7-Day Thimphu Tshechu Festival Experience

Your adventure in Bhutan starts right at your arrival at the Paro International Airport. You will meet an experienced local guide who will drive you to your hotel in Thimpu, where you will enjoy Bhutanese cuisine. 

Today, we will take it easy to acclimatise to the altitude, visiting nearby attractions such as

National Memorial Chorten: Meet the elderly generation in circumambulation.

Folk Heritage Museum: Dedicated to connecting people to the Bhutanese rural past by exhibiting artefacts used in rural households.

Textile Museum: Witnesses the art of traditional weaving.

Institute of Zorig Chusum: Commonly known as the Painting School or the School of the Thirteen Arts, the Institute offers a glimpse of novices learning 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. It is a hands-on trip for you. Enjoy a few moments with future artists of the country.

On second day of your tour, prepare to be swept away by the spiritual and cultural magnificence of the Thimphu Tshechu. The following are some places and activities you’ll do during the festival.

Tashichhodzong (Thimphu Dzong): Marvel at the historical and architectural significance of Tashichhodzong, a fortress housing Bhutan's central monk body and royal offices. Experience the spiritual essence of the country through the colorful masked dances and chants performed by monks, embodying Buddhist teachings and morality.

The culmination of the festival constitutes the unfolding of a huge cloth thanka, a sacred scroll depicting Padma Smabhawa and imagery from the Buddhist pantheon.

Buddha Point: Your day will also include a visit to Buddha Point at Kuensel Phodrang. Here, you'll stand in awe before the 169-foot-tall bronze statue of Buddha Dordenma, a symbol of peace and indestructibility. 

While the statue awaits its final artistic touches, the site offers an unparalleled view of the Thimphu Valley. Especially enchanting at night, the view from Buddha Point provides a perfect moment of reflection and serenity, rounding off a day filled with spiritual discovery and cultural immersion.

Today, you will travel from the capital to Panukha to visit historical sites and spiritual sanctuaries. Your journey includes a visit to a unique monument constructed over the years to appreciate the arts and architecture of Bhutan.

Dochula Pass: The 108 Chortens were built by the present Queen Mother of Bhutan, Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck to commemorate Bhutan's victory over Indian militants and to liberate the souls of the souls lost.

Punakha Dzong: Built in 1637, the dzong continues to be the winter home for the clergy, headed by Chief Abbott, the Je Khenpo. It is a stunning example of Bhutanese architecture, sitting at the fork of two rivers, portraying the image of a medieval city from a distance. 

Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten: Built by the third Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck this Chorten is a splendid example of Bhutanese architecture and art and is the only one of its kind in the world. It has been built over eight and a half years, and its details have been drawn from religious scripture.
 

Your next destination is Gangtey where you will experience a journey through tradition and beauty, walking to a legendary temple and exploring towns known for their crafts. As you visit top attractions, you will marvel at the region's rich history and cultural heritage.

Chhimi Lhakhang: A 20-minute' walk across terraced fields through the village of Sopsokha. Ngawang Chogyel built the temple in the 15th century after the 'divine Madman' Drukpa Kuenlay built a small chorten there.

Wangdue: One of the major towns and district capital of Western Bhutan located south of Punakha, Wangdue. The district is famous for its fine bamboo work, slate, and stone carving.

Wangdue Dzong: Built-in 1638, Wangdue Dzong is dramatically perched on the spur of a hill and overlooks the confluence of the Tsang Chu and Dang Chu rivers.
 

On Day 5, from Gangtey to Paro, step back in time when you visit ruins and learn about Bhutan's medieval victories. You will appreciate more of Bhutan's artistic and natural heritage and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Paro Valley.

Drukgyal Dzong: Built in 1647 by the great Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, father and unifier of medieval Bhutan, the Dzong was destroyed by an accidental fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate. Explore the ramparts and relive the memories of a glorious past.

Ta Dzong: Converted into the National Museum in 1968, Ta Dzong museum boasts antique Thangka, textiles, weapons and armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historical artefacts.

Paro Valley: The beautiful valley is home to many of Bhutan's old monasteries and temples. The country's only Airport is in Paro. The valley is also home to Mount Chomolhari (7,300 meters), situated at the northern end of the valley, whose glacier water forms the Pachu flowing through the valley. The following are some of the prominent places to visit in Paro.
 

Your unforgettable Bhutan adventure is still not over because, on this day, you will gear up and challenge yourself on a spiritual day hike to famous monasteries.

Paro Dzong: Also known as Rinpung Dzong, this 15th-century massive fortress/monastery, is also the administrative centre of the Dzongkhag.

Taktsang Monastery: A one-hour hike to the cafeteria is also a vantage point where you can enjoy the stunning view of the monastery. Prayer flags adorn the cliffs, and this is also where Guru Padmasambhava landed on the back of a tiger in the 8th century.

Duration: 5-7 hours depending on time taken in monasteries 

Difficulty: Moderate - Guided with mineral water.

Today we will bid fond farewell to this beautiful Himalayan country and take an early flight back to Singapore. We hope by now you will have made some friends and kept many photos and beautiful memories of Bhutan! And we look forward to seeing you again in this beautiful land of endless Enchantments! 

Tashi Delek!