About Bhutan Tshechu Festival Tour - Punakha Festival Tour 2024

Bhutan Tshechu Festival Tour - Punakha Festival Tour March 2024

Punakha Tshechu Festival, Bhutan is one of the religious festivals in Bhutan celebrates annually held in each district or Dzongkhag of Bhutan on the tenth day of a month of the Buddhist Lunar Calendar. Tshechu Festival Tour started around the 8th to 9th century when Padmasambhava, a great scholar, visited Tibet and Bhutan. Padmasambhava performed a series of such dances in Bumthang Valley to restore the health of King Sindhu Raja. As a result, Padmasambhava organized the first Tshechu Festival in Bumthang Valley, where eight dance forms.

The Punakha tshechu festival in Bhutan 2024 March held for three days at the courtyard of majestic Punakha Dzong to honor Guru Rinpoche. This is one of the three biggest festivals held in western Bhutan. The other two being the festivals in Paro and Thimphu which are equally spectacular. The people come from far and near to witness the festival and get blessed. It is also time for prayer and family get together. The Local folks sing and dance dressed in colorful costumes. The festival ends with a throngdroel ceremony.

The Paro Tshechu is one of the biggest festivals in the country. On the first day, all mask dances held inside the courtyard of the Dzong. In the subsequent days, the square outside the Dzong hosts the festival.

Would you mind emailing us for Bhutan Tshechu Festival Tour date: [email protected] / 9779851098880 (WhatsApp/Viber)? 

Schedule of Tshechu :

  • On the first day, performances of three kinds of Dance: Dance of the Heroes (Pacham), Dance of the Stags and Hounds (Shaw Shachi), and Dance with Guitar (Dranyeo Cham).
  • On the second day, dances performed are The Black Hat Dance (Shana), Dance of the 21 black hats with drums (Shanga Ngacham), Dance of the Noblemen and the Ladies (Pholeg Moleg), Dance of the Drums from Dramitse (Dramitse Ngacham), Dance of the Noblemen and the Ladies (Pholeg Moleg) and Dance of the Stag and Hounds (Shawa Shachi).
  • On the third day, the dances performed are: Dance of the Lords of the Cremation Grounds (Durdag), Dance of the Terrifying Deities (Tungam), and Dance of the Rakshas and the Judgement of the Dead (Raksha Mangham)
  • On the last day of the festival, the dances performed: Dance of Tamzhing Monastery in Jakar, Dance of the Lords of the Cremation Grounds (the same dance as day 3), Dance of the Ging and Tsoling (Ging Dang Tsoling), and Dance of the Eight Manifestations of Padmasambhava (Guru Then Gye).
  • For getting Bhutan, There are regular Bhutan flights from Kathmandu, Delhi Bangkok.

Bhutan Visa processing:

Our company pre-processes Bhutan visas. A scanned copy of your passport needed for confirming tour. Processing a Bhutan visa will take up to 7 days at the max.

  • Your passport must be valid for more than six months at the time of arrival in Bhutan. 
  • Vaccination certificate 
  • Travel Insurance.

Bhutan Tshechu Festival Tour Cost - Punakha Festival Tour Cost 1st - 3rd march 2024

  • 01 Pax : USD 2990 Per person for 7 nights 8 days Bhutan Tshechu Festival Tour Cost
  • 02 Pax: USD 2220 per person for 7 nights 8 days Bhutan Tshechu Festival Tour Cost
  • 04 Pax : 8 Pax : USD 2190 Per person for 7 nights 8 days Bhutan Tshechu Festival Tour Cost
  • 10 Pax : 16 Pax : USD 2085 Per person for 7 nights 8 days Bhutan Tshechu Festival Tour Cost
  • 18 Pax and above: USD 1960 Per person for 7 nights 8 days Bhutan Tshechu Festival Tour Cost

Highlights

  • Paro Tshechu Festival Tour.
  • Thmipu City Tour.
  • Punakha City Tour
  • Hike to Taktsang Ghoempa
  • Witness the most Spectacular Punakha Festival.
  • Meet Local People including the “Layaps”.
  • Ancient Temples, Monasteries and Dzongs (Forts).
  • Visit Pristine villages and beautiful farm houses.
  • Witness Archery matches.
  • Most scenic landscapes.

