Overview
The Thimphu Tshechu Experience plunges you into one of the kingdom’s most anticipated annual cultural events.
Staged at the grand stone courtyards of Tashichho Dzong, the festival features 25 distinct sacred mask dances and 24 traditional folk songs performed by the Central Monastic Body. This package blends the energy of the capital’s grand public holidays with peaceful retreats into neighboring valleys.
Trip Highlights
- The National Museum (Ta Dzong) and the Paro Chhu riverbank on arrival.
- Premium seats at Tashichho Dzong for the opening day of the Thimphu Tshechu.
- The Dance of the Lords of the Cremation Grounds and the Eight Manifestations of Guru Rinpoche.
- The handmade paper factory, Centenary Farmers Market and Thimphu Craft Bazaar.
- Dochula’s 108 stupas, Chimi Lhakhang, Punakha Dzong and a riverside picnic.
- A heritage weaving studio, Tiger’s Nest and a herbal hot stone bath.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Land at Paro Airport and transfer to your luxury resort. Spend a relaxed afternoon exploring the National Museum (Ta Dzong) and walking along the Paro Chhu riverbank.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Paro
Drive 1.5 hours to Thimphu. Visit the handmade paper factory and the Centenary Farmers Market. In the evening, explore the bustling stalls of the Thimphu Craft Bazaar to see authentic local workmanship.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Thimphu
Take your premium seats at the Tashichho Dzong festival courtyards. Watch the opening mask dances, including the Dance of the Lords of the Cremation Grounds, performed to the sound of traditional horns, drums, and cymbals.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Thimphu
Spend the morning witnessing the continuation of the Tshechu, focusing on the visually spectacular Dance of the Eight Manifestations of Guru Rinpoche. In the afternoon, take a break from the crowds to visit the peaceful Motithang Takin Preserve.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Thimphu
Leave the capital behind and drive to Punakha, stopping at Dochula Pass to admire the 108 memorial stupas. Drop down into the subtropical valley and enjoy a gentle hike to Chimi Lhakhang.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Punakha
Explore Punakha Dzong at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Enjoy a private, curated champagne picnic lunch on the sandy shores of the river, followed by a walk across the long suspension bridge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Punakha
Travel back west to Paro via the scenic mountain highway. Upon arrival, visit a private heritage weaving studio in town to see master weavers create intricate silk textiles using centuries-old techniques.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Paro
Embark on an early morning hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, climbing 900 meters up the mountain trail. Relax in the evening with a traditional herbal hot stone bath at your resort.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Paro
Private transfer to Paro International Airport for your flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
Inclusions & Exclusions
What’s Included
- Private Transport & Guide: All ground transportation in a private vehicle with an English-speaking licensed guide.
- Accommodation: Twin/double-sharing rooms in 3-star tourist-standard hotels.
- Meals: All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) as per itinerary.
- Sustainable Development Fee: The daily SDF is included.
- Hydration: Bottled water during transfers and sightseeing.
- Government Dues: Government royalty and applicable taxes.
What’s Not Included
- Airfare: International/regional airfare to and from Paro.
- Visa Fee: Bhutan visa processing fee (arranged in advance by Gu-Mar as part of permit clearance).
- Personal Expenses: Laundry, telephone, beverages and tips.
- Insurance: Travel insurance.
- Pony Hire: Pony hire for the Tiger’s Nest hike (optional, paid on-site).
- Other Services: Any services not mentioned under Inclusions.
Good to Know
- Licensed Operator: All non-Indian, non-Bangladeshi and non-Maldivian nationals must travel through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator such as Gu-Mar; we process visa clearance and the SDF on your behalf before arrival.
- Hotel Upgrades: Hotel categories can be upgraded to 4-star or boutique/heritage properties under our Deluxe or Luxurious collections.
- Flexible Sequencing: Itinerary sequencing may shift slightly depending on flight timings, road conditions or festival dates — your guide will confirm the final day-by-day plan on arrival.