“THE THIMPHU TSHECHU FESTIVAL”

“THE THIMPHU TSHECHU FESTIVAL”

Activities:
Bhutan Festival Tours
Duration:
8 Days

 

Bhutan a purely Buddhist Himalayan Kingdom is unsurpassed in its scenic majesty and vibrant culture. The kingdom shares with Nepal the world’s greatest concentration of Mountains and living heritage of Buddhism. The fifty minutes flight from Kathmandu to Paro can truly be described as a flight into fantasy. During the flight a firsthand close up view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga and many other famous Peaks become a reality. Bi-weekly flights between these two Kingdoms have made travel easier to the long isolated Dragon Kingdom of Bhutan.

About Thimphu Tshechu Festival

The Tsechu is a festival in honor of Padmasambhava-“one who was born from a lotus flower “, popularly known under the name of ” Guru Rimpoche ” the Precious Teacher. This Indian saint contributed enormously to the diffusion of Tantric Buddhism in the Himalayan region of Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, etc. around 800 A.D. The biography of Guru Rimpoche is highlighted by 12 episodes on the model of the Buddha Shakyamuni’s life.

Each episode is commemorated around the year on the 10th day of the month by “the Tsechu “which has become the name of a very popular festival. The dates and the duration of the festival vary from one district to another but they always take a place on or around the 10th day of the month according to the Bhutanese calendar.

 

Highlights of Thimphu Festival:

Thimphu festival is one of the most popular festivals in the country. During the mask dances known as cham are performed to bless onlookers, teach them the Buddhist dharma, protect them from misfortune, and exorcise all evil. It is believed that merit is gained by attending the Tshechu. The dances invoke the deities to wipe out misfortunes, increase luck and grant personal wishes.

A group of ladies performs traditional Bhutanese dances during the intervals between masked dances. Apart from its religious implications, the Tsechu is also an annual social gathering where people dress in their finest clothing and jewelry. Bring you closer contact with the people and give you an insight into the Bhutanese lives, beliefs, and more.

Itinerary In Detail

  • Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu and Sightseeing tour.(1,400 m / 4,595 ft.)

    Upon arrival in Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, meet assist and transfer to the hotel for short refreshment and breakfast.

    Later after drive to  Bhaktapur City, literally the “City of Devotees”, is renowned for its elegant art, fabulous culture, colorful festivals, traditional dances and the typical Newari lifestyle. Here explore the Royal Palace, the Golden Gate, and the entrance to the Palace of 55 Windows, known as the most significant piece of art in Nepal. Then visit the highest temple in the entire Kathmandu Valley- the Nyatapola Temple. This is also listed on a UNISCO world heritage site.

    Later continue to Patan City, this ancient city of Patan also known as the “city of fine arts” or Lalitpur houses the residence of the former Patan royal family. Patan Durbar Square and its surroundings are good specimen of ancient Newari architecture. There are three main courtyards in the palace: Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk and Keshav Narayan Chowk. Mul Chowk, the oldest one, is at the center of Patan   square.

     Pm:  After lunch drive up to Swayambhunath Stupa situated atop a hill from where you could get a bird’s eye view of Kathmandu valley. The Swayambhunath Stupa is also known as the “Monkey Temple”, which is listed UNESCO world heritage Site.

    Overnight at hotel.

     

  • Day 2: Arrival in Kathmandu, connect to Paro (Bhutan) and Drive to Thimphu (2,248 m / 7,380 ft.) – 55 Km / 1.5 hr.

    Upon arrival meet assist and proceed to departure terminal of Kathmandu’s International Airport to board the Druk Air Flight to Paro (KB 401 – ETD 09:10 / ETA 10:30). After completion airport formalities transfer to nearby restaurant for some refreshment and lunch.

     Later start scenic drive to Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu, which is home to many attractions. Thimphu became a town in 1961 and grew as the capital of Bhutan. Earlier it was a small settlement and was developed by the King Jigme Dorje Wangchuk. Today the city sprawls across the western slopes of the Wang Chhu river valley, with several government offices located around Tashichoe dzong. It houses the seat of government and the office of His Majesty King Jigme Singey Wangchuk. There are lots of sightseeing attractions of which some of the highlights are the General post office, handicraft centre, national library etc.

     Pm: After lunch, check in at hotel for short rest and refreshment.

