11 Days Bhutan Trongsa Tshechu Festival Tour

Highlight: Arrive in Bhutan and visit the National Memorial Chorten, Tashichho Dzong, and Buddha Dordenma Statue.

Welcome to Bhutan, the land of the “Thunder Dragon”.

Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will meet your local travel guide and driver at the airport’s Arriving Hall.

Then, you will be transferred to Thimphu (2,350m), the capital city of Bhutan. Covering a total distance of around 54 kilometers, it will take you about 1 hour to get to Thimphu from Paro (2,250m).

On the way, you will first encounter a private temple - Tschogang Lhakhang, the temple of the excellent horse. Keep driving to Thimphu, you will have a short stop at Chuzom, a confluence where the Paro Chhu and Wong Chhu meet. It is decorated with three different styles of stupas, namely Tibetan, Nepalese, and Bhutanese.

After arriving in Thimphu, your guide will help you check in at the hotel. You can also take a short rest if needed.

Later, you will visit Tashichho Dzong, the eminent fortress where the national government and central monastic body are located. In addition, here sits the summer residence of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot of Bhutan.

After that, you will visit the King’s Memorial Chortern (National Memorial Chorten), a stupa built in memory of the third king in 1974. The display inside shows good statues of tantric Buddhist and its philosophy.

Stay overnight in Thimphu.

Thimphu National Memorial Chorten

Highlights: Visit National Folk Heritage Museum, Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory, Simtokha Dzong, and Motithang Takin Preserve in Thimphu.

After breakfast, you will first visit the National Folk Heritage Museum. It dedicates itself to connecting people with the rich Bhutanese folk heritage and rural history through exhibits, demonstrations, educational programs, and documentation of Bhutanese rural life. The museum will strive to disseminate the rich cultural heritage across generations by preserving it in different forms.

Next, you will head to visit Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory. The factor is located approximately 1 kilometer from Thimphu city, and uses the bark of two tree species (the Daphne tree, and Dhekap tree) in the manufacture of traditional paper. You can observe the entire process of producing handmade paper using ancient traditional methods that have been practiced for generations. Besides, you are able to try your hand at this ancient craft and make some paper of your own as a souvenir.

Later, you will drive to upper Motithang in Thimphu to visit Motithang Takin Preserve, a wildlife reserve area for takin (Budorcas taxicolor), the national animal of Bhutan. It's worthwhile taking the time to see these oddball mammals here.

You will end today’s sightseeing after visiting Simtokha Dzong. It was built by Zhabdrung to consolidate his domain and subdue the demon in 1629. Nowadays, it is often said to be the first dzong built in Bhutan.

Stay overnight in Thimphu.

Simtokha Dzong

Highlights: Cross Dochula Pass and visit Chimi Lhakhang and Punakha Dzong.

In the morning, you will depart from Paro and drive toward Punakha. The journey will take you through Chunzom, the confluence of the Pachu and Wangchu Rivers, which are considered the cradle of Bhutan’s civilization, flowing through Paro and Thimphu valleys respectively.

Along the way, you will ascend Dochu La Pass (3,100m), a scenic mountain pass that offers panoramic views of the eastern Himalayas on clear days. This is a perfect spot for photography and to appreciate the breathtaking natural beauty of Bhutan’s highlands.

Next, you will continue your journey to Punakha. En route, you will visit Chimi Lhakhang, also known as Chime Monastery. Standing on a small hillock close to the village of Lobesa, it is a beautiful Buddhist monastery that was built in the 14th Drukpa hierarchy, Ngawang Choegyel.

After that, you will head to visit the Punakha Dzong. Standing by the riverside of Pho Chu and Mo Chu, Punakha Dzong is one of the most impressive buildings and one of the top favorite attractions in Bhutan. Moreover, the rectangular-shaped fortress is also an honorable treasury that preserves numerous Buddhist relics and historical legacies.

Stay overnight in Punakha.

Dochu La Pass

Highlights: Enjoy a scenic drive through Bhutan's mountain valleys, admire panoramic views from Pele La Pass, visit Chendebji Chorten, and explore Trongsa Dzong and the Trongsa National Museum.

After breakfast, you will leave Punakha for Trongsa, traveling through Wangdue Phodrang and enjoying the beautiful countryside of central Bhutan. Along the way, you'll pass through forests of oak and pine trees, traditional villages, and picturesque mountain valleys.

As you continue toward Trongsa, you will cross Pele La Pass (3,300m), where you can enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The journey then takes you past Chendebji Chorten, a large white stupa set in a peaceful valley. You'll have time to admire its traditional architecture and enjoy the surrounding scenery before continuing to Trongsa.

Upon arrival in Trongsa, you will visit the Trongsa National Museum, housed in the historic Ta Dzong watchtower. Here, you can discover Bhutan's royal history and cultural heritage through a collection of traditional artifacts, religious objects, and historical exhibits.

Afterward, you will explore Trongsa Dzong, the largest dzong fortress in Bhutan, dramatically situated on a ridge overlooking the Mangde Chhu River gorge. As you walk through its impressive courtyards and traditional buildings, you'll learn about its important role in Bhutanese history and enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding valley.

Stay overnight in Trongsa.

