Tour Overview
The Thimphu Tsechu takes place in the courtyard of Tashichho Dzong in Thimphu city, offering a vibrant cultural experience. Join locals and witness the district's monks as they bring Buddhist mythology to life. Dressed in elaborate silk costumes and exquisitely handcrafted masks representing deities, demons, and animals, the monks perform sacred dances believed to invoke blessings upon the congregation.
Tour Highlights
- Thimphu Tsechu
- Paro Taktsang Hike
- Buddha Dordenma
- Tashichho Dzong
- Punakha Dzong
- Homestay Experience
- Paro Museum
- Arrive in Paro
Upon your arrival, your guide and driver will meet you at Paro International Airport and transfer you to Thimphu. - Drive to Thimphu
- Distance: 54 Km | Driving Time: 1 hour
After a brief stop at your hotel and a delicious lunch, you’ll spend the remainder of the day exploring the vibrant capital of Bhutan, Thimphu.
Places and Attractions:
- Thimphu Authentic Craft Bazaar – Discover Bhutan's unique handcrafted textiles, arts, and crafts.
- Buddha Dordenma – Admire the towering Buddha statue, one of the largest in the world.
- Tashichhodzong – Explore this stunning fortress and monastery that houses the Bhutanese government.
- Motithang Takin Preserve – Spot the national animal, the Takin, in its natural habitat.
- National Institute for Zorig Chusum – Visit the school that trains Bhutan’s future artisans in traditional arts.
Accommodation Options:
- City Hotel
- Le Meridien
- Hotel Bhutan
- Visit to the Thimphu Tsechu
Today, experience the vibrant Thimphu Tsechu, one of Bhutan’s most celebrated religious festivals, held at Tashichhodzong. This is a spectacular display of traditional dances performed by monks, wearing colorful silk costumes and intricate masks depicting deities, demons, and animals.
On the final day, watch the unfurling of a giant Thongdrel, a sacred religious applique. This is also a great chance for you to try on traditional Bhutanese attire.
Highlights:
- The Dance of the Lord of the Cremation Ground
- The judgment day dance and the unfurling of Thongdrel
Places and Attractions:
- Thimphu
- Tashichhodzong
Accommodation Options:
- City Hotel
- Hotel Bhutan
- Le Meridien
- Drive to Dochula Pass
- Distance: 31 Km | Driving Time: 1 hour
Dochula, at 3,100 meters, is a picturesque mountain pass offering panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayan range. The pass is also home to the 108 stupas built to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over insurgents. - Lunch on the Way to Punakha
- Drive to Punakha
- Distance: 63 Km | Driving Time: 1.5 hours
Upon arrival in Punakha, enjoy a short hike to Chimi Lhakang, the fertility temple, located in the Sopsokha village, where Bhutanese culture reveres the phallus symbol as part of their spiritual practices.
Places and Attractions:
- Dochula Pass – Enjoy breathtaking mountain views and the stupas.
- Lungchutse Hike – Optional hike for stunning views.
- Punakha Dzong – Visit the majestic "Palace of Great Bliss," a grand fortress at the confluence of two rivers.
- Punakha Suspension Bridge – Walk across one of Bhutan’s longest suspension bridges.
- Chimi Lhakang – The Fertility Temple.
Accommodation Options:
- Drubchhu Resort
- Amankora Punakha
- Dochula Resort
- Zhingkham Resort
- Drive from Punakha to Paro
- Distance: 126 Km | Driving Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
After a scenic drive, head back to Paro. After lunch, spend the afternoon exploring the town and its nearby attractions.
Places and Attractions:
- Paro Rinpung Dzong – A historical fortress and monastery with beautiful artwork.
- National Museum (Paro Ta Dzong) – Explore Bhutan’s culture and history in this former watchtower.
- Kyichu Lhakhang – A sacred 7th-century temple.
- Drukgyel Dzong – Ruins of a fortress that commemorates Bhutan's resistance to Tibetan invasions.
Accommodation Options:
- Haven Resort
- Le Meridien Paro Riverfront
- Tashi Namgay Resort
- Hike to Taktsang
Today, experience the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery, perched on a cliffside 900 meters above Paro Valley. The hike takes you through pine forests, and along the way, your guide will share the fascinating Buddhist mythology surrounding this sacred site. Once you reach the monastery, take in the breathtaking views and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.
This hike is considered a spiritual and physically rewarding journey, making it a highlight of your Bhutanese adventure.
Places and Attractions:
- Paro
- Tiger’s Nest Hike (Taktsang)
Accommodation Options:
- Haven Resort
- Tashi Namgay Resort
- Le Meridien Paro Riverfront
End of Trip
After a final breakfast in Bhutan, your driver and guide will transfer you to Paro International Airport for your departure.
Pricing
Included in this package
- Bhutan Visa Fee
- Government Royalties & Taxes
- English-Speaking Tour Guide
- Private Tour Vehicle & Driver
- 3-Star Accommodation (Twin Sharing)
- Daily Meals (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
- Airport Transfers
- Bottled Water
Not included
- Flights to and from Bhutan
- Personal expense/shopping
- Alcoholic Beverages
- 4 or 5 star accommodation (extra charges will apply)
- Travel insurance
- Entry fees to parks and monuments
- Tips for guide and driver
Payment & Cancellation Policy
- The approval of tourists VISA is contingent on the full payment of the tour
- Flight ticket payment is subject to the Ticketing Time Limit issued by the airlines
- 30 to 15 days prior to arrival - 20% of the total tour cost will be levied as cancellation fee
- 14 to 7 days prior to arrival - 50% of the tour cost will be levied as cancellation fee
- Less than a week prior to arrival - 100% cancellation charge will be levied as cancellation fee
Subject to the cancellation terms of the Airline
There are no charges for rescheduling your trip. However the minimum daily tariff, hotel rates, airline charges are subject to change depending on your new travelling dates.