Paro Festival Tour
At different times of the year, the annual festivals known as "Tshechus" take place in different parts of the country. Tshechus are festivals extolling the great deeds of the Saint Padmasambhava also known as "Guru Rinpoche," in Bhutan. These great deeds are all believed to have taken place on the 10th day of the month which is the meaning of the word 'Tshechu.' Even though all Tshechus do not, in practice, take place on 10th days. All the districts, dzongs and a large number of villages in the east, have an annual Tshechu which attact people from various places.
Tshechus are celebrated for several days, between three to five days according to their location, and are the occasion for dances that are clearly defined in religious content. They can be performed by monks, laymen or gomchens and the repertoire is the same practically everywhere.
For the Bhutanese, religious festivals offer an opportunity to become immersed in the meaning of their religion and gain much merit. They are also occasions for seeing people, and for being seen, for social exchanges, and for flaunting success. People bring out their finest clothes, their most beautiful jewelleries, and go for picnic with abundant food, Men and women joke and flirt. An atmosphere of convivial, slightly ribald good humour prevails.
Paro Tshechu
DATES:
16th March 2008
4th April 2009
12 days – 11 nights
Day 1: BKK-Paro
Arrive in Paro where you will be met and escorted to the hotel.
After lunch visit the National Museum. Evening explore Paro
town. Overnight at hotel.
Day 2: Paro
Full day at Paro festival. Overnight at hotel.
Day 3: Paro-Punakha
After breakfast drive to Punakha. Check in and lunch at the
hotel. After lunch visit Punakha dzong and evening hike to
Chimi Lhakhang dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenlay who is also
known as "Divine Madman" in the west. This temple is also
worshipped for fertility by Bhutanese women. Overnight at
hotel.
Day 4: Punakha-Trongsa
Morning continue your eastward journey to Trongsa. On route
visit Wangdue Dzong built in 1638 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
Resume your journey. Lunch at Chendebji Choeten. Overnight
at hotel.
Day 5: Trongsa-Jakar
Morning visit Majestic Trongsa Dzong and then drive to visit
the Kuenga Rabten Palace which is the winter palace of the
first and the second king. Back to Trongsa for lunch. After
lunch drive to Jakar. Overnight at lodge.
Day 6: Jakar
Full day sightseeing of Jakar valley which includes - 7th
century Jakar Dzong, Jambay Lhakhang and Kurjey Lhakhang.
After lunch visit Tamzhing Lhakhang, Kuenchosum Lhakhang and
visit the Swiss farm where you may want to try Gouda Cheese.
You will wrap up your day exploring Jakar town. Overnight
at lodge.
Day 7: Jakar-Punakha
Morning drive to Punakha. Lunch on route at Chendebji. Overnight
at hotel.
Day 8: Punakha-Thimphu
Morning drive to Thimphu. Upon arrival visit the weekend market.
Check in and lunch at the hotel. After lunch visit Memorial
Choeten, Changangkha Lhakhang, Sangaygang viewpoint and Dubthob
Lhakhang which is now a nunnery with over 60 practising nuns.
Evening visit the Handicrafts Emporium to bring back souvenirs
for family and friends. Overnight at hotel.
Day 9: Thimphu
Morning visit the Textile Museum, Folk Heritage Museum, Institute
of Zorig Chusum (Also Known as painting school) and National
Library. After lunch drive north of Thimphu valley to hike
to Tango Monastery which is now a college for learning higher
Buddhist philosophy. Overnight at hotel.
Day 10: Thimphu-Paro
Morning at leisure. Time to explore Thimphu town or do any
final shopping you may have. After lunch you will drive to
Paro. Overnight at hotel.
Day 11: Paro
Day excursion to Taktshang Goenpa, also known at Tiger's Nest.
Lunch at the cafeteria with the view of the monastery. After
lunch visit Drukgyal Dzong which-built in 1649 to commemorate
the victory of Bhutanese armies over Tibetan intruders. This
is now in ruins after it was burnt down by fire in 1951. You
will wrap up your final day in Bhutan with visit to the 7th
century Kyichu Lhakhang. Farewell dinner and overnight at
hotel.
Day 12: Paro-BKK
After breakfast your local host will transfer to Paro International
Airport for your onward journey.
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