Thimphu Tshechu & Wangdue Tshechu (Festival) Tour

Thimphu Tshechu, held in Bhutan’s capital city, was initiated by the 4th Temporal Ruler of Bhutan, Gyalse Tenzin Rabgay, in 1867. The festival underwent a change in the 1950s, when the Third King His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, introduced numerous Boed Chhams (mask dances performed by monks). The addition also added colour without compromising the spiritual significance. Thimphu festival begins on the 9th day and ends on the 12th day of the eighth Bhutanese month.

From the years of its establishment in 1867, Thimphu Tshechu was performed inside Trashichhoedzong courtyard until 2007. However, because of the steady increase in attendees, the inner courtyard became too congested to properly perform the rites. Therefore, to accommodate a growing number of viewers, a new Tshechu stadium was constructed and named Tendrel Thang, meaning ‘Auspicious Ground’.

The annual Wangduephodrang Tshechu was introduced by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal after the completion of the Dzong. It is a three-day festival of mask and folk dances and founded by the 4th Temporal Ruler of Bhutan, Mr. Tenzing Rabgye (1638-1696), to commemorate the birth of Guru Padmasambhava. The Tshechu features dance by monks and laymen and concludes with the unfurling of the Guru Tshengye Thongdrol where people throng to receive blessings. The Tshechu is particularly famous for the Raksha Mangcham or the Dance of the Ox. Wangduephodrang festival is attended by people from Punakha and Thimphu as well and provides an occasion for merrymaking and revelry.

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Day 1: Arrive Paro (Bhutan) by Flight

* On arrival at Paro International Airport, received by our representative after immigration formalities & baggage collection and then transfer to the hotel.
* Afternoon visit Kyichu & Dungtse temples.
* Later an exploratory walk around Paro city centre.
* Overnight in Paro (Altitude 2,280m).
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Day 2: Paro

* After breakfast walking excursion (approx. 5-hour round trip walk) to Taktsang monastery or ‘Tiger Nest’.
* Then visit Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) or ‘Fortress on a Heap of Jewels’.
* Overnight in Paro (Altitude 2,280m).
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Day 3: Paro – Punakha (75km, approx. 2.1/2-hour drive)

* Morning after visit to Ta Dzong (National Museum) in Paro.
* Later proceed to Punakha. En route photo stop at Tamchog temple viewpoint & Chuzom, the confluence of Paro & Thimphu rivers.
* Then drive onwards to Punakha with 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).
* Overnight in Punakha (Altitude 1,300m)
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Day 4: Punakha (Wangdue Tshechu, Festival)

* Morning after breakfast witness Wangdue Tshechu (festival).
* Post lunch a short walking excursion (about 30 min round trip walk) to Chimi Lhakhang or ‘Fertility Temple’.
* Then visit to Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup temple and a unique & charming Rinchengang village.
* Overnight in Punakha (Altitude 1,300m).
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Day 5: Punakha – Thimphu (75km, approx. 2.1/2-hour drive) (Wangdue & Thimphu Tshechu, Festival)

* After breakfast, witness Wangdue Tshechu (festival).
* Then drive to Bhutan’s capital city Thimphu via Dochula pass.
* On arrival in Thimphu check into the hotel.
* Afternoon witness Thimphu Tshechu (Festival).
* 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 6: Thimphu (Thimphu Tshechu, Festival)

* Morning after breakfast, witness Thimphu Tshechu (Festival).
* Afternoon visit of Trashichhoedzong, the beautiful medieval fortress / monastery, Buddha Dordenma & Changangkha temple.
* Overnight in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320m).
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Day 7: Thimphu

* In the morning, after leisurely breakfast, witness Thimphu Tshechu (Festival).
* Then visit to Pangri Zampa, an astrology institute and temple. This is followed by visit to Zilukha Nunnery (Drubthob Goemba).
* Post lunch walking excursion to Tango Goemba (approx. 2-hour round trip walk).
* Overnight in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320m).
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Day 8: Thimphu – Paro Airport (55km, approx. 1.1/2-hour drive)

* Morning transfer to Paro International Airport for flight to onward destination.