6 Days Amazing Thimphu Tsechu Festival Tour in Bhutan

When you arrive in Paro International Airport, your tour guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for a short rest.

Then you will head to visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong, commonly known as Rinchen Pung Dzong or Ringpung Dzong in short. Regarded as one of the finest Bhutanese architecture, Paro Dzong is a fortress built to protect Paro valley in the 17th century. Besides, you can roam along the crystal brook and visit the National Museum of Bhutan, where you can learn about the ancient Bhutan history and splendid local cultures and arts.

After the sightseeing, you will be transferred to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan.

Stay overnight in Thimphu.

In the morning, you will head to visit Tashichho Dzong, the famous Buddhist monastery in Bhutan, located on the west bank of the Wangchu River. You will watch the Grand Festivities in Tashichho Dzong - Tsechu Festival, the annual religious Bhutanese festivals held on the tenth day of a month of the lunar Tibetan calendar. During the celebration of Tsechus, you will enjoy the brilliant Cham Dance, a religious mask dance, and see the unfolding of the giant Thangka painted or embroidered religious picture.

Then you will move to Changlimithang Stadium to enjoy archery in Bhutan, known as the national sport of Bhutan, being both fun and physical exercise. This is of the essence part when you start the journey of Bhutan.

After that, you will continue to visit Buddha Dordenma and Thimphu Chorten. Located in the mountain of Bhutan, Buddha Dordenma is a gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha statue designed to celebrate the 60th anniversary of fourth king Jigme Singye Wangchuck. The Thimphu Chorten a holy place for Bhutanese to pray for peace, and known as "the most visible religious landmark in Bhutan". If you want to experience the Buddhist culture, Thimphu Chorten is the best option.

Stay overnight in Thimphu.

Today, you will drive to Punakha from Thimphu. On the road, you will pass Dochu La Pass (3100m), where you can see the 108 memorial chortens. Known as "Druk Wangyal Chortens", these chortens have been built by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk, the eldest Queen Mother.

Then you will visit the famous Punakha Dzong, which is also known as Pungtang Dewa chhenbi Phodrang. It is constructed by Ngawang Namgyal in 1637 and it the second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan.

Next, you will head to Chimi L'hakhang Temple, which is also famous as the temple of fertility for locals to pray for babies. Lucky enough, you may watch the religious rituals held here.

Stay overnight in Punakha.

Today, we will drive to Paro via Thimphu. Before leaving, you can have a short trip to the Thimphu’s Weekend Market to experience the daily life of local people. You will have a wide choice of interesting items to explore, including vegetables, fruits, rices, dried meats, cheeses, incense powders, handicrafts etc.

Then on the way to Paro, you will visit the National Textile Museum, to get a better knowledge about Bhutan national dress and weaving details. And you can also buy some specialties as souvenirs. As you drive on, you will see the Changangkha Lhakhang, a beautiful old temple for you to enjoy nice and quiet moment there. You can pray inside and walk around the stupas, as well as take in the enchanting view of Thimphu city and the lush green mountains.

Stay overnight in Paro.

Today, you will trek from Paro Valley to Taktshang Goemba, which is commonly known as Tiger's Nest. Standing 3000 meters high on the cliff, it is one of the most sacred sites in Bhutan. It is said that the Guru Rinpoche once flew here from Tibet on the back of a tigress. The trekking to Taktsang is a challenging one and you can choose to reach there by walking or horseback. Starting with a gentle forest climb, you will pass a creek and some prayer wheels, as the trail gets steeper and steeper.

On the way, there is a nice teahouse where you have a short rest and have a great view of the monastery. As you continue your trek, you will climb to the viewing point which is the best place to take photos of Taktsang. After that, the trail goes down until you make it to the entrance. Please note that you will be required to leave your backpacks, phones and cameras during the visit.

After the trekking, you will continue to visit the Kyichu Lhakhang (also known as Kyerchu Temple), one of the oldest and most beautiful temple in Bhutan. Here you can see the eight-year-old Buddha statue of Sakyamuni, elaborate paintings and numerous Buddhist scriptures.

In the end, you will return to Paro to have a good rest in the hotel.

Stay overnight in Paro.

Today, the guide will take you to the airport, then you can take your flight home or your next destination.