Dance of  the Black Hats with Drums during Paro Tshechhu

Scheduled on: March 27th to 31, 2018

The Paro Tshechu is held every spring and is one of the most colorful and significant events in Paro Dzongkhag (district). The Tsehchu is considered a major attraction and people travel from neighboring districts to participate in the festivity.

Early in the morning on the last day of the celebration the monks display a gigantic thangkha (embroidered painting), the Guru Throngdel, inside the dzong. Thongdrols are especially impressive examples of Buddhist art and never fail to amaze viewers. They are considered so sacred that simply seeing a Thongdrol is said to cleanse the viewer of sin.

Festivals of Bhutan are called ‘Tshechus’ which is celebrated all over Bhutan. Every district has their yearly festivals but the most popular ones are the ‘Tshechus’ of Thimphu, Paro, Punakha and Trongsa. The dates for these festivals fluctuate from district to district but they always take place on or around the 10th day of a month of the Bhutanese calendar.

Tour Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights

Season: APR 11th to 15th, 2014

Group Size: Any

Paro Tsechu Tour Itinerary

Day 1. PARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT – PARO:

During the journey, the traveler will experience from the plane a spectacular view of Mt. Everest, and other famous Himalayan Mountains including the sacred Mt. Jhomolhari, the second highest peak in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport you will be received by our representative and will escort you to the hotels for checking and after refreshment, we will discuss the Tour Programme with the Tour Guide. Afternoon sight seeing in paro.

Overnight: Hotel in Paro.

Day 2. - Day 5 WITNESS THE FESTIVAL:

Religious festivals known as 'Tsechus' and 'Dromchoes' symbolizing amity, peace and compassion, are held annually at various parts of the kingdom at different times of the year. These vibrant festivals are a time for the people from various walks of life to come together decent in all their ceremonial dress. During the festival, rare and sacred masked dances, sword dances and many rituals are performed.

Day 6. PARO – THIMPHU:

Witness the festival in the morning and drive to Thimphu in the evening (Capital city of Bhutan)

Day 7. THIMPHU – PUNAKHA:

Drive to Punakha through Dochula Pass (3150m). On the way stop for a photo stop at Dochula Pass which is 26km away from Thimphu valley, and for Tea and snacks and to enjoy the most spectacular view of eastern Himalayan snow capped Mountains and also the great view of Gasa Dzong at a distance (If weather is clear).

The journey continues through varying scenes of greenery all the way to Punakha. Visit Punakha town. The Punakha Dzong lies between two great rivers with the wonderful view of Punakha Dzong. The names of the rivers are Phochu (Male River) and Mochu (Female River). This Dzong serves as the winter residence for the Je Khenpo, Chief Abbot of the Central Monastic Body and also the office of the district Administration. 

Over night: Hotel in Punakha.

Day 8. PUNAKHA – GANGTEY VALLEY

Drive to Wangdue Phodrang small town and Dzong and drive towards Gangtey valley which takes about 5 hours journey and it is a beautiful valley situated at an altitude of 3000m, this valley was open its route very recently. During winter one can see the endangered species of bird (Black Naked Crane). Lunch in Wangdue Phodrang.

Over night: Hotel in Phubjikha.

Day 9. GANGTEY VALLEY – THIMPHU

In the morning walk around the valley which is very beautiful and has its own charms and drive to Thimphu, lunch in Dochula cafeteria. 
Over night: Hotel in Thimphu

Day 10. THIMPHU – SIGHT SEEING

Visit the Memorial Chorten (a great stupa) built in memory of the Third King of Bhutan who reigned the Kingdom from 1952-1972. Visit the mini Zoo where the national animals were kept and drive to Sangeygang where you can have a spectacular view of Thimphu valley. Visit nunnery in Zulikha. Visit the Wood Craft and Painting school where traditional arts and crafts are still kept alive through the instructions of painting and curving. Visit the Handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts and crafts are displayed and can be purchased. Visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved.

Afternoon: Visit Simtokha Dzong. This is one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan. It was built in 1629 AD. It houses the largest monastic schools in the country. Visit Tashichho Dzong, the main secretariat building. This massive structure houses part of the government Ministries, the office of the King and the Throne Room. It also houses t he State Monastic Body and the living quarters of the Chief Abbot and the senior monks.

Overnight in Hotel in Thimphu

Day 11 THIMPHU –PARO:

Early morning drive to Paro and drive up to Satsam Chorten (10 km from Paro town) and from there walk up to Taktsang Monastery. The name Taktsang means "Tiger’s Nest ". The Monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff drop of nearly 4000 ft. and overlooks the Paro valley and the river. It is said that in the second half of the 8th century, Guru Padma Sambhava known as the second Buddha in Bhutan meditated on this spot where the Monastery is situated having alighted there on the back of a flying tigress. The round hike takes about 4 Hr.

Overnight: Hotel in Paro.

Day 12. PARO – PARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT for departure:

Early morning drive to Paro International Airport and our team will accompany you to bid farewell as you embark on your onward journey to back home.