Punakha Tshechu

Information

Tshechu is a religious festival meaning “tenth day” held annually in various temples, monasteries and dzongs throughout the country.
Tshechu is a religious event celebrated on tenth day of a month of the lunar calendar corresponding to the birthday of Guru Rimpoche (Guru Padmasambhava). However the exact month of the Tshechu varies from place to place and temple to temple.
Tshechus are grand events where entire communities come together to witness religious mask dances, receive blessings and socialize. In addition to the mask dances, tshechus also include colorful Bhutanese dances and other forms of entertainment.

It is believed that everyone must attend a Tshechu and witness the mask dances at least once to in order to receive blessings and wash away their sins. Every mask dance performed during a Tshechu has a special meaning or a story behind it and many are based on stories and incidents from as long ago as the 8th century, during the life of Guru Padmasambhava. In monasteries, the mask dances are performed by monks and in remote villages, they are performed jointly by monks and village men.

ITINERARY

The following is a suggestive plan. We are always happy to customize the trip to suit your needs

Day 1: Monday, 7^th of March

Arrive at Paro International Airport.
Transfer to Thimphu, the capital. Cover some sights around Thimphu depending on the arrival time of your flight.

Day 2: Tuesday the 8^th of March

Short hike in the morning on the Kuensel Phodrang Nature trail.
In the afternoon continue with other sights around Thimphu valley.

Day 3: Wednesday the 9^th of March (First Day of the Festival)

Transfer to Punakha. The route will take us over Dochula pass and the picturesque 108 stupas.
From here Punakha is another 2 hours drive.
In the afternoon visit Chimmi Lhakhang and the Wolakha nunnery.

Day 4: Thursday the 10^th of March (Second Day of the Festival)

Today is the 2^nd day of Punakha Tshechu.
We will visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, where the festival will be held. You will have the option to spend the full day at the festival or spend the morning at the Dzong and do a short hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten in the afternoon.

Day 5: Friday the 11^th of March (Third Day of the Festival)

Last day of the Tshechu. If you would prefer, we can stop by the Dzong and spend some time at the festival before heading back west to Paro.
The drive to Paro will take us back through the same route over Dochula Pass.
After arriving at Paro, if time permits, do some sightseeing like the National Museum and the Paro Dzong.

Day 6: Saturday the 12^th of March

BIG DAY! Hike up to Paro Taktshang (Tiger’s Nest).
Walk around Paro town or get a relaxing hot stone bath and massage at the hotel in the evening.

Day 7: Sunday the 13^th of March

Depart from Paro airport.

Kindly drop us a message if you are keen to find out more!

DATES

Punakha Tshechu is tentatively scheduled for 9-11 of March 2022.

WHATS INCLUDED

The price quoted is per person for a group size of two people

Double room on twin sharing basis in government approved 3 star hotels
Single room supplement is additional USD 30 per day per person
All three meals (does not cover beverages ordered in hotels/restaurants)
Bottled mineral water for the entire trip (except water ordered in the hotels and restaurants)
Afternoon tea and snacks
English speaking and knowledgeable guide
Comfortable SUV and a reliable driver
Museum entrance fees
Visa fee and processing charges
Tourism Development Fund
Government taxes
All administrative cost
Full service & assistance before, during and after your Bhutan trip

WHATS NOT INCLUDED