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.
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 i...
Paro Airport - Thimphu
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world, with a constantly changing panorama of some of the highest mountains on earth. 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 Rimpong Dzong to see the painting of the great saint Milarepa. Afterwards, drive to the capital, Thimphu following the Pachu River. Before dinner at the hotel there will be an orientation on Bhutanese etiquette.
After breakfast, drive to Tashichho Dzong to attend the Thimphu festival.
You will see locals dressed in their finest clothes who have walked from miles around to attend the festivities. Tashichho Dzong, ‘the fortress of the glorious religion’. Initially erected in 1641 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was rebuilt in the 1960s during the reign of Bhutan’s third king in the traditional style, without plans or nails.
Once you settle into your hotel, we will begin to unlock the mysteries of Bhutan by touring Thimphu’s most important sites.
After lunch visit the Memorial Chorten built in the memory of late Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, Buddha Point, 15th century Changangkha Lhakhang, Textile Museum is worth a visit to learn about Bhutan's living national art of weaving and primary center of learning for Bhutanese artists School of Thirteen Arts & Crafts.
later in the evening return to Tashichhodzong to further experience the colorful events of the Thimphu festival.
Thimphu - Punakha
After breakfast, we will drive from Thimphu to Punakha on national highway, which leads from the cold of Thimphu to the hot, almost tropical area of the Punakha Valley. En route, we will stop at Dochula Pass, where you can visit the marvelous 108 stupas and have a coffee break.
Upon arrival in Punakha visit Chimmi Lhakhang - Takes a 45mins hike round trip. This monastery is also referred to as the “Abode of Fertility”
After lunch we go visiting the beautiful Punakha Dzong, seated at the confluence of Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers and Punakha suspension bridge, an exciting bridge for photography enthusiasts.
Punakha - Paro
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. Perched high on a hill on the bank of the river, the Chorten houses paintings belonging to Nyingmapa Traditions.
After that we will drive back to Thimphu where we will visit the National Library and handicraft and souvenir stores. Later evening will again drive back to Paro.
After breakfast, we will hike to Tiger’s Nest - Bhutan’s most scenic icon or the most important landmark, Taktshang the Tiger’s nest clings to the side of a steep cliff 300 meters above the Paro valley.
After lunch enjoy afternoon sightseeing around Paro, including a visit to the National Museum, Ta Dzong and Rimpong Dzong to see the painting of the great saint Milarepa.
Afterwards walk to the beautiful cantilever wooden bridge still in use.
We drive you back at the airport accordingly to your flight departure.