Tour Price & Itinerary for 8 Night 9 Day  Thimphu Tshechu & Gangtey Tshechu Combo Tour

Tour Start Date:Sept 29, 2025

Tour End Date:Oct 7,2025

Brief Background on Thimphu Tshechu

Thimphu Tshechu is one of the most popular festivals in Bhutan. This festival is held in Thimphu for 3 days beginning on 10th day of the 8th month of lunar calendar. Thimphu Tsechu was initiated by the 4th Desi, Gyalse Tenzin Rabgay in 1867 and later some changes were introduced in Thimphu Tshechu in the 1950s by the third Kingof Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.

This Thimphu festival is witnessed by thousands of people from all over Bhutan. The actual Tshechu is preceded by days and nights of prayer and rituals to invoke the gods.

To Bhutanese farmers, the Thimphu Tshechu is also seen as a break from farm life. It is an annual social gathering where people dress in their finest clothing and jewelries come to celebrate, receive blessings and pray for health and happiness.

It brings you a closer contact with the local people and gives you an insight into the Bhutanese lives, beliefs and more.

During Thimphu Tshechu which is held at Tendrel Thang ( Festival Ground in front of Tashichhoedzong), the mask dances known as cham and folk dances are performed to bless onlookers, to teach them the Buddhist dharma, to protect them from misfortune and to exorcise all evil. It is believed that merit is gained by attending these festivals. The dances invoke the deities to wipe out misfortunes, increase good luck and grant personal wishes.

The sacred Thongdrol of Guru Rinphoche is unfurled early in the morning on the last day of Thimphu Tshechu. It is believed that the Thongdroel is unveiled at dawn to bring blessings to all who view it.

Thimphu Tshechu Schedule: Oct 2-4,2025

Gangtey Tshechu Schedule: Oct 5-7,2025

Overview of the 8 night 9 day Thimphu Festival tour Itinerary

Day 1 Mon Sept 29:  Arrive Paro & witness Paro Drupchen festival & sightseeing ,overnight at hotel in Paro

Day 2 Tue Sept 30:  Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery-Thimphu,overnight at hotel in Thimphu

Day 3 Wed Oct 1: Thimphu sightseeing,overnight at hotel in Thimphu

Day 4 Thu Oct 2: First Day of Thimphu Tshechu festival & Sightseeing, stay in Thimphu

Day 5 Fri Oct 3: Thimphu- Punakha sightseeing,stay in Punakha

Day 6 Sat Oct 4: Punakha short Hike & sightseeing & Punakha-Phobjikha,stay in Phobjikha

Day 7 Sun Oct 5: Gangtey Tshechu & Gangtey short hike & Phobjikha-Thimphu,stay in Thimphu

Day 8 Mon Oct 6: Short Nature Hike to Tango Monastery & Thimphu sightseeing ,stay in Thimphu

Day 9 Tue Oct 7: Thimphu-Paro & departure from Paro

Detailed Tour Itinerary

 

Day 1 Mon Sept 29:  Arrive Paro & witness Paro Drupchen festival & sightseeing ,overnight at hotel in Paro

Altitude at Paro:2200m

Altitude at Paro:2200m

Arrive Paro. After immigration and customs formalities, you will be received by the representative. After refreshment/lunch witness Paro Drupchen festival (sacred mask dance festival) which will be conducted inside the main assembly hall of Paro Rinpung Dzong (fortress), built in 1645 to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. The Dzong is now being used as an administration center and school for monks. From the Dzong you will  walk back down to Rimpung Bridge.

If time permits visit National Museum, housed in the Ta Dzong (watchtower). Here is an intriguing collection of artefacts  which provide you with a wonderful insight to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom of Bhutan

Also visit Kaja Thromde -farmers’ market in Paro and also walk through Paro town on your own where you may visit handicraft stores.

In the evening visit a farmhouse where you may relax in the traditional hotstone bath.A visit to farmhouse will give you insight into the way of life of Bhutanese people in general and people of Paro valley in particular. 

 Bhutanese dinner at the same farmhouse in Paro valley.

Overnight at hotel in Paro.

