessings and protect against evil. Observing these ceremonies offers insight into Bhutanese spirituality.
Cultural Performances: Alongside mask dances, you might witness traditional Bhutanese songs, folk dances, and other cultural performances that showcase the country’s rich heritage.
Throngdrel Unfolding: During some tsechus, a Throngdrel—a large and intricately woven religious tapestry—is unveiled. Gazing upon the Throngdrel is believed to bring blessings and cleanse observers of their sins.
Local Crafts and Cuisine: Many festivals have stalls and markets where you can explore and purchase local handicrafts, textiles, and Bhutanese cuisine. It’s a great opportunity to interact with local artisans and savor traditional dishes.
Cultural Attire: Bhutanese attendees, both performers and spectators, often wear traditional attire during festivals. This adds to the vibrant and colorful atmosphere of the event.
Interaction with Locals: Attending a festival allows you to connect with the local community, learn about their way of life, and gain a deeper understanding of Bhutanese traditions.
Photography Opportunities: The vibrant costumes, intricate mask dances, and bustling atmosphere provide excellent opportunities for capturing memorable photographs.
Historical and Cultural Insights: The stories depicted through mask dances and performances often have historical or cultural significance. Guides or locals might explain the meanings behind the dances, enhancing your understanding of Bhutan’s history.
Visit Monasteries and Temples: Some festivals might include visits to important monasteries and temples in Thimphu, giving you the chance to explore Bhutan’s religious architecture and learn about its spiritual practices.
Scenic Beauty: Thimphu’s natural surroundings provide a picturesque backdrop to the festivities. You might have the chance to enjoy the beauty of Bhutan’s landscapes while participating in the celebrations.

The Thimphu Tshechu is a Buddhist festival held in the capital city of Thimphu, Bhutan. It is one of the biggest festivals in Bhutan and is held every year in the 8th month of the Bhutanese calendar, which is usually between September and October. The festival is held to celebrate the birth of Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism.

The Thimphu Tshechu is a colorful and lively affair, with traditional dances, music, and masked performances. The main event of the festival is the cham dance, which is a sacred dance performed by masked dancers. The cham dance is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck to the community.

Other events of the festival include:

A procession of monks and lamas around the Tashichhoe Dzong, the main Buddhist monastery in Thimphu
A fire puja, or fire blessing, to purify the community
A market selling traditional Bhutanese food, handicrafts, and souvenirs

The Thimphu Tshechu is a great opportunity to experience Bhutanese culture and religion. It is a colorful and lively event that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Detail Itinerary

Day 01 - Arrive Paro International Airport

During the journey, one will experience breath-taking view of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks including the sacred Jumolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by your tour operator and take you to Thimphu which is 60 km from Paro Airport and about 2 hours drive. The drive to Thimphu takes you along the Paro Chu (Chu means water or river) down stream to the confluence with the Wang Chu, then turn upstream and travel along the Wang Chu to Thimphu. Check in at the hotel. Evening: Reception by tour operator representatives.

Day 02 - Thimphu

Visit the Memorial Chorten (a huge stupa) built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who ruled the Kingdom from 1952-1972. Visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved Visit the Wood Craft and Painting School where traditional arts and crafts are still kept alive. Visit the handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts and crafts are displayed and can be purchased. Visit Simtokha Dzong. This is one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan. It was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1629 A.D. Evening: Relax.

Day 03 - Thimphu Tshechu

After an early breakfast attend the first day of the Tshechu, which is held in the courtyard of Tashichho Dzong. This is the main Secretariat Building, where the government ministries, the office of His Majesty the King, the Throne Room, the offices and living quarters of the monk body and its Chief Abbot are housed. Lunch at the hotel and watch Thimphu Tshechu. Evening: relax at the hotel or stroll through Thimphu Town.

Day 04 - Thimphu Tshechu

After lunch two optional programmes are: 1) Attend the Tshechu, 2) Visit Dechen Chholing, (about 30 minutes drive from Thimphu to view the palace of the Queen Mother from a hill -top. Visitors are not allowed to enter the palace complex, especially when the Queen Mother is in residence. This is also the Headquarters of the Royal Body Guard. Dechen Chholing is a quiet place where the hermits find it ideal for meditation. One can see a number of small huts scattered right across the hill just above the Palace. Have picnic lunch in Dechen Chholing just above the palace. Evening: If the day falls on a Saturday, visit the most popular nightclub in Thimphu known as ‘All Stars’. (This is optional).

Day 05 - Thimphu

The following are two optional programmes:1) Attend Thimphu Tshechu, 2) Take a day excursion to Phajodhing, which lies on the west of Thimphu at an Alt. of 3,700m. It is about four hours walk from Thimphu and this is considered one of the most enjoyable hikes. From Phajodhing, you have a beautiful view of the Thimphu valley and the surrounding mountains. There are several monasteries and a state monastic school in Phajodhing. It is also a place of meditation for many devout Buddhists.Picnic lunch will be served at Phajodhing. Afternoon, hike back to Thimphu. Evening: Stroll freely in the town.

Day 06 - Thimphu Tshechu

Morning: Attend Thimphu Tshechu. Afternoon: We have two options:1) Attend Tshechu, 2) Visit the Tibetan settlement in Hontsho (about 25 minutes drive from Thimphu) or the Indigenous Medicine Hospital in Thimphu. Evening: Free to take a stroll or do shopping.

Day 07 - Thimphu - Punakha/Wangdiphodrang

A full day excursion to Punakha, the former Capital of Bhutan (77 Km) from Thimphu. Wangdue is 16 Km from Punakha. Visit the Dzongs in both Punakha and Wangdue. Lunch at Wangdue Guest House.

Day 08 - Thimphu – Paro

In Paro, visit the following places of interest: The National Museum (Ta-Dzong). This was actually the Watch Tower of the Paro Rinpung Dzong. It was converted to the National Museum in l968. Visit the Rinpung Dzong. This massive fortress is located on a hilltop above the Pachu (Paro River) in the Paro Valley. It houses the District Administration Office and the District Monk Body. It was built in 1645 AD. Lunch at the hotel. Visit the Drukgyal Dzong which is located 16 Km away from the Paro Town. The name Drukgyal means “Victorious”. Although in ruins, this Dzong is of great historical importance. It was here that the Bhutanese finally defeated the invading Tibetans and drove them back. From here, the peak of Jumolhari “Mountain of the Goddess” can be seen on a clear day (Alt. 7329m/24,029ft.) On the way back, visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse. Evening: Take a stroll through Paro town.

Day 09 - Paro International Airport

Seen off by your tour guide or tour operator.

Cost Details

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Fixed Departures Date & Price

Trip Date	Price	Status	Action
July 28, 2024 -August 05, 2024	USD$	Available
July 31, 2024 -August 08, 2024	USD$	Available

Adventure Land Nepal Tours and Travels P. Ltd.

Nepal Jang Treks and Expedition P. Ltd.

Contact Info

Thimpu Festival Tour