Overview
Tshechu is the most important religious festival in Bhutan which commemorates the great deeds of Guru Rinpoche who is credited with introducing Tantric Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century. The Tshechus is celebrated for several days and the festival is full of numerous dances that are clearly defined in terms of religious content. Dancers are adornment by astonishing costumes of carved bone, silver and gold. And for certain dances, they wears mask which represent animals, fearsome deities, skulls, Guru Rinpoche manifestations, and ordinary human beings.
Itinerary
Transfer to hotel. During the journey, we can explore breath taking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks including the sacred Jhomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake of Bhutan from the left hand of plane.
Drive to Thimphu, the Capital, 65 Kms. It takes about 2 hours drive. The drive to Thimphu takes you along the Paro Chu (Chu means water or river) down stream to the confluence with the Wang Chu, then turn upstream and travel along the Wang Chu to Thimphu. Check in at the hotel. Visit the Memorial Chorten (a huge stupa) built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned the Kingdom from 1952-1972.Visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved Visit the Painting School where traditional arts and crafts are still kept alive. Visit the handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts and crafts are displayed and can be purchased. Visit Simtokha Dzong. This is one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan. It was built in 1629 A.D. Overnight Hotel in Thimphu.
After an early breakfast attend the first day of the Tshechu which is held in the courtyard of Tashichho Dzong. This is the main Secretariat Building, where the government ministries, the office of His Majesty the King, the Throne Room, the offices and living quarters of the monk body and its Chief Abbot are housed. Thimphu Tshechu. Evening: relax at the hotel or stroll through Thimphu Town. Overnight hotel in Thimphu
Visit Dechen Chholing, (about 30 minutes drive from Thimphu to view the palace of the Queen Mother from a hill -top. Visitors are not allowed to enter the palace complex, especially when the Queen Mother is in residence. This is also the Headquarters of the Royal Body Guard. Overnight hotel in Thimphu
Drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass at 3150mts. The drive would about 3hours. Check in and Lunch at Hotel. After lunch visit the Punakha Dzong and Punakha town stalling. Overnight hotel in Punakha.
Drive to Gangtey Gompa via Wangdue Phodrang which takes about 5hours round trip back to Wangdue. Gangtey is well known as the Black Necked Crane which comes here from higher Himalayas in Tibet, China in winter and goes back in Spring. Picnic lunch at Gangtey. Overnight hotel in Wangdue.
Drive to Paro. Drive takes about 5hours. Stop in Thimphu for last shopping. Lunch in Paro. Afternoon: visit the national Museum and the Paro Rinpung Dzong. Overnight: Hotel in Paro.
Drive to the base of Tiger’s Nest and hike up to the Taktsang, the round trip takes about 4hours. It’s worth climbing and enjoys lunch at the Cafeteria. Visit the Drukgyal Dzong which is located 16 Km away from the Paro Town. The name Drugyel means “Victorious”. Although in ruins, this Dzong is of great historical importance. It was here that the Bhutanese finally defeated the invading Tibetans and drove them back. From here, the peak of Chomolhari “Mountain of the Goddess” can be seen on a clear day (Alt. 7314m/24,029ft.) Evening: Take a stroll through Paro town. Overnight hotel in Paro
Cost
The Cost Includes
- Twin sharing room in the best available accommodation hotel.
- Overland transportation with in Bhutan (Japanese vehicles).
- Sightseeing as per itinerary with English speaking guide.
- Necessary airport/ hotel/ airport transfers, cultural shows during trek.
- Accommodation in the best available tents (moss), with all meals.
- Air pillows sheets hot water bottles.
- Dinging tent, Kitchen tent, toilet tent.
- Backed to by our skillful and experience crew.
The Cost Excludes
- Kathmandu to Paro to Kathmandu Euro 241.00(air fare).
- International airport taxes.
- Bhutanese visa fee (Euro 14.00 payable at airport upon arrival).
- Nepal re-entry visa fee.
- Drinks at hotels/lodges and expense.
- Personal nature such as laundry.
- Trip insurance, etc.
- Visa fee.
- Airport tax and airfare.
- Beverage and laundry.
- Medicine and rescue flight.
