+975 77713013 | +1 (845) 978-2189
[email protected]
Tshechu is a religious festival meaning “tenth day” held annually in various temples, monasteries and dzongs throughout the country.
The 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.
Two of the most popular Tshechus in the country are the Paro and Thimphu Tshechus in terms of participation and audience. Besides the locals, many tourists from across the world are attracted to these unique, colorful and exciting displays of traditional culture.
This seven-day Bhutan tour begins in Paro with visits to Rinpung Dzong and Paro Valley farmhouses. You’ll journey to Punakha and Wangdue, exploring Tachog Lhakhang, Dochula Pass, and Punakha Dzong. In Thimphu, experience the Thimphu Dromchoe festival, visit the Centenary Farmers’ Market, the Takin Preserve, and several cultural sites. The tour includes a hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a trip to the Bhutan Post Office, National Textile Museum, and a hike to Tango Monastery. The highlight is a day hike to the iconic Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest). The tour concludes with a visit to Kyichu Temple before departure from Paro.
This eight-day tour of Bhutan begins with arrival in Paro, where you’ll visit Rinpung Dzong, traditional farmhouses, and the Druk Home Museum. You’ll hike to the renowned Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) and then travel to Thimphu. Here, you’ll attend the Dochula Druk Wangyel Festival and enjoy scenic views from Dochula Pass. In Punakha, explore Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Lhakhang and Punakha Dzong, followed by a visit to the fertility shrine, Chhimi Lhakhang, and Rinchengang village. The tour includes a trip to Phobjikha Valley, home to the endangered black-necked cranes, and a return to Thimphu for cultural sightseeing, including traditional arts, crafts, and a visit to the National Memorial Chorten. You’ll celebrate Bhutan’s National Day and visit the Takin Preserve before concluding the tour in Paro.
This nine-day tour of Bhutan begins in Paro with visits to local farmhouses, the Druk Home Museum, and Kyichu Temple. You’ll experience the vibrant Paro Tshechu festival, explore the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, and visit the National Museum. The journey continues to Thimphu for city tours, including the Tashichhoe Dzong and the Postal Museum. A short nature hike to Tango Monastery is included before traveling to Punakha via the Dochula pass. Highlights in Punakha include the Punakha Dzong and a visit to Chhimi Lhakhang. The tour concludes with a return to Paro for a visit to Drukgyel Dzong and departure.
This nine-day tour of Bhutan begins with arrival in Paro, followed by a scenic drive to Thimphu. Highlights in Thimphu include the Tashichhoe Dzong, the Craft Bazaar, and various museums. Journeying to Punakha and Wangdue offers stunning views from Dochula Pass and visits to significant monasteries. The tour includes participation in the Punakha Drubchen and Tsechu festivals, which showcase Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage. A day trip to the Phobjikha Valley provides opportunities to see the rare black-necked cranes. The tour concludes with a hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Paro before departure.
The Bhutan tour begins with arrival in Paro, then a drive to Thimphu to explore Tashichhoe Dzong and local crafts. The next day includes visits to landmarks like Kuenselphodrang and the National Textile Museum. Traveling through Dochula Pass to Punakha, you’ll visit Chhimi Lhakhang and Punakha Dzong. The journey continues to Trongsa and Bumthang, highlighting cultural sites and festivals. In Ura Valley, attend the Ura Yakchoe festival. Return via Phobjikha Valley, home to black-necked cranes, then travel back to Paro. The trip concludes with a hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery and visits to Rinpung Dzong and Kyichu Temple, ending with departure from Paro.
On arrival in Paro, you’ll visit Rinpung Dzong, Rimpung Bridge, local farmhouses, and Paro town. Travel to Thimphu to explore the Bhutan Post Office, National Museum, Simply Bhutan, traditional arts schools, and local markets. Journey through Dochula Pass to Punakha to see 108 chortens, Punakha Dzong, and Chhimi Lhakhang. Continue to Trongsa for its museum and Dzong, then to Bumthang for temples and the Jambay Lhakhang festival. Visit Phobjikha Valley, Gangtey Monastery, and Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten before returning to Paro for a hike to Taktsang Goempa and Kichu Lhakhang. Departure from Paro ends the tour.
