Paro Tshechu Festival Tour | Paro Festival Tour

Trip Facts
Accommodation:	Standard to Deluxe Hotel's Option
Grade:	Easy
Max Altitude:	3,100 m/10,170 ft
Transportation:	Private Vehicle/Flight
Meals:	As Mentioned In The Itinerary
Group Size :	1 to 15 People
Duration:	10 Nights / 11 Days

Highlights

Witness Paro Tsechue which Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, Bhutan's founder and Ponpo Rigzin Nyingpo initiated with the consecration of Paro Dzong in 1,644 AD.
Paro Festival Honors Guru Rinpoche, Padmasambhava who brought Buddhism in Bhutan
Visit Paro, Thimphu and Punakha town and see some of the Sacred Buddhist Monasteries in Bhutan
Hike to the Tiger Nest (Taktsang Monastery) at 3,048 m which is the source and inspiration for Bhutanese Culture and Religion.
Dochula Pass at 3,100 m which is famous for 108 Chortens and a great sight for Bhutanese Mountains
Enjoy Bhutanese Authentic Foods, Culture, Visit Villages and markets in Bhutan
Visit Sacred Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and other World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu
Pay Homage to Living Goddess, Kumari and visit Sacred Hindu and Buddhist Temples
Scenic Kathmandu/Paro flight and witness Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Gaurishankar and Bhutanese Mountains

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival (1,350 m/4,430 ft)

Day 02: Visit Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and Kathmandu Durbar Square

Day 03: Fly to Paro (2,200 m/7,218 ft)-50 Minutes and Witness Paro Festival

Day 04: Witness Paro Tshechu Festival

Day 05: Drive from Paro to Punakha (1,242 m /4,075 ft)- 4 Hours

Day 06: Drive back to Thimphu and Sightseeing in Thimphu (2,334 m/7,657 ft)- 4 Hour

Day 07: Witness Last Day of Paro Tshechu Festival

Day 08: Hike to Tiger's Nest Taktsang Monastery (3,048 m/10,000 ft)-5/6 Hours

Day 09: Fly back to Kathmandu

Day 10: Visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square and Swyambhunath Stupa

Day 11: Departure from Kathmandu

Overview

Paro Tshechu Festival is the most popular religious dance festival in Bhutan. It has been held annually since the 17th century when Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the Founder of the of Bhutan and Ponpo Rigzin Nyingpo initiated Paro Tshechu festival together with the consecration of Paro Dzong Fortress in 1,644 AD. Paro Tshechu honors Guru Rinpoche, Padmasambhava who brought Buddhism in Bhutan in 8th Century, is held for 5 days beginning on the 10th Day of 2nd Bhutanese Lunar month every year and usually held in End of March or Beginning of April. The Paro festival offers the best opportunity to witness the Bhutanese rich culture and history. The Tshechu is a religious festival and by attending it, it is believed one gains merits. It is also a yearly social gathering where the people come together to rejoice dressed in all their finery. On the last day of Paro Tshechu, there will be a display of a gigantic Thankha, Embroidered Painting of the Guru Rinpoche Thongdrol. Thongdrol are especially impressive examples of Buddhist art and never fail to amaze viewers. They are considered so sacred that simply seeing a Thongdrol is said to cleanse the viewer off sin.

Paro Festival Tour has been designed to witness the Paro Tshechu and experience the country’s most scenic and finest locations. During our tour, we visit Monasteries, Dzongs, monuments, local villages, farms and interact with the Country’s people of Gross National Happiness. We fly to Paro from Kathmandu and this flight is one of the most scenic flights to see mountains from Langtang, Gaurishankar, Everest, Makalu, Kanchenjunga and many Bhutanese Mountains including Mt. Jhomolari. We visit many Sacred Buddhist Monasteries, villages, interact with local people and tour around Paro, Thimphu and Punakha. In Paro besides sightseeing, we hike to Tiger Nest on a hanging cliff which is the source and inspiration for Bhutanese Culture and Religion.

We combine Kathmandu with Paro Festival tour which is famous as city of World Heritage Sites and we visit Sacred Hindu Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and other Heritage Sites. We visit Kathmandu Durbar Square where Nepalese Kings used to get throne and also pay homage to living goddess, Kumari.

Upcoming Paro Festival is from 21st to 25th March, 2024.

