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Punakha Tshechu Festival

Punakha Tshechu Festival


Punakha Tshechu, is celebrated in Punakha Dzong annually. It’s a 3 day festival. The Tshechus are held to honor and celebrate the birth and great deeds of Guru Padmasambhava, considered as second Buddha. A Tshechu Festival is an annual celebration to commemorate the good deeds of Guru Rinpoche, Bhutan’s patron saint who is credited for spreading the teaching of Mahayana Buddhism in the Himalayan region. It features dances performed by trained monks and laymen in amazing masks and costumes. The dances re-enact the legendary events that took place during the life of Guru Rinpoche. Tshechu are one of the best ways to experience the ancient living culture of Bhutan. Attending this religious festival is an important part of the spiritual devotion for the Bhutanese. They believe that their attendance would bring them blessings and help them accumulate spiritual merits. Tshechu, derived from the local Dzongkha Term meaning the “10th Day”, is conducted on and around the auspicious 10th day of a selected month according to lunar calendar, once every year. 

Brief Description of Cities covered in this tour

Thimphu: Capital and the largest city of Bhutan - Only capital city in the world that does not have traffic lights - Main center of Commerce, Religion and Government in the country - Most modern city of Bhutan and has abundance of restaurants, internet cafes, nightclubs and shopping center. It is one of the few cities of Bhutan having ATM facilities. 

Paro: Small town in the western part of Bhutan - Also home to Paro Airport, Bhutan’s only International Airport - The valley has many isolated small villages and is known for red rice - Also home to most of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries.

Punakha and Wangdue: Punakha and Wangdue is located in the same valley. These two places are located within a distance of 13 km. Punakha was the capital of Bhutan and the seat of government until 1955 - The valley is fed by the Pho Chhu and the Mo Chhu rivers - It is one of very few places in Bhutan which offers Rafting facilities - It is the winter seat of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and the monk body at present.

Gangtey/Phobjikha: The famous Phobjikha Valley is located in Wangdue district - Phobjikha is the winter roosting place for endangered black necked crane and the valley is considered one of the most beautiful glacial valleys in the Himalayas.


Trip Facts


Our aim is to ensure that the travel to Bhutan is a "Life Time Experience" for our guests. Except the overnight destination, the itineraries are flexible and can be modified as per the convinience and the requirement of our guests. 

Travel type: Festival / Cultural / Photography

Pick up: Paro

Drop: Paro

Duration: 8 Nights / 9 Days

Destinations: Paro,Thimphu,Punakha/Wangdue,Gangtey/Phobjikha

Possible Departures:

The festival is generally held in the month of February or March every year. For exact dates, please mail to us at travel@bhutan-trips.com. However the departure may depend upon flight schedule and seats availability. It is requested to confirm the booking well in advance so that proper arrangements can be made.

In case of unavailability of rooms in the desired hotels or to accomodate any exigencies, we reserve the right the modify the itinerary as may be needed to confirm the booking.

If a particular sight seeing is closed because of Government Holiday and other occasions, we would provide, alternate sightseeing in its place to capture and experience Bhutan.

Valued Added Services:

We can provide following additional valued added experiences in Bhutan at additional cost wherever applicable -

  • Candle Light Dinner.
  • Picnic lunch at Riverside.
  • Preaching session by the Monk followed by blessing ceremony.
  • Archery Session.
  • Traditional Hot Stone Bath in a rural home.
  • Traditional Cultural Show for 1 hour.
  • Evening with Bhutanese family in farm house, dinner and local ara experience.
  • Ara (Rice liquor) brewing lessons.
  • Overnight Home Stay, where experience local life, learn to cook Bhutanese Dishes, learn about Bhutanese Life and interact with host family, join family in their daily activities.
  • Village walk to experience Rural Bhutanese life.
  • Bhutan Culinary Session.
  • Apple harvesting & plucking tours in Paro (Main Season – End of September)
  • Traditional Gho & Kira wearing session.
  • Personalized Stamps.
  • Traditional wedding to renew the vows.
  • Camping options at Thimphu (outskirts), Paro, Punakha and Haa.
  • Experience Rafting at Punakha.
  • One side bicycle between Thimphu – Paro and return by vehicle.
  • Day excursion on Royal Enfield Motor Bikes to Chele La Pass.
  • Additional day hiking options in Thimphu, Paro, Punakha and Gangtey.

Outline Itinerary


Day 1. Paro - Thimphu

Day 2. Thimphu Sightseeing - Punakha/Wangdu

Day 3. Punakha/Wangdue Sightseeing

Day 4. Punakha/Wangdue Sightseeing

Day 5. Punakha/Wangdue - Gangtey/Phobjika

Day 6. Gangtey / Phobjikha Valley - Punakha/Wangdue

Day 7. Punakha/Wangdue - Paro

Day 8. Paro Sightseeing

Day 9. Departure