Paro Tsechu Festival Tour (11 Days)
Paro Tsechu is a vibrant festival in honour of Guru Rinpoche, featuring colourful mask dances and stories of Buddhism’s arrival in Bhutan. Locals gather in traditional attire to pray, celebrate, and witness the sacred silk Thangka, said to bring blessings. The tour also visits Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Trongsa, and Bumthang, showcasing Bhutan’s culture and spiritual heritage.
Overview
- Day 1: Arrive Paro
- Day 2: Paro
- Day 3: Paro – Thimphu
- Day 4: Thimphu
- Day 5: Thimphu – Trongsa
- Day 6: Trongsa – Bumthang
- Day 7: Bumthang
- Day 8: Bumthang – Punakha
- Day 9: Punakha
- Day 10: Punakha – Paro
- Day 11: Depart Paro
Day 1: Arrive Paro
Experience one of the most scenic flights in the world as you land in Paro. After customs formalities, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, visit the Ta Dzong Museum and Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. Conclude the day with an orientation on Bhutanese etiquette by your guide. Overnight in Paro.
Included Activities:
- Ta Dzong Museum: Housing relics, artefacts, and religious items that highlight Bhutan’s culture and history.
- Kyichu Lhakhang: A 7th-century temple, believed to have been built to subdue a demon hindering the spread of Buddhism.
Day 2: Paro
Hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), perched dramatically on a cliff. In the afternoon, attend the Paro Tsechu and witness the vibrant dances, spiritual performances, and joyous gathering of locals in traditional attire. Overnight in Paro.
Included Activities:
- Taktsang Monastery: A sacred site where Guru Rinpoche meditated, accessible via a 2-hour hike.
- Paro Tsechu: A spiritual festival featuring traditional dances and cultural performances.
Day 3: Paro – Thimphu
Wake early to witness the unfurling of the sacred Thongdroel at Paro Dzong, signifying the final day of the Paro Tsechu. Afterward, drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s bustling capital, along the scenic Pachu River. Overnight in Thimphu.
Included Activities:
- Thongdroel Ceremony: Witness the unfurling of a sacred silk Thangka at dawn.
- Tamchhog Lhakhang: A unique temple built by Bhutan’s iron bridge builder, located en route to Thimphu.
Day 4: Thimphu
Explore Thimphu’s cultural and historical landmarks, including the National Memorial Chorten, Changangkha Temple, and Tashichhodzong. If visiting on a weekend, enjoy the bustling Thimphu Market. Overnight in Thimphu.
Included Activities:
- National Memorial Chorten: A stupa built in honour of Bhutan’s Third King.
- Changangkha Temple: A historic 12th-century temple with panoramic views of Thimphu.
- Tashichhodzong: A historic fortress housing Bhutan’s government offices and monastic body.
Day 5: Thimphu – Trongsa
Drive through scenic passes, including Dochu-La and Pele La, on your way to Trongsa. Stop at the Chendebji Chorten, a monument modelled after Nepal’s Boudhanath Stupa. Overnight in Trongsa.
Included Activities:
- Chendebji Chorten: A historic stupa built in the 18th century.
- Trongsa Dzong: View Bhutan’s largest fortress from afar as you approach the town.
Day 6: Trongsa – Bumthang
Visit Trongsa Dzong and Ta Dzong Museum before continuing to Bumthang, Bhutan’s spiritual heartland. Explore temples and monasteries en route. Overnight in Bumthang.
Included Activities:
- Trongsa Dzong: A historic fortress pivotal to Bhutan’s monarchy.
- Ta Dzong Museum: Showcasing royal artefacts and traditional armour.
Day 7: Bumthang
Explore Bumthang’s sacred sites, including Tamshing Lhakhang, Jambay Lhakhang, and Kurje Lhakhang. Visit Mebartso, the ‘Lake of Fire,’ known for its spiritual significance. Overnight in Bumthang.
Included Activities:
- Jambay Lhakhang: A 7th-century temple built by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo.
- Mebartso: A sacred lake where treasures were revealed by Guru Rinpoche.
Day 8: Bumthang – Punakha
Travel to Punakha via Trongsa, stopping for lunch en route. Explore Punakha town upon arrival. Overnight in Punakha.
Day 9: Punakha
Visit Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most magnificent fortresses, and Chimi Lhakhang, a temple associated with fertility blessings. Overnight in Punakha.
Included Activities:
- Punakha Dzong: A historic fortress at the confluence of two rivers.
- Chimi Lhakhang: A temple dedicated to the Divine Madman.
Day 10: Punakha – Paro
Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten in the morning before driving back to Paro. Enjoy an evening exploring Paro town. Overnight in Paro.
Included Activities:
- Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten: A stunning hilltop stupa overlooking the valley.
Day 11: Depart Paro
After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your departure. Tashi Delek!