7-Day Bhutan Paro Tshechu Festival Tour with Tiger's Nest Hike

7 Days Duration

Experiences

About This Tour

The Paro Tshechu Festival in spring is a wonderful time to visit Bhutan and experience its ancient culture. Amid blossoming flowers and lush green landscapes, t...

Duration: 7 Days · Tour type: Private · Activity level: Moderate · Accommodation: Included · Standard · Transport: Included · Wheelchair access: Not applicable · Cities: Thimphu, Wangdue, Paro, Punakha, Trongsa · Languages: Cantonese, English, French, German, Hindi, Japanese, Mandarin, Spanish

Know before you go: The Paro Tshechu is a Buddhist festival and one of the major annual events of Bhutan. The Tshechu holds religious significance and is held to commemorate the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava, the patron saint of Bhutan, who introduced Tantric Buddhism to Bhutan. Festivals are held mostly in the huge courtyards of the magnificent dzongs/fortresses and comprise colorful masked dances and traditional folk songs and dances, attended by even more colorfully dressed Bhutanese people. As per the lunar calendar, the Paro Festival falls during spring and is one of the most beautiful times to visit Bhutan. Weather-wise, the days will be bright and sunny with clear views of the snow-capped Himalayan mountains, while evenings and mornings will be pleasant but also a little cold.; All visitors, including those on official U.S. government business, must obtain visa clearance from Thimphu before traveling to Bhutan. Visa clearance takes at least 7 days to process, and airplane tickets to Bhutan cannot be purchased without visa clearance.; Bhutan's national carrier, Druk Air, and Bhutan Airlines both provide international flights to Bhutan's international airport in Paro, about an hour's drive from Thimphu. The flight into Paro is one of the most spectacular in the world. Whether flying along the Himalayan range or over the foothills from Kolkata, each flight is mesmerizing and offers an exciting descent into the kingdom. Please note that flight delays can occur due to variable weather conditions and the fact that the airport in Paro can only operate during daylight hours. It is advisable to keep lengthy connecting times with any onward flights.; Bangkok (BKK - Thailand); Delhi (DEL - India); Mumbai (BOM - India); Kolkata (CCU - India); Bagdogra (IXB - India); Gaya (GAY - India); Guwahati (GAU - India); Kathmandu (KTM - Nepal); Dhaka (DAC - Bangladesh); Changi (SIN - Singapore); Airfare to and from Bhutan can be arranged for you if you wish.; If you wish to travel overland, you can enter and exit Bhutan through its southern gateway of Phuentsholing into the Indian state of West Bengal. It is approximately a five-hour drive from Thimphu. The nearest airport is at Bagdogra, located approximately four hours by road from Phuentsholing. This border point is an ideal junction for those wishing to combine their exploration of Bhutan with the Indian states of Sikkim and West Bengal.; For those who would like to journey across Bhutan, there is an exit-only border crossing at Sumdrup Jongkhar in southeast Bhutan to India. The closest airport is 110 km away in Guwahati. From here, you can find a number of destinations you can fly to, including Delhi, Bombay, Kolkata, and Bangkok. This is convenient for those flying into Paro in the west and touring across Bhutan without backtracking.

About Thimphu

Bhutan

Thimphu

Living in isolated mystery on the edge of the Bhutanese Himalaya, Thimphu is crowned with the Tashichho Dzong and some great Buddhist heritage museums. Get a local local guide to show you around.

Explore Thimphu Bhutan All destinations

What's Included

3-star hotels and farmhouse stay
All three meals (does not cover water and other beverages ordered in hotels/restaurants)
Bottled mineral water for the entire trip (except water ordered in hotels and restaurants)
Afternoon tea and snacks
English-speaking and knowledgeable Bhutanese guide
Comfortable SUV and a reliable driver
Museum entrance fees
Visa fee and processing charges
Tourism Development Fund
Government taxes
All administrative costs
Full service and assistance before, during, and after your Bhutan trip
Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) fees

Not Included

Airfare to and from Bhutan
Any other beverages (alcoholic or non-alcoholic), including water ordered in restaurants and hotels
Travel or health insurance
Wire transfer fees
Laundry
Gratuities/tips for guides and drivers

Itinerary

1

Day 01

Arrival in Paro and Introduction to Bhutan

Arrival in Bhutan, National Museum, and a stroll in Paro Town. Enjoy the breathtaking landing of the plane and feel the crisp, fresh air of the Himalayas as soon as you step out of the airplane. At Paro International Airport, you will be welcomed by our enthusiastic guide and driver, then checked into your hotel after a briefing and introduction. After a quick rest, begin your cultural extravaganza at the National Museum just above the town. Take your time to casually browse through the museum, where an intriguing collection of artifacts serves as a great introduction to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom. Some artifacts even date back to 2000 BC. The afternoon and evening offer a chance to acclimatize to the rarefied air at this altitude and to get to know your guide and driver, who will accompany you for the rest of your sightseeing, depending on your interest and energy level. In the evening, walk around town and notice how clusters of quaint farmhouses embellish the beauty of Paro Valley. The small handicraft and souvenir shops will mesmerize you with the unique handicrafts of Bhutan.
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Day 02