 

Day to Day Itinerary

Fly into Paro by DrukAir / Bhutan Airline After completing your immigration formalities, you will be received by our representative who will be your tour guide throughout your tour. Then drive to Thimphu,On arrival at Thimphu check into your hotel and after refreshment visit the following: • Kuensel Phodrang and visit tallest buddha statue and enjoy the full view of Thimphu Valley below. • National Memorial Chorten, chorten literally means ' seat of faith' and Buddhists often call such monuments the 'Mind of Buddha'. Meet the elderly local in circumambulation at the National Memorial Chorten. Takin Preserve, 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. • Tashichhoe Dzong, a fortress of the glorious religion. It was built in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel and was reconstructed into present structure by the late King, His majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the year 1962-1969. It houses the secretariat building, the throne room and the office of the king, and the central monk body. • 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. And also visit other handicraft stores. 

Over night at Thimphu

  • Meals: Dinner.
  • Accommodation: Three Star Hotel
  • Location: Thimpu

After breakfast visit following place : Institute for Zorig Chusum Commonly known as Arts & Crafts School or Painting School, the Institute offers a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts ofBhutan. On a visit, one can see students learning the various skills taught at the school. Coronation Park Located on the banks of the river (near the city stadium), this 5.6 acres of parkland offer a pleasant and relaxing environment to stroll or to sit and watch the river flow by. The Folk Heritage Museum (Phelchey Toenkhyim) It is dedicated to connect people to the Bhutanese rural past through exhibits, demonstrations, educational programmes and documentation of rural life. The principal exhibit in the museum is a restored three storey traditional rammed mud and timber house, which dates back to the mid 19th century. The design and form of house is that of an average household in the Wang area during that era. The age of structure demonstrates the durability and performance of the building materials. From ground to top floor, household objects, typical domestic tools and equipments that would have been used by a family during that period are put on display. The museum is also developing some of the native trees and plants that were used for various domestic purposes in the rural households. Changangkha Lhakhang It is a fortress like temple and monastic school perched on a ridge above Thimphu, south of Motithang. The temple was established in 12th century on a site chosen by Lama Phajo Drugom Shigpo, who came from Tibet. The central statue here is Chenrezig in a manifestation with 11 heads. From temple courtyard, there is fascinating view of Thimphu valley. Weekend Market Every Saturday and Sunday most of Thimphu's scant population and many valley dwellers congregate on the banks of the river where weekend market is held. It is an interesting place to visit and provides opportunity to mingle with the local people. 

Over night at Thimphu

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
  • Accommodation: Three Star Hotel.
  • Location: Thimpu

After breakfast drive to Punakha and hotel check in . & Latter visit the Devine Madman’s Monastery-Chhimi Lhakhang, famously known for its fertility shrine, where one can receive a special fertility blessing the visit 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. 

Overnight stay at Punakha.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
  • Accommodation: Three Star Hotel.
  • Location: Punakha.

After breakfast short hike and local sightseeing. Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten Hike A beautiful hike takes one to the regal Khamsum Yuelley Namgel Chorten, which was built to remove negative forces and promote peace, stability and harmony in the changing world. The Chorten dominates the upper Punakha Valley with commanding views across the Mo Chhu and up towards the mountainous peaks of Gasa and beyond. After lunch visit following place Limbukha Drive towards Limbukha village later walk across the suspension bridge (about 200m long) through the absolutely fresh breeze and fascinating view of Dzong. Follow the farm houses gradually climbing towards Dompala hills. The view of Dzong, Pho Chhu, Mo Chhu rivers, and surrounding village is superb amidst chirping forests. The climb is another two and a half hours to Limbukha. Limbukha farmers grow Bhutan's famous red rice which is supposed to have medicinal values. This particular rice needs clean mountain spring so that the taste is good and the nutritional value maintained. Limbukha is also known for its love of peace and tranquility. Legends say that during medieval wars the "limpus" or the people of Limbukha always volunteered as peace negotiators. This is also depicted during a yearly festival called 'Serda' when the men are found carrying peace flags instead of swords and fireworks.. Hotel check in. 