     Eve: Visit giant stupa of Lord Buddha and Memorial Chortain, built in the memory of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, 15 centuries where you can sit with devoted people, chant mantras, and even prostrate as a form of prayer and meditation.

    Dinner and overnight at hotel.

  • Day 3: Witness Thimphu Tshechu Festival and Sightseeing tour.

    Am: After breakfast transfer to Tashichhodzong to witness Thimphu Tshechu Festival.

     Pm: After lunch visit mini-Zoo to see the rare ‘Takin’ (National animal of Bhutan) preservation center and visit Semthokha Dzong, one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan.  

     Eve: Stroll around Thimphu Bazaar.

    Dinner and overnight at hotel.

     

  • Day 04 : Drive to Punakha to visit Punakha Dzong (1,310 m / 4,296 ft.) – 70 km / 3 hrs.

    After breakfast, start drive eastwards to the Punakha Valley. Continue ascending to Dochu La (pass) to view the 108 Stupas, commissioned by a former Queen as a memorial to those who lost their lives during the low intensity conflict in late 2002 when Bhutan evicted Indian rebels camped in the jungle on the Bhutan – Indian border. On a clear day you will witness a breathtaking view of the eastern Himalaya and depending on the time of the year the vista can vary from alpine snow (November – March)

     After visiting 108 Stupas, continue drive to Punakh Valley en-route stop at Labessa for lunch. After lunch drive to magnificent Punakha Dzong for sightseeing tour. It was built strategically at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and strative centre of the region; Punakha Dzong has played an important role in Bhutan’s history. Damaged by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has been fully restored by the present King. After sightseeing tour transfer to hotel for room check in and rest.

     Eve: Drive to beautiful Wolakha Nunnery on top of Punakha Valley to participate on Evening rituals with Nuns who will offer blessings to the people who participate with them for rituals.

    Dinner and overnight at hotel.

  • Day 05: Visit Chimme Lhakhang & drive back to Paro (1,310 m / 4,296 ft.) – 70 km / 3 hrs.

    Am: After breakfast, short drive and walk through the farmland to Visit famous Chimmi Lakhang Temple which was built in 1944 in the Memory of Lama Drukpa Kunley (1455 – 1570) was an enlightened Buddhist master who practiced the Vajrayana form of Buddhism. He followed a non-conventional and outrageous style of teaching. Drukpa Kunley roamed around the countryside and indulged in song and dance, alcohol and women. In short, he meant to go beyond the norms and conventions set by the society. Hence he is also known as divine madman. He had also tamed the fierce demon of Dochu La pass. He imprisoned her and buried her in the main chorten where Chimi Lhakhang was built. Lama Drukpa Kunley’s phallus is also known as the ‘flaming thunderbolt’ and is essentially worshipped here. Lamas inside the monastery distribute sacred threads among the pilgrims as a part of the offering. It is believed that childless women who visit the temple will conceive after receiving a “wang” (blessing) from the resident monk.

     Pm: Drive back to Paro en-route stop at scenic place for lunch. 

     Eve:  Visit Kychu Lakhang, where you can witness people offer butter lamp in the memory of departed soul from their family.

    Dinner and overnight at hotel.

  • Day 6: Sightseeing tour of Paro.

    Am: After breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing tour of ruined fortress of Drugyel dzong which still attracts visitors due to the strategic location of the fort. En-route to Drukyal Dzong you have a distance view of beautiful Taksang Monastery which is also known as “Tiger’s nest”

     After visiting Drugyel Dzong return back to Paro town for lunch. After lunch, proceed through a beautiful vally to the watch tower or locally known as Ta-Dzong. It was housed into the National museum in the 1960s by the third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The seven floors museum highlights various aspects of Bhutanese culture and history dating back to the 7th century. A short walk downhill to the Rinpung Dzong which serves as the administrative center and school for monks. Walk further down crossing the traditional bridge into Paro Town and stroll around Paro Market.

    Dinner and overnight at hotel.

     

  • Day 07: Departure from Bhutan, arrival in Kathmandu and Sightseeing tour.

    After early breakfast transfer to Paro International Airport to board the Druk Air flight to Kathmandu (Flight no: KB 400 ETD 07:10 / ETA 08:10).  

