Duration: 7 Days 6 Nights
Places covered: Thimphu, Paro and Punakha
Date:April 2 to 6, 2023.
Venue:Paro Dzong

Paro Tsechu has been held since mid 17th century when Zhanbdrung and Penlop Rigzing Nyingpo established the festival concurrent with the consecration of Paro Ringpung Dzong in 1646, though it was not called Tsechu but functioned pretty similar to modern Tsechu. Fourth Druk Desi, Tenzin Rabgay has promoted teschu and also introduced many new mask dances such as Guru Tsengye (Mask Dance of 8 Manifestation of Guru Rinpoche), Tumngam, Ging Tsholing, Ringa Chudru, Raksha Mangcham etc. Latter in Kushu Tshering Penjor have added Drametse Ngacham and Peling Ginsum to the list of mask dances during Paro Tsechu.

It is one of the popular festivals with lot of people; local and Tourists attending the festival. The first day of the festival is held inside Paro Rinpung Dzong and rest of the days on the open ground outside dzong and it concludes with the unfurling of the Thongdrol

Thongdrol is al Large Applique can be either painting or embroidery. It literally means "Liberation on Seeing" and the thongdrol in Paro is the oldest in the country. The exact date when it was completed is not known but it's from the 17th century itself. It measures 85 feet wide and 55 feet tall. And it survived the fire that destroyed whole fortress in 1906. The Thongdrol depicts Guru Rinpoche as the central figure with 2 of his spiritual consort and eight manifestations of Guru Rinpoche. The tutelary deities and Kagyu Lamas are also depicted in it.

This trip will cover popular districts in western Bhutan. Will have 3 nights in Paro, 2 Nights in Thimphu and 1 Night in Punakha. Its also a mix of cultural and historical sights that will include National Museum and Ringpung Dzong in Paro, Tashichodzong, Memorial chorten, big buddha in Thimphu. In Punakha will visit Majestic Punakha Dzong and Temple of fertility. Will also have hike to the most popular Tigers Nest Monastery in Paro, also hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten in Punakha.

Will spend a day or half according to your interest at the festival place.

Paro Rinpung Dzong
Paro Rinpung Dzong

You will be received by our people at the airport. Then will drive to Ta Dzong (Watch Tower) which was converted to National Museum in 1969 by the third king. Then will visit Paro Rinpung Dzong one of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture which serves as Paro district head office as well as a monastic community. If you feel energetic then will walk down to Paa chu, cross over the cantilever bridge and get to other side where our driver will be waiting.

After lunch will drive to Thimphu. On way will stop at Tamcho to see the 15th Century Iron Chain Bridge. Then will continue to Thimphu.

Evening can stroll in Thimphu market.

Night Halt: Thimphu

Guest at Cheri
Guest Enjoying the view from Cheri Monastery

After breakfast will drive to Dodena which is about 45 minutes drive, and then will hike to Cheri Monastery, which is the first monastery established by Zhabdrung after he came to Bhutan. The hike will take on average 45 minutes to 1 hour one way. Its a beautiful hike through the mixed forest of Oak, Pine, Rhododendrons etc.

After lunch will visit Folk and Heritage Museums, a fascinating testimony of Bhutan's living traditions. Then will visit Takin Preserve where you will find Takin, the National animal of Bhutan and it is native to the Himalayas and also an endangered species. Towards evening will visit Tashicho Dzong the beautiful fortress which houses most of the Government's office and King's Throne room. It is also the summer residence of Central Monastic Body and Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot of monastic body.

Evening can stroll in Thimphu town.

Night Halt: Thimphu

View from Dochula Pass
View from Dochula Pass

After breakfast will visit National Memorial Chorten which was built by Her majesty Ashi Phuntsho Choden in memory of her late son His majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk ("the father of modern Bhutan") the third king of Bhutan. Then will drive to Kuenselphodrang to see Buddha Statue which is one of the biggest sitting Buddha in world measuring 169 feet tall. Then will drive to Punakha. On reaching Dochula will stop there. Its a beautiful pass with 108 stupas and also if the weather is good we will be able to see the Eastern Himalayas that fall within Bhutan including the highest peak in the country Mt. Gangkar Puensum (7,541 m). Then will continue to Punakha.

After lunch will drive to Kabesa and then will hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten which was constructed by Her Majesty Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangden which is dedicated to world peace. Then will drive to hotel have rest.

Night Halt: Punakha

Our Guest at Chimi Lhakhang
Our Guest at Chimi Lhakhang

After breakfast will drive to Sangchen Dorji Lhundrup Nunnery; it's the place where the nuns study and from there you will have a beautiful view of Tobesa village. Then will drive to Punakha Dzong which is one of the most majestic fortresses in the country which is located between 2 rivers, Mo chu(Female river) and Pho Chu (Male river). Today it is the winter residence of the Je-Khenpo the chief abbot and also serves as the administrative center of the Punakha district. After that if you want can walk to Suspension Bridge spend some time. Then will go for lunch.

After lunch will visit Chimi Lhakhang which was blessed by Lam Drukpa Kuenley who is also known as Devine Madman for his philosophy of "Salvation Through Sex". And its also known as Temple of Fertility.

After that will drive to Paro. Will ake some stops on way as when you want. On reaching Paro will check-in into hotel and rest.

Night Halt: Paro

Punakha Tsechu
Thongdrol, the applique of paro, which is displayed during festival time

After breakfast will drive to drive to the festival ground which is just above Paro Dzong. Will participate in the festival with the locals. There will be various mask dances and cultural programs.

Towards evening we can stroll around in Paro market.

Night Halt: Paro

Guest on way to Tigers Nest
Our Guest on way to Tigers Nest, riding horse

Today after breakfast will drive to Taktshang Base and then will hike to Taktshang (Tiger's Nest) which is one of the most popular tourist sites. Its the place blessed by Guru Padmasambhava in the 8th century, though the monastery was only constructed in 1692 by Desi Tenzin Rabgay.

The hike will take on average 5 to 6 hours up and down.

In the evening will go for Farm Dinner and also if you want can try Traditional Hot Stone Bath.

Night Halt: Paro

Depending on the flight time will reach you to airport and seeoff.