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 & Sightseeing
Day 02: Paro – Excursion to Taktshang Monastery
Day 03: Paro – Thimphu Sightseeing
Day 04: Thimphu – Punakha Sightseeing
Day 05: Punakha – Gangtey – Trongsa
Day 06: Trongsa Sightseeing – Bumthang
Day 07: Jakar – Ura – Jakar
Day 08: Bumthang Sightseeing
Day 09: Bumthang – Thimphu
Day 10: Thimphu – Paro International Airport for Departure

Day 01: Arrive Paro International Airport & Sightseeing
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 escort you to the Hotel where arrangements have been made for two nights.
After lunch 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.
Take a leisurely stroll in the town after an evening tea at the hotel. Overnight: Hotel in Paro

Day 02: Paro – Excursion to Taktsang Monastery
Early morning drive up to Satsam Chorten (15 km from Paro Town) and hike up to 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.
Picnic lunch at the Taktsang cafeteria. The round trip hike takes about 4 hours.
Once on the main road 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.
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.
Dinner/Overnight: Hotel, Paro.

Day 03: Paro – Thimphu Sightseeing
After an early breakfast drive to Thimphu, 60 kms from Paro, which takes over one hour normal drive.
Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan with a population of over 90,000 people. 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.
After lunch visit 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.
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.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 04: Thimphu – Punakha (72 Kms, 3 hours drive)
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. Before arriving to Punakha you will take a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang which was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley who is also known as the Devine Mad Man. He subdued the demons with his “Magical Thunder bolt”. The Temple is also known as “the Temple of Fertility”. This beautiful temple is known for increasing fertility in woman and in recent years Bhutanese women have been joined by women from other countries who journey to this temple in hopes of becoming pregnant.
Then 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.
Then hike upto the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, perched high on the strategic ridge above Punakha valley in Yebesa, 7 kms from Punakha. The chorten contains the images of all the manifestations of the wrathful Dorji Phurpa (vajra kila). It was built by Her Royal Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck to help remove negative forces and promote peace, stability and harmony in the changing world, and the well-being and long life of our beloved monarch.
Dinner/Overnight: Hotel, Punakha.

Day 05: Punakha – Gangtey – Trongsa
After an early breakfast drive to Trongsa via Gangtey. Enroute sightseeing in the valley of Wangdiphodrang, it includes: 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.
Over an hour’s drive from Wangdue Phodrang Dzong takes you to Gangtey. While in Gangtey, visit Gangtey Gompa (Gangtey Monastery). This monastery was founded by Gyaltse Pema Thinley in 1613, the grandson and mind reincarnation of Terton (Treasure Revealer) Pema Lingpa. However it was Tenzin Legpai Dhendup, the second re-incarnation, who built the temple. The monastery has been recently by the present Abbot, Gangtey Truelku Rinpoche Kunzang Pema Namgyal, who is the ninth re-incarnation. It is a Nyingmapa monastery and is affiliated to other Nyingmapa monasteries including Tamshing in Bumthang.
Explore Phobjikha valley, famous for the Black Necked Cranes during winter. Packed lunch will be served at Gangtey. Over night: Hotel in Trongsa.

Day 06: Trongsa – Bumthang sightseeing
After breakfast visit Trongsa Dzong, the most impressive dzong in Bhutan was constructed by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1644 called the ‘Choekhor Rabtentse Dzong’, which was enlarged considerably by Chogyal Minjur Tenpa in 1652, the official who was sent by Zhabdrung to unify eastern Bhutan, and further enlarged at the end of the 17th century by Gyalse Desi Tenzin Rabgay.Trongsa Dzong is the ancestral home of the present Royal Family and first two hereditary kings ruled Bhutan from this Dzong. Then visit Ta Dzong, an ancient watch tower for Trongsa Dzong. The chapel inside the Ta Dzong is said to be dedicated to the Trongsa Penlop Jigme Namgyal. This Ta Dzong is now as a museum.
After lunch drive to Bumthang. Jakar, which is the district Headquarter of Bumthang, takes about two and half hours normal drive from Trongsa. It is a pleasant drive through scenic forests and country side. Once you descend from Yotongla pass (3400m) you drive through wide valleys of Chumey (In this valley one may like to look at some ‘Yathras’ – a famous traditional sheep-wool weaves in Bumthang) and crossing low Kikila pass drive into Chokhor valley. Bumthang besides being a beautiful place, akin to Switzerland, is a place of historical importance and has got many highly revered holy places.
A beautiful sighting of Jakar Dzong, "Castle of the White Bird," can be had from View Point at Kikila. Jakar Dzong, built in 1667, is the administrative seat of the Bumthang district and the abodes the monastic body of the district.
Enjoy the hospitality of Bhutanese family in farm house or guest house in Bumthang.