Overnight at Punakha.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
  • Accommodation: Three Star Hotel.
  • Location: Punakha.

After breakfast travel to Paro. On arrival at Paro check into your hotel and Punakha fortress to witness the festival. Punakha Tshechu is one of the biggest festivals in the country. On the first day, all mask dances are held inside the courtyard of the Dzong. In the subsequent days, the courtyard outside the dzong hosts the festival. In the evening stroll through the Paro town and visit local handicraft stores. 

Overnight at Punakha.

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Three Star Hotel.
  • Location: Punakha.

After breakfast travel to paro. On the way visit the following:

Tamchog Lhakhang Bridge

Located on the other side of the river of the Thimphu - Paro highway, one needs to cross an iron chain suspension bridge to get to the Lhakhang.

About 30 minute drive from Paro towards Thimphu city, Tamchog Lhakhang sits across the Paro River. The Lhakhang is approached by an iron chain suspension bridge. The Lhakhang and the bridge were constructed by a 13th century Tibetan saint Thangthong Gyalpo. The Buddhist saint was also a blacksmith and an architect. Of the many iron chain bridges built, there are only few left which are still used. Crossing this old bridge can be a thrilling experience for tourists. Some of the original iron chain links used to build this bridge can be found on display in the National Museum in Paro

Paro Airport Bird eye View

Paro international airport is the only international airport in Bhutan where you can teach Bhutan via air. It’s a small airport with singly runaway and no or very few international traffic. However, it’s considered as one of the dangerous airport for landing and also most beautiful airport in terms of landscape and architecture. Hotel Check in and later visit National Museum.

• National Museum, housed in the Ta Dzong (watchtower). Here an intriguing collection of artifacts provide a wonderful introduction to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom.

• In the evening stroll through the Paro town and visit local handicraft stores.

Over night at Paro  

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
  • Accommodation: Three Star Hotel
  • Location: Paro.

After breakfast, drive to base of tiger nest monastery and then hike up to Taktsang Monastery, also known as ‘Tiger’s Nest’. The walk up to the viewpoint will take about 1 – 1 ½ hrs depending on your fitness and from ViewPoint 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 about 1 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 downhill back to the road on the way stop for lunch at the viewpoint cafeteria and then walk further downhill to the road point. Then drive back to the hotel. On the way visit Kyichu temple, one of the 108 temples built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songsten Gampo. The story goes that a giant demon lay across the whole area of Tibet and the Himalayas and was preventing the spread of Buddhism. To overcome her, King Songtsen Gampo decided to build 108 temples, which would be placed on all the points of her body. Of these 108 temples, 12 were built in accordance with precise plans. Thus, it happened that in about the year AD 638 the temple of Jokhang in Lhasa was built over the very heart of the demon.

Overnight at Paro.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
  • Accommodation: Three Star Hotel
  • Location: Paro

With keeping memories of Bhutan Tshechu Festival Tour,You will be ready to move on your further destination. After breakfast we will drive to Paro Airport for the departure 

  • Meals: Breakfast.

