Paro Tshechu Festival - A Celebration of Bhutanese Culture

Your adventure begins with a spectacular flight to Paro, offering breathtaking views of some of the world's highest peaks. Upon arrival at Paro airport, a representative from the Himalayan Dream Team will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. After checking in and having lunch, enjoy an afternoon sightseeing tour. Visit the National Museum (Ta Dzong), housing religious relics, art, and handicrafts, followed by a tour of the impressive Rinpung Dzong, known for its beautiful paintings. Walk across the charming cantilever wooden bridge still in use today.

Experience the color, excitement, and spectacle of the Paro Tshechu Festival, the most divine and symbolic of all Buddhist festivals in Bhutan. Devotees in traditional attire flock to Paro Dzong for blessings. Monks and laypeople perform festive dances in elaborate silk costumes, accompanied by traditional music. Spend the whole day at the festival with a break for lunch. Also, visit the interior of Rinpung Dzong, built in 1645. Dinner and overnight in Paro.

After breakfast, hike to Taktsang Monastery, also known as ‘Tiger’s Nest’. The climb to the viewpoint takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, offering spectacular views. Continue to the monastery, which clings to a cliffside, for another hour. The monastery, dating back to 1692, was restored after a fire in 1998. After visiting, descend to the viewpoint cafeteria for lunch, then return to the hotel. 

Early in the morning, receive blessings from Guru Thongdroel (Thangka of Guru Rinpoche). This auspicious day includes performances of dances by monks, such as the Heroes, Ging and Tsholing. After the morning events, visit the National Museum. Spend the rest of the day at the festival before traveling to Thimphu in the evening. 

Start your day with a hearty breakfast before heading to the Bhutan Post Office Headquarters to create personalized Bhutanese postage stamps, a unique and memorable souvenir. Next, visit the National Textile Museum to witness the art of traditional weaving and explore a rich collection of old textiles. Continue to Simply Bhutan, an interactive outdoor museum that provides a glimpse into rural Bhutanese life, where you can try traditional archery and explore a model Bhutanese house. Visit the School of Traditional Painting of Arts and Crafts, where students master the 13 traditional arts over six years, followed by a trip to the Centenary Farmers’ Market (if your visit coincides with the weekend) to experience the vibrant local market life. Enjoy a traditional Bhutanese lunch at a local restaurant, sampling dishes like ema datshi (chili cheese) and red rice.
In the afternoon, visit the Memorial Chorten, a significant religious site built in 1974, where locals gather to pray and meditate. Explore Tashichhoe Dzong, an architectural marvel housing the throne room, the king’s office, and the central monk body. Then, visit the Takin Preserve to see Bhutan’s national animal, the takin, and continue to Changangkha Lhakhang, a 13th-century temple offering panoramic views of the Thimphu valley. Head to Kuenselphodrang (Buddha Point) to see the largest Buddha statue in Bhutan and take a leisurely walk through Kuenselphodrang Nature Park. Conclude your day by exploring the Craft Bazaar, where artisans sell traditional handicrafts, and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before retiring for the night at your hotel i

Travel to the base camp of Tango Monastery. Hike through oak, pine, and rhododendron forests to reach the monastery, built in 1689. Currently, it serves as a center for higher studies for monks. Enjoy breathtaking views and serene surroundings.

After breakfast, drive to Punakha via the Dochula Pass, offering superb views of the Eastern Himalayas. Visit the 108 chortens and Druk Wangyel Temple. In Punakha, explore the Punakha Dzong, located between two rivers, and the Dho Jha Gha Lam Temple. Walk through Metshina Village to the Divine Madman’s Monastery-Chhimi Lhakhang, known for its fertility shrine

After breakfast, visit the upper Punakha valley and the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten. Enjoy a leisure walk and stunning views. After lunch, drive back to Paro. Visit the historic Drukgyel Dzong in the evening

Enjoy a final breakfast in Paro before we transfer you to the airport for your onward flight. Reflect on the unforgettable experiences and memories as you continue your journey to your next destination. Safe travels!

Join the Himalayan Dream Team on the Druk Path Trek and experience the stunning landscapes and rich culture of Bhutan, creating unforgettable memories on this remarkable journey.