The Tshechu (Annual Festival)
The Tshechu is a festival honoring Guru Padma Sambhava, "one who was born from a lotus flower." This Indian saint contributed enormously to the diffusion of Tartaric Buddhism in the Himalayan regions of Tibet, Nepal, and Bhutan etc. around 800 AD. He is the founder of the Nyingmapa, the "old school" of Lamaism which still has numerous followers. The biography of Guru is highlighted by 12 episodes of the model of the Buddha Shakyamuni’s life.

Each episode is commemorated around the year on the 10th day of the month by "the Tshechu". The dates and the duration of the festivals vary from one district to another but they always take place on or around the 10th day of the month according to the Bhutanese calendar. During Tshechu, the dances are performed by monks as well as by laymen. The Tshechu is a religious festival and by attending it, it is believed one gains merits. It is also a yearly social gathering where the people, dressed in all their finery, come together to rejoice. Detailed explanation on the meaning of each dance performed during the Tshechu will be provided to guests by our tour guides.

09 DAYS THIMPU TSHECHU FESTIVAL

Day 1: Arrive Paro International Airport:
During the journey, one will experience from the left hand side of the plane breath taking view of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks including the sacred Jhomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by representative from Bhutan Majestic Travel who will escort you to Hotel. Afternoon: Paro town stalling and acclimatizing with the altitude of Paro which is at 2200mts. Overnight hotel in Paro.

Day 2 Paro – Thimphu:
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.

Day 3 Thimphu Tshechu: 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.

Day 4 Morning - attend Tshechu: 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.

Day 5 Thimphu – Punakha: 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.

Day 6 Punakha – Gangtey – Wangdue: 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.

Day 7 Wangdue – Paro: 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.

Day 8 Paro- Paro: Drive to the base of Tiger’s Nest and hike up to the Taktsang, the round trip takes about 4hours. Its worth climbing and enjoy 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.

Day 9 Paro - International Airport: See off by your Tour Guide and Driver.