7-Day Thimphu Tshechu Festival Tour in Bhutan

Thimphu Tshechu

Highlights

Experience the vibrant Thimphu Tshechu festival with colorful dances and traditional music

Visit iconic sites including Paro Taktsang and Punakha Dzong, Bhutan's architectural marvels

Enjoy scenic drives through the Himalayan landscapes, including the panoramic Dochula Pass

Engage with Bhutanese culture at the Folk Heritage Museum and Royal Textile Academy

Discover the spiritual ambiance of Tashichho Dzong during the festival's sacred rituals

Thimphu, Paro, Punakha

cultural, sightseeing, walking

Group Tour

7 Days

Easy

English

Description

Embark on a 7-day cultural journey through Bhutan, centered around the vibrant Thimphu Tshechu Festival held in early October. Discover iconic landmarks such as the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Punakha Dzong, and Dochula Pass, while immersing yourself in traditional mask dances, local heritage, and authentic Bhutanese hospitality.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Paro – Transfer to Thimphu
- Arrive at Paro International Airport, where your guide and driver will receive you with a warm welcome.
- Enjoy a scenic drive to Thimphu (approximately 1.5 hours).
- En route, stop at Tamchog Lhakhang, a temple built by the famous Tibetan iron bridge builder Thangtong Gyalpo.
- Upon arrival in Thimphu, take a leisurely walk through the city center and visit the local craft bazaar.
Overnight stay in Thimphu.
Day 2: Thimphu Sightseeing & Tshechu
- Attend the opening day of the Thimphu Tshechu at Tashichho Dzong. Enjoy traditional mask dances (Cham), religious music, and festive celebrations.
- Visit the Buddha Dordenma, one of the world’s largest sitting Buddha statues offering panoramic views of Thimphu Valley.
- In the evening, explore local cafés or take a stroll along Norzin Lam, the heart of Thimphu.
Overnight stay in Thimphu.
Day 3: Thimphu Tshechu
- Return to the festival grounds to witness different performances on the second day of the Tshechu.
- Visit the Folk Heritage Museum to learn about Bhutanese rural traditions.
- Explore the National Library, home to ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts.
- Visit the Royal Textile Academy, showcasing Bhutan’s rich textile arts.
- You may try wearing traditional Bhutanese attire (Gho or Kira) and take memorable photographs.
Overnight stay in Thimphu.
Day 4: Thimphu – Dochula Pass – Punakha
- Depart for Punakha via the picturesque Dochula Pass, where you can view 108 chortens and the distant Himalayan peaks.
- Stop at Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the Temple of Fertility, dedicated to the Divine Madman.
- Explore the majestic Punakha Dzong, an architectural marvel situated at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers.
- Enjoy a riverside walk or opt for a traditional farmhouse dinner to experience Bhutanese hospitality.
Overnight stay in Punakha.
Day 5: Punakha – Return to Paro
- In the morning, take a short hike to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, built for the protection of the country and to bring peace to the world.
- Drive back to Paro with an optional stop at the Lamperi Botanical Garden, known for its rhododendron species and biodiversity.
- Visit Rinpung Dzong, an impressive fortress-monastery, and explore the National Museum (Ta Dzong) for insight into Bhutanese history and culture.
- Spend your evening exploring Paro town at your own pace.
Overnight stay in Paro.
Day 6: Paro – Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
- Embark on an early morning hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang), perched on a cliff 900 meters above the valley floor.
- Enjoy breathtaking views and absorb the monastery’s spiritual ambiance.
- After the descent, have lunch at a traditional Bhutanese restaurant.
- In the evening, relax with an optional traditional hot stone bath, known for its therapeutic benefits.
Overnight stay in Paro.
Day 7: Departure
- Transfer to Paro International Airport for your departure.
- Farewell and thank you for visiting the Kingdom of Bhutan. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey ahead.

What's Included

Comfortable accommodation in homestays or 3-star hotels in Thimphu, Paro, Punakha, and Haa Valley

Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner with authentic Bhutanese cuisine

Private vehicle with experienced local driver throughout the tour

Airport transfers to and from Paro International Airport

All internal travel between destinations as per the itinerary

Entry to Thimphu Tshechu Festival with access to sacred mask dances and spiritual performances

Visit to Tashichho Dzong, Thimphu

Visit to Buddha Dordenma, overlooking Thimphu Valley

Visit to Punakha Dzong, located at the confluence of two rivers

Scenic drive through Dochula Pass with views of the Himalayas and 108 stupas

Hike to Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery), Bhutan’s iconic cliffside temple

Entry to the National Museum of Bhutan

Visits to traditional farmhouses and artisan villages

Optional traditional hot stone bath experience

Services of an English-speaking local guide throughout the trip

Cultural storytelling and personalized assistance from your guide

Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) included

All monument and festival entry fees included

Visa processing assistance and route permits provided

What's Excluded

International airfare to and from Bhutan

Personal expenses (snacks, souvenirs, etc.)