Chendebji Chorten

Highlights: Attend the colorful Trongsa Tshechu Festival, watch traditional mask dances and religious performances, and explore the magnificent Trongsa Dzong.

After breakfast, you will attend the Trongsa Tshechu Festival, one of Bhutan's oldest and most important religious festivals, held in the courtyard of the historic Trongsa Dzong. During the celebration, monks and local performers dressed in elaborate costumes and colorful masks perform sacred mask dances (Cham), accompanied by traditional music. You'll have the chance to celebrate alongside local Bhutanese people and experience their rich Buddhist traditions firsthand.

After enjoying the festival, you will explore Trongsa Dzong, the largest dzong fortress in Bhutan, dramatically situated on a ridge overlooking the Mangde Chhu River gorge. As you walk through its impressive courtyards and traditional buildings, you'll discover the dzong's beautiful Bhutanese architecture and learn about its important role in the country's religious and royal history.

After a day of cultural experiences, you will return to your hotel and relax.

Stay overnight in Trongsa.

Trongsa Tshechu festival

Highlights: Witness the sacred Thongdrel unveiling ceremony at Trongsa Tshechu, enjoy mountain views from Yotong La Pass, and discover traditional Yathra weaving in Zugney Village.

In the morning, you will return to Trongsa Dzong for the final day of the Trongsa Tshechu Festival. One of the most special moments is the unveiling of the Thongdrel, a giant sacred silk thangka depicting Buddhist figures. Local devotees gather to view the Thongdrel and receive blessings, making it a memorable opportunity to experience Bhutan's deeply rooted Buddhist traditions.

In the afternoon, you will leave Trongsa for Bumthang, enjoying a scenic drive through the mountains of central Bhutan. Along the way, you will cross Yotong La Pass (3,400m), surrounded by beautiful forests and mountain landscapes.

You will also stop at Zugney Village, famous for its traditional Yathra weaving. Here, you can watch local artisans weaving colorful woolen fabrics with distinctive geometric patterns and learn about this traditional Bhutanese craft.

Upon arrival in Bumthang, you will check into your hotel and relax after the journey.

Stay overnight in Bumthang.

Attend the Trongsa Tshechu

Highlight: Explore the cultural heritages in Bumthang, such as Jakar Dzong, Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, and Namkhe Nyingpo Goemba.

In the morning, you will first visit Jakar Dong in Bumthang Valley. With a circumference of more than 1,500 meters, Jakar Dzong is one of the most majestic dzongs in Bhutan and is widely accepted as a wonderful piece of architectural art all over the country.

Then, you are going to worship the Jambay Lhakhang, a temple built by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet in 659 AD. It is one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples, which was renovated by Sindhu Raja after Guru Rinpoche restored his life with his magical powers.

After that, you will continue to visit the nearby Kurjey Lhakhang. It houses the imprint of Guru Rimpoche who meditated in a cave where the monastery was built.

Finally, you will explore Namkhe Nyingpo Goemba, a large Nyingmapa monastery located on a hill to the east of Jakar. Built in the 1970s by Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche, it offers a serene and spiritual experience.

Stay overnight in Bumthang.

Jambay Lhakhang

Highlight: Drive back to Gangtey through Phobjikha Valley and visit Gangtey Monastery.

After breakfast, you will start your journey to Gangtey (2,890m), located 163 kilometers from Bumthang. Also known as Phobjikha, Gangtey is one of Bhutan’s most stunning destinations and serves as the winter home for a group of endangered black-necked cranes that migrate annually from the Tibetan Plateau.

Upon your arrival, you will visit Gangtey Monastery, generally known as Gangtey Goempa. Situated atop a hill at an altitude of 2800m, the monastery offers a stunning view of Phobjikha Valley.

Stay overnight in Gangtey.

Gangtey Monastery

Highlight: Drive back to Paro and visit Simtokha Dzong and Paro Rinpung Dzong.

Getting up early this morning, you will say farewell to the charming Gangtey Valley and take a 5-hour drive back to Paro.

En route, you will visit the Simtokha Dzong. Built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, Simtokha Dzong is often said to be the first dzong in Bhutan.

Upon your arrival in Paro, you will visit Paro Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong), a fortress once built to defend the valley from invasions. Nowadays, it serves as an administration center and school for monks.

Stay overnight in Paro.

Paro Rinpung Dzong

Highlights: Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery to enjoy spectacular views from it and visit Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro.

After breakfast, you will start your hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (also known as Taktsang Monastery). Perched on the side of a cliff 900 meters above the Paro Valley, Taktsang Monastery is one of the most famous monasteries in Bhutan. The principal monastery of the present monastic complex dates from 1692. Taktsang was damaged severely by fire in 1998 but has now been fully restored to its former glory. The hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery is about 3 km one way and takes around 5 to 6 hours for the round trip.

After exploring the monastery, you will begin your return tour to Paro.

In the afternoon, you will visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most beautiful temples built by the Tibetan King Songsten Gampo in the 7th century.

Stay overnight in Paro.

Trek to Taktshang Monastery

After breakfast, your guide will meet you at the hotel and transfer you to Paro International Airport for your next destination.

The tour service end.