Colorful Festivals of Bhutan

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Bhutan without having to trek!Colorful Festivals of Bhutan Tour, take a step back in time for a glimpse of traditions and customs disappearing from the rest of the Himalayan world. Bhutan, a country of deep religious background will impress you through its magic everywhere. Gigantic mountains covered with thick primeval forests, the generous and welcoming attitude of its unassuming people, who have not rejected their spiritual heritage for modern ways, are all but that make up a for a unique cultural experience.

As you visit the country’s impressive whitewashed dzongs (fortress-monasteries that are thriving centers of worship and culture) and meet the people on hikes through the countryside, you will see how the past remains an integral part of the very vibrant present. A highlight is the Tsechu religious festival, an exuberant and earthy affair featuring fancifully costumed dancers performing masked dance-dramas before hundreds of onlookers. Mingling with the locals in this joyous celebration highlight of their social calendar is a unique honor, bestowed to only a limited number of visitors each year.

The Tshechu is a religious event celebrated on the 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 is 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.

Outline Itinerary

  • Day 01 : Fly to Paro
  • Day 02-03 : Attend the Tsechu Festival
  • Day 04 : Morning drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital
  • Day 05 : Scenic drive over the Dochu La (10,000′) to the Punakha Valley
  • Day 06 : Drive to Bumthang
  • Day 07-08 : Explore the monasteries and pilgrimage sites of the Bumthang Valley
  • Day 09 : Retrace much of our route across the country to Gangtey valley
  • Day 10 : Drive to Thimphu. Sightseeing in the afternoon
  • Day 11 : More sightseeing of Thimphu valley. Late afternoon drive to Paro
  • Day 12 : Depart Paro on Druk Air
View Detail Itinerary

Detail Itinerary

Day 01 : Fly to Paro
Day 02-03 : Attend the Tsechu Festival
Day 04 : Morning drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital
Day 05 : Scenic drive over the Dochu La (10,000′) to the Punakha Valley
Day 06 : Drive to Bumthang
Day 07-08 : Explore the monasteries and pilgrimage sites of the Bumthang Valley
Day 09 : Retrace much of our route across the country to Gangtey valley
Day 10 : Drive to Thimphu. Sightseeing in the afternoon
Day 11 : More sightseeing of Thimphu valley. Late afternoon drive to Paro
Day 12 : Depart Paro on Druk Air

Service Includes

  • Accommodation at 3-star hotel and tent camp
  • Govt. licensed and experienced trekking and culture Guide service
  • Experienced driver and comfortable transport service

Service Excludes

  • Alcoholic beverages & telephone calls
  • High risk medical insurance
  • Air tickets
  • Purely personal nature expenses
  • Emergency rescue evacuation if needed
You can choose your dates at the time of booking. Thanks!

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Nick Devincenzo,
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Plan Holidays did a fantastic job on our whole trip! We did the trip that included time in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan National Park and a 5-day trek around Annapurna. From the moment we stepped off the plane, we had guides showing us around and everything was perfectly planned for us. Maila, our trekking guide was amazing and had so much knowledge! It was a great trip!
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Karen Graves,
California

A wonderful trip

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West Jordan, Utah

Nice trip to Nepal

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Plan Holidays did a great job on the organization of this wonderful journey! We all had a great time, it was such a pleasure to meet all the friendly and humorous people of Nepal.
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