Day 07: Jakar – Ura – Jakar
After breakfast excursion to Ura to witness the Ura Yakchoe. Also explore the Ura Valley. In the evening drive back to Jakar. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 09: Bumthang Sightseeing
After breakfast visit Jakar Dzong, the ‘dzong of the white bird’. It has a picturesque location overlooking the spectacular Chhoekhor valley. Next visit Jampa Lhakhang. This temple was constructed in 659 by the Tibetan Buddhist King Srongtsen Gampo at the same time as Kichu Lhakhang in Paro. It is believed that the King pledged to build 108 monasteries in the subcontinent during his time to propagate Buddhism. The temple was visited by Guru Rimpoche during his visit to Bumthang and was by Sendha Gyelp, the King of Bumthang, after Guru Rimpoche restored his life-force. Under the temple is said to be a lake in which Guru Rimpoche hid several Termas (spiritual treasures). In October one of the most spectacular festivals, the ‘Jampa Lhakhang Drup’ is staged here.
Then visit Chakhar (Iron Castle) Lhakhang. It is the site of the palace of the Chokhor King Sendha who invited Guru Rimpoche to Bumthang in the 8th century. The Original palace was made of Iron and hence the name Chakhar. The saint Dorji Lingpa built the current structure in the 14th century. Its correct name is Dechen Phodrang.
Kurjey Lhakhang has a set of three magnificent temples against the hillside facing south built at various periods. The first temple on the right was built (built in 1652 by Minjur Tempa) on the rock with the imprint of the body of Guru Padmasambhava. The First King His Majesty Ugyen Wangchuck built the second temple to house a monumental statue of Guru Padmasambhava. The third temple, built by the Royal Grand Queen Mother Ashi Kesang Chhoden Wangchuck, is a 3-storied Lhakhang which houses statues of wrathful deities and life size statue of Shabdrung and the four temporal rulers.
Kurjey means body imprint. The rock inside the oldest temple has the famous body imprint of Guru Padmasambhava which he left during his visit to Bumthang via Kheng Napji Korphu from India in the 8th century. The legend has it that he came to Bumthang on the invitation of King Sendha of Bumthang whose sickness could not be cured by anything and anybody. During this visit he not only cured the King but also subdued the powerful demon Shelging Karpo and introduced Buddhism in Bumthang. He also took the King’s daughter Tashi Kheuden, one of the incarnated goddesses, as his mystic consort (Sangyum).
Visit Tamshing Lhakhang (Temple of the good message), established in 1501 by Pema Lingpa and is the most important Nyingmapa (Old School Tradition) temple, particularly of the Peling tradition, in the Kingdom. It is said that Pema Lingpa was helped by the dakinis (female celestial beings) in its construction. The inner walls contain the original unrestored images that were painted by Pema Lingpa himself.
After lunch, visit Membartsho (Literally means “Burning Lake”), a short distance up the road leading to Tang valley. The Terton Pema Lingpa discovered several of Guru Rimpoche’s hidden Terma / relics here. If you are fortunate, perhaps you may be able to spot or see a temple of Guru Padmasambhava in the lake.
In the evening visit to Namkhai Nyingpo Monastery to see monks chanting ritual for world peace and visit a village and explore the beautiful valley of Bumthang. Over night in Hotel.

Day 10: Bumthang – Thimphu (212 kms)
After an early breakfast drive to Thimphu. Over night in Hotel.

Day 11: Thimphu – Paro International Airport for Departure
Early morning drive to the airport and Farewell.