Paro Tshechu Festival at Rinpung Dzong

Witness the Paro Festival at the Paro Fortress. After a good and healthy breakfast, drive towards the Rinpung Dzong, the Fortress of the Heap of Jewels, which was built in 1644 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the saint who unified Bhutan, to defend against numerous Tibetan invasions. The breathtaking structure and courtyard inside the Dzong also served as a filming location for the Hollywood movie "Little Buddha," starring Keanu Reeves, one of the most popular and favorite actors of the Bhutanese. This time, however, it will be even more beautiful because of the festival. Watch the various masked dances, join the crowd, and interact with the local people, who will be dressed in their finest traditional attire to witness the Tshechu. A variety of masked dances will be lined up for the day, and your tour guide will explain the significance and stories behind each dance. The Atsara, or clown, will entertain you throughout the festival in comic attire, with a wooden phallus hanging from the mask, ready to fly toward the women spectators. Do not get paranoid if an Atsara tries to get too close to you - it is all in jest! Before the day ends, enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Paro town from the fortress and walk through the Nyimazam, the cantilever bridge, over the glacial Paro River. In the evening, drive towards Thimphu.
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Day 03

Thimphu Cultural and Museum Excursion

You will visit the Memorial Stupa, built in memory of the 3rd King of Bhutan, and the Big Buddha Statue facing the Thimphu Valley. Visit the Bhutan Postal Museum, where you can make a custom stamp with your picture. Continue exploring the valley with a visit to Zorig Chusum, the Traditional School of Arts and Crafts, a leading institute that preserves and promotes culture. Pema Lingpa, the Treasure Discoverer, introduced the thirteen traditional arts of Bhutan in the 14th century. You can also watch the students at their workstations and maybe learn some tips. The Bhutan Postal Museum was established in 2015 to commemorate the 60th birth anniversary of our fourth king. One of the most intriguing stories you will learn is that of the legend of Garp Lungi Khorlo, which literally translates into "wind below the feet" - a messenger who used to travel from Trongsa to Wangdue on foot in one day, approximately 123 km. Next, visit the Royal Textile Museum, which showcases the finest Bhutanese textiles. You can also watch the weavers at their looms. A single line of small bamboo huts is located next to the museum, selling traditional, authentic, made-in-Bhutan art and craft items. In the evening, visit Trashicho Dzong, the Fortress of the Auspicious Religion, where the office of the Dragon King is situated. Overnight in Thimphu.
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Day 04

Drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass and Farm Stay

En route, stop at Dochula Pass (3,150 m) and soak in the picturesque view of the Himalayan ranges floating above the dancing clouds, along with the magnificent 108 stupas blessing all the travelers passing through. Get lost in nature for a while. To stretch your legs after the long drive, enjoy a short walk through the paddy fields to reach Chime Lhakhang, the Temple of Fertility of the Divine Mad Man. Paintings of phalluses on the walls of houses will welcome you humorously as you cross the village, with many small handicraft shops along the way. Do not feel pressured or obliged to buy, but enjoy the arts and crafts items. Continue driving to the farmhouse and check in. After dinner, enjoy a bonfire with traditional ara, an alcoholic beverage, and mingle with the host.
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Day 05

Farmhouse Life, Punakha Dzong and Return to Paro

Today, you will experience life at a farmhouse. Wake up to the alarm of a rooster and have delicious butter tea with the host. After a sumptuous traditional breakfast with the host, check out the organically grown vegetable garden and dairy farm. Home Visit - Visit a Bhutanese family at their home and share dinner over conversations. Take a peek into their lives and experience dining in a traditional Bhutanese home embraced by the warm hospitality of the family. The hike to the suspension bridge from the farmhouse takes 30-40 minutes. Continue with a 15-minute walk towards Punakha Dzong, the Palace of Great Bliss, a beautiful and important fortress in the history of Bhutan. Drive to the base of Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten and start hiking for 45 minutes. It is a beautiful walk through the pine trees and rice fields. The stupa is stunning, and so is the view from there. This hike will boost you up for the Tiger's Nest hike. After the hike, drive back to Paro and rest for tomorrow's big hike. Overnight in Paro.
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Day 06

Tiger's Nest Hike and Traditional Farmhouse Evening

The Taktsang Monastery, or Tiger's Nest, is one of Bhutan's most important cultural icons and a must-visit for all. Have a good breakfast and start as early as you can. Your driver will drop you at the base of the monastery, from where you will begin the hike. It takes about 3 hours uphill at a comfortable and leisurely pace, while a frequent hiker can complete it in 1 hour. The total distance walked is about 4 km one way, with 800 m of elevation gained. Along the hike, your guide will enthrall you with motivating local jokes and stories. You will have lunch at the Taktsang View Cafeteria, facing the magnificent monastery hanging on the cliff. In the evening, relax in a traditional farmhouse with Bhutanese cuisine and a hot stone bath. Last night in Bhutan.
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Day 07

Departure from Paro

After breakfast, drive to Paro International Airport, where your guide and driver will bid you farewell with the hope of seeing you in Bhutan again.

Meeting Point

Meeting point: Paro International Airport, Paro, Bhutan · Tour start: Airport Road Paro, Paro 12001, Bhutan — Tour ends at the same location as the start point.