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Punakha Tshechu

Punakha Tshechu

Duration

Group Size

12

Difficulty Level

Fully Guided

Overview

The Punakha Festival, or Punakha Tshechu, is a vibrant religious celebration held annually in Punakha, Bhutan, typically in February or March. Rooted in Bhutanese Buddhist tradition, it commemorates historical victories and honors Guru Rinpoche, the revered spiritual figure who brought Buddhism to Bhutan. The festival is centered around the majestic Punakha Dzong, where monks and laypeople perform elaborate masked dances known as cham. These dances are believed to purify evil spirits and bring blessings for the year ahead. The festival also features a reenactment of the 17th-century Battle of Bhutan against Tibetan invaders. Locals and visitors dress in their finest traditional attire, turning the event into a colorful and spiritual spectacle. It serves both as a religious rite and a social gathering, strengthening community ties.

Tour Highlights

  • Witness sacred mask dances (cham) performed by monks.
  • Explore the stunning Punakha Dzong.
  • Enjoy vibrant local culture, music, and food.
  • Meet locals in colorful traditional dress.
  • Receive blessings during spiritual rituals.

Tour Plan

Day 1 : Arrive in Paro - Thimphu

  • Get blessings at the oldest temple Kichu lhakhang, built in 629 AD by a Tibetan king.
  • Visit Paro Ta Dzong, an ancient watch tower turned into one of the best museums of Asia.
  • Rinpung Dzong “fortress of the heap of jewels.”
  • In evening drive to Thimphu (drive 1hr). Thimphu is a charming capital city nestled in the heart of the Himalayas.
  • Free to roam around Thimphu town on your own or with your guide.
  • Overnight in Thimphu (Alt; 2320m).

Day 2: Thimphu Cultural Tour

  • Drive to Sangay-gang where the national animal of Bhutan, the Takin, is found in captivity.
  • Visit Buddha Dordenma Statue which offers a spectacular view of Thimphu city. This giant Buddha-statue overlooking Thimphu is one of the biggest in the world.
  • Visit the General Post Office. You can create personalized postage stamps with your own photo for souvenir or sent home on postcard.
  • The Tashichhoe Dzong, the main secretariat building, the office of the King and Throne room and also the house of the State Monastic Body.
  • Visit the Farmer’s Weekend Market for organic fruits & nuts
  • In the evening walking tour, in Thimphu city
  • Overnight in Thimphu

Day 3: Gangtey Valley Expedition (155km/ 4-5hr)

  • Drive on different vegetation of alpine, subtropical and glacial. Phobjikha is a glacial valley on the north western tip of the Black Mountain. It’s also one of the roosting grounds of the Black-necked cranes.
  • En route stop by Dochula pass (3150m) to enjoy spectacular views of the eastern Himalayan mountain range. Stroll around 108 stupas and enter Drukwangyel (Royal temple).
  • On arrival, embark on the Nature trail hike across the refreshing Blue-pine forest to Kwewa village (1hr hike). Try homemade tea & local snacks at village home.
  • Visit the Crane Info Centre to watch the Black Necked Cranes in their natural inhabitants
  • Free to walk around village or drive to your hotel for rest.
  • Overnight in Phobjikha (2900m)

Day 4: Punakha Festival and sightseeing (65km/ 2.5hr)

  • In morning, visit Gangtey Monastery, the largest Nyingma Monastery of the kingdom.
  • En route drive for mountain-view at Pele La pass (3,300m). It’s common to spot yaks along this pass.
  • On arrival, visit the Punakha Dzong, "Palace of the Great Happiness". Attend the festival. It features colorful mask dances, traditional music, and sacred rituals performed by monks. It's both a spiritual event and a social gathering that draws locals and tourists alike
  • Try walking on the 200m suspension bridge above Phochu river to Gidagom village
  • Easy hike along the Metshina village to Chimi lhakhang, a solitary “fertility temple” where a childless couple who comes to pray is usually blessed with a child.
  • Overnight in Punakha & Wangdue (1240m)