What's Included

  • Bhutan Visa (USD 40) arrangement service.
  • Government royalty (USD 200) and all the taxes.
  • Accommodations in 3 Star hotels.
  • Three meals a day breakfast, lunch & dinner.
  • Full time English speaking Bhutanese guide.
  • Private transportation and sightseeing as per the itinerary.
  • Museums and parks fees indicated in the itinerary.
  • Bottled drinking water throughout the journey.
  • Flight fares.
  • Personal expenses.
  • FIT Surcharge for one (USD 40 per person/night) and two persons (USD 30 per person/night).
  • Tips to guide, driver, trekking staff, hotel service, etc.
  • Single room supplement charge USD 30 per room per night.
  • Luxury hotels/resorts available on supplement cost.
  • Specialized /language guides available on supplement cost.
  • Travel / Medical Insurance

Useful Information

  • Short information about Bhutan:
    The Buddhist Kingdom of Bhutan lies along the lofty ridges of the eastern Himalayas, location of Bhutan bordering the Tibetan Autonomous region of China in the North and North-West and the Indian states of Sikkim in the West and South-West, Assam in the south, Arunachal Pradesh in the East and South-East and West Bengal in South and South-West. The country within these borders forms a giant staircase, from a narrow strip of land in the south to some of the highest un-climbed Himalayan peaks on earth. With an area of 46,500 square kilometers, Bhutan is comparable to Switzerland both in its size and topography, being largely mountainous.It was the mighty Himalayas which protected Bhutan from the rest of the world and left the Kingdom blissfully untouched. The Drukpa Kagyupa sect of Mahayana Buddhism provided the essence of a rich culture and fascinating history. The Bhutanese people protected this sacred heritage and unique identity for centuries by choosing to remain shrouded deeply in a jealously guarded isolation.
     
  • How To Enter Into Bhutan:
    Bhutan is a unique destination and as such it has a few unique rules. All tourists must obtain a visa before arriving in Bhutan. Visas are issued on receipt of full payment of your holiday by the Tourism Council of Bhutan. The money remains with the Tourism Council until your travel in-country is complete before the local tour operate is paid. Bhutan does not restrict tourist numbers any longer and operates an open door policy.
     
  • By Air:
    Paro International Airport (PBH) is the only entry point to Bhutan by air. It is located in the south west of the country and served only by the country’s flag carrier Druk Air.E-tickets have been in use since April 1st 2008. Drukair operates 2 planes (two airbuses) which flies to Bangkok,Delhi, Katmandu, Bodhgaya, Dhaka, Singapore, Bagdogra & Guwahati.
     
  • By Land:
    There are three land border crossings located along southern border to India only. Phuntsholing in the west, Gelephu in the central region and Samdrup Jongkhar in the east. No border crossings are open along the Chinese northern border. Road permits are also required; however, these are processed by your local tour operator, along with your visa.
     
  • Accommodation:
    Bhutan being a very small country and a developing one has very few tourist accommodations which are luxurious but there are a lot of accommodations which offer basic necessities, especially as you travel further east.
    If you are looking for a bit of luxury then we can arrange for you to stay at 5-star establishments i.e. namely Amankora (in Thimphu, Punakha, Paro, Gangtey and Bumthang), Uma Paro and Hotel Taj. These establishments have been developed as a result of Foreign Investment in Bhutan. They offer a variety of privileges which are quite unique from the other establishments, therefore be prepared to pay for these privileges. Also now we have some local hotels which have improved the services and facilities such as Zhiwaling. We can also arrange for cooks to accompany you on treks and camping tours that are skilled in coming up with delicious meals.
     
  • Language:
    We have many other regional languages and the National Language we speak is called as “Dzongkha”, but English is very common among Bhutanese as well and is spoken fluently by most of us. Therefore it is the second official language and it is a medium through which communication takes place.
     
  • Food and Refreshment:
    While there are ample restaurants on highways between main towns and the hygiene standards at such places is acceptable, the quality of the food is very low and the choice of dishes limited. In addition, the dining halls offer an environment no better than a bus station waiting room. Therefore, it is generally better to prepare food and refreshment for the journey at the point of departure.
    Bhutanese dishes consist mostly of vegetables, chili, cheese, chicken, beef, pork, yak, rice with “Ema Datse” is the national dish (chili & cheese stew) Momo (cheese or pork dumplings), Hogay (cucumber, tomato, onion, and cheese salad), curries with chicken or pork, Nosha Paa (beef and chili) – these are all popular Bhutanese dishes. Due to the hot flavoring and abundant use of chilies in the cuisine it is spicy. There is little to no seafood but on request you can get buffet style meals with choice of continental, Bhutanese and Indian Cuisine. Our cooks, who accompany the treks and camping tours, are well trained and equipped and can come up with delicious feasts every day. For beverages locals enjoy Yak Butter Tea (tea leaves, water, salt, & yak butter) and Ara (spirit distilled from rice).
     
