Paro Tshechu (Festival) Tour

Paro Tshechu is one of the most popular festivals in Bhutan, held annually since the 17^th century when Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the founder of the state of Bhutan and Ponpo Rigzin Nyingpo initiated the festival together with the consecration of Paro Dzong (fortress) in 1644. Featuring dances performed by trained monks and laymen in amazing masks and costumes, Paro Tshechu (festival) is one of the best ways to experience the ancient living culture of Bhutan. The festival is observed in three specific parts- the pre-festival rituals on the first day, ceremonies are undertaken on the second day inside the Paro Dzong and the main festivities on the festival ground on the remaining three days.

A highlight of Paro Tsechu is the unfurling of the silk Thangkha – so large that it covers the face of an entire building and is considered one of the most sacred blessings in the whole of Bhutan. The ‘Thangkha, known in Bhutan as a ‘Thongdroel’ is a religious picture scroll, and is only exhibited for a few hours at daybreak on the final day of the festival enabling the people to obtain its blessing. This holy scroll ‘confers liberation by the mere sight of it’ (the meaning of the word ‘Thongdroel’ in Bhutanese language).

Paro Tshechu, one of the biggest one in terms of participation and audience is also the occasion for social bonding among the people of remote and spread-out villages.

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Day 1: Arrive Paro (Bhutan) by Flight & drive to Thimphu (55km, approx. 1.1/2-hour drive)

* On arrival at Paro International Airport, received by our representative after immigration formalities & baggage collection and then transfer to Bhutan’s capital city, Thimphu. En route photo stop at Tamchog temple viewpoint & Chuzom, the confluence of Paro & Thimphu rivers.
* On arrival in Thimphu check into the hotel.
* Later visit King’s Memorial Stupa.
* Evening an exploratory walk around Thimphu city centre.
* Overnight in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320m).
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Day 2: Thimphu

* Full day exploration of Thimphu valley includes visit to, Folk Heritage Museum, Textile Museum, Institute of Zorig Chusum or Arts & Crafts School, Takin Preserve, Thimphu Post office, Buddha Dordenma and Trashichhoedzong, the beautiful medieval fortress / monastery.
* Overnight in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320m).
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Day 3: Thimphu – Punakha (75km, approx. 2.1/2-hour drive)

* After breakfast, drive to Punakha, the ancient capital town of Bhutan. En route take a short stop at Dochula pass (3,080m) enjoying stunning mountain views at the backdrop of picturesque Druk Wangyel Chortens (stupa).
* On arrival in Punakha, check into the hotel.
* Afternoon visit historic Punakha Dzong (fortress cum monastery) and a short walking excursion (about 30 min round trip walk) to Chimi Lhakhang or ‘Fertility Temple’.
* Overnight in Punakha (Altitude 1,300m).
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Day 4: Punakha

* Morning after breakfast, walking excursion (approx. 2-hour round trip walk) to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Stupa.
* Post lunch visit to Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup temple and beautiful Talo village.
* Overnight in Punakha (Altitude 1,300m).
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Day 5: Punakha – Paro (125km, approx. 4-hour drive) (Paro Tshechu, Festival)

* Morning after breakfast, drive to Paro via Dochula pass.
* Afternoon witness Paro Tshechu (festival) and Ta Dzong (National Museum).
* Evening an exploratory walk around Paro city centre.
* Overnight in Paro (Altitude 2,280m).
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Day 6: Paro (Paro Tshechu, Festival)

* After breakfast, witness Paro Tshechu (festival).
* Later walking excursion (approx. 5-hour round trip walk) to Taktsang monastery or ‘Tiger Nest’.
* Overnight in Paro (Altitude 2,280m).
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Day 7: Paro (Paro Tshechu, Festival)

* Early morning witness Paro Tshechu (festival) and unfurling of Thongdroel, the highlight of the festival.
* Later visit Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) or ‘Fortress on a Heap of Jewels’.
* Afternoon walking excursion to Dzongdrakha temple (approx. 45 min round trip walk) and visit Kyichu & Dungtse temples.
* Overnight in Paro (Altitude 2,280m).
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Day 8: Depart Paro (Bhutan)

* Morning transfer to Paro International Airport for flight to onward destination.