Tshechus are religious festivals performed in honour of Guru Padmasambhava-Patron saint of Bhutan, popularly known as "Guru Rimpoche", the Precious Teacher. People celebrate festivals like Tshechus, Dromchoes and many other festivals in communities and Dzongs in different regions of twenty districts annually. One of the highlights of visiting Bhutan is its colorful festivals. During the times of festivals, Dzongs and community lhakhangs/temples come to the life with much colour, music and dancing as people dress in their finest traditional weaves and join together to exorcise evil spirits and also rejoice in new harvests. Festivals being religious in nature it is believed that one gains merit by attending it. Tshechus are also occasions for yearly social gathering where people come together and enjoy the festivals. Mask dances are performed by monks as well as laymen in the courtyard of Dzongs and temples. Most of such dances date back to beyond the medieval period.

Note: Tshechu packages can be on their own or can be combined with other tour packages as convenient.

Proposed Schedule
Day 01: Arrive Paro International Airport – Thimphu
Day 02: Thimphu Sightseeing
Day 03: Thimphu Tshechu
Day 04: Thimphu Tshechu/Sightseeing
Day 05: Thimphu Tshechu/Phojoding
Day 06: Thimphu Tshechu/Sightseeing
Day 07: Thimphu – Punakha/Wangdue – Thimphu
Day 08: Thimphu – Paro Sightseeing
Day 09: Departure from Paro International Airport

Thimphu Tshechu (Festival) Tour Schedule

Day 01: Arrive Paro International Airport – Thimphu
If you are flying in from Delhi/Kathmandu, during the flight to Paro, one will experience breathtaking view of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Jomolhari and Mount Jichu-Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by representatives of our tour operator, who will take you to Thimphu, the Capital city, 60 Kms from Paro which takes over one hour normal drive.
The road leads through the Paro valley to the confluence of Pa-chu (Paro river) and Wang-chu (Thimphu river) at Chuzom (confluence). Three different styled chortens adorn the confluence. A short way beyond on the left is Tachogang Lhakhang, the temple of the hill of excellent horse. It is a private temple, built in 15th century, as a result of visitation from Balaha, the excellent horse, a manifestation of Chenrezig, the compassionate Buddha. After the narrow, rock lined section of the road opens up as Thimphu approaches.
Check in at the hotel.
Evening: Reception by tour operator representatives.

Day 02: Thimphu - Sightseeing
After breakfast visit Then visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved; The Institute for Traditional Medicine where centuries old art of healing such as acupuncture and herbal remedies are still practiced; Wood Craft and Painting school where traditional art and craft are still kept alive; the Textile museum where Bhutanese textiles and other arts are displayed and can be purchased. Also visit mask maker workshop and workshop for fine metal craft, weaving, ceramics and paper making. Then visit Folk Heritage Museum, a fascinating testimony of Bhutanese material culture and living traditions.
After breakfast visit the Memorial Chorten, a huge Stupa built in memory of the Third King His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, affectionately known as the Father of Modern Bhutan, who reigned the Kingdom from 1952 - 1972.
After lunch and if time permits visit Changangkha Lhakhang. This Lhakhang lies on top of the knoll that stands out above Thimphu and from where the view of the valley is spectacular. Changangkha Lhakhang being built in the 15th century by a descendent of Phjo Drugom Shigpo, the founder of Drukpa school in Bhutan, is one of the oldest in Thimphu. The main statue here is an image of Avalokiteshwara.
Then visit Simtokha Dzong which is located 6 km from Thimphu Town. This is one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1629 AD. It houses the largest Monastic Schools in the country.
Visit Handicrafts Emporium and local handicraft shops if you like to browse through examples of Bhutan's fine traditional arts. Here you can buy textiles, thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewelries, interesting items made from local materials, and all manner of unique objects.
If it falls on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, visit the colorful weekend market, and familiarization tour of the capital. Then, visit Handicrafts Emporium and local handicraft shops if you like to browse through examples of Bhutan's fine traditional arts. Here you can buy textiles, thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewelries, interesting items made from local materials, and all manner of unique objects. One may also wish to visit Dechenphodrang monastic school and BBS Tower (Sangay Gang) view point and Mini Zoo.
In the evening relax at Thimphu's numerous modern health clubs and beauty parlors where sauna, steam, gym, beauty treatment including hair dressing, skin care (with pure herbal products) and body massage services are available. Our guides will show you where these are if you wish.
Over night in Hotel.

