BHUTAN TOUR with TSHECHU FESTIVAL
(THIMPHU, PUNAKHA, GANGTEY & PARO)
6 NIGHTS 7 DAYS TOUR
Asian Adventure Treks & Expedition organizes an immersive 6 Nights 7 Days Bhutan Tour with Tshechu Festival, offering a rare opportunity to witness the vibrant cultural spirit of Bhutan through the grand festivals of Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, and Paro. This carefully curated journey blends sacred celebration with stunning Himalayan landscapes, traditional architecture, and warm Bhutanese hospitality. From masked dances and spiritual rituals at the iconic Tshechu Festivals to serene walks through ancient monasteries and valleys, this tour offers travelers an unforgettable glimpse into Bhutan’s rich Buddhist heritage and timeless traditions.
Tshechu Festival
Tshechu Festival is one of Bhutan’s most important and colorful religious festivals, celebrated annually in various districts (dzongkhags) across the country. The word “Tshechu” means “tenth day” and refers to the festival being held on the 10th day of a lunar month, often dedicated to Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava)—the revered Buddhist master who introduced Tantric Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century.
Each Tshechu is a vibrant social and spiritual event featuring masked dances (Cham) performed by monks and laymen dressed in elaborate costumes. These dances depict stories of good triumphing over evil, spiritual liberation, and the life of Guru Rinpoche. Locals attend Tshechus to receive blessings, gain merit, and celebrate with their families and communities.
Aside from its religious importance, the Tshechu is also a cultural highlight—villagers from surrounding areas come dressed in their finest traditional attire, creating a vibrant atmosphere of color, music, and devotion. Major Tshechus, such as those in Thimphu, Paro, Punakha, and Gangtey, also feature the unfurling of the giant sacred Thongdrel (a large applique thangka), which is believed to cleanse all sins of those who view it.
For travelers, attending a Tshechu offers a unique window into Bhutanese spirituality, traditions, and community life.
ITINERARY:
DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO BY AIR & TRANSFER TO THIMPHU (55 KMS / 1½ HRS DRIVE)
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in the entire Himalayas. Flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu; the journey offers fascinating views and an exciting descent into the Kingdom. Bhutan’s first gift, as you disembark from the aircraft will be cool, clean fresh mountain air. After immigration formalities and baggage collection, you will be met by our representative, and afterwards drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan with enroute stop at Chuzom, the confluence of Thimphu and Paro rivers. Three different styles of stupas; Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese adorn this confluence. Shortly before reaching Chuzom, you will see on your left Tschogang Lhakhang, “the temple of the excellent horse”. It is a private temple, built in 15th century, as the result of visitation from Balaha, the excellent horse, a manifestation of Chenrezig, the compassionate Buddha.
On arrival in Thimphu, check into the hotel.
Evening an exploratory walk around Thimphu Main Street and market area. Also visit the Local Crafts Bazaar, to browse through examples of Bhutan's fine traditional arts. Here you can buy hand-woven textiles, Thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewellery, and interesting items made from local materials. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
DAY 02: THIMPHU FESTIVAL
After breakfast, you can visit the Thimphu Festival at Trashi Chhoe Dzong.
Afternoon visit to Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). Located at a short drive from Thimphu city centre, visitors can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from the Buddha point (Kuensel Phodrang). You can pay your obeisance and offer prayers to the Buddha, the largest statue in the country and then walk around and take a glimpse of the valley.
King's Memorial Chorten continuously circumambulated by people, murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels. Construction of this landmark was the idea of Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (“the father of modern Bhutan”) who has wished to erect a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it serves both as a memorial to the Late King and as a monument to peace. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
DAY 03: THIMPHU – PUNAKHA (75 KMS / 02 HRS DRIVE)
After breakfast at hotel, Drive to Punakha across Dochula pass (3080m). In Bhutan, the passes are marked by a large Bhutanese Chorten and prayer flag. Dochula pass offers the most spectacular view over the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas on a clear day.
After checking into hotel, proceed to visit Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers. It was the capital of Bhutan until 1955, and still serves as the winter residence of the monk body.
Later in the day excursion to Chimi Lhakhang (from hotel it is about 15 minutes’ drive till motorable road and then walk starts through paddy fields and villages. This is total about 1½ hour walk, including both way). The Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon. The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, meaning ‘field’. A walk through the village near the temple will give you rare glimpses into the daily life and lifestyle of the villagers. Evening can be spent exploring Punakha village located right on the bank of river. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.
DAY 04: PUNAKHA – GANGTEY (85 KMS / 4½ HRS DRIVE APPROX)
After breakfast, our guide and driver will assist us to check out of your hotel and drive to Gangtey Monastery which is about 4 & half hours. On the way, you will stop at Dochula Pass. This point is perfect for panoramic views of the eastern Himalayas by enjoying a cup of tea at the tea shops.
Gantey Monastery is situated on the slopes of Phobjikha Valley which was built during the 17th century. After visiting the Gangtey monastery you will drive to your hotel at Phobjikha. This valley is popular for birth-watching tours, especially black naked cranes are seen in huge numbers in winter. Visit the crane center. Overnight accommodation at Gangtey.
DAY 05: GANGTEY – PARO (200 KMS / 5 HRS DRIVE APPROX)
After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive to Paro along scenic highway, enroute visit SimtokhaDzong, the oldest fortress of the country built in 1627 which now houses the School for Buddhist studies.
On arrival in Paro, check into the hotel. After lunch, proceed to visit Ta Dzong, originally built as the Watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique Thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons &armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts. Visit Rinpung Dzong (ParoDzong), meaning (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and other cosmic Mandala. Overnight in Paro.
DAY 06: PARO TIGER'S NEST HIKE
After breakfast excursion to Taktshang Monastery or Tiger’s Nest (approx. 5 hours walk): It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognised as a most sacred place and visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April, 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of the building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendour. Evening free time in Paro Town. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
DAY 07: DEPART PARO BY AIR
After breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for a flight to your onward destination. Our representative will help you with exit formalities and then bid you farewell.
