Thimphu Tsechu is one of the most significant events in Bhutan. The fact is held for three days in the capital city of Thimphu, witnessed by thousands of people. A lot of locals and tourist attend this event, and the festival is a spectacular display of colourful attires worn by the locals. At the same time, mask dances and folk dances are performed for entertainment. A view of a humungous tapestry or Thongdrol of Guru Rinpoche will be on display during the event where people come for its blessings.
Paro International Airport (Google Map)
3 Hours Before Flight Time
March-May & September-November
December-February & June-August
Bhutan has two airlines available which are Drukair and Tashi Airline respectively. While travelling towards Bhutan, the beautiful and scenic beauty of the Himalayas is an experience to be shared. Moreover, while landing to Paro, you get to experience one of the most challenging landings in the world. On your arrival at Paro airport, you will be welcomed by our respective representatives in the best possible of ways. After the completion of formalities, drive to Thimphu.
In the evening, you’ll visit Tashichoe Dzong. You will get to see the beautiful monumental fortress which serves as the government’s office as well as His Majesty the King’s Throne room. The fort(Dzong) also serves as the summer residence of the chief abbot of the monastic body (Je Khenpo).
The early trip would be great since the crowd will be huge. You shall witness the different cultural and traditional aspects of the country through mask dances, folk dances and various other means. Love photography? Then it’s the perfect time to capture the colours, patterns and beautiful people as you shall see the locals wearing colourful attires on this special occasion.
After lunch will be a visit to the National Memorial Chorten. This landmark will let you experience the spiritual and religious practices evident in the country. The landmark serves as a monument for peace and memory of the Late Third King of the country. The landmark also provides you with the opportunity to interact with local elderly and the opportunity to take pictures.
Buddha Point located atop a hill overlooking the Thimphu valley. The attraction of the site is due to the colossal Buddha erected in gold. You will get to experience the scenic beauty of Thimphu valley, as well as, see the gigantic Buddha statue overlooking the capital.
Visit the centenary farmers market: The market is where you will get to see the local vendors selling their organic vegetables, rice, fruits and meats. The place is crowded, and the goal of the visit is to let the traveller experience a different atmosphere.
After breakfast, drive to Punakha. Halt at Dochula pass which stands at 3,050m to see the magnificent 108 stupas which were built accompanied by the scenic and majestic Himalayan mountains.
Punakha Dzong: a fortress built during the 17th century which stands between two rivers, Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female river). The Dzong serves as a winter residence for the central monk body.
Lunch
Later to Talo village. En-route visit Sangchen Dorji Lhendup Nunnery
After breakfast, the guests will be encouraged to Gangtey, and it is the most scenic and beautiful trip. En-route will be a visit to Rinchengang village where old traditional houses and infrastructure, which are hundreds of years past, will be explored. The guests can intermingle will the villagers and stop to take pictures. Halt at Nobding, where it offers the guests to see the local vegetable vendors and see the phallic paintings and murals painted on the traditional houses. Then there will be a short walk for about half an hour to a restaurant.
After lunch, we shall continue the drive towards Gangtey, which is about 2700m and a stop will be made at Lawala pass (3100m). Gangtey is one of the most beautiful valleys and an exhilarating place to visit in Bhutan. The site is home to the endangered black-necked crane birds which migrate during the winter from the Tibetan plateau.
Later, a visit to Gangtey monastery.
After breakfast, the guest will be led to Phobjikha valley mostly by trek. Later, a visit to Khumbu Lhakhang. The monastery dates back to the 7th century. The trek will be about 45 minutes, and it provides the guest with a stunning view of the village and the valley. Furthermore, the guest might see high altitude birds that reside there and interact with the local people who live nearby.
Lunch at a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse in Phobjikha, where you will get to taste traditional Bhutanese cuisines.
Later, a visit to the Crane Information Centre, where you will get to understand and see the documentary of the black-necked crane.
After the breakfast, drive back to Paro, and a short stop at Dochula pass. Later, a walk of about 10 minutes will to visit the Meditation Centre and then we shall resume our journey to Paro.
Visit Sangachoekhor Buddhist Institute.
After an early breakfast, a drive towards Chelela pass. The pass stands around 4000m, which is the highest motorable road in the country. You shall witness the beautiful prayer flags abundantly hoisted. The pass also presents the view of the majestic Himalayas on a clear day.
Lunch at Paro.
After lunch, a visit to Ta Dzong, which is the National Museum of the country. The fortress served the purpose as a watchtower to oversee and protect Rinpung Dzong, which is adjacent to its structure during the 17th century. Now, it has turned into the National Museum where you will get to see artefacts, arts, paintings and general history of Bhutan.
Visit Rinpung Dzong and Sangachoekhor. The latter is a Buddhist institute where monks are trained and taught the philosophies related to Buddhism. You will get to see and interact with monks and know how their everyday scheduled lives in the institute.
An early start (Summer 7 am and Winter 8 am)
After an early breakfast, drive towards the north of Paro Valley. Here you will have to hike towards your destination, which might take around 4-5 hours depending on the pace. The journey to the destination will let you experience the pristine environment and the scenic beauty of Paro valley. Taktsang Monastery became a holy site due to its history where Guru Rinpoche arrived at the landmark on the back of a tigress from Tibet.
After the visit to Taktsang, then to Traditional farmhouse where the guest will get the opportunity to see the interior of a traditional Bhutanese house and get to interact with the local family. The goal of this visit is to let the traveller experience life of Bhutanese farmers and see the interiors of a traditional Bhutanese house.
After breakfast at the hotel, you will be dropped at the airport for your departure. Please do check-in 3 hours before your flight.