Day 03: Thimphu Tshechu
After an early breakfast attend the first day of the Tshechu which is held in the courtyard of Tashichho Dzong. This massive structure houses part of the Government Ministries, the office of the King and the Throne Room. It also houses the State Monastic Body and the living quarters of the senior monks and the Chief Abbot. It is the main Secretariat building. Built in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in 1961 in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans.
Lunch at the hotel and back to the Tshechu venue.
Evening: relax at the hotel or stroll through Thimphu Town.

Day 04: Thimphu Tshechu and/or Sightseeing
Morning: Attend the Tschechu.
After lunch: two optional programmes are
1) Attend the Tshechu
OR
2) Visit Dechen Chholing, (about 30 minutes drive from Thimphu to view the palace of the Queen Mother from a hill -top. Visitors are not allowed to enter the palace complex, especially when the Queen Mother is in residence. This is also the Headquarters of the Royal Body Guard.
Dechen Chholing is a quiet place where the hermits find it ideal for meditation. One can see a number of small huts scattered right across the hill just above the Palace.
Have picnic lunch in Dechen Chholing just above the palace.
Evening: If the day falls on a Saturday, visit a night club. This is optional. Guests can either relax in the hotel or visit a Health Club.

Day 05: Thimphu Tshechu or Excurison to Phajoding
1) Attend Thimphu Tshechu
OR
2) Take a day excursion to Phajoding which lies on the west of Thimphu at an Alt. of 3,700m. It is about three hours walk from Thimphu and this is considered one of the most enjoyable short hikes. From Phajoding, you nave a beautiful view of the Thimphu valley and the surrounding mountains. There are several monasteries and a state monastic school in Phajoding. It is also a place of meditation for many devout Buddhists.
Picnic lunch will be served at Phajoding. Afternoon, hike back to Thimphu.
Evening: Relax at a Health Club or at the hotel.
(Fourth Day of Tshechu - optional group choice)

Day 06: Thimphu Tshechu
Morning: Attend Thimphu Tshechu
Afternoon: The following two options may be selected:
1) Attend Tshechu
2) More of Thimphu Sightseeing.
Evening: Free to take a stroll or do shopping

Day 07: Thimphu - Punakha/Wangdiphodrang
After breakfast drive to Punakha. After about an hour you will reach the Dochula pass (3050m) where you will enjoy the scenic beauty of the pass with 108 stupas at the hilltop and a majestic temple at another hilltop. These were built by Her Majesty the Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck in 2004 after the Operation Flush Out in the South of the Indian Militants by His Majesty the Fourth King in December 2003. If the sky is clear one will also be able to see the surrounding beautiful mountain ranges and peaks of the Greater Himalayas.
From Dochungla pass it take about an hour and half to reach Punakha Dzong. Visit the Grand Fortress of Punakha Dzong which houses the winter residence of the monastic body and its Chief Abbot. The massive fortress, built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, is situated between two rivers known as Phochu (male river) and Mochu (female river). The drive takes about two hours one way.
The construction of the Dzong was said to be foretold by Guru Rimpoche, who predicted, "a person named Namgyal will arrive at a hill that looks like an elephant". There was a smaller building here called Dzong Chu (Small Dzong) that housed a statue of Buddha. It is said that Shabdrung ordered the architect Zowe Balep to sleep in front of the statue. While in sleep, the Shabdrung took him in his dreams to the Zangdo-Pelri (Copper colour abode of Guru Padmasambhava) and showed him the palace of Guru Rimpoche. From his vision, the architect conceived the design for the new Dzong, which in keeping with the tradition, was never committed to paper. The Dzong was named the Pungthang Dewa Chenpoi Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness).
The war weaponry captured during the battle with Tibetans are preserved in this great Dzong. Punakha is still the winter residence of the Je-Khenpo and King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck convened the new national Assembly here in 1952.
After lunch visit to Wangdiphodrang Dzong (from outside) built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1639. It houses the civil administration and monastic body for Wangdue district. Legend has it that as the people were searching for the site for the Dzong, four ravens were seen flying away in four directions. This was considered auspicious sign, representing the spread of Buddhism in all directions from this place. The Dzong is situated at the confluence of the Puna-tsang-Chu and Tang-Chu rivers.
In the late afternoon drive back to Thimphu.

