Browse Activities

Destination

Bhutan

Region

Bhutan

Trip Grade

Grade 1 : Easy

Accommodation

Hotel

Total Distance

90 km/ 55 miles

Start / End Point

Kathmandu/Kathmandu

Durations

7 days

Max. Altitude

2900m/9515ft

Meals Included

Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Group Size

above 1 pax

Best Season

Autumn (September to November) and Spring (March to May)

Activity per day

8 hr

Transportation

Private Luxury Tourist Vehicles

Trip Highlights

A 7-day Thimphu Tshechu festival tour in Bhutan offers a vibrant immersion into Bhutanese culture and spirituality. Key highlights include witnessing the Thimphu Tshechu festival itself, exploring iconic landmarks like Tiger's Nest Monastery and Punakha Dzong, and enjoying the scenic beauty of Dochula Pass. The tour also provides opportunities to experience Bhutanese cuisine, visit local villages, and explore markets for handicrafts.

Thimphu Tshechu Festival: Witness the vibrant masked dances, religious ceremonies, and traditional performances that are the heart of this festival. The festival is held in honor of Guru Rinpoche and is a significant cultural and spiritual event.

Tiger's Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang): Hike to this iconic monastery, perched on a cliffside, and marvel at its stunning architecture and breathtaking views.

Punakha Dzong: Explore this magnificent fortress, situated at the confluence of two rivers, and admire its intricate architecture and historical significance.

Dochula Pass: Enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain range from this pass, which is also home to 108 stupas.

National Museum of Bhutan: Discover Bhutanese art, history, and culture at this museum housed in a historic watchtower (Ta Dzong).

Local Experiences: Immerse yourself in Bhutanese life by visiting local villages, exploring markets, and enjoying authentic Bhutanese cuisine.

Archery: Observe a game of archery, Bhutan's national sport, and experience the local culture.

Buddha Dordenma: Visit the giant golden Buddha statue overlooking Thimphu valley and enjoy the panoramic views.

National Memorial Chorten: Pay respects at this monument dedicated to the Third King of Bhutan.

Explore Paru City And Culture

Explore Thimpu

Trip Overview

Thimphu Tshechu Festival 7 Days Tour is one of the most beautiful and popular festivals celebrated in Bhutan. People observe this festival in the capital, Thimpu. Tendrel Thang (the festival ground which is located in front of the Tashichhoedzong) is the spot where this festival is celebrated with different lively performances. Various exciting and unique religious activities starting from mask dances (chham) and folk dances are carried out during the observation.

Actually, Thimphu Tshechu is held for three days according to the lunar calendar. It begins on the 10th day of the 8th month of the year and lasts for three more days. It means it begins on the 10th of October and continues to the 12th of October. The different eight forms of dances performed during the observation represent eight manifestations of Guru Rimpoche. This festive mood of the people and astonishing performances will be stunning to experience in Bhutan. It is believed that witnessing the mask dances of the people help to cleanse the crimes that have been committed during their life and regain good health. The holy monks’ attire with magnificent silk robes and different masks. Also, people across the country come to observe this celebration with their family members and loved ones.

This 7-day Thimphu Tshechu festival tour not only provides an opportunity to observe the Tshechu festival but also offers an opportunity to explore magnificent cultural and religious sites in Bhutan. Similarly, Tamchhog Lhakhang, Folk Heritage Museum, Changangkha Lhakhang Punakha Dzong, Paro Rinpung Dzong, Taktshang Goemba, etc. are the prominent highlights of 7 day Thimphu Tsechu festival tour.

The weather condition during this festival in Bhutan is perfect. We can observe the Thimphu Tshechu festival conveniently since October is the best time of the year to visit Bhutan.

 

Detailed Itinerary

Upon arrival in Paro airport, our official tour operation representative will receive us and we drive to Thimpu (65km-2 hrs) capital city of Bhutan, be refreshed and we will have short orientation meeting on tour program. Now, we begin to explore of Thimpu, the capital city of Bhutan. Thimpu is a perfect destination to read Bhutanese culture and civilization. Overnight at hotel in Thimpu.(BF/lunch/Dinner in the hotel)

 

Altitude:2334m/7658ft
Duration:2 hrs
Accommodation:Hotel

We begin our today’s exploration after breakfast. Today, we begin our tour by visiting The National Memorial Chorten was built in 1974 to memorialize Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, the third king of Bhutan (1928-1972). This site is popular for meditation. Similarly Thimphu Tashichho Dzong , a fortress where we can see some government offices now. We also visit and explore National Folk Heritage Museum, Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory and The National Textile Museum which all tell a lot about unique civilization and art of Bhutan.

Next, we go to observe Tshechu festival. This festival honors Padma Sambhawa, also known as Guru Rimpoche. The holy monks attire with magnificent silk robes and different masks. Also people across the country come to observe this celebration with their family members and the loved ones.

