10 nights 11 days 'Thimphu Tshechu' cum 'Cultural Tour'

10 nights 11 days 'Thimphu Tshechu' cum 'Cultural Tour'

This festival tour package is one of the most popular in Bhutan and the most visited festival by the tourists in Bhutan. The reason is that this is a very unique festival as various religious activities starting from mask dances (chham) and folk dances are performed. It is believed that one acquires good merits and cleanse oneself of bad luck by witnessing the mask dance. The monks perform eight forms of dances representing eight manifestations of Guru Rinpoche (also known as Padmasambhava) which was being performed by him in order to restore the health of King Sindhu Raja. Hence, mask dance became the heart core of the festival. The monks wear majestic silk robes and beautifully crafted masks. People from all over the kingdom make it to this grand celebration along with their loved ones.
Moreover, the weather is favorable. October month is one of the busiest tourist seasons according to the research done by the TCB (Tourism Council of Bhutan).

Itinerary

Day 1: ARRIVE PARO – THIMPHU (1 HOUR DRIVE)

Stop At: Tashichho Dzong (Thimpu Dzong), Chhagchhen Lam, Thimphu Bhutan
This marvelous fortress was built by Lama Gyalwa Lhanapa. The Dzong houses the office of the King, the cabinet secretariat, ministry of home affairs and finance and also other government departments.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: The Craft GALLERY, Norzin Lam 3 Building #69, Opposite to Bhutan Development Bank Limited (BDBL), behind Department of Revenue and Customs (DRC) and Duty Free Shop, Thimphu 11001 Bhutan
It is a handicraft market in Thimphu which is acquainted with unique arts and crafts of the country. It will indeed take you to the different world exhibiting its own beauty and charm.
Duration: 40 minutes

Stop At: Changlimithang Stadium & Archery Ground, Chang Lam, Thimphu Bhutan
Visit the changlimithang ground to witness the Archery match. Archery is the national sport of Bhutan and the sports is played by the Bhutanese on several occasions. Archery is played differently in Bhutan as compared with the internal standards where the two targets are placed 100 meters apart from each other
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Centenary Farmers Market, Main Town, Near the Wangchhu River, Thimphu Bhutan
In the evening where many local produces foods stuffs as well as arts and crafts are sold in the market. Thus, this provide great opportunities for interacting with the local and photography session.
Overnight stay at Thimphu

Duration: 40 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: All accommodations in Three starts hotels

Day 2: THIMPHU- ATTEND THE THIMPHU TSHECHU (FESTIVAL)

Stop At: Tashichho Dzong (Thimpu Dzong), Chhagchhen Lam, Thimphu Bhutan
Attend Thimphu Festival
We will accompany you to Tashichhodzong in order to attend the Thimphu festival right after breakfast. Tshechu means the 10th day of each month of the lunar calendar (Buddhist calendar). The festival is annually held in every dzongkhags (districts) on the tenth day of different months. It is performed as a tribute to Guru Rinpoche for bringing Buddhism to Bhutan.
 People from all walks of life come together in their best Bhutanese attires and scintillating jewelries. Men are dressed in their finest gho (national dress for men) while women in their extravagant hand woven Kiras (national dress for women). It is an occasion wherein one can see families walking towards the fortress with lunch baskets filled with delicious Bhutanese cuisines starting from red rice, varieties of vegetables and meat is a must dish in every person’s plate, if one is a non-vegetarian. They make sure to appear best and eat best on these special days along with their families and friends. The offices will be closed since the government will declare holiday so that the people can be a part of this grand celebration and be blessed at the end of the day. So if you are looking forward to an adventurous holiday, Thimphu Tshechu awaits you!
Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.

Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: All accommodations in Three Start hotel

Day 3: THIMPHU-(SIGHTSEEING IN THE MORNING & ATTEND FESTIVAL IN THE AFTERNOON)

Stop At: Buddha Dordenma, Kuensel Phodrang Viewing Point, Thimphu 11001 Bhutan
It is a massive Shakyamuni statue built on the hill top of Kuenselphodrang which is 51.5 meters in height and is made up of bronze and gold . It is one of the largest statue in the world. This great statue also houses over one hundred thousand small Buddha statues. I bet that you will be startled to gaze at this gigantic statue right in front of you.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Bhutan Post Office Headquarters, Thimphu 0001, Bhutan Chang Lam, Thimphu Bhutan
Bhutan post office is located in the heart of Thimphu city. This is one exciting place to visit as there is unique collection of Bhutanese stamps and you will get to explore about Bhutan’s history from these stamps as well.
Duration: 40 minutes

Stop At: National Folk Heritage Museum, Pedzoe Lam, Thimphu 11001 Bhutan
The museum gives you a glimpse of the traditional Bhutanese lifestyle, in addition to artifacts from rural households; it also displays an impressive collection of typical household objects, tools and equipment. The museum also organizes regular demonstrations of rural traditions, skills, habits and customs as well as hosting educational programs for children
Duration: 40 minutes

Stop At: Thimphu’s Weekend Market, Chhogyal Lam, Thimphu Bhutan
Will attend festival in the afternoon
Duration: 30 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: All accommodations in three stars hotels in Thimphu

Day 4: THIMPHU TO PUNAKHA ( 2 HOURS DRIVE)

Stop At: Dochula Pass, Thimphu Bhutan
On the way to Punakha you will come across the Dochula pass which is placed 3100 meters above the sea level. The place is breath taking with 108 sacred stupas or temples being build out there. The highest peak in Bhutan, Gangkar Puensum stands magnificently right in front of the pass. Hence, you can have a treat for your eyes as well as for your inner being after gazing at that serene mountain.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Punakha Dzong, Punakha 13001 Bhutan
Punakha Dzong, is widely known as the “Palace of Great Happiness”. It was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. It is the second largest and one of the most exquisite Dzongs in Bhutan. This Dzong lies in between the two rivers, Po Chhu and Mo chhu. In 1907 the coronation of our first king was held in this Dzong.
Duration: 35 minutes

Stop At: Chimi L'hakhang Temple, Punakha Bhutan
After lunch, you would be visiting Chimi Lhakhang on foot which is about 10-15 minutes walk from the road point. It is a popular Buddhist monastery built around 1499 by Ngawang Chogyal in honor of Lama Drukpa Kuenley who is also known as a “divine madman” after he subdued the demon of the Dochula with his “magic thunderbolt of wisdom”. He is called as a “Divine madman’’ because of his uncommon ways of teaching Buddhism. Moreover, he is also considered a symbol of fertility. Therefore, people visit this temple specially those who are barren with a hope of getting blessed with children.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Wangdue Dzong, Wangdue Bhutan
Towards the evening, we will take you to Wangdue Dzong for a sightseeing. This beautiful Dzong was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel around 1638 on a high ridge between two rivers i.e. Puna tsang Chhu and dang chhu. The Dzong was built to prevent invasions from the south.
Overnight at your hotel in Punakha/ Wangduephodrang.

Duration: 20 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Accommodation in Three-star hotel in Punakha

Day 5: PUNAKHA TO TRONGSA TO BUMTHANG

Stop At: The Tower of Trongsa Museum, Trongsa Bhutan
Early in the morning drive towards Trongsa which will take 5 hours maximum and stay for a few minutes in Trongsa to see the beautiful and magnificent Trongsa Dzong. Our guide will explain to you the significance of construction of this beautiful fortress. Then we will head towards Bumthang which is 2 hours away from Trongsa

Overnight stay at Bumthang

Duration: 20 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: All accommodations in three-star hotels in Bumthang

Day 6: BUMTHANG

Stop At: Jambay Lhakhang Temple, Near Bumthang River, Jakar Bhutan
Explore beautiful Bumthang Valley
Bumthang is located in the north-central region of Bhutan. The place is commonly known as the spiritual land of the country. It is well-known for its unique and vibrantly woven wool items called yathra which will be the best thing you could ever gift it to your loved ones back at home. During your stay in this beautiful place, you will be able to visit and discover sacred places, shrines, and temples specifically:
 Jambay Lhakhang
 Kurjey Lhakhang
 Tamshing Lhakhang
 Jakar Dzong also known as ‘the Castle of the white bird’

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Kurje Lhakhang, Bumthang Bhutan
Visit Kurje Lhakhang
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Tamshing Lhakhang Temple, Bumthang Bhutan
Visit Tamsing Lhakhang
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Jakar Dzong, Chamkhar Valley, Jakar Bhutan
Visit Jakar Dzong
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: All accommodations in three stars hotel in Bumthang

Day 7: BUMTHANG TO PHOBJIKA

Stop At: Phobjikha Valley, Bhutan
Drive back, following the same route towards Pobjika and you will be expected to reach there by evening. In the evening, visit one of farm house for dinner together with the family members.This provides an excellent opportunity to interact and understand the life of local people out there.

