Thimphu Festivals
Seller : AdBhutan Tours 9 Days 8 Nights
Seller : AdBhutan Tours
9 Days 8 Nights
Overview
One of the biggest festivals in the country is the Thimphu Tshechu. This festival is held in the capital city for three days beginning on 10th day of the 8th month of lunar calendar. This Tshechu is witnessed by thousands of people many of which travel from neighboring Dzongkhags (districts) to attend the festivities. The actual Tshechu is preceded by days and nights of prayer and rituals to invoke the gods.
When it was initiated by the 4th Desi, Gyalse Tenzin Rabgay in 1867 the Tshechu consisted of only a few dances being performed strictly by monks. These were the Zhana chham and the Zhana Nga chham (Dances of the 21 Black Hats), Durdag (Dance of the Lords of the Cremation Ground), and the Tungam chham (Dance of the Terrifying Deities).
The Thimphu Tshechu underwent a change in the 1950s, when the third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, introduced numerous Boed chhams (mask dances performed by lay monks). These additions added colour and variation to the festival without compromising its spiritual significance. Mask dances like the Guru Tshengye (Eight Manifestations of Guru), Shaw Shachi (Dance of the Stags) are enjoyed because they are similar to stage-theater.
Equally important are the Atsaras, who are more than just mere clowns. The Atsaras are the dupthobs (acharyas), who provide protection. The dances and the jesting of the Atsaras are believed to entrance evil forces and prevent them from causing harm during Tshechus. Modern Atsaras also perform short skits to disseminate health and social awareness messages.
To farmers, the Tshechu is also seen as a break from farm life. It’s an occasion to celebrate, receive blessings and pray for health and happiness.
Inclusions/Exclusions
- All Transportation including pickups and Drops – Non A/C
- All Accommodation
- Meals – CPAI (Only Breakfast)
- All Sightseeing as per Itinerary
- All Immigration Formalities
- Daily 1 Bottle Mineral water
- 1 Tourist Sim-Card for a group
- All Internal Taxes
- Train/Airfares
- Lunch & Dinner
- Travel insurance
- 4 & 5 star accommodations and meals (On Request)
- Other personal expenses like overseas calls, drinks, laundry, etc
- Guide Charges
- Museums & Monuments fee
- Any cost arising due to natural calamities like, landslides, road blockage, Flight cancel, flight delay, political disturbances (strikes), etc (to be borne by the client).
- Any increase in taxes or fuel price, leading to increase in cost on surface transportation & land arrangements, which may come into effect prior to departure.
- Anything which is not include in the itinerary.
Transportation
SUV Pvt. Vehicle will be provided for your comfortable transportation.
Flight Details
N/A
Detailed Day Wise Itinerary (9 Days 8 Nights)
Day 01: Arrive Paro by Druk Air & transfer to Thimphu (55km, approx. 1.1/2 hour drive)
Arrive at Paro International airport and drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan. On arriving to Thimphu check into the hotel and later in the day visit Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). The largest seated Buddha statue(169ft) in the country Located at a short drive from Thimphu city. Then, visit King's Memorial Chorten and towards evening go for a walk in Coronation Park & stroll through the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts bazaar.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320m)
Day 02: Local sightseeing in Thimphu
After breakfast drive to visit National Library and Institute for Zorig Chusum (Commonly known as Arts & Crafts School or Painting School) then drive to Takin Preserve - Takin is national animal of Bhutan, Later in the afternoon visit Trashichhoedzong, “fortress of the glorious religion”. This is the center of government and religion. The Folk Heritage Museum (Phelchey Toenkhyim), simply Bhutan museums and to National Textile Museum.. Evening time at leisure…
Overnight stay at the hotel in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320)
Day 03: Thimphu Festival
After early breakfast attend full day Thimphu Festival, which is held outside the courtyard of Tashichhodzong. The Tshechu is a festival in honour of Guru Rimpoche, the saint who brought Buddhism to Bhutan and the Himalayan world. It is one of the biggest festival in Bhutan..