     Upon arrival proceed proceed to Pashupatinath Temple, with its astonishing architectural beauty, stands as a symbol of faith, religion, culture and tradition. Regarded as the most sacred temple of Hindu Lord Shiva in the world, Pashupatinath Temple’s existence dates back to 400 A.D. The richly-ornamented pagoda houses the sacred linga or phallic symbol of Lord Shiva. Thousands of pilgrims from all over the world come to pay homage to this temple that is also known as ‘The Temple of Living Beings’, which is listed UNESCO world heritage Site.

     Later transfer to hotel for room check in and refreshment.  Later continue to Bouddhanath Stupa, the biggest stupa in Nepal. This is also called by many as Khasti Chitya, is one of the oldest stupas in the country. The stupa, a well-known Buddhist pilgrimage site, is included in World Heritage Cultural site list by UNESCO. With diameter of about 100m and 40m height, Buddhanath holds its place among the largest stupa in the world. 

    Later.

    After lunch in Bouddhanath, proceed for sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square. Listed as one of the eight Cultural World Heritage site by UNESCO, Kathmandu Durbar Square is a cluster of ancient temples, palaces, courtyards and streets that date back to the 12th and 18th centuries. The square is known to be the social, religious and urban focal point of the Capital City. The Palace Complex was the royal Nepalese residence until the 19th century and was the site of important ceremonies, such as the coronation of the Nepalese monarch. We can also visit Temple of Living Goddess “Kumari”, and the Kasthamandap Temple, which is believed to be constructed from the wood of a single tree from which Kathmandu derives its name.

     Eve: Group farewell dinner at nice Restaurant.

    Overnight at hotel.

     

  • Day 08: Final departure.

    Free until final departure transfer to Kathmandu’s International Airport.

Asiatic Roads

Any Question?
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Whats Include and Exclude

Services Inclued

NEPAL PART

  1. All arrival, departure transfers, sightseeing and drives in a private AC vehicle.
  2. Sightseeing tour as per itinerary including monumental fees.
  3. Hotel accommodation (as above) in specific meal plan.
  4. All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
  5. Services of English-speaking tour guide throughout the tour.
  6. All applicable current government taxes.

                                                                  

BHUTAN PART

  1. Bhutan Government Tourism Royalty. 
  2. Five nights stay at Hotel / Resorts (as above) on double/ twin room sharing basis inclusive of daily breakfast and dinner.  
  3. All lunches during the sightseeing tour in a nice tourist class restaurant.
  4. All Lunches at the local tourist restaurant.
  5. Safe drinking water during all drive and sightseeing tour.
  6. Traditional Hot Stone bath.
  7. All transfers and sightseeing tour by a private AC Vehicle.
  8. Bhutan Visa and all entrance fees. 
  9. Services of an English-speaking guide.
  10. Guided sightseeing tour inclusive of monumental fees.

 

 

Services not Inclued

NEPAL PART

  1. International Airfares to/from Kathmandu and airport departure taxes.
  2. Items of a personal nature such as bar bills, telephone calls, laundry, gratitude to guide and driver
  3. Personal insurance, evacuation and medical expenses.

 

BHUTAN PART

  1. Luxury Hotel Supplement for Tour Leader.
  2. Regional airfare for Tour Leader (i.e Kathmandu / Paro / Kathmandu)
  3. International & regional airfare (quoted separately)
  4. Personal nature expenses. 
  5. Expenses incurred due to natural calamities. 
  6. Gratitude to driver and Guide. 
  7. Anything which is not mentioned in above cost includes section. 

 

Asiatic Roads

Any Question?
Feel free to call our travel experts.

+977 9851189018, +977 9801089018 info@asiaticroads.com
Asiatic Roads

Any Question?
Feel free to call our travel experts.

+977 9851189018, +977 9801089018 info@asiaticroads.com

Reviews

In my 2 week stay, John was very professional and took me around to experience all that Kathmandu and surrounding areas has to offer. Sites were seen and many locals were met through John’s network.

Steven Stone

Steven Stone

Traveller

In my 2 week stay, John was very professional and took me around to experience all that Kathmandu and surrounding areas has to offer. Sites were seen and many locals were met through John’s network.

Steven Stone

Steven Stone

Traveller
Asiatic Roads

Any Question?
Feel free to call our travel experts.

+977 9851189018, +977 9801089018 info@asiaticroads.com
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