 

Day 2 Tue Sept 30:  Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery-Thimphu,overnight at hotel in Thimphu

Distance: 54 km & estimated driving time: 1 hour 

Altitude at Thimphu: 2330 m

Altitude at Taktsang:3000m

After breakfast  hike up to Taktsang Monastery, also known as ‘Tiger’s Nest’. The climb up to the viewpoint will take around 1 ½ hours and from there you will enjoy a spectacular view of the monastery clinging to the side of the cliff. Stop for refreshment at the View Point Cafeteria.Then walk further up to the monastery which will take another 1 ½  hour. It is said that in the 8th century Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress from eastern Bhutan to this place and meditated in a cave here for 3 months. The principal Lhakhang (monastery) of the present monastic complex dates from 1692. Taktsang was damaged severely by fire in 1998 but has now been fully restored to its former glory.After visiting the monastery, walk back down to the road on the way stop for lunch at the view point cafeteria and then walk further down to the road point.

In the evening drive to Thimphu which will take you through Chunzom (confluence of Pachu- the river flowing through Paro valley & Wangchu –the river flowing through Thimphu valley).

On the way, enjoy walking over a suspension bridge to view 15^th century iron chain bridge suspended over the Pa chu .This scenic site provides a good place for photography too.

After crossing Chunzom, the drive will take you along the Wangchu upto Thimphu city.

Dinner and Overnight at hotel in Thimphu

Day 3 Wed Oct 1: Thimphu sightseeing,overnight at hotel in Thimphu

After breakfast visit the following:

• Buddha Point /Kuenselphodrang: This massive Buddha statue is 51.5 meters in height and it is one of the largest statues of Buddha in the world. The statue is made of bronze and is gilded in gold. The throne that the Buddha Dordenma sits upon is a large meditation hall.
  The Buddha Dordenma is located atop a hill in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park and overlooks the Southern entrance to Thimphu Valley. The statue fulfills an ancient prophecy dating back to the 8^th century A.D that was discovered by Terton Pema Lingpa (Religious Treasure Discoverer) and is said to emanate an aura of peace and happiness to the entire world.
• Takin Presrve, which houses the national animal the Takin that is only found in Bhutan. This is an extremely rare member of the goat family. Found in herds in the very high altitudes (13,125ft and over). They live on a diet of grass and bamboo. It can weigh as much as 550 pounds. Here Takins are preserved in natural environment.

• The National Memorial Chorten (stupa) which was constructed in 1974 as a memorial for the third King of Bhutan, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who is widely regarded as the father of modern Bhutan. The term ‘chorten’ literally means ' seat of faith' and Buddhists often call such monuments the 'Mind of Buddha'. Meet the elderly generation in circumambulation, especially in the evenings and mornings, at the National Memorial Chorten.

After lunch in Thimphu visit the following

• Folk Heritage Museum, dedicated to connecting Bhutan to its past with exhibitions, demonstrations, and artifacts. Designed to resemble a rural home, this 19th-century building houses three stories of art, culture, and relics.
• National Textile Museum which is a good place to see the art of traditional weaving being kept alive and preserved through exhibition and has a good collection of old textiles which are rich in colors and designs.You will also see people weaving with intricate designs.
• Centenary farmers’ market & Kaja Throm : visit Kaja Throm – a new farmers’ market in Thimphu and also visit Centenary .: Most of the Thimphu’s population and many valley dwellers converge on the bustling weekend market, held by the side of Wangchu River. A wide range of foodstuffs and local arts and crafts are sold at the market, which runs from Friday afternoon till Sunday evening. A visit to the market provides great photo opportunities, as well as the chance to mingle withlocal people.
• Archery Match (National Sport of Bhutan) at Changlimithang National Stadium. Normally you will spot Bhutanese men playing archery game during weekends or public holidays. Good opportunity to interact with local people.

In the evening explore Thimphu town on your own.

Dinner at a restaurant in Thimphu town or at your hotel as per your preference. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu.

Day 4 Thu Oct 2: First Day of Thimphu Tshechu festival & Sightseeing, stay in Thimphu

After breakfast, you will go to Tendrel Tang (Festival Ground) to witness the First Day of Thimphu Tshechu Festival, one of the biggest festivals in the country. This festival is held in the capital city for three days beginning on 10th day of the 8th month of lunar calendar. Dressed in traditional finery, devotees flock to Tendrel Thang (the festival ground in front of Thimphu Tashichhodzong) to proclaim their faith and receive blessings. Monks and lay people, dressed in elaborate silk brocade costumes perform festive dances of good triumphing over evil to the haunting sounds of trumpets, cymbals and flutes. The dances and costumes have survived unchanged for thousands of years, each dance is an exact re-enactment of visions seen by Bhutan’s great Buddhist saints and any changes would be seen as sacrilege. The dances are interspersed with folk songs and clowning. The festival is a magnificent cacophony of sound and colour and a photographer’s delight.

