Festival in the land of dragon
An important festival that involves the unfurling of a massive tapestry of the Guru Rinpoche, the Punakha Tsechu is a big attraction. Ritual dances and the initiation of monks are some of the spectacles visitors like to observe. Visits to monasteries, the countryside, songs, and rhododendron forests are part of the tours, besides mountain views.
“Tsechu”, a Bhutanese religious dance
This trip immerses us deep into the Buddhist culture of Bhutan. Each Tsechu has a base of ritual dances and constitutes a true spiritual initiation for the monks and the secular community. However, there is no separation between the sacred and the profane, and we go smoothly from the most esoteric ritual to the most joyous and unbridled fair. From dzong to dzong, from village to village, at the foot of the great Himalayas, discover the beautiful absorbing culture that is Bhutan. At the end of the journey, fly back to Kathmandu, and enjoy the unmatched display of the entire Himalayan range from Kanchenjunga to Everest from the air. A journey to cherish forever!
- Bhutan Country
- Culture and discovery Thématique
- Easy Difficulté
- 11 days Duration
- Yes Guide
- Hôtel Hébergement
- Paro Departure / Arrival
Itinerary
Flight to Paro. Check
in at the hotel and visit Paro: See the watchtower (Ta Dzong) which has been transformed into a museum and the dzong of Paro. ; Itinerary to be finalized according to your international flights at Delhi, Kathmandu, or Bangkok which have daily connections with Paro in Bhutan.
We drive from Paro to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. After lunch in Thimphu, we head to Punakha. We cross a pass where on clear days, the whole Himalayan range can be seen. We finally stop at a convent.
Duration of drive: 4 ½ hr
We embark on a long drive through a rich rhododendron forest on what is known as the Black Hills which separates western Bhutan from central Bhutan. We cross over the Pele La Pass (3,350m). We then reach Tongsa which has an impressive Dzong at the turning of the road. In the afternoon, we visit Tongsa Dzong and the recently opened museum in the watchtower (Ta dzong). Duration of drive: 3hr
From Tongsa we move on to the monastery of Tharpaling, a very revered place of meditation belonging to the Nyingmapa school of Buddhism. After visiting the monastery, you can opt for an easy hike up to the Kikila Pass (3,900m). Finally, we descend through the woods to reach the Bumthang Valley and Jakardzong.
We take a walk in the Bumthang Valley and visit Kurjey Lhakhang, an imposing monastic complex built in a cave where Guru Padmasambhava is said to have once meditated and left his footprints. Then we visit Thamshing, which was founded in the 15th century by Pema Lingpa. His frescoes are considered to be the oldest in Bhutan. We then move to Jambay Lhakhang supposedly the oldest temple in Bhutan dating back to the 7th century.
This day we drive to Gangtey, a small, peaceful village built around the monastery of the Nyingmapa School (Ancients). This is a monastery of lay meditators who wear the robe but live in the surrounding houses. In the valley, during winter, we can see Black-headed cranes that migrate from neighboring Tibet.
We walk for an hour to reach the monastery of Chime Lhakang, a small shrine located on a hill overhanging above the river.
This day is dedicated to observing the festival of Punakha Tsechu. The unfurling of the large tapestry of Guru Rinpoche is the major attraction of the festival.
In the morning, we drive to Thimphu and stop for lunch. Then in the afternoon, we visit the dzong. Tashiccho Dzong is the home of Je Khempo, the religious leader of Bhutan. Then we take a stroll around Thimphu.
This day we embark on a 2-hour ascent to reach the Taktsang Hermitage, also famously known as the “Tiger’s Nest”. We have lunch on-site and return to Paro. On the way back, we visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan dating back to the 7th century.
Airport transfer for your return flight. End of our services.
Practical Info
What is included
- Cultural guide
- Hotel 3 * or similar, or bivouac according to itinerary
- Full board
- Private transports
- Visa
- 33% taxes
- Permits and entries
What is not included
- Personal equipment
- Personal expenses
- International flights
- Insurance
FAQ
This Bhutan tsechu festival tour is organised around the Punakha festival. Each tsechu is based on masked ritual dances and is a true spiritual initiation for monks and the lay community. Here you move happily from the most esoteric ritual to the most joyful village celebration.
From dzong to dzong, from Paro to Punakha via Trongsa, the tour visits the country’s great monastic fortresses, Chime Lhakhang temple and the Gangtey valley. The trip ends at the Taktsang hermitage, the Tiger’s Nest.
Bhutan has chosen to protect its traditions: architecture, dress and religious practice still shape daily life. A rare immersion in a living Buddhist culture at the foot of the great Himalayan peaks.
A few easy, optional walks let you stretch your legs in Bumthang and up to Tharpaling monastery (3,800 m). The return flight to Kathmandu offers one last highlight: flying over the Himalayan range, from Kangchenjunga to Everest.