Day08: Thimphu – Paro Sightseeing
After an early breakfast drive to Paro. Visit Ta Dzong, literally means watchtower to safeguard the main structure of the Rinchenpung Dzong below from the Tibetan invaders. It has been converted to house the National Museum in 1968. It has six galleries and a visit to the museum gives us an idea of cultural and ecological richness of Bhutan in a very short time. Enroute to Ta Dzong visit Dungtse Lhakhang, the only temple in the form of a chorten (stupa) built by Duthop Thangthong Gyelpo, popularly known as the Chag Zampa or the builder of iron bridges, in 15th century.
Below the museum is the Rinchenpung Dzong. This massive fortress houses the District Administration office and the Monk Body. It was built in 1645 AD. A short walk takes you to the base of the Dzong and across a traditional cantilevered, covered bridge. This traditional wooden bridge is called the Nyame Zampa, literally means the bridge with no fish. The other version is the bridge without suffering.
After lunch drive to the ruins of the Drukgyal Dzong 16 km up the valley. Built in 1647 by the great Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, father and unifier of medieval Bhutan, the Dzong was destroyed by accidental fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate. Explore the ramparts and on a clear day experience an unforgettable view of the peak of Mt. Jhomolhari (Mountain of the Goddess 7,314 m). Visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse around Drugyel Dzong.
From Satsham Chorten you get a spectacular view of the Taktsang Monastery. The name Taktsang means "Tiger’s Nest". The Monastery is perched on a rocky ledge with a sheer drop of nearly 800 metres (over 2600 ft ). and overlooks the Paro Valley. Taktsang is one of the most venerated pilgrimme sites in the Himalayan world and it has 13 holy places. However, most people can only visit the main site called Taktsang Pelphug. The main Lhakhang was built around Guru Rimpoche's meditation cave by the fourth Desi Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgay in 1684.
According to the legend, Taktsang Monastery was founded by Guru Padmasambhava in the eighth century. It is believed that the Guru came to this place on the back of a tigress from Khengpajong in the Kurtoe region and meditated for three months in a cave at Taktsang and converted the people of Paro valley to Buddhism. The legend has it that the tigress was actually his favorite consort, Yeshe Tsogyel, whom he transformed to a flying tigress for the purpose of this journey.
On the way back, visit Kichu Lhakhang (temple) that was built in 659 A.D. by the Tibetan King Srongsen Gampo, as one of the 108 such Monasteries which he built in various places to spread Buddhism. It is considered one of the holiest places in Bhutan as it marks the advent of Buddhism in the country. Kyichu Monastery is located between Drugyal Dzong and Paro town.
Evening: Take a stroll through Paro town. Overnight: Hotel in Paro.

