6 Days Paro Tshechu Festival Tour

Highlight: Arrive in Paro and visit Tschogang Lhakhang, Tashichho Dzong and the King's Memorial Chorten, Tashichho Dzong, and the Buddha Dordenma in Thimphu.

Welcome to Bhutan, the land of the “Thunder Dragon”!

Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will meet your local travel guide and driver at the airport’s Arriving Hall.

Then, you will be transferred to Thimphu (2,350m), the capital city of Bhutan. Covering a total distance of around 54 kilometers, it will take you about 1 hour to get to Thimphu from Paro (2,250m).

After arriving in Thimphu, your guide will help you check in at the hotel.

Later, you will head to visit the King's Memorial Chorten (National Memorial Chorten), a stupa built in memory of the third king in 1974. The display inside shows good statues of tantric Buddhist and its philosophy.

Then, you will explore Tashichho Dzong, the eminent fortress where the national government and central monastic body are located. In addition, here sits the summer residence of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot of Bhutan.

After that, you will visit Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park, where you can see the 169-foot bronze statue of Buddha Dordenma, one of the largest Buddha statues in the world, as well as the Vajra Throne Buddha.

Stay overnight in Thimphu.

Tashichho Dzong

Highlight: Cross Dochu La Pass and visit Punakha Dzong and Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten in Punakha.

In the morning, you will take a drive from Thimphu to Punakha (1,242m). The distance from Thimphu to Punakha is 71 kilometers, and it takes around 3 hours to complete. On the way, you will have an excellent opportunity to appreciate the panoramic view of the Himalayan Ranges in Bhutan and take photos of the impressive collection of 108 chortens at Dochula Pass (3,140m).

After arriving in Punakha, you will head to visit the Punakha Dzong. Standing by the riverside of Pho Chu and Mo Chu, Punakha Dzong is one of the most impressive buildings and one of the top favorite attractions in Bhutan. Moreover, the rectangular shape fortress is also an honorable treasury that preserves numerous Buddhist relics and historical legacies.

After witnessing the superb Punakha Dzong, you will continue to visit Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. It sits majestically on a ridge above Punakha Valley with an amazing view of the countryside and the hills below.

Stay overnight in Punakha.

Dochu La Pass

Higlight: Visit Chimi Lhakhang on the way back to Paro and visit the popular Paro Rinpung Dzong and Drukgyel Dzong upon arrival.

Today, you’ll get up early to explore Chimi Lhakhang, also known as Chime Monastery. Standing on a small hillock close to the village of Lobesa, it is a beautiful Buddhist monastery that built in the 14th Drukpa hierarch, Ngawang Choegyel.

After that, you will take a drive back to Paro from Punakha.

Upon your arrival in Paro, you will visit Paro Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong), a fortress once built to defend the valley from invasions. Nowadays, it serves as an administration center and school for monks.

Then, you will continue to explore Drukgyel Dzong in the north of Paro Valley. It was built in 1647 by the great Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the father and unifier of medieval Bhutan. Although it was destroyed by an accident fire, its remains stand as a powerful reminder of Bhutan’s historic victories.

Stay overnight in Paro.

Paro Rinpung Dzong

Highlight: Visit Paro Dzong and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Paro Tshechu.

After breakfast, you will visit Paro Dzong and attend the Paro Tshechu Festival, one of the most popular and colorful traditional festivals in Bhutan. Held annually at Paro Dzong, the festival features sacred masked dances performed by monks and trained dancers dressed in beautiful brocade costumes.

During the festival, you will see Bhutanese people from nearby villages gathering together in their finest traditional national dress to celebrate this important cultural event. Tshechus are among the best ways to experience Bhutan’s living Buddhist traditions, local customs, and vibrant community spirit.

If you are lucky, you may witness the spectacular unveiling of the giant Thongdrel (Thangka) of Guru Rinpoche, which is considered the most sacred and significant moment of the Paro Tshechu. You will also have time to explore the festival grounds, enjoy the festive atmosphere, and browse local handicrafts and souvenirs.

In the afternoon, you will continue exploring the festival activities around the Dzong before returning to your hotel.

Stay overnight in Paro.

Attend the Paro Festival

Highlight: Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery to enjoy spectacular views from it and visit Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro.

After breakfast, you will start your hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (also known as Taktsang Monastery). Perched on the side of a cliff 900 meters above the Paro Valley, Taktsang Monastery is one of the most famous monasteries in Bhutan. The principal monastery of the present monastic complex dates from 1692. Taktsang was damaged severely by fire in 1998 but has now been fully restored to its former glory. The hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery is about 3 km one way and takes around 5 to 6 hours for the round trip.

After exploring the monastery, you will begin your return tour to Paro.

In the afternoon, you will visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most beautiful temples built by the Tibetan King Songsten Gampo in the 7th century.

Stay overnight in Paro.

Tiger’s Nest Monastery

After breakfast, your guide will meet you at the hotel and transfer you to Paro International Airport for your next destination.

The tour services end.