Detail Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival (1,350 m/4,430 ft)

Upon arrival at Kathmandu International Airport,we will receive you and take to the hotel. Please look at signage on your name once you exit the terminal building. In the evening, we will host Nepalese dinner with cultural program to make you introduced with Nepalese Culture and food habits.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: D

Activity Duration:

Day 02: Visit Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and Kathmandu Durbar Square

After breakfast, our guide will take you for guided tour of Kathmandu city. We will begin with Pashupatinath Temple which is famous Hindu Temple of Lord Shiva at the bank of holy Bagmati River. After this, we continue to Boudhanath Stupa, which is giant Stupa in Asia and a focal point of Tibetan Buddhism in Kathmandu. Later on we proceed to Swayambhunath Stupa also know as Monkey Temple in a small hill in Kathmandu which gives you great view of Kathmandu valley and mountains on north. Further, we drive 10 minutes to Kathmandu Durbar Square where Nepalese kings used to get throne. Interesting places to see here are Taleju Temple, Statue of Kal Bhairabh and Hanuman, Temple of Jagannath (Erotic Temple) and Kastamandap Temple from which Kathmandu got it name. We visit Kumari Temple and pay homage to the living goddess, Kumari and also walk around the Freak streets which was famous during Hippy era in 60's and 70's.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Day 03: Fly to Paro (2,200 m/7,218 ft)-50 Minutes and Witness Paro Festival

After breakfast, we fly to Paro. From the left seat, you can see mountain range including Mt. Everest (8848 m, highest peak in earth) and the spectacular view of Bhutan’s snow capped peaks as you approach Paro. Upon arrival in Paro, we proceed for sightseeing of Paro including Drukyel Fort, Kyichu Lakhyang Temple, Paro Museum. After lunch, in the late afternoon, we drive to Paro Fortress to witness Paro Festival.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Paro.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 04: Witness Paro Tshechu Festival

Today, we witness Paro Festival full day. We experience the color, excitement and spectacle of the Paro Tshechu Festival. It is the most divine and deeply symbolic of all the Buddhist festivals celebrated in Bhutan. Dressed in traditional finery, devotees flock to the Paro Dzong to proclaim their faith and receive blessings. Monks and lay people, dressed in elaborate silk brocade costumes perform festive dances of good triumphing over evil to the haunting sounds of trumpets, cymbals and flutes. The dances and costumes have survived unchanged for thousands of years. Each dance is an exact re-enactment of visions seen by Bhutan’s great Buddhist Saints and any changes would be seen as Sacrilege. Many dances will be performed today including Lords of the Cremation Grounds, Terrifying Deities, Heroes, Novel Man and Ladies Lencham , Stag and Hounds. The dances are interspersed with folk songs and clowning aided by copious amounts of butter tea and a locally produced potent alcoholic barley spirit. We will have lunch in between in nearby restaurant. We will also take time off to visit the interior of Rinpung Dzong, built in 1645 to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. The Dzong is now being used as an Administration Center and School for Monks. Later, we walk down to Rimpung Bridge, Traditional Bridge which is the oldest bridge in Bhutan.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Paro.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 05: Drive from Paro to Punakha (1,242 m /4,075 ft)- 4 Hours

After breakfast, we drive to Thimphu for 1 hour and continue climb steeply through a forest of pine and cedar and reach Dochula Pass at 3,100 m. This pass offers panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges and hosts several chortens. Then we will continue to Lobesa where we visit Chimi Lhakhang Temple on a small hill. This Temple is dedicated to the Great Yogi of 14th century known as Drukpa Kuenley or popularly known as “Divine Madman” to the westerners. It is believed that this Temple blesses women who seek fertility. Then we will continue to Punakha and visit majestic Punakha Dzong, situated between Phochu and Mochu River, this Dzong is the most magnificent Dzong of Bhutan and had served as the Capital of the country in the 17th and 18th centuries. Presently the Dzong is the district administration and judiciary office as well as the winter home for Bhutan’s Spiritual Leader Je Khenpo and the 600 monks of Thimphu and Punakha.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Punakha.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 06: Drive back to Thimphu and Sightseeing in Thimphu (2,334 m/7,657 ft)- 4 Hour