Overnight stay at the hotel in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320)
Day 04: Drive to Punakha (75km, approx 2 ½ hr drive.)
After breakfast, drive to Punakha across Dochu La Pass Located at a height of 3,088m/ 10,130 ft, Afternoon visit Punakha Dzong or (Palace of Great Happiness), built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal at the junction of the Phochu and Mochu rivers. Later in the day go for excursion to Chimi Lhakhang (the temple of fertility).
Overnight stay at the hotel in Punakha (Altitude 1,300m)
Day 05: Driving Excrusion to Phubjikha/Gangtey valley (Altitude 2900m/160km round trip, approx 6 hrs drive)
After an early breakfast, embark on a fascinating excursion to Gangtey. The valley of Gangtey is one of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan. The surprise of finding such a wide, flat valley without any trees after the hard climb through dense forests is augmented by an impression of vast space, an extremely rare experience in Bhutan where most of the valley’s are tightly enclosed.
Visit the Gangtey Gompa : Perched on a small hill that rises from the valley floor on the western side of the Black Mountain.Then explore the fascainting Phobjikha Valley. This place is the winter home of black necked cranes that migrate from the arid plains in the north to pass their winter in milder and lower climate.
Also visit Black Neck Crane Information Centre. Situated on the edge of the forest and wetland along the main road of Phobjikha valley, the Centre well equipped and also offers display information that outline the natural and cultural history of the area. Later in the afternoon drive back to Punakha.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Punakha. (Altitude 1,300m)
Day 06: Punakha to Paro (125km, approx 4 ½ hrs drive)
After an early breakfast drive back to Paro across Dochu la pass via Thimphu. On your way visit Tachog lhakang & Suspension Bridge which was built around 1420 by Thangtong Gyalpo who was great architect and saint of Bhutan. Then drive further to paro on arrival check into the hotel & proceed to visit Ta Dzong, then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong (“fortress of the heap of jewels”).
Overnight stay will be at hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m)..
Day 07: Hike to Tiger Nest (approx 6 hours hike)
After breakfast hike to Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s nest) approx 6 hours round trip hike. It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. After Hike drive back to the hotel to refresh and relax.
Evening an exploratory walk around Main Street and market area…
Overnight stay will be at hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m)
Day 08: Day Excrusion to Chelela Pass (75km round trip, approx 4 hrs)
After breakfast, driving excursion to Chelela pass.
Chele la (pass), at an elevation 3,988 meters is considered to be one of the highest motorable passes in Bhutan. About 2 hrs of drive along a thickly-forested road, is a botanical paradise.
On your way stop to view the Dzongdrakha Goempa. Often called as mini Takstang, Dzongdrakha is a cliff-side temple complex on the western side of the Paro Valley.
On arrival back to paro after excrusion visit Drukgyel Dzong, along the way, visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. Evening time at leisure to cherish your last night stay in Bhutan…..
Overnight stay will be at hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m)
Day 09: Departure
After early breakfast at the hotel, drive to
the airport for flight to your onward destination. Our representative will help
you with all the exit formalities and then bid you farewell. Have a safe
Flight!!
Cancellation Policy/Payment Policy
- Cancellation prior to 30 days: The cancellation of the trip booking prior to 30 days will result in Cancellation of 50% of the total amount of the land package.
- Cancellation prior to 20 days: The cancellation of the trip booking within the given time period will result in cancellation of 75% of the total amount of the land package.
- Cancellation after 20 days: The cancellation of the trip booking after 20 days will result in cancellation of 100% of the total amount of the land package.
- Flight Tickets cancellation: The cancellation of flight tickets will be accordinging to the respected airlines.
- The costing is valid according to the provided Itinerary only, changes in the tour itinerary will affect the total tour cost.
- No-show will be charged in full.
- At the time of confirmation - 30% (To secure the tour with us)
- 20 days prior to departure - 35% Tour Cost
- 5 days prior to departure - 35% Tour Cost