Overnight stay at Phobjika

Duration: 5 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
• Lunch
Accommodation included: All accommodation in three-star hotels in Phobjika

Day 8: PHOBJIKA TO PARO

Stop At: Phobjikha Valley, Wangdue Phodrang, Bhutan
The Phobjika Valley is one of the most beautiful U-shaped valleys in Bhutan.Phobkijka valley is home to Black-necked cranes (endangered bird) which flies to Bhutan from Tibetan plateau during winter to roost. They migrate from higher attitude to spend their winter here because of the extreme cold weather in the northern Bhutan . The best time to visit this place is during winter as you can see Black-necked cranes all over this magnificent valley. You can also see Yaks grazing in the mountains before entering the valley.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Gangtey Monastery, Gangtey Bhutan
Visit Gangtey Goenpa (monastery)-which is built on a hill top. It is the only Nyingmapas monastery on the western side of the Black Mountain. Moreover, it is the biggest Nyingmapas monastery in the country.

Drive to PARO in the evening

Duration: 40 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Accommodation in three stars hotels in Paro

Day 9: PARO

Stop At: Rinpung Dzong, Paro Bhutan
In Paro, we will accompany you to Taa Dzong (Museum)-Paro Rinpung Dzong , Drugyal Dzong, and Kicchu Lhakhang.


Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Drukgyel Dzong, Paro 11001 Bhutan
Drugyal Dzong is one of the oldest Dzongs in the country which was built to commemorate the victory over an invasion from Tibet. This Dzong now lies in ruins and is under renovation.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Kyichu Lhakhang, Lamgong Gewog, Paro 12001 Bhutan
The temple is one of the oldest temple built by a Tibetan Emperor, Songtsan Gampo. It is believed that this temple is filled with various hidden treasures

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Paro Penlop Heritage Home Museum, Carpenters Road, Paro Bhutan
Taa Dzong(Museum) lies on the hill located above the Paro Dzong. It is an ancient watchtower which is now used as the National Museum. The building has a unique design with the shape of a conch shell. The museum has different galleries which provide better display and various categorizations such as anthropology, arms and armor, pre-history, manuscript, paintings, textiles, bronzes, decorative arts, philatelic items, epigraphic items and numismatics.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Accommodation in three stars hotels in Paro

Day 10: PARO

Stop At: Paro Taktsang, Taktsang Trail BT, Paro Bhutan
After breakfast, there will be a hike to Taktshang Monastery. Paro Taktshang is one of the most prominent tourist destinations of the country and your trip would be tedious without visiting this most important Buddhist temple. Taktshang which mean “Tiger’s nest” was built around 1692 on a cliff which is about 3120 meters above the sea level. It is located 10 km away from Paro town and will take at least 2-4 hours for trekkers to reach the spot. You can even have an exhilarating uphill ride on a rented horse. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche (Buddhist saint) came riding on a tigress to this site and meditated in the cave for 3 years, 3 months, 3 days and 3 hours so as to subdue evil spirits dwelling in that region. He was indeed victorious which is why Taktshang was built to signify the victory over the evil spirit. There is a Taktshang cafeteria which serves tea, lunch, snacks and fruit drinks at a reasonable price as well

In the evening, we will accompany you to a farm house in Paro for a hot stone bath. This traditional bath uses fresh water from the river mixed with Artemisia leaves. The water is then heated by dipping hot stones in the water tub. This hot stone bath is a traditional method of healing diseases. In addition, you would feel relax while taking a hot stone bath. So, if you are tired, a hot stone bath is all you need!

Overnight stay at Paro

Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Accommodation in three stars hotels in Paro

Day 11: PARO (DEPARTURE FROM PARO AIRPORT)

Stop At: Paro Airport Bird's Eye View Point, Paro Bhutan
After breakfast, we will drop you to the Paro International Airport from where you will fly back home
Duration: 10 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.