Tashichho Dzong, Thimphu
One of the biggest festivals in the country is the Thimphu tshechu. This festival is held in the capital city for three days. The Tshechu is witnessed by thousands of people, both local and tourists. The actual Tshechu is preceded by days and nights of prayer and rituals to invoke the gods. Mask dances like the Guru Tshengye (Eight Manifestations of Guru Rinpoche), Shaw Shachi (dance of the stags) and many more are performed.
Day 1. Arrive Paro
You’re Guide from Charisma Bhutan tour and treks will receive you at the airport and drive you to the Hotel.
After lunch, visit to:
- Ta Dzong – National Museum (built in1656 and renovated in 1968)
- Paro Rimpung Dzong (literally meaning “Heap of Jewels”) – built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan.
Dinner and overnight in Hotel.
Day 2.( Paro ) Excursion to Taktsang Monastery- Thimphu
After breakfast, visit to:
- Taktsang Monastery(Tiger’s Nest) – one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor.
- Drukgyel dzong – built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders.
- Kyichu Lhakhang – the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom dating back to 7th century (the other is Jambay Lhakhang in Bumthang).
After lunch, drive to Thimphu. On the way, view:
- Tamchog Lhakhang – dedicated to the 13th century to Thangthong Gyalpo, the bridge builder. This is a private temple however tourists are allowed to visit if they are given permission.
Dinner and overnight in Hotel.
Day 3. Thimphu Sightseeing
After breakfast, visit to:
- National Library – The history of Bhutan lies imprinted in archaic texts, which are preserved at the National Library.
- Painting School– Commonly known as Arts & Crafts School or Painting School, the Institute offers a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan.
- National Memorial Chorten – built in 1974 in the memory of Bhutan’s third King, His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan.
After lunch, visit to:
- Buddha Point – visitors can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from the Buddha point (Kuensel Phodrang).
- Weekend market.
Dinner and overnight in Hotel.
Day 4. Thimphu Tshechu (Festival) Day 1
After breakfast attend a half day of Thimphu Tshechu, which is held in Tendrelthang (courtyard) of Tashichhodzong, which houses some ministries, the office and throne room of His Majesty the King and the central monk body.
After lunch, visit
- Takin Preserve centre – The Takin is the national animal of Bhutan, and looks like a cross between a cow and a goat.
Dinner and overnight in Hotel.
Day 5. Thimphu – Punakha
After breakfast, drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass (3116 m)
- Dochula Pass –If the weather is clear, you can see the higher Eastern Himalayas and also known for Druk Wangyal Chortens- the construction of these108 chortens was commissioned by the eldest Queen Mother, Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk.
- Chhimi Lhakhang – dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who used humour, songs and outrageous behavior to dramatise his teachings and due to this also known as “Divine Madman”.
- Punakha Dzong – Built in 1637, by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative centre of the region.
Dinner and overnight in Hotel.
Day 6. Punakha – Paro
After breakfast, drive to Wangdi . Lunch will be served on the way. We drive further drive to Paro.
Leisure time at Paro Town
Dinner and overnight in Hotel.
Day 7. Paro – Departure
After breakfast drive to airport and your guide and drive will see you off for your onward flight destination.