Zhemgang Festival
Dance and music play a very important part in the cultural life of Bhutanese people. Each village has and community has a rich tradition of dance which marks the passing seasons, communal occasions and shared experiences. Tsechu is an occasion when people meet one another again after twelve months. It is time for coming out in one’s finest clothes and relaxing and enjoying the spectacle of the dance. More importantly it is a time when people are able, by watching the sequences of religious dances, to reaffirm their place in a wider cosmological order. During the mask dances, the deities of the tantric teachings are invoked and through their power and blessings, misfortunes are removed, good luck is increased, wishes are fulfilled and sins are removed. The doctrine of Lord Buddha may flourish and bring joy and happiness to all beings, by performing the mask dances. Zhemgang Tsechu is also held once in every year, where the people can dress there best clothes.
Zhemgang Festival Itinerary
Day 01: (12/Mar/2008) 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. After lunch visit Paro Dzong and drive to Thimph, the capital city of Bhutan. Dinner and over night stay at hotel Thimphu.
Day 02: (13/Mar/2008) Thimphu Halt.
Thimphu sight seeing- visit to Memorial Chorten, Chnaggangkha 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: (14/Mar/2008) Thimphu – Wanguephodrang
AM: Drive to Wangdi over dochula pass and via Punakha. The drive will take about 3 hours. On reaching Punakha, visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong. Lunch at Khuruthang. After lunch, drive to Wangdue. On the way hike to Chhimi Lhakhang, this is located at a hill top. We have to walk about 25 minutes. At Wangdi, visit Wangdue Dzong. Dinner and over night stay at hotel Wangdue.
Day 04: (15/Mar/2008) Wangdue – Trongsa.
Drive to Trongsa over Pelela and Yotongla. The drive will take about 5 hours. Lunch at Chendebji Reasturant. After lunch, continue the journey to Trongsa. On reaching Trongsa, visit Trongsa dzong. Evening at leisure. Dinner and overnight stay in hotel Trongsa.
Day 05: (16/Mar/2008) Trongsa – Zhemgang
Drive to Zhemgang. The drive will take about 4 hours. On the way we will see lots of Golden Langur. Lunch we will take pack lunch. After lunch continue the journey to Zhemgang. On reaching Zhemgang, we will visit the Zhemgang festival if it is still going on.
Dinner and overnight stay in hotel Zhemgang.
Day 06:(17/Mar/2008) Zhemgang Halt
Enjoy with the festival whole day.
Day 07: (18/Mar/2008) Zhemgang – Trongsa.
Drive to Trongsa. Lunch on the way - Pack lunch. At Kungarabten, visit Kungarabten palace.Evening at leisure.Dinner and over night sty in Trongsa.
Day 08: (19/Mar/2008) Trongsa – Thimphu
Drive back to Thimphu.Lunch at Wangdi, then continue the journey to Thimphu.Dinner and over night stay in hotel Thimphu.
Day 09: (20/Mar/2008) Thimphu – Paro.
Drive to Paro and hike to Taktshang. Lunch at Taktshang cafteria. Afternoon on our way back to hotel, visit Kyichu Lhakhang and stroll around the Paro town.Dinnera nd over night stay in hotel Paro.
Day 10: (21/Mar/2008) Paro – Airport
Drive to Paro Airport to catch the flight to your next destination.
