Experience to Bhutan Tours and Trek

Festival tour

Paro Tshechu

6 Days 5 Nights · Easy

Duration6 Days 5 Nights
DifficultyEasy
Elevation2,200 – 4,235 m
Tour TypeCultural

Overview

Discover the spiritual heart of Bhutan on this 6-day cultural journey featuring the spectacular Paro Tshechu, one of the kingdom’s oldest and most sacred religious festivals. Held annually in the courtyard of the magnificent Rinpung Dzong, the festival brings together monks and local communities in a vibrant celebration of faith, tradition and culture. Witness sacred mask dances, centuries-old rituals and colourful ceremonies that have been preserved for generations, offering a rare glimpse into Bhutan’s living Buddhist heritage.

Beyond the festival, explore Bhutan’s most iconic destinations as you journey through the beautiful valleys of Thimphu, Punakha and Paro. Visit ancient fortresses, sacred temples and breathtaking mountain passes while learning about Bhutan’s unique philosophy of Gross National Happiness. Complete your adventure with a memorable hike to the legendary Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), one of the world’s most spectacular pilgrimage sites perched dramatically on a cliff above the Paro Valley.

Itinerary

Elevation: 2,320 metres

Welcome to Bhutan, the Land of Happiness. Touching down at Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by your guide upon exiting the arrival hall. We will take it easy to acclimatise to the altitude before driving to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Once you settle into your hotel, we will begin to unlock the mysteries of Bhutan by touring Thimphu’s most important sites.

Visit the National Memorial Chorten, built in 1974 in memory of the Third King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Continue to the magnificent Buddha Dordenma, one of the largest seated Buddha statues in the world, overlooking the entire Thimphu Valley.

Explore Simtokha Dzong, the first fortress built in Bhutan in 1629, renowned for its beautifully painted Buddhist murals and traditional architecture. Continue to Simply Bhutan, an interactive living museum offering a fascinating introduction to Bhutanese culture and traditions. Here you can try archery, wear traditional dress, learn about Bhutanese village life and sample local ara.

Later, visit the Motithang Takin Preserve, home to Bhutan’s unique national animal, before enjoying a leisurely walk around Thimphu town for shopping and exploring the local atmosphere.

Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu

Elevation: 2,280 metres

After breakfast, spend the day experiencing the vibrant Paro Tshechu, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most spectacular religious festivals. Held in the historic courtyard of Rinpung Dzong, the festival attracts thousands of Bhutanese pilgrims and visitors from around the world, all gathering to receive blessings and celebrate Bhutan’s rich spiritual heritage.

Witness sacred Cham dances performed by monks and lay dancers dressed in elaborate silk costumes and traditional masks. These sacred performances depict Buddhist teachings, historical legends and the triumph of good over evil. Throughout the day, your guide will explain the symbolism behind the dances and the important role they play in Bhutanese Buddhism.

The Paro Tshechu is also one of the best opportunities to experience authentic Bhutanese culture. Local families arrive wearing their finest traditional attire, creating a colourful atmosphere filled with prayer, celebration and community spirit. Take time to observe daily life, interact with local people and capture unforgettable photographs of this remarkable cultural event.

Return to your hotel after a truly memorable day.

Overnight: Hotel in Paro

Elevation: 2,280 metres

Paro Valley extends from the confluence of the Pa Chhu and Wang Chhu rivers at Chuzom to Mount Jomolhari on the Tibetan border. This picturesque region is one of the widest valleys in Bhutan, covered in fertile rice fields with a crystal-clear river flowing through its centre. Home to more than 155 temples and monasteries, Paro is rich in both history and culture.

Visit Rinpung Dzong, one of Bhutan’s strongest and most important fortresses, overlooking the Pa Chhu River. Continue to the National Museum of Bhutan (Ta Dzong), which houses an impressive collection of religious artefacts, traditional costumes, ancient weapons and Bhutanese artwork, providing fascinating insights into the country’s history and culture.

Later, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples, dating back to the 7th century. The temple is famous for its revered statues and the mystical orange tree that bears fruit throughout the year.

In the evening, enjoy leisure time exploring Paro town, visiting cafés, handicraft shops and local boutiques.

Overnight: Hotel in Paro

Elevation: 2,280 metres

Paro Valley extends from the confluence of the Pa Chhu and Wang Chhu rivers at Chuzom to Mount Jomolhari on the Tibetan border. This picturesque region is one of the widest valleys in Bhutan, covered in fertile rice fields with a crystal-clear river flowing through its centre. Home to more than 155 temples and monasteries, Paro is rich in both history and culture.

Visit Rinpung Dzong, one of Bhutan’s strongest and most important fortresses, overlooking the Pa Chhu River. Continue to the National Museum of Bhutan (Ta Dzong), which houses an impressive collection of religious artefacts, traditional costumes, ancient weapons and Bhutanese artwork, providing fascinating insights into the country’s history and culture.

Later, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples, dating back to the 7th century. The temple is famous for its revered statues and the mystical orange tree that bears fruit throughout the year.

In the evening, enjoy leisure time exploring Paro town, visiting cafés, handicraft shops and local boutiques.

Overnight: Hotel in Paro

Walking distance: approximately 4-5 hrs
Difficulty: Moderate-Strenuous 

Strenuous treks are extended walking in a mountain terrain at higher altitudes. Trekkers should be able to cope with difficult paths on steep mountainsides. After breakfast, we hike toward one of Bhutan’s most sacred places—the site of a Cliffside monastery and an important pilgrimage destination. Partly damaged by fire in 1998, the Taksang (meaning Tiger’s Nest) Monastery was built atop the cave where Guru Rimpoche,  the father of Mahayana Buddhism, meditated for three months after arriving in the Paro Valley on the back of a legendary tigress.  

You’re likely to see locals displaying handicrafts for sale along the route to the monastery. The trail rises slowly above the valley, passing through fields, forests and by large  prayer wheels turned by a stream. We continue hiking across an open meadow and up a steep  trail to a ridge where prayer flags rustle in the wind. Just beyond is the Taktsang teahouse, at  9,200 feet, where we stop to enjoy a hot drink and striking views of the monastery across the valley. Our lunch today takes place at the Taksang View Point Cafeteria enjoying typical Bhutanese food while taking in phenomenal views of the monastery perched across the ravine. We then retrace our steps for the descent back at the base of this rewarding pilgrimage. 

Around evening/night Farewell and hot stone bath in Bhutanese farm house

Overnight, Hotel in Paro.

Thank you for visiting Bhutan, we hope you had a great stay here in Bhutan and taking  the best memories from Bhutan. Experience to Bhutan wishes you a very safe flight and best  wishes, we hope to see you again.  

Khadenchela…

What the journey includes

Included

  • 3-star hotel accommodation
  • All meals (B/L/D)
  • Private transportation throughout
  • Licensed English-speaking guide
  • Experienced driver
  • Bhutan visa included
  • Government fees, taxes & SDF
  • All entrance fees & permits
  • Complimentary bottled water

Not included

  • International airfare to/from Bhutan
  • Personal expenses
  • Beverages
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips & gratuities

Gallery

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