Trip Grade: Easy
Trip Activities: Sightseeing and religious tour
Trip days: 10 days
Time to visit:
For cultural explorer, Bhutan presents different Buddhist festivals that promises a wonderful opportunity to experience the Bhutanese culture and customs. Paro Tsechu festival lets you experience and enjoy the magnificence of one of the significant festival in the entire kingdom.
Paro Tsechu festival is held annually since 17th century when Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel (the founder of state Bhutan) and Ponpo Rigzin Nyingpo celebrated together with the blessing of Paro Dzong (fortress) in 1644.
The festival starts on the 10th day of 2nd Bhutanese lunar north; continues for 5 days and ends in the 15th day. In 2019, the festival will be celebrated on March 17 – 21.
Paro Tsechu Festival tour allows travelers to get acquainted with Bhutanese rich culture and history. It is believed that attending this festival one can gain merits. The festival brings all the relatives and friends together and all the people are dressed on their finest traditional outfit.
On the final day of Paro Tsechu, travelers can witness the large display of Thangha (embroideredpainting), also called Guru Throngdrol. Throngdrols are the fine example of ancient Buddhist which is always intriguing to watch. They are sacred to that extent; that one can cleanse off all the viewers sin.
Paro Tshechu Festival Tour in Bhutan not only offers you the close insight of Buddhist faith and their way of life but also takes you to visit highly venerated natural and cultural sites of Bhutan. This tour is especially for discern travelers who wish to delve the “soul & spirituality” of Bhutan while exploring the best natural grandeurs.
Day 01: Arrival at Paro International Airport and drive to the hotel
The flight to Paro is one of the best Trans-Himalaya in the world as you get to witness the extensive collection of spectacular peaks. After completion of immigration and custom formalities, the representative from Dream Bhutan will receive you and transfer you to the hotel at Paro.
After hotel check-in and short refreshment, you will proceed to visit the Farmhouse in Paro valley. It offers the close peek to Bhutanese traditional way of farming.
Then you will visit Kyichu temple which is one of 108 temples built in 7th century by Tibetan King Songsten Gampo.
Further visit Dungse Lhakhang (temple) which was built by great “builder of Iron Chain Bridges” Drupthob Thangtong Gyalpo. In the evening, we stroll around the town and have interaction with local people.
Overnight at hotel in Paro
Day 02: Paro Tshechu Festival
Today you will witness the color and charisma of Paro Tsechu festival. During the festival, you get to admire the traditional mask dances along with other folk dances and receive blessings and socialize. The festival is celebrated in the honor of Guru Rimpoche, the great saint who established Buddhism in Bhutan. It is believed that attending the festival will help anyone wash away their sins of lifetime.
Overnight at hotel in Paro
Day 03: Paro – Thimpu
After early morning breakfast, you will drive to Thimpu (the modern capital of Bhutan) which roughly takes about an hour. Here we enjoy the Thongdroel ceremony which also marks the final day of the annual festival. During the event, a gigantic painting of Guru Rinpoche made of cloth is displayed on the side of the Dzong. The silk Thangka is so large that it covers the face of entire building and is considered as one of the most sacred blessings in entire kingdom.
Next, we drive to memorial chorten which was built in the memory of the third king of Bhutan which reigned from 1952 – 1972.
Then you will visit Tendrel Thang to enjoy the 2nd day of festival. You will spend about an hour witness the devotees and their rituals.
Next we go to National Textile Museum which houses numerous art, artifacts, textile and Thankas. Here you will see people weaving with intricate designs.
You will also visit the Museum which portrays visitors with fascinating insight into the Bhutanese material culture and way of life.
After lunch, we make about 30 minute drive to the base of Tango Monastery and hike up to the Monastery. We walk through the forested route of rhododendron which are in state bloom in spring. Tango Monastery is the major hub for higher studies for monks. The monastery commands superb view of surrounding landscapes. After exploration, we hike down to the road and take a drive back to Thimpu.