After breakfast, we drive back to Thimphu and visit King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk Memorial Chorten, Giant Buddha Statue, Dupthop Lhakhang ( Monastery for the Nuns), National Library, the Painting School and the Medicine Institute where traditional medicines are prepared according to ancient practices. After lunch, you will visit Lungtenzampa to observe the traditional silversmiths playing at their crafts and visit the Bhutanese traditional paper factory. Then we return back to town to visit the handicraft stores and stroll around the tiny capital city. Then in the evening, we visit Tashichho Dzong, a fortress of this glorious region. It was built in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel and was reconstructed into present structure by the late King, His majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the year 1962-1969. It houses the secretariat building, the throne room and the office of the King, and the Central Monk Body.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Thimphu.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 07: Witness Last Day of Paro Tshechu Festival

After breakfast, we drive back to Paro. Enroute, we stop at Old bride and visit Tachogang Temple built by Thangtong Gyalpo in the 15th century, who built numerous iron bridges throughout Bhutan. In Paro, we may do sightseeing if was remaining on first day. In the late afternoon, we participate in the last day of Paro Festival . By showing Painting,Thanka of the Guru Rinpoche Thongdrol, the festival ends officially.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Paro.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 08: Hike to Tiger's Nest Taktsang Monastery (3,048 m/10,000 ft)-5/6 Hours

After breakfast, we drive to the base of Tiger’s Nest and hike to the Monastery which takes around 2 hours to reach the Cafeteria which gives the great view of Taktsang Monastery. Further 30 minutes hike takes us to magnificent Taktsang where we will be greeted by the in-house monks. This is the most important Monastery in Bhutan where Guru Rimpoche was flying on a Flaming Tigress from Singye Dzong in Eastern Bhutan and meditated for three months. He flourished Buddhism in Paro from 8th Century. After Lunch, we walk down to the car and drive to hotel.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Paro.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 09: Fly back to Kathmandu

After breakfast, we drive to Paro airport and fly back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we drive to hotel and rest.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 10: Visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square and Swyambhunath Stupa

After breakfast at hotel, drive to Bhaktapur Durbar Square for sightseeing. Bhaktapur, an ancient Newari town which is also called city of living museum and city of devotees. Walk around to the big palace courtyard, Royal bath, Pottery square, Dattatraya Square and many more. In the afternoon, drive to another square in Lalitpur, Patan Durbar Square. Patan boasts of many famous sites and unique architecture. Krishna Mandir in this Square was built to honor an incarnation of Vishnu. One of the best examples of stone architecture in the world, scenes from Mahabharat, Asia's greatest mythological war, is carved on the temple's walls. Home to traditional artists and sculptors, one can find more temples dedicated to Ganesh (the elephant-headed god), Shiva, Narsingha, Taleju, and others are located at Patan Durbar Square. Late afternoon, we drive to Swayambhunath Stupa also called Monkey Temple, a Stupa in a small hill of Kathmandu over viewing Kathmandu valley and the surrounding mountains. In the evening, we will host farewell dinner at one of the best local restaurant in Kathmandu.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: B D

Activity Duration:

Day 11: Departure from Kathmandu

After breakfast, we will drop you to airport before 3 hours of your flight time.

Accomodation:

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Cost Info

Cost Includes:

Garland welcome, arrival and departure transfers in Kathmandu with office representative.
4 Nights in Kathmandu with breakfast inclusive of taxes and service charges.
6 Nights in Bhutan at Standard Boutique Lodges with all meals.
Bhutan Visa Fees, all paperwork for Bhutan tour, Bhutan Travel permit.
Kathmandu/Paro/Kathmandu Airfare with necessary transfers.
All drives, sightseeing and transfer in Kathmandu and Bhutan as per the program.
Meals as indicated in the Itinerary.
Kathmandu sightseeing with English Speaking Tour Guide with all applicable entrance fees.
All sightseeing in Bhutan with English Speaking Guide with all applicable entrance fees.
English Speaking Tour Escort throughout the tour.
Welcome and Farewell dinners in Kathmandu.
Bottle Drinking water in vehicle for sightseeing drives and transfers.
All drives, sightseeing and transfers by Deluxe Vehicle as per the group size.
24/7 hours Assistance.

Cost Excludes:

International Airfare to/from Kathmandu.
Nepal Visa fees on Arrival at airport (USD 30/- for 15 Days).
Donation to the Monasteries.
Meals other than breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara except welcome and farewell dinners in Kathmandu.
Personal nature of expenses like tips, bar bills, laundry and personal expenses.
Cost may arise of natural calamities, flight cancellation, illness, hospitalization, tour cancellation, blockade etc.
Other than in our include section.