  • Tour Guides:
    Our tour guides have good knowledge of the history and culture of Bhutan and are very hospitable in nature. They are certified by the Tourism Authority of Bhutan. The most common mode of communication is English but we can also provide guides who can speak French and Japanese.
     
  • Climate:
    Although geographically quite small, Bhutan’s weather varies from north to south and valley to valley, mainly depending upon the elevation. In the North of Bhutan on the borders with Tibet it is perennially covered with snow. In the western, central and eastern Bhutan (Ha, Paro, Thimphu, Wandue, Trongsa, Bumthang, Trashi Yangtse, Lhuntse) you will mostly experience European-like weather. Winter lasts here from November to March. Punakha is an exception as it is in a lower valley and summer is hot and winter is pleasant. Southern Bhutan bordering with India is hot and humid with a sub-tropical climate. While the monsoon affects northern Indian it does not command the same influence in Bhutan. Summer months tend to be wetter with isolated showers predominately in the evenings only. Winter is by far the driest period while spring and autumn tend to be pleasant.
    There are four distinct seasons similar in their divisions to those of Western Europe. Temperatures in the far south range from 15°C in winter (December to February) to 30°C in summer (June to August). In Thimphu the range is from -2.5°C in January to 25°C in August and with a rainfall of 100mm. In the high mountain regions the average temperature is 0°C in winter and may reach 10°C in summer, with an average of 350mm of rain. Precipitation varies significantly with the elevation. The average rainfall varies from region to region.
     
  • Currency:
    For Checking exchange rate , Please click here : Bank of Bhutan.
     
  • Clothing:
    Due to the varying temperature and climatic conditions it is advisable to dress warmly, layered clothing is better than one or two thick garments in order to keep warm. Clothing should preferably be made from natural materials in order for the body to be comfortable.As Bhutan is in its developing stage people think differently therefore it would be advisable for you to avoid walking around in skimpy or tight fitting clothes. For visits to monasteries, dzongs and other religious institutions dress modestly and respectfully, and refrain from smoking while on the premises. Hats, caps, shoes etc. should be removed before entering the premises.
    You need to pack clothes as per season, sunglasses/spare glasses, pair of casual shoes, knife, hat, umbrella, camera, films and accessories (including spare camera batteries), insect repellent, hand cream, small sewing kit & safety pins, torch or flash light with spare batteries, mirror, scissors, sun cream, lip salve, soluble aspirin, antiseptic cream, anti-histamine cream, anti-diarrhea pills, a preparation for the relief of sunburn, and any medication you take regularly, or might need to take for a periodically recurring condition, such as asthma.
     
  • Visa
    -Visa is needed for Traveling to Bhutan and it is processed in Thimphu through a local tour operator such as Bhutan Travel Gate. Foreign missions or embassies abroad will not grant tourist visa.
    -Passport details should be forwarded to the Travel agent at least 1 month prior to date of travel for visa processing.
    -The visa is stamped only on arrival in Bhutan with the support of visa clearance, which will be sent to you in advance.
    -Those Travelers, entering Bhutan via Druk Air, visa clearance number is forwarded to the concerned overseas Druk Air Stations and without this clearance number the passengers are not allowed to board the flight.
    -Travelers entering the country by surface through Phuentsholing and Samdrup Jongkhar (The border town in the Southern Bhutan), visa clearance number is forwarded to the Local Authority and the actual visa is stamped on arrival. Two copies of passport size photographs are required on arrival.
    -Visa fee is USD 40 per person one time and which should be paid along with the Tour payment.
    For Details , Please find this link Bhutan Tourism Board.