Overnight at hotel in Thimpu
Day 04: Drive from Thimpu to Punakha (1,300m/4,265ft) – 76km, 2 – 3 hours
After breakfast, we drive to Punakha & Wangdue via Dochula Pass. In clear weather, you can witness the best view of Himalayan Mountain ranges. Here you will visit beautiful 108 chorten built by Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk (Queen Mother of Bhutan) for well-being of the King of Bhutan. You will also visit Druk Wangyal Lhakang monastery built by Asi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk (Queen mother of Bhutan) in the name of fourth king of Bhutan. The gallery of Duk Wangyal Lhakhang has the collection of beautiful Murals showcasing some of the important events in the reign of the Kings of Bhutan.
Then you will drive to Punakha which used to the capital of Bhutan before Thimpu. On the way, you will stop for Lunch at Metsina village and visit Devine Madam’s Monastery- Chimi Lhakhang which is famously knowns for her fertility blessing – bare mother can receive the children blessing.
Then you will explore the Punakha Dzong which is majestically located at the juncture of Pho – Chu (male river) and Mo Chu (female river). The Dzong was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative seat of the region. At the Dzong, you will witness the highest standards of woodwork.
In the evening, you will visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendup Lhakhang Nunnery and enjoy the superb view of Punakha and Wangdue valley.
Overnight at hotel in Punakha
Day 05: Punakha – Jakar/Bhumthang (2,850m/9,350ft) – 214km/7 hours
After breakfast, we drive to Bumthang – the cultural hub of Bhutan. The driving route goes through zigzag road and cross Pele La Pass at 3,300m. On the way, you have opportunity to spot yaks and herdsmen.
You will stop at Trongsa for lunch and then visit Trongsa Dzong – a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture. Next you will proceed towards Bumthang through lush valleys and hilly forests. On the way, you will explore yathra (textile weaving) factory which the yathras are designed with unique patterns.
Overnight at hotel in Bumthang
Day 06: Sightseeing in Bumthang
Today you will spend entire day explore the impressive landmarks of Bumthang. First explore Jakar Dzong – the administrative center of the valley. Then visit Jambay Lhakhang which is one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan – built at the time when the Buddhism was first introduced. Also explore Kurjey Lhakhang which is one of the most sacred monasteries in Bhutan. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche, a great spiritual saint, left his body imprint on the cave when he was meditating. You will also visit Tamshing Lhakhang – a treasure house that have collection of Buddhist paintings.
Overnight at hotel in Bumthang
Day 07: Drive from Bumthang – Wangdue (1,240m/4,068ft) – 197km, 6 hours
Today we explore the Bumthang market and then drive to Wangdue. Wangdue is picturesque town with beautiful Dzong perched on the ridge at the bend of a river. The surrounding villages of Wangdue are known for their slate and stone carvings.
Overnight at hotel in Wangdue
Day 08: Wangdue – Paro – 124km/ 3 – 4 hours
After breakfast, you will drive to Paro via fascinating Dochula Pass. On the way, you will explore Chimi Lhakhang – a temple dedicated to Divine Madman or Lama Drukpa Kuenley Monastery which is known for fertility blessing. We stop at Dochula Pass and visit Druk Wangyal Monastery which showcases the elaborate paintings depicting the lineage of the present monarchy and their visionary works. We continue our drive to Paro.
Overnight at hotel in Paro
Day 09: Hike to Taktsang Monastery
After breakfast, you will drive to the hiking point of the Tiger’s Nest Monastery and hike up to the monastery which roughly takes 1.5 hours. The monastery serves superb view of Paro valley and surrounding landscapes. It is perched majestically at 900m on sheer rock face from the valley floor.
The monastery was first constructed in 1692. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava meditated here for three months in 8th century. It is also believed that Guru Rinpoche flew to this from Kenpajong on the back of Tigress to fight against the Demon which was harming the Kingdom. Subsequently, the place came to be known as the “Tiger’s Nest”. Guru Padmasambhava is believed as the portrayer of Buddhism in Bhutan.
After visiting monastery, you will hike downhill to the road with a lunch at viewpoint Cafeteria. Then you will drive back to the hotel after visiting Kichu Lhakhang on the way. Kichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the 7th century by the King Songsten Gampo.
In the evening, enjoy traditional hot stone bath and take a well-deserved rest.
Overnight at hotel in Paro
Day 08:Final Departure
Your exciting festival tour in Bhutan comes to an end today. The representative from Dream Bhutan will drive you back to the Paro International Airport on scheduled time for your final departure.
Farewell!!!