Day 09: Paro - International Airport

Thimphu Tshechu Dance schedule:

Day 01:
1) Shacham: Dance of the 4 stags; (Costume: the stags wear knee-length skirts and masks of stags) The stag dance portrays the subjugation of the evil Wind King by Guru Rimpoche.
2) Peling Ging Sum: Dance of the Three Kings of Ging (Costume: The Gings wear knee-length skirts. The first part of this dance is performed with sticks and animal masks; the second with swords and fierce masks) This mask dance symbolises victory of good over evil. The great "Treasure Discoverer" Pemalingpa in Zandopelri, is believed to have seen the dance of the Three Kings of Ging - all emanations of Guru Rimpoche.
3) Pacham: Dance of the Heroes (Costume: Knee-length yellow skirts and golden crowns. No mask. They hold small bells and drums. This dance portrays the act of leading believers of the human world into the presence of Guru Rimpoche.
4) Shawo Shachi: Dance of the Stag and the Hounds (Costume: dog mask, stag mask and knee-length yellow skirts). The dance portrays compassion over all sentient beings as the great sage, Jetseon Milarepa, brings harmony between the stag, (the prey) and a dog, (the predator).
5) Dramyan Cham: Dance of the Guitar (Costume: Elaborate and heavy woollen clothes with traditional felt boots, long black skirt, yellow shirt, brown coat, sword and a circular head dress. One dancer is holding a traditional guitar called Dramyen.

Day 02:
1) Zhana Cham: Dance of the 21 Black Hats. (Costume: large black hat, felt boots, colourful brocade long dress. No masks The Black Hat Dancers represent yogis who have the power to take and recreate life.
2) Zhana Ngacham: Dance of the 21 Black Hats with drums This is a victory dance following the destruction of the evil.
3) Kyecham: Dance of the Attendants (Costume: Knee-length yellow skirts, animal masks, sword in the right hand) The dance portrays King Norzang and his armed companions during a holy war.
4) Phole-Mole: Dance of the Noblemen and the Ladies This drama is based on the folktale of King Norzang.
5) Dramitse Ngacham: Dance of the 16 Drum-Beaters from Dramitse. (Costume: Knee-length yellow skirts, different animal masks and drums) This illustrates a vision seen by 15th by nun Chorten Zangmo in the 15th century in which she saw the attendants of Guru Rimpoche performing a dance.
6) Shawo Shachi: Dance of the Stag and the Hound (see day one, No.4)

Day 03:
1) Durdag: Dance of the Lords of the Cremation Grounds (Costume: white short skirts, white boots, white skull masks. This dance portrays how the lords (protectors) of the cremation grounds subjugated the assembly of demonic powers who have violated their oath of not harming the tantric doctrine.
2) Tungam: Dance of the Terrifying Deities (Costume: Beautiful brocade dresses, boots and terrifying masks.) The dance demonstrates the passage of men and the demi-gods who become enemies of Buddhism. To overcome these evil powers, Guru Rimpoche takes the form of "Fierce Thunderbolt". He then wages war against the evil forces and liberates men into a superior sphere of bliss.
3) Raksha Mangcham: Dance of the Rakshas and the Judgement of the Dead. It’s a dance of the Rakshas who are the helpers of the Lord of Death "Shinje." The dance dramatises souls of beings led to judgement before "Shinje".

Day 04:
1) Bumthang Ter Cham: A folk dance of Bumthang Tamshing (Costume: white masks, knee-length yellow skirts, a little bell and drum in hand.)
2) Durdag: Dance of the Lords of Cremation Grounds
3) Ging-Tsholing: The Dance of Ging and Tsholing (Costume: The Tsholing wear long colourful dresses and terrifying masks. The Ging wear a replica of a tiger skins, attractive animal masks with a flag on top and carry drums. This dance depicts the paradise of Ugyen Rimpoche, i.e. the Zangtoepelri from where all the incarnations of Ugyen Rimpoche, essence of all the Buddhas, are sent to the Three Worlds.
4) Guru Tshengye: Dance of the Eight Manifestations of Guru. It is believed that during the performance of this particular dance, Ugyen Rimpoche manifests Himself, and the onlookers at the dance receive the blessings of Ugyen Rimpoche’s mind, speech and body.
5) Ri-nga Chudrug: Dance of the Sixteen Fairies The sixteen fairies are emanations of the same person. They are Goddesses of offerings who are divided into four categories. Each category is again divided into four, totaling 16. The dance is performed to bring total happiness for the people who believe in the manifestations of Ugyen Rimpoche.
6) Religious and folks dances