Trongsa Tsechu
The Tsechu / festival are a religious festival in honor of Guru Rinpoche, who brought the Buddhism to this country in 8th century. The scared mask dances trace their origin in Nyingmpa School, dating from the 12th or 13th century and later by the middle of the 15th century, Bhutan had developed its own sacred dance traditions associated with the Great Saint Pema Lingpa.
It is considered a very auspicious opportunity and a spiritual exercise to be able to witness the dances as these dances remind the people of their spiritual and moral duties and obligations. It is also a time to reaffirm their devotion and commitment to leading morally sound, wholesome and honest lives. The Bhutanese believe that the very act of watching the scared dances helps one to acquire spiritual merit and liberation from worldly woes.
Trongsa Tsechu is one the oldest Tsechu in Bhutan. It is believed the Tsechus in Bhutan was spread from Trongsa. Most of the Champoen, the mask dance teacher, learned in Trongsa. On the last day of the Trongsa Tsechu, they unfurl the Thongdrel (liberation and blessings at the sight) every time, which is the highlight of the Trongsa Tsechu. It takes place always in winter.
Day 01. (18/Dec/2007) BKK/PBH-Thimphu
Receive Guest at the Paro Airport by the representative from Authentic Bhutan Tours. From the Airport drive to Paro Nationa museum. Lunch at Paro. Visit Paro Dzong and drive to Thimphu. Dinner and over night stay at hotel Thimphu.
Day 02. (19/Mar/2007)Thimphu Halt
Thimphu sight seeing- visit to Memorial Chorten, Changangkha Lhakhang, Drupthop Lhakhang, the viewpoint of Tashichho dzong and Folk Heritage museum. Lunch in the town. After lunch, visit to Painting school, National Library and Handicraft emporium. Evening visit Tashicho dzong. Dinner and over night stay in hotel Thimphu.
Day 03. (18/Mar/2007)Thimphu – Trongsa
Drive to Trongsa over dochula pass and Pelela Pass. At Wangdi visit Wangdi dzong. Lunch pack lunc. After lunch, continue the journey to Trongsa. Evening at leisure. Dinner and over night stay at Trongsa.
Day 04. (19/Mar/2007)Trongsa Halt.
Enjoy with the festival.
Day 04. (20/Dec/2007) Trongsa Halt
Enjoy the Trongsa Festival till morning. In the afternoon, we will drive to Kunga Rabten place and visit the Kunga Rabten Place.
Day 05. (21/Dec/2007) Trongsa - Punakha
Enjoy the Trongsa Festival.Lunch in Trongsa. After lunch, drive to Punakha. Dinner and overnight stay at Punakha.
Day 06. (22/Mar/2007) Punakha – Paro
In the morning visit Punakha Dzong and then drive to Paro. Lunch at Dochula cafeteria. After lunch, continue the journey to Paro. Evening stroll around the Paro town. Dinner and over night stay at Paro.
Day 07. (23/Mar/2007) Paro – Halt
Today, we will hike to Paro and hike to Taktshang. Lunch at Taktshang cafteria. After lunch, visit Kyichu Lhakhang and stroll around the Paro town. Dinner and over night stay in hotel Paro.
Day 08. (24/Mar/2007) Paro – Paro Airport (Departure)
Drive to Paro Airport to catch the flight to your next destination.