After lunch return to the festival ground to witness the festival.

In the evening visit Craft Bazaar -A one stop place to witness Bhutanese culture and buy Bhutan made art and craft product. The Bazaar in its 80 stalls covers all aspects of the traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. At this Bazaar craftsmen and artisans from across the country display and sell their handicrafts.

Dinner at your hotel or at  local restaurant in Thimphu town as per your preferences.

Overnight at the same hotel in Thimphu. 

Day 5 Fri Oct 3: Thimphu- Punakha sightseeing,stay in Punakha

Distance: 71 km & estimated driving time: 2 hours one way

Altitude at Dochula:3140 m

Altitude at Punakha:1300

After breakfast, travel to Punakha & Wangdue through Dochula Pass 3140 m.

At Dochula, in the clear spring sky, you can enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayan Mountain ranges.   You can take photos at the beautiful 108 chortens built on the hill by Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck (Queen Mother of Bhutan) for the security and well being of His Majesty, the King of Bhutan.

You will have refreshment (tea/coffee and snacks) at Dochula Pass Cafeteria and then travel onto Punakha. 

Stop for typical Bhutanese lunch at a farmhouse in lobesa village in Punakha and after lunch walk through paddy fields for about 20 minutes to visit the Devine Madman’s Monastery-Chhimi Lhakhang, famously known for its fertility shrine, where one can receive a special fertility blessing.

Then visit the Punakha Dzong, located on the island of the Pho - Chu (male river) and the Mochu (female river). The dzong was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative seat of the region.  At the dzong, you can see the highest standards in woodwork. 

In the evening walk for about 15 minutes to one of the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan spanning 350 m and perched high above the very swift Pho chu (male river). Draped with prayer flags ,the bridge connects the town of Punakha and Punakha Dzong.This bridge is mainly used by locals from the village located on the  other side of the river as a shortcut to Punakha Dzong.

Dinner and overnight at hotel in Punakha. 

Day 6  Sat Oct 4 : Punakha short Hike & sightseeing & Punakha-Phobjikha,stay in Phobjikha

Distance: 68 km, estimated travel time: 2 hrs

Altitude at Phobjikha:2900m 

After breakfast visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendup Lhakhang Nunnery and enjoy the breathtakingly beautiful view of Punakha and Wangdue valleys from there. This scenic place gives you a good opportunity for photography.

Then travel through upper Punakha valley and take a leisure walk passing through suspension bridge and through paddy fields to the beautiful Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Lhakhang . The leisurely walk up to the temple would take about an hour. Visit the temple and also enjoy the breathtakingly beautiful view from there.

After lunch travel to Phobjikha valley through Wangdue and through conifer and broadleaf forests. Phobjikha valley lies within Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park ( former Black Mountain National park). The park remains one of the largest undisturbed tracks of forest anywhere in the Himalaya’s. The varying altitude and rainfall have created a wide range of climatic conditions, making it home to many species of plants, animals and birds.

On arrival at Phobjikha check into your hotel. After refreshment visit the Black necked crane center. The cranes will start immigrating to this area by mid Novermber. By April cranes will be gone back to their summer roosting area in Tibetan plateau and only rescued and injured birds will be left behind at the crane center. 

Dinner and Overnight at  hotel in Phobjikha valley

Day 7 Sun Oct 56: Gangtey Tshechu & Gangtey short hike & Phobjikha-Thimphu,stay in Thimphu 

Distance: 135 km, estimated driving time: 4 hour

After breakfast witness last Day of Gangtey Tshechu festival which will be held at the courtyard of Gangtey Goenpa Monastery. Then take a short hike from Gangtey Monastery along the Gangtey Nature Trail enjoying spectacular view of several villages in Phobjikha valley. You will end your hike at Black Necked crane center. This hike will take about 30 minutes. 

