Thimphu Tshechu Festival Tour | Thimphu 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:	11 Nights/12 Days

Highlights

Witness Thimphu Tshechu, honors Guru Rinpoche, Padmasambhava was initiated by the 4th Desi, Gyalse Tenzin Rabgay in 1,867
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 watching Archery, Bhutan's National Game and see Takin, Bhutan's National Animal in Thimphu
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 drive to Thimphu (2,334 m/7,657 ft)-1 Hour

Day 04: Witness Thimphu Tshechu Festival

Day 05: Witness Thimphu Tshechu, Sightseeing & Short Hike to Tango Monastery

Day 06: Witness Last Day of Thimphu Tshechu

Day 07: Drive to Punakha (1,242 m/ 4,075 ft) and Sightseeing- 3 Hours

Day 08: Drive back to Paro and Sightseeing- 5 Hours

Day 09: Hike to Tiger's Nest Taktsang Monastery (3,048 m/10,000 ft)-5/6 Hours

Day 10: Fly Back to Kathmandu

Day 11: Visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square and Swyambhunath Stupa

Day 12: Departure from Kathmandu

Overview

Thimphu Tshechu Festival is one of the most popular festivals in Bhutan. This festival is held in Thimphu for 3 days beginning on 10th day of the 8th month of lunar calendar usually held in the end of September or beginning of October. Unlike in other Tshechu, a day before Thimphu Tshechu is celebrated as Lhamo Dromchoe dedicated to Lhamo Dudsolma or Palden Lhamo, one of the chief protective deities of Bhutan. The three days in the Thimphu Tshechu honors Guru Rinpoche, Padmasambhava and was initiated by the 4th Desi, Gyalse Tenzin Rabgay in 1,867 AD and later some changes were introduced in Thimphu Tshechu in the 1950s by the third King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. This Thimphu festival is witnessed by thousands of people from all over Bhutan. The actual Tshechu is preceded by days and nights of prayer and rituals to invoke the Gods. To Bhutanese farmers, the Thimphu Tshechu is also seen as a break from farm life. It is an annual social gathering where people dress in their finest clothing and jewelries come to celebrate, receive blessings and pray for health and happiness.

Thimphu Tshechu Festival Tour brings you to closer contact with the local people and gives you an insight into the Bhutanese lives, beliefs and culture. During Thimphu Tshechu which is held at Tendrel Thang, festival ground in front of Tashichhodzong, the mask dances known as Cham and folk dances are performed to bless onlookers, to teach them the Buddhist dharma, to protect them from misfortune and to exorcise all evil powers. It is believed that merit is gained by attending these festivals. During Thimphu Festival, dances invoke the deities to wipe out misfortunes, increase good luck and grant personal wishes. The Sacred Thongdrol of Guru Rinpoche is unfurled early in the morning on the last day of Thimphu Tshechu and believed that the Thongdrel is unveiled at dawn to bring blessings to all who witness.

During Thimphu Festival Tours, we also visit Paro Town, Punakah, Wangdue and explore Monasteries, Dzongs, monuments, local villages, farms and interact with the Country’s people of Gross National Happiness. 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 Thimphu 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.

This year Thimphu Festival is from 24th to 26th September, 2023.

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. 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 drive to Thimphu (2,334 m/7,657 ft)-1 Hour

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 we approach Paro. From Paro, we will drive to Thimphu. On the way, 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 the late afternoon, we drive to Kuenselphodrang where the Bhutan’s largest Buddha statue (167 ft) is perched on the hillock. On our way back, we will visit National Memorial Chorten.

Accomodation: Overnight at a Hotel in Thimphu

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 04: Witness Thimphu Tshechu Festival

After breakfast we will short drive to Tashichho Dzong to witness the 1st Day of Thimphu Tshechu which will be held at Tendrel Thang, the festival ground in front of Tashichho Dzong. During the Thimphu Festival, people dressed in traditional finery, devotees flock to Tendrel Thang to proclaim their faith and receive blessings. We will take little time off and 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. After the festival, we will drive to watch Archery, Bhutan’s national game.

Accomodation: Overnight at a Hotel in Thimphu.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 05: Witness Thimphu Tshechu, Sightseeing & Short Hike to Tango Monastery

After breakfast, we will visit Centenary Farmers’ Market which opens from Thu-Sun only. Most of the Thimphu’s population and many valley dwellers converge on the bustling weekend market, held by the side of Wangchu River. A wide range of foodstuffs and local arts and crafts are sold at the market, which runs from Friday afternoon till Sunday evening. Then after lunch, we go to Tendrel Thang to witness the 2nd day of Thimphu Festival. In the late afternoon, we visit National Textile Museum and drive for minutes to the base of Tango Monastery and hike up to the Monastery through Rhododendron forest. Tango Monastery is the center for higher studies for Monks and provides breathtaking views.

Accomodation: Overnight at a Hotel in Thimphu

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 06: Witness Last Day of Thimphu Tshechu

After breakfast, we drive to witness the last day of Thimphu Tshechu with religious dance performances mixed with folk dances and dance of Bhutanese warriors. After the festival, we will visit the Traditional Bhutanese Paper Factory. Producing handmade paper in Bhutan stemmed from the age old tradition originated in 8th century of Bhutanese history. Then we will visit Takin Preserve center which is home for Takin, Bhutan’s National Animal and is only found in Bhutan. This is an extremely rare member of the goat family.

Accomodation: Overnight at a Hotel in Thimphu.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 07: Drive to Punakha (1,242 m/ 4,075 ft) and Sightseeing- 3 Hours

After breakfast, we leave Thimphu and drive steeply uphill 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 08: Drive back to Paro and Sightseeing- 5 Hours

After breakfast, we drive back to Paro and stop at the Dochula Pass for few minutes for a leg stretch and photographs. In the clear day, we see the view of Bhutan’s 200 mile snow-capped peaks in the north if you had missed the earlier day. In Paro, we will visit Drukgyal Dzong built in 1647 by Shubdrung Nawang Namgyal. The Dzong was destroyed by fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate. On a clear day, you can get a magnificent view of the Mount Chomolhari, (7314 m / 23,990 ft). Then we drive back to Kyichu Lhakhang, built in 17th Century by a Tibetan King, Songtsen Gonpo. We visit the National Museum of Bhutan, (Ta Dzong) which contains works of art, handicrafts, costumes, armor and rare stamps. Then we hike down to Paro (Rimpung) Dzong. After Paro Dzong, we will walk through a traditional covered bridge across the river to board the vehicle.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Paro.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 09: 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 Rinpoche 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. In the evening, you may walk around the Paro town.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Paro.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 10: Fly Back to Kathmandu

After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for flight back to Kathmandu. Kathmandu arrival and transfer to hotel and rest.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Day 11: 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 12: 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.
7 Nights in Bhutan at Standard Boutique hotels with all meals.
Bhutan Visa Fees, all paperwork for Bhutan tour, Bhutan Travel permit.
Kathmandu/Paro/Kathmandu Airfare.
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 Monastery in Bhutan.
Meals other than breakfast in Kathmandu except welcome and farewell dinners.
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.