Punakha Tshechu

(3 Review)
From

March 2025

There’s only 7 spot left. Join 17 others in this tour.

  • 7 Days 6 Nights
  • Availability Mar 2025
  • Punakha
  • 24 People in Group
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90%% refundable

Cancellation upto 12 days before the trip gets you a refund of 90%

About this Tour

Punakha Tshechu is one of Bhutan’s most vibrant and significant annual festivals, held in the town of Punakha, which is the ancient capital of Bhutan. This festival is celebrated with great fervor and showcases Bhutan’s rich cultural and religious heritage. It is also a unique opportunity to experience Bhutanese culture and spirituality in an authentic setting. It provides a vivid glimpse into the country’s religious traditions, artistic expressions, and community life.

Highlights

• Cultural Immersion: Witness the vibrant Punakha Tshechu festival with its mesmerizing mask dances (Cham) and rituals at the majestic Punakha Dzong, offering a deep dive into Bhutanese culture and spirituality.
• Scenic Drives: Experience breathtaking landscapes, including the panoramic views from Dochula Pass and the serene Punakha Valley.
• Iconic Landmarks: Visit historic Dzongs, the National Memorial Chorten, and the National Museum, showcasing Bhutan’s architectural and artistic heritage.
• Nature and Adventure: Hike to the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktshang) perched on a cliff, a spiritual and architectural marvel.
• Traditional Insights: Explore local markets, craft bazaars, and a paper factory while trying Bhutan’s national attire for a cultural experience.
• Community and Festivities: Connect with locals at the Punakha Tshechu
and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Thimphu and Paro.
• Unique Wildlife: Discover Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin, at the Takin Preserve and enjoy the beauty of prayer flags adorning the landscapes.

Guest access

Guest have access to the landmark's exteriors and also interiors but sometimes the following are observed

  • Allowed to take a tour of exterior of the attraction
  • Allowed to take a tour of interior of the attraction
  • Some places restricts accessing the sacred chambers and location of the attraction
  • Mostly taking photos inside is restricted
  • There are instructions provided in each of the attractions regarding accessibility

Hotel Room Amenities

  • Twin Sharing Bed
  • WirelessInternet
  • Heater
  • Cable TV
  • Family/kid friendly
  • Dryer
  • Continuous Hot/Cold Water
  • Soap/Shampoo
  • Bathroom Slippers
  • Coffee/Tea Set
  • Digital Lockers
  • Room Service

Price Includes

  • 3 Star Hotel/Resort Accommodation throughout the tour
  • SUV Vehicle for group of 2 to 4 pax/Mini Bus for group of 6 pax/Luxury Bus for group more than 6 pax
  • Licensed & Experienced Tour Guide
  • Entrance Fees to all the tourist attraction as included in itinerary
  • All meals included
  • Bottled mineral water - 3 bottles
  • Evening Tea/Coffee/Snacks

Tour Rules

During temple, monastery, Dzong visits, guest has to be properly dressed as shorts and half sleeve dresses are not allowed inside. Photography is mostly prohibited inside. Smoking in public is not allowed and attracts fine.

Day 1Arrival in Paro - Embrace the Land of the Thun- der Dragon

Flying into Bhutan is an enchanting introduction to a country that is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, unique culture, and commitment to preserving its heritage. As your flight descends towards Paro, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Himalayas where you’ll be greeted by Mt. Everest and Mt. Kanchenjunga, and our very own Mt. Jomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drakey. Upon arrival you’ll be received by our guide and drive to Thimphu. Upon arriving, you check into your hotel, and then explore Thimphu.
Our first stop will be the National Memorial Chorten built in memory of the third King of Bhutan, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, and this stupa is a central place of worship for locals. It’s surrounded by a beautiful garden and is a great spot to witness traditional Bhutanese religious practices. Next visit General Post Office. You can find stamps, postcards, and local souvenirs here. Bhutan is famous for its beautiful stamps, often featuring local wildlife and cultural motifs.
It has a great collection, and you can purchase them as keepsakes. Towards evening, stroll around Craft Bazaar. It is a marketplace or event where artisans, crafters, and vendors gather to sell handmade goods, artwork, and craft supplies. These events often feature a variety of items such as jewelry, textiles, pottery, paintings, home décor, candles, clothing, and more.
Overnight at the Hotel

