Transportation
SUV
Accomodation
3-5 Stars Hotels
Departure from
Paro
Meals
Breakfast and Dinner
Fitness level
Easy to Moderate

Overview

The Punakha Tshechu is one of Bhutan’s most celebrated festivals, held annually at the stunning Punakha Dzong. This vibrant event celebrates Bhutanese culture, religion, and history through spectacular mask dances, traditional music, and rituals. his festival, which typically takes place in the month of February or March, is a celebration of Bhutanese culture, religion, and traditions, drawing both locals and visitors from around the world.

The Tshechu is held at Punakha Dzong, the most famous and historically important fortress in Bhutan. The event features a variety of traditional mask dances, known as Cham, which are performed by monks and lay dancers dressed in vibrant, colorful costumes. These dances symbolize religious teachings, victories, and the triumph of good over evil. One of the highlights of the festival is the unveiling of the Thongdrel, a massive religious scroll that is displayed for public viewing, believed to bring blessings and purify the onlookers.

The Punakha Tshechu is not only a religious gathering but also an important social event, with people from surrounding villages coming together to witness the festivities, dress in their finest traditional clothes, and engage in communal activities.

Day 01 :

Arrive Paro – Drive to Capital City- Thimphu

Meet and greet at Paro International Airport and drive (1 hour) to the capital city of Bhutan, Thimphu.

A short stop on the way to view Tamchog Monastery which was built in 1420 by the historic Thang Tong Gyalpo, also known as the “The Iron Bridge Builder”.

Arrive Thimphu, check in to the hotel, refresh and serve lunch.

Sightseeing around Thimphu. Visit:

The local vegetable market
Heritage Museum
Textile museum
Simtokha Dzong- known to be the oldest fortress in Bhutan

Day 02 :

Thimphu Sightseeing

After breakfast, Visit Changangkha Lhakhang, a prominent Buddhist Temple which is popular site for parents to bring their newborns to receive blessings and protection from the deity.

Visit the National Memorial Stupa also known as the Memorial Chorten which was built in honor of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.

Have lunch

Then visit the following sites:

Buddha Point- Tallest Statue of Budhha (51.1 metres) at Kuensel Phodrang
The Takin (national animal of Bhutan) preserve Center
Snagay Gang Vie Point
Dupthop Lhakhang, the oldest nunnery in Thimphu.

In the evening, stoll around Thimphu town, rest in hotel

Day 03 :

Thimphu to Punakha (2 hours drive) – ½ day at the Punakha Tshechu

Early morning after breakfast, drive towards Punakha. On the way, stop at the beautiful Dochula Pass with 108 stupas/ chortens and enjoy the view of the Himalayas.

Witness the Punakha Tshechu Festival 2025. Enjoy the vibrant mask dances, known as Cham, performed by monks and lay dancers. The dances are symbolic of Bhutanese spirituality, history, and the triumph of good over evil. The highlight is the Thongdrel, a large religious scroll that is unfurled for blessings and purification.

After lunch, explore the Punakha Dzong, learn about the Dzong’s history, architecture and its role in shaping Bhutan’s religious and secular governance.

In the evening, walk across the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan (160 m). The bridge is the longest of its kind and connects the two sides of the Pho chu river. You will get a great view of the river, valley, temple, and a good boost of adrenaline as well.

Back to Hotel

Day 04 :

Punakha Tshechu Festival

After breakfast, attend the festival and witness more dances, including those performed to invoke blessings from various deities.

In the afternoon, short hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Monastery built by the third Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck this Chorten is a splendid example of the Bhutanese architecture and art and is the only one of its kind in the world.

Back to Hotel, rest.

Stroll around Punakha town

Day 05 :

Punakha to Paro (3 ½ hours drive)

In the morning, drive towards Paro.

On the way, quick visit to Chimi Lhakhang also known as the Temple of Fertility built in 1499 by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, popularly known as the Divine Madman.

On arriving Paro, check into the hotel.

Visit;

Paro Dzong known as Rinpung Dzong built by Zhandrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646.
Visit Ta Dzong built in 1649 which now houses the national Museum of Bhutan
Stroll around Paro Town

Back to Hotel

Day 6- Paro- Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery

After breakfast, hike to the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery also known as Paro Taktsang. This iconic monastery, perched on a cliffside, offers stunning views and a deep spiritual experience. The hike takes around 3-4 hours, with a stop at the cafeteria for lunch and views of the monastery.

In the afternoon, visit Drugyal Dzong built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1647.

Then visit Kinchu Lhakhang built in 659 AD by the Tibetan King Srongtsen Gampa. It is said that he built 108 temples in a single day to pin the ogress to the earth.

Evening stroll around Paro Town

Day 06 :

Departure