Day 5: Day Excursion to Talo & Nobgang Village

  • After breakfast, hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten which takes about an hour. The Queen of Bhutan built the stupa in 2004 and sits on a hill and looks over the Punakha Valley.
  • Drive to Talo and Nobgang village, the native village of the four Queen mothers. These villages are spread out on the hillsides and are famous for being very clean and tidy compared to other villages in Punakha.
  • Visit the Sangchen Lhundup Nunnery along- side the hill and spend time with the nuns. This place offers beautiful view of the Punakha valley and the river.
  • In the evening, drive back to Punakha.
  • Overnight in Punakha & Wangdue.

Day 6: Getaway to Dzongdakha & Paro Detour (174 km/ 5hr)

  • En route stop for coffee at Drukwangyel Café and enjoy distant snowcapped mountains.
  • After check in at Paro, visit the Dzongdakha Monastery. This ancient beautiful monastery is also a pilgrim spot for the locals.
  • In evening, leisurely stroll around Paro town and shop for souvenir
  • Overnight in Paro (Alt; 2280m)

Day 7: Getaway to Haa Valley

  • On rise drive on a scenic countryside to the pristine Haa Valley, it was closed to outsiders till 2001.
  • Scenic drive to Haa Valley via Chelela Pass, the highest motorable pass in Bhutan. ( 3988m )
  • Enjoy panoramic views of Mount Jomolhari and surrounding peaks.
  • Walk through serene hamlets and remote monasteries below mountain peaks like the temple of Black Dove & White Dove.
  • In evening, walk in the local town and talk to villagers.
  • Overnight in Haa (Alt; 2670m)

Day 8: Escape to Kila Gomba & Paro Valley

  • Drive to Paro. Walk below the sky burial and hoist Lungdhar (prayer flags) near Blue poppy area.
  • Easy walk on the ancient trail amidst tall Alpine trees to the solitary Kila Gomba. Kila is the oldest nunnery of the kingdom. The hike to this oldest nunnery takes about 1.5hrs round trip/ Drive up to monastery, optional.
  • In evening, time at your leisure. Free to shop for souvenir in Paro’s local town.
  • Overnight in Paro

Day 9: Excursion to Mystical Taktsang

  • After a wholesome breakfast,hike up the forested path to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan’s most famous and scenic icon. Tiger’s Nest clings to sheer cliffs of 900m above Paro valley. The climb is steep and takes about 4-5hrs round trip.
  • Lunch at the hillside cafe with close Tiger’s Nest view.
  • Authentic Bhutanese farewell dinner at a typical village home with local liquor called “Ara.”
  • Overnight in Paro

Day 10: Depart from Paro International Airport

  • Our representative will bid you farewell at the airport. TashiDelek!

Included

  • Visa Fee
  • Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
  • Accommodation in 3 star hotels on twin sharing
  • All meals ( breakfast, lunch and dinner )
  • Entrance fees for monuments and cultural sites
  • Licensed English speaking guides
  • Airport transfer and all transportation
  • Bottled water during the tour
  • All applicable taxes and service charges

Excluded

  • International airfare to/from Bhutan
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, shopping, etc.)
  • Alcoholic and specialty beverages
  • Tips for guides, drivers, and hotel staff
  • Additional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Additional expenses due to unforeseen events (weather, flight cancellations, etc.)

Good to know

We currently offer two payment methods for tourists to transfer payments for Bhutan tours: Wire Transfer and Wise. However, both methods incur a wire transfer fee of $40 to $50, as Wise payments also require a final transfer to Bhutan via wire.

  • More than 45 days before the tour: Free cancellation
  • Within 30 days: 35% of the total cost
  • Within 21 days: 50% of the total cost
  • No-show in Bhutan: 100% of the total cost

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Email

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