Thimphu Tshechu Festival

Day 1: Arrival in Paro

Upon your arrival at Paro Airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to independently explore the charming surroundings of Paro, where you can get a taste of Bhutanese culture and hospitality.

Day 2: Paro to Punakha

Start your day early as you journey to Punakha, climbing through scenic pine, oak, and rhododendron forests to reach Dochu La Pass (3050m). After a brief stop to soak in the views, you’ll arrive in Punakha Valley. Enjoy a picturesque 1.5 to 2-hour hike to Chimi Lhakhang Temple, dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley, also known as the Divine Mad Monk. After your hike, visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture located at the confluence of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. In the evening, you’ll settle into your campsite along the banks of the Mo Chu River, where you can relax and explore the stunning natural surroundings. Optionally, indulge in a traditional hot stone bath served with local drinks before dinner.

Day 3: Punakha Valley to Thimphu

After breakfast, you’ll embark on a hike along the shores of the Mo Chu River to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a stunning temple offering breathtaking views of the valley. Following your exploration, you will visit the beautiful villages of Talo, nestled on a ridge above Punakha Valley. Enjoy a picnic lunch before visiting the Sangchen Dorji Lhendrup Nunnery, where nuns are trained in religious practices and various handicrafts. Later in the day, you will drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital.

Day 4: Thimphu Tshechu Festival

The Thimphu Tshechu is a vibrant three-day religious event marking the tenth day of the lunar calendar, honoring the birthday of Guru Rimpoche, the saint who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century. Today, you will head to Tendrelthang at Tashichho Dzong, where you can mingle with locals dressed in their best attire to witness the extraordinary masked dances and various colorful cultural displays that embody the spirit of this grand festival.

Day 5: Exploring Thimphu

Thimphu seamlessly combines contemporary influences with rich traditional culture. After breakfast, you will visit several key sites, including the Memorial Chorten, a beautiful stupa honoring Bhutan’s third King. Next, visit Kuenselphodrang (Buddha Point) to see the world’s largest Buddha Dordenma statue and take in stunning views of Thimphu Valley. You will also explore a traditional handmade paper factory that preserves the ancient craft of paper-making, before returning to your hotel in Thimphu.

Day 6: Thimphu to Paro

Today, you will drive back to Paro, stopping along the way to admire the scenic views at Chuzom, the confluence of the Paro and Thimphu rivers, where you can see three distinct styles of stupas. You will also visit Tachogang Iron Chain Bridge, built in the 15th century, and the ancient Lhakhang (temple). Once in Paro, explore the National Museum housed in an old watchtower, followed by a visit to Rinphung Dzong, made famous by the Hollywood film, Little Buddha. After lunch, you will tour Kichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, and conclude your day with a visit to Dungtse Lhakhang Temple.

Day 7: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery

Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktshang Pelphung) is a must-see, perched precariously on a 900-meter cliff above the Paro Valley. You will embark on a scenic hike (approximately 4-6 hours) to reach this iconic site. While the monastery is accessible only by foot, pony rides can be arranged for part of the journey. Inside, you will have the opportunity to explore several temples and meet the resident monks. After returning to Paro, enjoy a traditional Bhutanese dinner at a local farmhouse, where you can interact with a local family and learn about Bhutanese cuisine.

Day 8: Departure from Paro

Sadly, your journey concludes today after breakfast. After bidding farewell to your fellow travelers, a departure transfer will be arranged to take you to Paro Airport for your onward flight.