Experience Bhutan’s grandest festival at the Thimphu Tshechu, held annually in September at the magnificent Tashichho Dzong in the capital city. This 8-day tour is perfectly timed for you to witness three days of spectacular masked dances, receive blessings, and immerse yourself in Bhutanese culture at its most vibrant.
The Thimphu Tshechu draws thousands of Bhutanese from across the kingdom, dressed in their finest traditional attire. Join locals as they gather to watch monks perform ancient Cham dances depicting Buddhist teachings, receive blessings from sacred relics, and celebrate their living heritage.
3 days of Thimphu Tshechu celebrations
Witness sacred Cham mask dances
Visit Tashichho Dzong
Mingle with locals in traditional dress
Tiger's Nest Monastery hike
Punakha Dzong excursion
Receive blessings from monks
Day-by-Day Itinerary
1
Arrival in Paro
Welcome to Bhutan
Arrive in Paro and transfer to your hotel. Spend the afternoon exploring Paro town and preparing for the festival days ahead.
Scenic flight into Paro Valley
Traditional welcome at airport
Transfer to hotel
Afternoon visit to Paro Rinpung Dzong
Explore Paro town
Briefing on Thimphu Tshechu etiquette
Welcome dinner
2
Paro to Thimphu
Capital city exploration
Drive to Thimphu and spend the day exploring the capital's highlights before the festival begins tomorrow.
Morning drive to Thimphu
Visit Buddha Dordenma statue
Explore National Memorial Chorten
Lunch at local restaurant
Visit Folk Heritage Museum
See the Takin Preserve
Evening walk through Thimphu
Dinner and early rest for festival
3
Thimphu Tshechu - Day 1
Opening ceremonies begin
The first day of Thimphu Tshechu at Tashichho Dzong. Witness the opening ceremonies and spectacular mask dances performed by monks.
Early arrival at Tashichho Dzong
Opening prayers and ceremonies
Watch Dance of the Four Stags
See Dance of the Black Hats (Shanag)
Mingle with locals in festive attire
Photography opportunities
Lunch break
Afternoon dance performances
Evening reflection on the day's events
4
Thimphu Tshechu - Day 2
Sacred dances continue
The second day features more elaborate mask dances and the opportunity to receive blessings from sacred relics.
Return to festival grounds
Witness Dance of the Terrifying Deities
Dance of the Drums from Dramitse (UNESCO)
Receive blessing from sacred relics
See Dance of the Judgement of the Dead
Interact with Bhutanese families
Traditional lunch
Afternoon performances
Evening at leisure in Thimphu
5
Thimphu Tshechu - Day 3
Final day celebrations
The final day of celebrations with the most important dances and the blessing ceremony that draws the largest crowds.
Final day at Thimphu Tshechu
Dance of the Heroes
Dance of the Lords of Cremation Grounds
Final blessing ceremonies
Closing rituals
Farewell to festival
Late lunch
Afternoon visit to Changangkha Lhakhang
Farewell dinner in Thimphu
6
Excursion to Punakha
Ancient capital and stunning dzong
Day trip to Punakha, crossing Dochula Pass to visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong - considered Bhutan's most beautiful fortress.
Drive to Dochula Pass (3,100m)
Photo stop at 108 chortens
Continue to Punakha Valley
Visit Punakha Dzong
Walk across suspension bridge
Hike to Chimi Lhakhang (Fertility Temple)
Return to Thimphu
Overnight in Thimphu
7
Tiger's Nest Monastery
Hike to Bhutan's iconic landmark
Return to Paro for the unforgettable hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery, clinging to a cliff face 900 meters above the valley.
Morning drive to Paro
Begin Tiger's Nest hike
2-3 hour ascent through pine forest
Cafeteria stop with monastery views
Explore the sacred monastery
Receive blessings
Descend to valley
Celebration dinner in Paro
8
Departure
Farewell to Bhutan
Final morning in Bhutan before your transfer to Paro Airport for departure.
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