We also visit popular Buddhist Point. We see the tallest statue of Buddha. From Buddhist Point, the Thumpu valley is spectacular.(BF/lunch/Dinner in the hotel)

Altitude:2334m/7658ft
Accommodation:Hotel

Today, we drive to Punakha from Thimpu. Punakha is the former capital city of Bhutan. On the way, we stop at Dochula Pass which offers us magnificent views of Himalayas. Our further drive finally takes us to Punakha. Next our visit to Punakha Djong offers us marvelous insights of Bhutanese art and architecture. This Djong is located among the serene atmosphere. After we explore Punakha Djong we go to visit Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten which is one of the marvelous sites to visit in Bhutan. It represents astonishing art and architecture of Bhutan. We walk via colorful prayer flags around the chorten and explore the whole area. Overnight at hotel at Punakha.(BF/lunch/Dinner in the hotel)

Altitude:1242m/4074ft
Duration:3 hr
Accommodation:Hotel

Chhimi Lhakhang –When you walk 20 min beyong terraced fields along the village of Sopsokha there is Ngawang Chogyel temple built in 15th century.

Exploring Wangdue – One of the major town and district capital of western Bhutan is Wangdue which is located south of Punakha. Wangdue is famous for its best bamboo work and stone carving.

We visit to see the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong which was built in 1638 from the hill we can see Tsang Chu and Dang Chu River also.(BF/lunch/Dinner in the hotel)

Altitude:2900m/9514ft
Duration:3 hrs
Accommodation:Hotel

We begin our drive to the ruins of Drukgyal Dzong. It was built in 1647 by the great Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, father and unifier of medieval Bhutan. This historical and religious site was destroyed by the fire and now it is renovated.

Next, we go to visit Ta Dzong, it is now popular as National Museum since 1968. There is the museum which is collection of ancient Thangka, textiles, weapons and armour, household objects and rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts. It will be magnificent to visit this Dzong during our Bhutan tour.

Finally, we explore Paro Valley. This valley is the residence of many of Bhutan’s old monasteries and temples. We can see the only Paro Airport in this valley.

The valley is also abode to mount Chomolhari (7,300 meters) situated at the northern end of the valley. Overnight at Paro.(BF/lunch/Dinner in the hotel)

Altitude:2200m/7217ft
Duration:4 hr
Accommodation:Hotel

This is the final day tour of 7 days Thimphu Tsechu festival tour. We spend whole day to explore this beautiful city Paro and Taksang Monastery ( Tiger’s Nest). Today’s prime highlight is Taksang Monastery built on the cliff. We can get Tiger’s Nest only by hiking. This hiking via beautiful prayer flags and country setting will be marvelous. Next, we drive to the north form Paro and go to visit Drunkgyal Dzong Built in 1647 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. We also can view Mt. Jomolhari from Drunkgyal Dzong if the weather is fair. We end our 7 days Thimphu Tsechu festival tour with a visit to Kyichu Lhakhang. Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. This temple is very special religious site for Buddhists.(BF/lunch/Dinner in the hotel)

After breakfast, we get ready with our luggage and now it is time to say goodbye to this beautiful country. We drive to the Paro airport to catch the flight for departure from Paro airport to Kathmandu.

Altitude:1400m/4593ft
Duration:2 hr
Accommodation:Hotel

After breakfast and our last day in Kathmandu, our vehicle and escorts will be on standby to drop you to the international airport three hours before our scheduled flight back home.

At Good Karma Trekking, meeting you has been a great honor, and we pray for your safe journey home. We will reflect on the wonderful times we spent together. Bon Voyage!!! We hope to see you again someday.

 

Cost Includes

  • Airport Pickup and Drop
  • Kathmandu To Paro and Paro To Kathmandu Air Flight
  • All Entry Fees of Heritage site and Temple
  • Hotel with 3 Times Food BF/Lunch/Dinner
  • Private Vehicle
  • Englisg Speaking Guide

 

Cost Excludes

  • Your Travel Insurance
  • Any Alcoholic or extra beverage
  • Laundry
  • Guide Tips

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Additional Info

Bhutan is a year-round destination. There are four seasons: summer (June to August), autumn (September to November), winter (December to February) and spring (March to May). But because of the range of altitudes in the country, and the influence of the north Indian monsoons, the climate is incredibly varied.

In the south, the humid, subtropical climate is fairly consistent year-round, with temperatures between 15oC and 30oC. Central Bhutan, with its temperate forests, has a more seasonal climate, with warm summers and cool, dry winters. The northern regions are much colder during winter. Because of the high altitude, mountain peaks are snowy year-round and the lower reaches remain cool in summer.

In summer, the Indian monsoon season runs from late June or July to late September, mostly affecting the southern regions. Most farming activities take place in the summer, when crops thrive in verdant landscapes.

Autumn, from late September or early October to late November, follows the rainy season. It is characterised by bright, sunny days and some early snowfall at higher elevations. It’s the season of feasts and festivals as farmers reap the fruits of their work.

From late November until March, the crisp, clear and sunny winter sets in, with frost throughout much of the country and snowfall common above elevations of 3,000 metres. The winter northeast monsoon brings gale-force winds at the highest altitudes through high mountain passes, giving Bhutan the name Drukyul, which means Land of the Thunder Dragon in Dzongkha (Bhutan’s national language).

