Thimphu Tshechu Festival
Overview
Experience Bhutan’s cultural vibrancy at its peak during the Thimphu Tshechu. Held annually in Thimphu’s Tashichodzong, this 3-day extravaganza showcases lively masked dances, traditional music, and colorful attire. You will witness age-old traditions come alive as locals and tourists come together to celebrate. This is a must-do for any Bhutan travel itinerary, held during September–October according to the Buddhist calendar.
Trip Highlights
- Join the vibrant and colorful Thimphu Tshechu celebration
- Capture breathtaking images of sacred mask dances in action
- Visit historic Buddhist monasteries
- Enjoy a farmhouse dinner and engage with Bhutanese locals.
- Explore villages and experience unique rural life.
- Rejuvenate with a traditional herbal hot stone bath
- Hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Duration
6 Nights/7 Days
Tour Difficulty
Easy
Walking Hours
4-5 Hours
Group Size
2 & above
Accommodation
Hotels
Best season
Sep-Oct
Route Map
Itinerary
Our representative will meet you at Paro airport exit doors following customs formalities.
After lunch enjoy afternoon sightseeing around Paro, including a visit to the Ta Dzong Museum and visit the Rimpong Dzong to see the painting of the great saint Milarepa.
Afterward, drive to the capital, Thimphu (1.5 hours) following the Pachu River. Before dinner at the hotel, there will be an orientation on Bhutanese etiquette by your guide. Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.
After breakfast, drive to Tashichhodzong to attend the Thimphu festival. You will see locals dressed in their finest clothes who have walked from miles around to attend the festivities.
Enjoy a morning of sightseeing, including a visit to the 12th-century Changangkha Temple, and the National Memorial Chorten depicting the Buddhist faith in the form of paintings and statues.
In the afternoon return to Tashichhodzong to further experience the colorful events of the Thimphu festival.
Drive over the Dochu-La pass (3,100 meters), which on a clear day offers an incredible view of Himalayan peaks before descending into balmy Punakha valley (about 3 hrs total driving time).
On arrival, visit Punakha Dzong, the “Palace of Great Happiness” built in 1637 by the Shabdrung, the ‘Unifier of Bhutan’.
After lunch, enjoy a walk to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of the Drukpa Kuenly who is also known as the Divine Madman.
In the morning drive to Yabesa village and hike to through ricefields and up to Khamsum Yueley Namgyal Chorten, built by her majesty the queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuk.
Drive back to Thimphu where you will visit The National Library housing the collection of Bhutanese scriptures dating back to the 8th century and a fascinating replica of a medieval farmhouse at the Folk Heritage Museum.
Afterward, proceed to Paro, On arrival in Paro, check into the hotel.
After breakfast hike to Taktsang Monastery. The trail is broad and the walk of approximately 2 hours uphill takes you almost a kilometer above the Paro valley floor (for those who cannot hike we will arrange a horse for transfer up to the viewing point).
In the afternoon drive to the almost fully reconstructed Drukgyel Dzong. On the return drive to Paro, visit other sights in Paro valley. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.
Breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the airport for a flight to your onward destination
Guntupalli Akhilaraj
We recently traveled to Bhutan with the assistance of Bhutan Travel Center, and our experience was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment we began planning our trip, their guidance and help were invaluable. The team was incredibly knowledgeable and attentive, ensuring that every detail of our journey was meticulously organized. Our tour guide was outstanding, providing us with deep insights into Bhutanese culture, history, and traditions. Their passion for the country truly enhanced our experience, making each site visit memorable and meaningful.
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Thank you Bhutan Travel Center give me a wonderful trip and meaningful soul exploration. I will come back. This is not only a travel agent but a trust friend in Bhutan.
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Booking our trip to Bhutan through the Bhutan Travel Center was one of the best decisions we made! From the initial inquiry to the end of our journey, their team was incredibly helpful and professional. Our guide was knowledgeable, friendly, and went above and beyond to ensure we had an enriching experience. The itinerary was well-planned, allowing us to explore Bhutan's stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history. The accommodations were comfortable, and the local cuisine they arranged for us to try was delicious. Overall, we couldn't have asked for a better travel experience. Thank you, Bhutan Travel Center, for making our trip to Bhutan truly unforgettable.
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COST INCLUDES
- Sustainable Development Fee of USD 100 Per night per person
- Visa
- Accommodation
- Transportation
- All meals
- Certified English Speaking Bhutanese Guide
- Entrance fees
- All internal taxes & charges
- Mineral Water
COST EXCLUDES
- Flight tickets
- Insurance
- Drinks and Beverages
- Tips
- Internet and Phone bills
- Other personal expenses