Thimpu Tsechu Festival Tour is one of the popular tour package in Bhutan. The Thimpu Tshechu Festival begins on the 10th day of the 8th lunar month. The three-day religious event has significant role for Bhutanese people as this festival allows them to cleanse themselves of the bad Karma and know the meaning of their life.
Thimpu Tshechu is an annual festival that is celebrated at the Tendrelthang located just next to Thimpu Tashicho Dzong. It is celebrated at the Birth Anniversary of Guru Rimpoche, the second Buddha.
The festival are performed in all 20 districts of Bhutan and each district are celebrated at different months from one another and it is more like a New Year Celebration. It’s a big day in Bhutan and celebrated to pay tribute to Guru Rimpoche and other local deities. The famous mask dances are by the Buddhist monks as well as songs and dance from the local villagers.
Legend has it that Guru Rimpoche healed a king named Sindhu Raja by performing eight forms of dances representing eight manifestations of Padmasambhava in the Bumthang valley to recover the worse health of the King. Later, these dances become Chham dances showcasing the grandeur of Padmasambhava which are now performed by the monks and laymen.
The monks perform a series of traditional dances wearing silk robes and mask. The years of learning and experience only makes a monk to master the art of mask dance. Monks rehears and practice for several months for this grand event.
The three-day festival showcases a collection of age-old Chham which includes Dance of the Stag and the Hounds, Dance of the Lords of the cemetery and the theatrical presentation of the judgment day after a person dies which are quintessential Buddhist belief and the Dance of the eight Manifestations of Padmasambhava.
Day01: Arrival at Paro and drive to Thimpu (54 km/ 1 km)
Fly to Paro via Druk Air (Royal Bhutan Airlines). After completing immigration formalities, Dream Bhutan’s airport representative will receive you and drive you to the hotel at Thimpu.
Today we visit Bhutan Postal Museum which displays the Bhutan’s progress and development via communication and postal system in the country. Here you can get personalized Bhutanese postage stamps with your photo on them. You can attach the favorite photo on the stamps and send to your family and friends.
Next we visit Changzamtok Weaving Center to witness the stunning colorful silk and cotton textiles being woven into shawls, scarves and traditional Bhutanese dresses. We also craft Bazaar where craftsmen and artisans from across the country display and sell their handicrafts.
In the evening, stroll around the Thimpu city.
Overnight at hotel in Thimpu
Day02: 1st day of Thimpu Tshechu (Festival) – (9AM – 4:30 PM)
After breakfast, you will explore the 1st day of Thimpu Tshechu (festival) which will be celebrated at Tendrel Thang (the festival ground in front of Thimpu Tashichho Dzong). You can witness the crowd of devotees dressed in traditional attire to receive blessing.
You will visit Tashichhoe Dzong, a symbol of glorious region. Built in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, it houses the secretariat building, the throne room, the central monk body and the king’s office.
After festival, you will proceed to exploring Archery – a national game of Bhutan. Then visit Kuenselphodrang where the 167 ft tall Buddha stupa is located. It also commands the superb view of Thimpu valley.
Overnight at hotel in Thimpu
Day03: Thimpu Tsechu 2nd day – Thimpu sightseeing & Short hike to Tango Monastery
After breakfast, we proceed to visit a Centenary Farmer’s Market (open from Thursday – Sunday). Here you will see extensive range of foodstuffs and local arts and crafts put on stall for sale. A visit to the market offers great opportunities as well as the chance to mingle with local people.
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
Day04: 3rd day of Thimpu Tshechu
Today is the last day of Thimpu Tshechu festival. After breakfast, you will travel to Tendrel Thang (festival ground) to witness the concluding part of the festival. You will witness combined (ritual + floks) performed by Bhutanese warriors. People from different part of kingdom flocks here at their best outfit and ornaments.
After exploration of festival, you will visit Traditional Bhutanese Paper Making Factory. Here you will see the way of making handmade paper that had originated in 8th century. This handmade paper symbolizes valuable National heritage and culture identities that are preserved from centuries.
Further you will visit the Takin Preserve – a natural home to national animal Takin that is only found in Bhutan. Then you will visit Changankha Lhakhang temple located at the top of a small hound overlooking the Thimpu valley. It was built in 13th century by the illustrious Lam Phajo Dugom Zhigpo. This temple is believed as the spiritual home of the children born in the Chang valley.
Overnight at hotel in Thimpu
Day05: Drive from Thimpu – Punakha/Wangdue – 71km/ 2.5 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
Day06: Drive from Punakha – Paro (71km – 2.5 hours)
After breakfast, you will drive through the upper Punakha valley and take a hike to stunning Khamsum Yelley Namgyal Lhakang (temple) which was built by Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck (the Queen Mother of Bhutan). The temple is perched atop of hill overlooking the valley below.
Then we drive to Paro valley with a lunch on the way.
At Paro you will visit Ringpung Dzong which was built in 1645 to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. The Dzong is now converted to administrative center and school for monks. Next we walk down to Rimpung Bridge – a traditional bridge of Bhutan.
Next you will visit Farm House which offers close peek to lifestyle of Bhutanese farmer.
Overnight at hotel in Paro
Day07: A Day Hike to Taktsang Ghoempa (Tiger’s Nest 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
Day08: 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!!!
Trip Grade: Easy
Trip Activities: Sightseeing and religious tour
Trip days: 8 days
Time to visit: 19th – 21th September
