Thimphu Festival
The Thimphu Tshechhu (Festival) is the grandest of Bhutan’s festivals and attracts the largest audience. Featuring dances performed by trained monks and laymen in amazing masks and costumes, Tshechus (festivals) are one of the best ways to experience the ancient living culture of Bhutan.
A Tshechu is a Buddhist festival in honour of Guru Rimpoche, the saint who brought Buddhism to Bhutan. The Thimphu Tshechu 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 and Kira (Bhutan’s national dress) in celebration of their culture and faith. This tour also includes visits to sacred sites in Paro, Thimphu and Punakha.
Day 1
Arrival Paro – Thimphu
Upon arrival at the Paro International Airport, you will be welcomed by our Guide and Driver who will drive you to Thimphu. You will enjoy the drive from Paro-Thimphu through the valley and beautiful landscapes. Visit National Memorial Chorten and Buddha Dordhenma before you finally retire for the night.
Day 2
Thimphu Sightseeing (Thimphu Festival)
Visit Buddha Point, National memorial Chorten, Chnagangkha Lhakhang, National Library, and National Institute of Traditional Medicine. Afternoon attend Festival.
Day 3
Thimphu – Punakha
Morning attend Thimphu Festival and then drive to Punakha. En-route Dochula Pass, Botanical garden and then Chimi Lhakhang before reaching Punakha. After lunch, visit Punakha Dzong and Punakha suspension bridge.
Day 4
Punakha – Paro
Morning hike to Khamsum Yella temple and then drive towards Paro. En-route Semtokha Dzong. Later on visit Drukgyal Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang.
Day 5
Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Morning hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Later afternoon visit Rimpung Dzong and Ta Dzong.
Day 6
Excursion to Haa Valley.
Depart for Haa, the westernmost valley in Bhutan. This is a beautiful drive (3.5 h) that is relatively free of traffic. The road takes us back to Chuzom (river confluence) where we catch a glimpse of the three shrines in Nepali, Tibetan and Bhutanese style which were built to ward off evil spirits, and then traverses left past Dobje Dzong, an ancient prison which now houses a monastery. Picturesque and quaint villages dot the hillsides for the rest of our drive to Haa.
Day 7
Departure
After breakfast, depending on your flight timing our Guide and Driver will drive you to Paro Airport for your onward journey.
* Please note that this itinerary is flexible and can be adjusted to suit your convenience. Therefore, before booking the trip please contact us to discuss your programme.
- Double room on twin sharing basis in government approved 3 star hotels.
- Single room supplement is additional of USD 45 per night per room. All three meals (does not cover water and other beverages ordered in hotels/restaurants).
- Bottled mineral water for the entire trip (except water ordered in the hotels and restaurants).
- Afternoon tea and snacks.
- English speaking and knowledgeable guide.
- Comfortable SUV and an experienced driver.
- Institutional entrance fees.
- Visa fee and processing charges.
- Government taxes.
- All administrative cost.
- Full service & assistance before, during and after your Bhutan trip.
- Airfare.
- Travel Insurance.
- Tipping.
