In Bhutan, Tshechu means the tenth day of the Bhutanese Calendar and it marks the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava or Lotus Born. He is the founder of Nyingmapa Sect and contributed enormously to the diffusion of Tantric Buddhism in Himalayan regions around 800 AD. The festival of sacred dances is held annually. It was Desi Tenzin Rabgye, the fourth temporal ruler, who established the tradition of Tshechu in 1670 on the 10th day of the 8th month of the Bhutanese calendar to commemorate the birth anniversary of Guru Rinpoche. This religious event plays an important role in the lives of Bhutanese people as it is an opportunity for the Buddhist followers to immerse and cleanse themselves of the negative karma. The mask dances performed by the monks and Royal Academy of Performing Arts which were the visions and treasures revealed by the Tertons (treasure revealers). During the Tshechu, Bhutanese people dressed in their finest locally produced outfits and jewelries to stay true to the age-old traditions. This spiritual social event brings people together unified by the common culture, traditions and beliefs.
Activities: Festival Tour & Sightseeing
Duration: 7 Nights 8 Days
Season: Spring Season
Day 01: Paro to Thimphu
Drive: 1 Hour
Altitude: Around 2300m/7590 ft
Distance: 65 km/ 39 miles
Welcome to Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon. Touching down at Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by our representatives at the arrival gate and then directly transported to Thimphu. Take it easy today as you must be tired because of long hours of flight and do the sightseeing from the car. In the evening go around the Thimphu town and have the picturesque evening walk in and around town.
Overnight: Thimphu
Day 02: Thimphu Sightseeing
Morning visit Memorial Chorten (Stupa) which was built in the memory of the third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (also called father of modern Bhutan) in 1974. Then proceed further to Kuensel Phodrang (Buddha Point), which was completed and consecrated in 2015 coinciding with the descend Day of Lord Buddha and then to National Takin Preserve (where national animal is kept) . Later, visit one of the oldest Nunneries in Bhutan (also called Drubthob Goemba). In the afternoon visit painting school (school of thirteen Arts and crafts), where the students learn thirteen different arts and crafts commonly used in Bhutan, then visit weaving centre, next to handmade paper factory and later to the weekend market (Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday).
Overnight: Thimphu
Day 03: Thimphu to Punakha
Drive: 2 ½ Hours
Altitude: 1350m/4455ft
Distance: 76 km/45.6miles
Drive through Dochula pass, which is at the elevation 3140m above the sea level. When the weather is sky blue clear, you can enjoy a scenic view of the highest unclimbed mountain in the world in Bhutan and Himalayan ranges stretching almost 180 degrees. Sooner you can break for tea for some time and resume your way to Punakha via sub-tropical Forest. Afternoon, take a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang (known as temple of fertility), which was built in 1499 by the cousin of Lama Drukpa Kuenley (Divine Madman) in his honor after he subdued the demoness of the Dochula with his ‘magic thunderbolt of wisdom’. Then take a visit to Punakha Dzong (the palace of great happiness) which is arguably the most stunning dzong in the country and construction was foretold by Guru Rinpoche. Then it was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1637 and was completed in the following year.
Overnight: Punakha
Day 04: Punakha to Paro
Drive: 3 ½ Hours
Altitude: 2200m/7260ft
Distance: 141 km/ 84 miles
Retrace leisurely back to Paro. In Paro visit Ta Dzong (Watch Tower). It was renovated in 1968 to house the National Museum and it is the first of its kind of which has a collection from natural history to religious paintings. Originally, it was established and completed in 1656 as a watch tower of Paro Dzong, which lies undefended below.
Later, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, which is believed to have been built in the year 659 by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. When he married the Chinese princesses Wencheng in 641, her dowry included the Jowo Shakyamuni, a priceless statue of the Buddha as a size of a small baby. As the statue was transported via Lhasa, it became struck in the mud and no one could remove it. The princess divined that the obstruction was being caused by a huge supine demoness, lying on her back. In order to pin down the ogress to the earth forever and to convert Tibetan people into Buddhism. It is believed that he has established 108 temples in a single day in Bhutan. Later, in Paro leisure in town and relax and prepare yourself for Tiger’s Nest Hike.
Overnight: Paro
Day 05: Paro Tshechu
Paro Tshechu always celebrates the 11th day of the 2nd month of the Lunar Calendar. This is one of the most important festivals in Bhutan. Sometimes, on the last day of Paro Tshechu even His Majesty the King joins the public for celebration. It is the five day long program with the display of many colorful mask dances and other various dances. During festivals, mainly the last two days, a vast crowd gathers together to witness the festival. The highlights of second last day are Shenji Yab Yum (dance of the Lord of Death and his consort), Raksha Mang Cham (dance of the spirit of Hell) and Dramitse Nga Cham (drum dance of Dramitse which was inscribed in the Representative List of the intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2008).
Overnight: Paro
Day 06: Paro Tshechu
The last day of Paro Tshechu starts with unfurling of Guru Rinpoche Thongdrol (appliqué). The native people are joined by the foreigners to witness Thongdrol and other various mask dances. Thongdrol literally means liberation by the sight. Other highlights of that particular day are Ging Tsholing Chham (dance of Ging and Tsholing), Pa Cham (dance of Heroes) and Guru Tshengyad Cham (dance of eight Manifestations of Guru Rinpoche). The Chhoshey (the religious song) beautifully concludes the five day of Paro Tshechu.
Overnight: Paro
Day 07: Taktsang Hike
After breakfast, the car will drop you to the basement of the excursion to view spectacular and the most famous Taktshang monastery. You can climb up to the monastery through beautiful pine forests, many of the trees with the beautiful hanging of mosses (also called Old man’s beard) and pass through an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. Stop at Taktshang Cafeteria for a stunning view of the monastery and break for coffee as well. Then after some time resume your hike and continue until you see clearly within reach of the monastery. It is believed that in 8th century, Guru Rinpoche, the tantric mystic flew here on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Kurtoe to Taktshang to subjugate demons and all evil spirits obstructing to flourish Buddhism and blessed them as the protector of the doctrine. It is also believed Guru Rinpoche has meditated here for three months and took his last manifestation in the form of Guru Dorje Dragpo (fierce thunderbolt) during subjugation. Later in the evening go around in the town and grasp some souvenirs from Bhutan.
Overnight: Paro
Day 08: Departure
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to the Airport. Our team will see you off at the Airport.
