Authentic Bhutan

Paro Festival Tours (8 Days / 7 Nights)

The Tsechu is a religious festival in honor of Guru Rinpoche or Guru Padmasambhava “One who was born from lotus”. This Indian saint contributed enormously to the diffusion of Tantric Buddhism in the Himalayan regions of Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan around 8th century. During the Tsechu, mask dances are performed by monks as well as by laymen. In-between the mask dances there will be folk dances by the Woochu people and the dancers from the Paro valley. The Tsechu is a religious festival and by attending it, it is believed one gains\ merits, good luck and wishes are fulfilled. It is also a yearly social gathering where the people join together to rejoice dressed in all their finery.
The Paro Tsechu is one the biggest and famous Tsechu in Bhutan. Paro Tsechu is the Tsechu where many tourists are attracted and is the one of the very peak season for the tourist visiting Bhutan. The Paro Tsechu is held in the courtyard for the 1st day and rest of the days will be outside, where many people can see the Tsechu. The reason for being performed in the courtyard for the 1st day there are some religious items which can not be taken outside from the Dzong. The big Thanka or Thongdrel (Liberation at Sight) is unfurl on the last day of the Tsechu, very early in the morning. Every Bhutanese people wanted to get the blessings from it, as it is very important for their present life as well as after our death.
It is a very good opportunity to see the Bhutanese men and women dressed so gorgeously and expensive costumes.

DAY 01. BKK/PBH – THIMPHU
The flight into Paro on our national carrier, Druk Air, is a befitting introduction to the spectacular beauty of our country. In clear weather, magnificent views of the world’s highest peaks, give way to the lush green Paro valley as you land. Your Bhutanese escort from Authentic Bhutan Tours will greet you on arrival, and then drive you to the Paro Rimpung Dzong, the centre of civil and religious authority in this region. After this we will have lunch in the Paro town. Then we will drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. The drive will take about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Dinner and over night stay in the hotel, Thimphu.

DAY 02. THIMPHU – PUNAKHA
The day begins with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten built in honor of our late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck and the Drupthop Lhakhang one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan. We then drive to the view point of Tashichho Dzong, seat of the national government and the Central Monastic Body, including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan). For your photograph and Folk Heritage museum.
Lunch at hotel, Thimphu. After lunch we will drive to Wangdue Phodrang over Dochula pass (3150m). On clear days we will have a great and impressive view of the eastern Himalayan mountain ranges.
Dinner and over night stay in hotel, Wangdue Phodrang.

DAY 03. WANGDUE PHODRANG – THIMPHU
After our breakfast, we will visit Wangdue Phodrang dzong which was built by Lama Zhabdruing in 1638. Then we will hike to Chhimi Lhakhang, which is located at a hilltop. We have to walk about 25minute from the road point. The temple is also known as the temple of fertility.
Lunch at Punakha. After lunch visit Punakha dzong, it was the winter capital of Bhutan until 1955 when the capital was permanently shifted to Thimphu. It still served as the winter resident for the monk body and drive to Thimphu.
Dinner and over night stay in hotel, Thimphu.

DAY 04. THIMPHU – PARO
After the breakfast, we will drive to Paro. On reaching Paro we will hike to the viewpoint of Taktshang, (Tiger’s Nest) monastery. We have to walk about 1hours & 30minutes up steep from the road end. The trail climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. After enjoying the view & photographs and lunch we will walk back. On our way back we will visit the one of the oldest temple in Bhutan, Kyichu Lhakhang and then stroll around the Paro town.
Dinner and over night stay in hotel, Paro.

DAY 05. PARO HALT
Whole day witness Paro Festival.
Lunch in the hotel or picnic pack lunch.
Evening at leisure.
Dinner and over night stay in hotel, Paro.

DAY 06. PARO HALT
Early in the morning around 3.30AM we will visit the Paro festival ground to witness the Thongdrel (Liberation at sight) ceremony. This is the high light of Paro festival. After the Thongdrel ceremony, we will come to the hotel, for breakfast. After breakfast, free/resting time till lunch time.
Lunch in the hotel, Paro. After lunch we will drive to Drukgyel dzong and then stroll around the Paro town.

DAY 07. PARO – AIRPORT
Today we will drive to Paro international Airport to catch the flight to your next destination. Our guide and driver will bid you farewell and we wish you a safe and pleasant journey back home and hope to see you again in Bhutan.