Talo Tshechu & Gasa Tshechu (Festival) Tour

The three-day annual Talo Tshechu (festival) takes place at Talo Sangnacholing Dzong and held in the month of March. This more than 300-year-old festival is particularly popular for its mask and Atsara (Bhutanese version of Sutradas – storeytellers) dances. Indigenous to this festival is the Zhungdra – classical song sung in meditative style without music, by Talo dance troupe.

The wonderfully orchestrated three-day Gasa Tshechu (festival) is celebrated at Gasa Dzong, the district headquarters of remote villages of Laya & Lunana. Gasa district, home to highlander communities, is located in northwest Bhutan, about 3-hour drive from Punakha town. The variety of mask dances performed at the festival, while the local folk dances displayed in between religious mask dances, are unique to the place and enhance festival mood and experience.

Talo Tshechu & Gasa Tshechu (Festival) Tour	-

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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).
• Then 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 (Talo Tshechu, Festival)

• Morning after breakfast, excursion to Talo village to witness Talo Tshechu (festival).
• Afternoon while return to Punakha valley, visit to Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup temple.
• Overnight in Punakha (Altitude 1,300m).
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Day 5: Punakha (Gasa Tshechu, Festival)

• In the morning after breakfast, full day excursion to Gasa to witness Gasa Tshechu (festival).
• Evening return to Punakha valley.
• Overnight in Punakha (Altitude 1,300m).
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Day 6: Punakha – Paro (125km, approx. 4-hour drive)

• Morning after breakfast, drive to Paro via Dochula pass.
• Afternoon visit to Ta Dzong (National Museum) & Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) or ‘Fortress on a Heap of Jewels’.
• Evening an exploratory walk around Paro city centre.
• Overnight in Paro (Altitude 2,280m).
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Day 7: Paro

• After breakfast, walking excursion (approx. 5-hour round trip walk) to Taktsang monastery or ‘Tiger Nest’.
• Afternoon 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.