Travel insurance

Tips (optional, but appreciated)

Know Before You Go

All international tourists (except Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian nationals) require a Bhutan visa, which must be arranged through a licensed tour operator.

You will receive a visa clearance letter before arrival, and the actual visa will be stamped at Paro International Airport.

Indian citizens require either a passport or a voter ID card for entry into Bhutan.

Bhutan applies a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of USD 100/day (as of 2024) for international tourists.

Most packages include accommodation, meals, transportation, guide services, and entry fees, so you will typically only need cash for tips, souvenirs, or extra expenses.

Bhutanese culture is deeply influenced by Buddhism—please dress modestly when visiting temples, dzongs, or festivals.

Walk clockwise around religious sites and prayer wheels.

Photography is restricted inside temples and some parts of dzongs—please ask your guide before taking photos.

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are the ideal times to visit: expect clear skies, mild weather, and cultural festivals like Thimphu Tshechu.

Nights and mornings can be chilly, so layers are essential.

If you are visiting during late spring or early autumn, a rain jacket is advisable.

Roads in Bhutan are scenic but winding, and motion sickness pills may be helpful.

Driving distances may appear short but can take time due to the mountain terrain.

SIM cards (TashiCell or B-Mobile) are available at Paro International Airport or in town.

Wi-Fi is available in hotels and cafes, but connectivity may be limited in rural areas.

Bhutanese cuisine is flavorful, with Ema Datshi (chili cheese) being the national dish.

Expect a variety of rice, vegetables, and meat dishes, with vegetarian options widely available.

Spices are common in Bhutanese cuisine, but meals can be adjusted to your taste.

What To Bring

Lightweight layers for daytime (spring and fall weather is pleasant but can change quickly)

Warm jacket or fleece (mornings and evenings can be chilly, especially at higher altitudes)

Comfortable walking/hiking shoes (for Tiger’s Nest and other light treks)

Smart casual wear for visiting dzongs and attending Thimphu Tshechu (long sleeves and full-length pants/skirts are respectful)

A set of traditional clothes (optional – can rent or buy in Bhutan for the festival)

Rain jacket or travel umbrella (occasional rain in spring/autumn)

Reusable water bottle

Sunglasses and sunscreen (UV can be strong at high altitudes)

Lip balm and moisturizer (air is dry in the mountains)

Small first-aid kit (band-aids, motion sickness tablets, etc.)

Personal medications (with prescriptions if needed)

Travel-size toiletries

Camera or smartphone with enough storage

Power adapter (Bhutan uses Type D, F, and G plugs – 230V, 50Hz)

Portable charger/power bank

Passport + printed copy of Bhutan visa clearance letter

Some cash in USD/INR/Bhutanese Ngultrum for small purchases, local markets, and tips (Bhutan is mostly a cash economy; cards are not widely accepted)

Meeting Point

Paro International Airport, Paro, Bhutan

Cancellation Policy

For cancellations upto 2 days before the tour -

Refund of 80% of the tour price.

Price

Adult
1 to 10	/person
Child
1 to 10	/person
This is a group tour

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7-Day Thimphu Tshechu Festival Tour in Bhutan

Highlights

Description

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Paro – Transfer to Thimphu

Day 2: Thimphu Sightseeing & Tshechu

Day 3: Thimphu Tshechu

Day 4: Thimphu – Dochula Pass – Punakha

Day 5: Punakha – Return to Paro

Day 6: Paro – Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery

Day 7: Departure

What's Included

What's Excluded

Know Before You Go

What To Bring

Meeting Point

Cancellation Policy

Price

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7-Day Thimphu Tshechu Festival Tour in Bhutan

Highlights

Description

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Paro – Transfer to Thimphu

Day 2: Thimphu Sightseeing & Tshechu

Day 3: Thimphu Tshechu

Day 4: Thimphu – Dochula Pass – Punakha

Day 5: Punakha – Return to Paro

Day 6: Paro – Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery

Day 7: Departure

What's Included

What's Excluded

Know Before You Go

What To Bring

Meeting Point

Cancellation Policy

Price

Check Availability Hide

Starting from

Can't Find the Perfect Tour? Tailor Your Dream Trip!

Create your own adventure!

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