Then visit the Black necked crane center. The cranes will start immigrating to this area by Novermber and by December you will be able to spot black necked cranes. From black crane center take short walk through fields and farmhouses where you can have free interaction with local people and visit their houses.

After lunch travel to Thimphu through Wangdue Phodrang and Dochula Pass. You are expected to arrive Thimphu late in the evening.

Dinner and overnight at hotel in Thimphu.

Day 8 Mon Oct 6: Short Nature Hike to Tango Monastery & Thimphu sightseeing ,stay in Thimphu

Distance: 54 km & estimated driving time: 1 hour

Altitude at Paro: 2200 m

After breakfast travel for about 25 minutes from Thimphu city towards the northern end of Thimphu valley, you will come to the base camp of Tango Monastery which is located at about 14 km from Thimphu city. Starting point of this nature & cultural hike is from the parking lot which is the end of motor road. You will hike up to the Monastery following the zig-zag trail through the forest filled with oak and pine trees as well as rhododendron flower trees . Since this area falls within Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Park you will come across Gray Langur (monkeys) along the way and some bird species as well.

Since this area falls within Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Park you will come across Gray Langur (monkeys) along the way and some bird species as well.

Hiking for about 40 minutes you will come to a Chorten (stupa). From here you have an excellent view of several meditation houses and the monastery straight ahead. Then hike up another 20 minutes to the monastery. The round trip hike is about 2.5 km and estimated hiking time is about 2 hours for a slow hiker.

The Tango Monastery was built in 1689 by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgyal. At present Tango Monastery is the center for higher studies for monks. The view from Tango Monastery is breathtakingly beautiful. You will experience complete peace an serenity in this area.
You may visit the monastery and have interaction with monks.
Then take a slow walk back to the base of Tango Monastery from where you will travel back to Thimphu city.

After lunch visit the following:

• The School of Traditional Painting of Arts and Crafts where students undertake a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. It is the best place for visitors to learn about traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts. On a visit, one can see students learning the various skills taught at the school.
• Nado Poizokhang Incense Factory: this factory churns out about 10,000 sticks of handmade incense monthly. You can watch the production process (grinding, extruding and drying).:
• Bhutan Postal Museum (recently launched)-The museum tells the story of Bhutan’s progress and development through the evolution of communications and postal system in the country. And also you can get personalized Bhutanese postage stamps with your photo on them. You can bring along your favorite photo to put on the stamps and put these stamps on your postcard to send to your family and friends.
• Traditional Bhutanese paper making factory. The handmade paper making in Bhutan stemmed from the age old tradi tion originated in 8th century of Bhutanese history. The handmade paper constitutes as valuable National heritage of Bhutanese cultural identity and is preserved through all the ages. The Traditional paper is recognized and held high esteem both in home and outside world. Jungshi Paper Factory was established in November 1990 as an undertaking of the Royal Government of Bhutan. The unit now boasts as a major and sole dealer in handmade paper and its products.

Dinner at your hotel or at a restaurant in Thimphu town as per your preference.

Overnight at the same hotel in Thimphu.

Day 9 Tue Oct 7: Thimphu-Paro & departure from Paro

After breakfast, travel to Paro Airpot where we will see you off at the Paro Airport for your flight out of Paro.

***End of Tour Program***

Tour Price for 8 Nights 9 Days Thimphu Tshechu Tour Itinerary 

Travel Time	1 pax	2 -3 pax	4 pax & above
Festival Season: Thimphu Tshechu & Gangtey Tshechu	USD2840 per person	USD2120 per person	USD2040 per person

The above Bhutan tour package prices includes the following:

• Twin sharing hotel rooms at premium 3 star hotels
• All meals ( breakfast, lunch, dinner & light refreshments)  at 3 star hotels
• English speaking tour guide service
• All transfers and excursions by private vehicles
• Mineral drinking water
• Tourist Tax (SDF)  of USD100/person/night 
• Visa fee USD40 per person 

The above tour prices do not include the following:

• Single room supplement of USD 50/room/night (optional)
• Airfares 
• Entrance fees to Museums & Monuments
• Travel insurance (required)
• Accommodations and meals at luxury hotel accommodations and meals -4 star and 5 star (optional) 
• Other personal expenses like overseas calls, laundery,etc

***Thank you & Tashi Delek***

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