7 days
Daily Tour
Unlimited
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Thimphu Tshechu Festival Journey – 7 Days of Culture, Spirituality & Himalayan Wonders
“A Sacred Celebration of Masked Dances, Himalayan Valleys & Living Traditions”
“Witness Bhutan’s Spiritual Heartbeat through the Thimphu Tshechu Festival”
Your journey begins with a breathtaking flight into Paro International Airport, one of the world’s most dramatic mountain landings. Upon arrival, you are warmly welcomed by your Bhutanese guide and driver.
The drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s charming capital, follows the emerald Paro and Thimphu rivers, passing traditional villages, prayer flags fluttering in the wind, and terraced rice fields.
After hotel check-in, the afternoon is kept at leisure to allow gentle acclimatization. You may take a relaxed walk through Thimphu town, explore local handicraft shops, or simply enjoy the peaceful Himalayan ambiance.
Overnight: Thimphu
Today is the highlight of the journey as you attend the Thimphu Tshechu, one of Bhutan’s most sacred and vibrant annual festivals.
Held at Tendrel Thang, in front of the majestic Tashichho Dzong, the festival is conducted over three days and follows the Bhutanese lunar (Chinese) calendar, usually falling in September or October.
Festival Background & Significance:
“Tshechu” means the 10th day, commemorating the birth anniversary of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), the saint who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century. The masked dances (Cham) performed by monks and lay dancers are not merely entertainment—they are sacred rituals believed to cleanse sins, protect from misfortune, and bestow blessings.
You will witness:
This is a rare opportunity to experience Bhutanese spirituality in its most authentic, colorful, and emotional form.
Overnight: Thimphu
After breakfast, explore the cultural and spiritual landmarks of Thimphu:
The day offers insight into how Bhutan harmoniously blends tradition and modern governance.
Overnight: Thimphu
Drive to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan, crossing the breathtaking Dochula Pass (3,100 m).
Descending into the warmer Punakha Valley, visit:
Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility):
Dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley, the “Divine Madman,” this temple is famous for blessings related to fertility and childbirth. The short walk through rice fields and villages gives a glimpse into rural Bhutanese life.
Punakha Dzong:
Arguably Bhutan’s most beautiful fortress, located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. It played a crucial role in Bhutan’s history and still serves as a winter residence for monks.
Overnight: Punakha
After breakfast, retrace your journey back to Paro through scenic mountain roads.
In Paro, enjoy half-day sightseeing:
The relaxed pace prepares you for the spiritual hike the next day.
Overnight: Paro
Today you embark on the unforgettable hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), Bhutan’s most iconic landmark.
Perched dramatically on a cliff 800 meters above the Paro Valley, this sacred site marks where Guru Rinpoche meditated in the 8th century, arriving on the back of a flying tigress.
Hike Insights:
Reaching the monastery is both a physical and spiritual achievement, offering moments of reflection, awe, and deep cultural connection.
Overnight: Paro
After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward flight, carrying with you unforgettable memories of Bhutan’s sacred festivals, timeless traditions, and Himalayan beauty.
Closing Thought
This journey is more than a tour—it is an invitation into Bhutan’s living spirituality, where festivals are prayers in motion, mountains are guardians, and every step tells a story.
End of Service: TASHI DELEK!
There are 19 languages spoken in Bhutan, but the national language is Dzongkha. English is used throughout Bhutan’s education system, so it is widely used and understood.
Bhutan is a year-round destination. There are four seasons: summer (June to August), autumn (September to November), winter (December to February) and spring (March to May). But because of the range of altitudes in the country, and the influence of the north Indian monsoons, the climate is incredibly varied.
In the south, the humid, subtropical climate is fairly consistent year-round, with temperatures between 15oC and 30oC. Central Bhutan, with its temperate forests, has a more seasonal climate, with warm summers and cool, dry winters. The northern regions are much colder during winter. Because of the high altitude, mountain peaks are snowy year-round and the lower reaches remain cool in summer.
In summer, the Indian monsoon season runs from late June or July to late September, mostly affecting the southern regions. Most farming activities take place in the summer, when crops thrive in verdant landscapes.
Autumn, from late September or early October to late November, follows the rainy season. It is characterised by bright, sunny days and some early snowfall at higher elevations. It’s the season of feasts and festivals as farmers reap the fruits of their work.
From late November until March, the crisp, clear and sunny winter sets in, with frost throughout much of the country and snowfall common above elevations of 3,000 metres. The winter northeast monsoon brings gale-force winds at the highest altitudes through high mountain passes, giving Bhutan the name Drukyul, which means Land of the Thunder Dragon in Dzongkha (Bhutan’s national language).
Bhutan’s generally dry spring starts in early March and lasts until mid-April. It is a botanist’s delight, with nature in full bloom. Summer weather commences in mid-April with occasional showers and continues to late June.
Visitors of all nationalities, except those from India, require a visa before entering Bhutan. For all visitors, except those from Bangladesh and the Maldives, this visa must be applied for and approved in advance of travel. Visitors from Bangladesh and the Maldives also require a visa, but this can be applied for and approved either in advance of travel or upon arrival in Bhutan.
Visitors from India are able to apply for a permit but are required to hold an Indian passport or an Indian voter ID card. For Indian nationals under the age of 18, a passport or a birth certificate can be used to enter and they must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
Nationals from Switzerland and Thailand holding diplomatic or government-official passports are eligible for a visa at their port of entry.
No, there are no restricted nationalities in Bhutan.
The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is a daily levy paid by visitors to support Bhutan’s development. Since the kingdom first opened its doors in 1974, guests have played a critical role in our country’s growth.
The SDF is collected by the national exchequer and funds are allocated to various projects that create long-term, sustainable opportunities for the Bhutanese people, through free healthcare, education and training, upskilling the tourism and hospitality industry, improved infrastructure, environmental preservation and conservation, cultural preservation programmes and initiatives that support local businesses and economies. The SDF is also a vital means of maintaining the exceptional forest cover and carbon-neutrality for which our small nation is world-renowned and globally critical. The SDF also helps us to ensure that we can continue to offer guests tranquillity and an intimate experience.
The SDF is USD 100 per night for adults from all countries except for India. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay USD 50 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF.
The SDF for Indian nationals (showing a valid Indian passport or Voter ID card) is Nu. 1,200 (or the equivalent amount in Indian rupees) per person, per night. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay Nu./INR 600 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF.
You may bring cash equivalent to US$10,000 into the country.
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