The Thimphu festival is a popular Tshechu or festival in Thimphu capital city where thousand of people turn up for four days of dances and prayer. Also a big family and social occasion, people dress up in their finest cloths and most resplendent jewelry of coral and turquoise. They pack picnic lunches in their traditional bamboo baskets and stay all day at the festival.
All Bhutanese try to attend a festival at least once in a lifetime, and for many, it is an important annual affair where they consider it is a blessing to be able to watch the dances. Apart from the monks community dancers also participate in the festival.
Trip Highlight
All Bhutanese try to attend a festival at least once in a lifetime, and for many, it is an important annual affair where they consider it is a blessing to be able to watch the dances. Apart from the monks community dancers also participate in the festival.
Itinerary Details
Days 1:
Arrive Paro 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. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu.
Days 2:
In Thimphu : Visit the Memorial Chorten 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. overnight at hotel in Thimphu.
Days 3:
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 stroll through Thimphu Town. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu.
Days 4:
Thimphu Tshechu : Attend festival. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu.
Days 5:
Thimphu Tshechu : Attend full day festival or you can go around in Thimphu for shopping. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu.
Days 6:
In Thimphu : In the morning you can hike to Tango Monastery, which was built by the "Divine Madman" in the 15th century. It's a center of study for monks, and it affords a great view of the Thimphu Valley . On the grounds of the monastery is a "sin-testing" tunnel--it is said that if you have sinned, you will get stuck in the tunnel, and if you are without sin, you will go through with ease! After lunch, you can hike to Cheri Monastery, which was built in 1620 and housed the first monk body. The Shabdrung's father's ashes are contained inside the monastery. Overnight hotel in Thimphu. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu.
Days 7:
Thimphu to Punakha: After breakfast you will drive to Punakha, with a stop en route for tea at Dochu La (3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas. After lunch you will drive to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan , and visit Punakha Dzong, which is noteworthy both for being one of the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan and also for having been built by the first Shabdrung in 1637. On the way stop at Metshina Village and take a 20-minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lakhang, which is a fertility temple, founded by Drukpa Kuenly who is popularly known as the "Devine Madman". Overnight hotel in Punakha.
Days 8:
Punakha to Paro: After breakfast drive to Paro. After lunch 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. Overnight at hotel in Paro.
Days 9:
In Paro Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery: After breakfast, hike to Taktsang or the "tiger's nest" monastery perched precariously on the cliff 900m above the floor of the Paro valley. It is the most famous monastery in Bhutan. It is said that Guru Rinpoche, the great Indian saint, have flown to the site of the monastery from eastern Bhutan, on the back of a tigress and meditated here for three months. Overnight at hotel in Paro
Days 10:
Paro to Kathmandu
Days 11:
Shightseeing in Kathmandu Valley and we serve farewell dinner in the evening.
Days 15:
Transfer to Airport for fly back your own destination.
Note: Designed itinerary is a sample itinerary intended to give you a general idea of trip to Bhutan. We can create an itinerary to suit as your needs and interest one you give your interest and travel timeframe.
The Thimphu festival is a popular Tshechu or festival in Thimphu capital city where thousand of people turn up for four days of dances and prayer. Also a big family and social occasion, people dress up in their finest cloths and most resplendent jewelry of coral and turquoise. They pack picnic lunches in their traditional bamboo baskets and stay all day at the festival.
