The largest festival in the country, held in the capital over three days, with Paro and Punakha around it.
The Thimphu Tshechu is the biggest festival in Bhutan. It runs for three days in the courtyard of Tashichho Dzong and is watched by thousands of people, most of them Bhutanese in their best kira and gho.
The tshechu proper is preceded by several days and nights of prayer and ritual to invoke the gods, the Thimphu Dromche, which most visitors never see.
This is a shorter trip than the Paro festival one, with Punakha and Taktsang either side of the festival day.
As with all festivals, dates follow the lunar calendar and are confirmed a few months ahead.
What stands out
- The Thimphu Tshechu in the courtyard of Tashichho Dzong
- Thousands of Bhutanese in their finest kira and gho
- Taktsang on the second day, before the festival
- Punakha Dzong on the way through
The itinerary
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Day 1 7,480 ft
Arrive Paro
Met at the airport. The afternoon in the Paro valley: Rinpung Dzong and the National Museum.
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Day 2 10,150 ft
Paro: the walk up to Taktsang
The Tiger's Nest, around five hours there and back.
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Day 3 4,100 ft
Paro to Punakha
East over Dochula and down into the warm valley. Punakha Dzong in the afternoon.
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Day 4 7,610 ft
Punakha to Thimphu
Chimi Lhakhang in the morning, then back over the pass to the capital.
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Day 5 7,610 ft
Thimphu Tshechu
The festival day. An early start: the courtyard fills quickly and the good positions go first.
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Day 6 7,480 ft
Thimphu to Paro
Anything missed in the capital, then the short drive down to Paro.
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Day 7 7,480 ft
Departure
Morning transfer to the airport.
What is covered
- All internal transport with a private vehicle and driver
- A licensed English-speaking Bhutanese guide throughout
- Accommodation in government-approved three-star hotels, or better on request
- All meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
- All entry fees to monuments, dzongs and museums
- Bhutan visa processing and the visa fee
- The Sustainable Development Fee
- All internal taxes and the government royalty
- International flights to and from Bhutan
- Travel insurance, which we ask every guest to arrange
- Drinks, laundry, telephone and other personal expenses
- Tips for your guide and driver
- Anything not listed as included
Thimphu is full during the tshechu and hotel space is tight. Book as far ahead as you can.
It is a religious occasion as much as a spectacle. Your guide will explain what is and is not appropriate to photograph.
On this trip
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