Discover the Magic: Paro Tshechu Festival in 2024

Upon arrival in Paro, your tour guide will greet you at the airport and accompany you to the hotel. After a brief rest, delve into Paro’s cultural richness, starting with the Ta Dzong Museum, perched on a hill behind Paro Dzong. This national treasure showcases fine arts, relics, and more, captivatingly capturing Bhutan’s past. Transitioning to the Kyichu Lhakhang, one of 108 temples by King Songtsen Gampo, you’ll marvel at its golden Buddha image. Concluding the day, explore the renowned Paro Rinpung Dzong, a 17th-century fortress and Buddhist monastery safeguarding Paro Valley. Rest overnight in Paro, ready for more Bhutanese wonders.

On Day 2, immerse yourself in the vibrant Paro Tshechu, a cherished festival in Bhutan. This annual celebration in Paro showcases mesmerizing dances performed by monks adorned in colourful brocade attire. Witness the unity of the Bhutanese people, who gather in their finest traditional clothing for this joyous event. Tshechus offer a unique and lively window into Bhutan’s ancient culture. After a day filled with festivities, rest overnight in Paro.

Embark on a delightful 1.5-hour drive alongside the scenic Pachu River, transitioning from Paro to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. En route, consider a stop at Tamchhog Lhakhang, a significant site for Bhutan’s iron bridge builders. Upon reaching Thimphu, your exploration begins with key attractions such as the Late King’s Memorial Chorten, the National Library, the Folk Heritage Museum, and the School of Arts and Crafts. Delve into Bhutan’s rich history, gaining insights into traditional textile and handicraft making. The day unfolds with a visit to the magnificent Tashichho Dzong (Thimphu Dzong), the governmental headquarters and a stunning exemplar of Bhutanese dzong architecture. Conclude your day in Thimphu, resting overnight in this vibrant capital city.

Venture to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan. Journey northeast, with a refreshing stop at the picturesque Dochu La Pass (3,100m) for panoramic views of the Himalayas. Lunch awaits at Wangduephodrang (1,350m) before the drive to Punakha. Explore the iconic Punakha Dzong, standing proudly since 1657 at the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu Rivers confluence. Next, visit Chimi Lhakhang, a sacred site near Lobesa built in 1499. The day concludes with a scenic drive back to Paro.

Return to the enchanting Paro and rejoin the festivities of the Paro Festival. Witness the grand unfolding of the gigantic Thangkha (Thongdrel) of Guru Rinpoche inside the Dzong—a festival highlight. In the evening, indulge in some local Bhutanese souvenir shopping. Rest overnight in Paro.

On Day 6, embark on an exhilarating trek to the iconic Taktshang Goemba, famously known as Tiger’s Nest. Perched dramatically on a cliff 900m above the Paro Valley, this temple is Bhutan’s landmark and holiest site. Legend tells of Guru Padmasambhava flying here on a tigress, meditating in cliffside caves for three months. Regarded as one of the world’s top ten temples, Taktshang Goemba holds profound significance for Bhutanese devotees. Following the trek, return to Paro for an overnight stay.

Following a hearty breakfast, your tour guide will accompany you to Paro International Airport, extending warm farewells as you embark on the journey to your next destination. Safe travels!