Bhutan’s generally dry spring starts in early March and lasts until mid-April. It is a botanist’s delight, with nature in full bloom. Summer weather commences in mid-April with occasional showers and continues to late June.

There are plenty of places to shop for special objects, from high-end pieces to small mementos. Many visitors enjoy shopping at the Cottage and Small Industries (CSI) Market and the Centenary Farmers’ Market. The Textile Museum shop has a wonderful selection of artisan-made textiles and homewares, as do the nearby Tarayana and Craft galleries. Our OGOP shops are also excellent places to find food, drink and handcrafted products sourced directly from the country’s artisans and farmers.

The photographic opportunities on all trips are immense. The natural scenery is superb, and you will also wish to record the local people, their houses and shops etc. Always ask by a gesture if it is ok to do so. Don’t take your destination as a living museum! Also, note that photography in shrine rooms of dzongs, monasteries and religious institutions is generally not permitted. Outdoor photography is usually permitted, but when visiting such places, please check with your guide before taking any photographs.

Hand-woven textiles, carved masks, woven baskets, wooden bowls, handmade paper products, finely crafted metal objects, Thangkha paintings and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps are the items mostly purchased by travelers in Bhutan. Thimphu & Paro has the most extensive range of the handicraft items. It is recommended to carry cash such as Euro, Pounds, US dollars, Japanese Yen and related travelers’ checks for expenses in Bhutan. Credit cards are new to Bhutan and only few shops may accept it.
The buying and selling of antiques is strictly forbidden. Be cautious when considering the purchase of old and used items, especially of religious or cultural significance, as such items may not be exported without a clearance certificate. Etho Metho’s advice should be sought before committing to such purchases. It is best to buy more expensive items at reputable shops, which provide receipts as proof of purchase.

Paro, Bhutan, is a historic town known for its stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and numerous significant religious sites. It’s a major tourist destination, home to Paro International Airport and the iconic Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) monastery, a symbol of Bhutanese spirituality. The town and surrounding valley offer a blend of cultural experiences, historical landmarks, and opportunities for outdoor activities.

Tiger’s Nest Monastery, also known as Paro Taktsang, is a prominent Buddhist temple and monastery in Bhutan, perched on a cliffside in the Paro valley. It’s a sacred site with deep religious and cultural significance, known for its stunning location and the legends surrounding Guru Rinpoche’s visit.

Established in 2001, National folk heritage museum was build with a motive of introducing tourists to the authentic lifestyle of Bhutanese people. The museum is fabricated in a three storied 19th century traditional house, showcasing the cultural heritage of rural Bhutan. It has done a fabulous work in terms of capturing the rural setting by an impressive display of typical Bhutanese household objects and equipment. The museum keeps organising the demonstrations of rural traditions, skills and customs regularly. You can also avail the offers at a nominal fee booked a week in advance. This includes extracting oil or Markhu Tsene, brewing ara (Local drink) or Ara kayne, hammering rice in the museum premises in traditional way. Don’t forget to taste the authentic Bhutanese cuisine at the museum, which is available on buffet system and special arrangements can be made for a group above 5 people. Remarkable thing about the museum is the activities they plan; follow a seasonal pattern of rural life which means you get to see something new every time you make a visit here.

Most Common FAQs

Bhutan is a small, landlocked nation located in the eastern Himalayas between India and China. Its landscape ranges from subtropical plains and forests in the South to subalpine forests and snowy mountains in the North. Bhutan is a predominantly Buddhist country and is known as the last stronghold of Mahayana Buddhism.

There are 19 languages spoken in Bhutan, but the national language is Dzongkha. English is used throughout Bhutan’s education system, so it is widely used and understood.

Bhutan is a very safe place to visit, even if you’re travelling alone. There is very little crime experienced by locals or visitors, although we advise you to take care of yourself and your belongings. In some areas you may encounter stray dogs – please be cautious around them as they are not domesticated. They normally keep their distance, but please stay away from them as much as possible, especially if travelling with children. Please don’t feed or pat these or any other wild animals. Bhutan’s physical environment presents occasional safety hazards, including flooding and landslides. From June to September the monsoons can affect transport and services. Check with your hotel or tour operator for possible disruptions.

You can change your local currency for ngultrum upon arrival at Paro International Airport or at banks, larger hotels and authorised currency exchange businesses in Thimphu.

Reviews

Booked my first trip to Nepal with Good Karma after some recommendations on Tripadvisor. From my first email I was impressed with the level of attention I received and how flexible they were (something I couldn’t get with several other

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Grant Jasiunas

Best travel agency, very helpful and friendly staff. They offer great possibilities for trekking, excursions, help take care of all permits. Great company, wonderful trip, friendship for life. I would recommend!

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Agata Wilk

From the moment we stepped outside Kathmandu airport we knew we were in good hands. Raj and his professional team had taken care of everything. Our trek to Everest Base Camp is one we will remember for a long time.

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Richard Corbett

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