Day 2Thimphu Exploration

After breakfast, take a short drive to the Buddha Dordenma Statue (Buddha Point), a monumental statue initiated by His Majesty the 4th King Jigme Singye Wangchuck to promote peace and happiness. Completed in 2015 after construction began in 2006, the site offers panoramic views of the Thimphu Valley and includes a beautiful temple complex to explore.
Continue to the Takin Preserve, home to Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin. This conservation area protects this unique species while educating visitors about Bhutan’s biodiversity. Stroll along the trails, observe the Takins, and enjoy the tranquil forest surroundings.
A short drive leads to Sangaygang, where you’ll encounter vibrant prayer flags—an integral part of Bhutanese culture and spirituality. These colorful flags, believed to release prayers into the air with each flutter, adorn mountain slopes, bridges, and riversides, creating a striking visual against the rugged landscape.
After lunch, visit Simtokha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s oldest fortresses, built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. This historic structure showcases Bhutan’s architectural mastery and cultural legacy while symbolizing the unification of the region.
Return to Thimphu and explore the Bhutan National Library, which preserves the country’s cultural heritage with a rich collection of ancient scriptures, rare books, and historical documents.
Conclude the day at the Centenary Farmers Market, a bustling hub of fresh, locally sourced products and artisanal goods. Known for its friendly atmosphere, the market offers a wide variety of handmade crafts, fresh ingredients, and unique local items, supporting Bhutanese farmers and artisans.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day3Thimphu – Punakha (72km)

Drivng from Thimphu to Punakha offers a scenic journey through Bhutan’s mountainous landscapes and cultural landmarks. Enroute, stop at Dochula Pass (3,100 meters), about 30 minutes’ drive from Thimphu. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the eastern Himalayas on clear days. Take some time to walk around and admire the 108 chortens (stupas) and the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang temple. Continue drive to Punakha and visit Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the Fertility Temple, dedicated to Drukpa Kunley, the Divine Madman. It’s a short detour from the main road and involves a pleasant walk through rice paddy field.>br> There are a few restaurants and eateries near those area where you can have a traditional Bhutanese meal. Next visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery. The nunnery is located on a hilltop near the town of Punakha, offering panoramic views of the Punakha valley. It was inaugurated in 2010 and was established to support and advance the education and practice of Buddhist nuns in Bhutan. In the evening, stroll around KajaThrom located at the site of the old weekend market in Khuruthang. It was developed as a community and recreation space alongside the Farmer’s Market.
Overnight at the Hotel

Day 4Punakha Tshechu

The festival is held at the Punakha Dzong, the majestic fortress-monastery located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. The Dzong provides a stunning backdrop for the festivities.
It is dedicated to Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), who is considered a key figure in Bhutanese Buddhism. The festival commemorates his life and teachings, and it is also a time for people to receive blessings and renew their spiritual connection. The Tshechu features elaborate mask dances known as “Cham” performed by monks in colorful costumes and masks. These dances depict various deities, historical figures, and moral tales from Buddhist teachings. The festival includes various religious ceremonies and rituals performed by monks, which are intended to invoke blessings and merit for the participants and the community. It is a major social event, bringing together locals from Punakha and surrounding regions. It’s a time for the community to come together, celebrate, and reaffirm their cultural and religious ties.
Overnight at the Hotel

Day 5Punakha to Paro

your day with breakfast at your accommodation and begin your journey from Punakha to Paro. Enjoy the changing scenery as you descend from the high altitudes of Dochula Pass to the valley of Paro.After arriving Paro, try Bhutan’s National Costume, known as ‘Gho’ for men and ‘Kira’ for women, is an iconic symbol of the country’s rich cultural identity and traditional values. Traditional dress reflects Bhutan’s commitment to preserving its unique heritage. Adopting Bhutan’s national costume promotes a strong sense of unity, pride, and reverence for traditions while showcasing the country’s timeless beauty and grace.
After lunch, visit to Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong). This impressive fortress-monastery is one of Bhutan’s most iconic Dzong and serves as the administrative and religious center of the region. Explore the courtyards, temples, and the impressive architecture. The Dzong offers great views of the surrounding area and the Paro River. Next visit National Museum of Bhutan (Ta Dzong) which is housed in a former watchtower above the Dzong. The museum showcases a diverse collection of Bhutanese art, artifacts, and historical exhibits. It provides a comprehensive overview of Bhutanese culture and history.
Overnight at the Hotel

Day 6Excursion to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest)

After breakfast, hike to Taktshang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest Monastery, is a legendary and iconic site in Bhutan, renowned for its spiritual significance and breathtaking location. One of Bhutan’s holiest shrines and an amazing structure that crosses all boundaries of architectural masterpiece. Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) is perched some 3,120 meters (10,240 feet) above sea level on a cliff overlooking a valley. It is said that the legendary Indian saint Guru Padma Sambhava, flew from Tibet on the back of a tigress to tame five demons, who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan in 746 AD. Taktshang Monastery is the ultimate pilgrim site for all Buddhist especially in Bhutan.
The hike to the monastery takes about 5hours (up and down), and follows an ancient path marked by river powered prayer wheels.
Towards evening, stroll around local market as it is vibrant and bustling, where you can find traditional handicrafts, textiles, and local foods. It’s a great place to immerse yourself in the local culture.
Overnight at the Hotel

Day 7Farewell

After breakfast, our representatives will bid you farewell to your onward destination.

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