Paro Tshechu & Bhutan Culture Tour

10 Days

Overview

Paro, located in Western Bhutan, is renowned for its fertile land and rich cultural heritage. It boasts numerous significant sites within the kingdom. Additionally, the district is home to one of the world’s most challenging airports due to its short runway distance.

Embark on a captivating journey that takes you to the heart of the Paro Tshechu festival. Witness devotees adorned in traditional attire as they gather at the Paro Dzong to express their devotion and seek blessings. Elaborately dressed monks and laypeople perform vibrant dances, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. The enthralling melodies of trumpets, cymbals, and flutes accompany these ancient dances, which have remained unchanged for thousands of years. Any alterations to the dances would be deemed sacrilegious, as they faithfully recreate the visions witnessed by Bhutan’s esteemed Buddhist saints.

Your trip may include a visit to the western part of Bhutan and its unique sights such as a visit to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, and Punakha valley, the old capital of Bhutan.

Trip Highlights

  • Witness traditional dances, colorful costumes, and religious rituals that have been preserved for centuries.
  • Engage in conversations with friendly Bhutanese people, try traditional cuisine, and browse through colorful handicrafts and souvenirs available at the festival grounds.
  • Venture beyond the festival and hike to Iconic Tiger Nest and other place like Thimphu and Punakha

Itinerary

Once you arrive in Paro, we will take you straight to your hotel for rest. If time permits, we will have an opportunity to visit the Paro Dzong, or the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, Kychu Temple, one of the 108 temples built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songsten Gampo. Overnight at Paro in Hotel.

Today you will experience the color, excitement, and spectacle of the Paro Tshechu for the entire day. Enjoy the immersion of Bhutanese culture as locals attend the festival dressed in their finest Kira’s and Gho’s. The day will be filled with fantastic masked dances – don’t forget your camera! Overnight at Paro in Hotel

After breakfast, we will hike up to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger's Nest. The highlight of the Bhutan travel experience. Later in the afternoon, we will visit some other attractions in Paro such as the Dungtse Lhakhang and other sites if time permits. Overnight at Paro in Hotel

Following an early breakfast, you make your way to the early morning blessing from Thangka of Guru Rinpoche. Later we will visit the National Museum, housed in the Ta Dzong (watchtower). Later in the evening, we will travel to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Overnight at Thimphu in Hotel

in Thimphu, we will be immersed in the essence of Bhutanese culture, spirituality, and architecture. From the bustling markets to the serene monasteries, each site offers a unique glimpse into the country's rich heritage such as visit the Centenary Farmers Market, Zilukha Nunnery, the Memorial Chorten, Tashichoe Dzong, and Keuselphodrang to see the Bhutanese largest Buddha statue. Overnight at Thimphu in Hotel

After breakfast, we will depart for Punakha via the Dochula Pass to 3088m and you can delight in the spectacular views across the Himalayan Mountain ranges. Along the way, we will stop at the beautiful 108 Chorten's (Buddhist monuments). Later we will visit the Punakha Dzong, located on the island of the Pho-Chu (male river) and the Mochu (female river). Overnight at Punakha/Wangdue in Hotel

This morning we will embark on a pleasant short trek to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten and, later in the day, walk to the Divine Madman’s Monastery, Chhimi Lhakang, famously known for its fertility shrine. The final visit of the day is to the ruins of Wangdue Dzong (destroyed by fire in 2012). Overnight at Punakha/Wangdue in Hotel

Following a hearty breakfast, our journey leads us back to Thimphu, taking the scenic route via the Dochula pass. Along the way, we'll explore key attractions including the Simtokha Dzong, Takin Preserve ( National animal of Bhutan), the Handicraft Emporium, and the vibrant Craft Bazaar. Our day culminates with a comfortable overnight stay at a Thimphu hotel.

Today we will explore more of Thimphu. We have visits planned to the National Textile Museum, traditional arts, the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, the outdoor National Folk Heritage Museum, the Changzamtok Weaving Centre, and a Bhutanese paper factory. In the late afternoon, we will drive back to Paro. Overnight at Paro in Hotel

After breakfast, you will drive to the Paro Airport for your flight to your onward destinations.

Trip Cost Include & Exclude

Cost Includes

  • Bhutan Sustainable development fees
  • Accommodations 3 Star (Option to upgrade to 4 & 5 Star)
  • All meals, evening tea/coffee with snacks
  • All land transfers and transportation
  • English speaking Bhutanese Tour Guide/Leader
  • Daily Tourist Fees & Taxes
  • Bhutan Visa and all applicable permits
  • Sightseeing with entrance fees to all monuments
  • Onetime hot stone bath in local farm house
  • Bottled water in the vehicle

Cost Excludes

  • Flights into and out of Bhutan
  • Optional Travel/Medical Insurance
  • Personal expenses such as bars, beverages in the hotel, telephone, laundry, trips, and others
Is it possible to make this tour a privately guided tour?

Yes, if you do not wish to join a group, we can arrange for a private tour (for either a solo traveler or for a family). Just talk to one of our travel specialists and we can customize any tour.

Can I customize this tour?

Yes, you can! We suggest if you want to take a shorter tour, that you request a private tour. If you want to extend your tour, we can work with you to make that happen too!

How much money do I need to bring?

The daily tariff that you pay, pays for your tour guide, driver, hotels and all your meals. The only money you need to budget for is for alcohol, souvenirs, and tips. It is best to bring cash and exchange it for local currency at the airport in Paro. There are ATMs available in some locations, but they work sporadically.

What is the weather like?

It depends on what time of year you go. The fall or the spring are the best times to travel to Bhutan. Typically, the days are cool and sunny, and the nights are cold. Some places, like Punakha are sub-tropical and you can expect warmer temperatures.

What type of vehicle will we be traveling in?

Druk Experience provides vehicles based on tour size. For small tours we provide 4 door SUV type cars, for larger tours, we provide smaller tour buses that can accommodate 8-10 individuals. Our cars are in excellent shape and our drivers are always safe and careful. All vehicles will be equipped with air conditioning or heaters.

How/what should I pack?

Pack light for all of our tours, soft suitcases/duffel bags are best. Dressing up will not be necessary, dress for comfort. Layer, layer, layer. Wear sturdy shoes for walking/hiking. When we visit holy sites, you will be asked to wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts.

Can I take pictures?

Yes, please feel free to take as many pictures as you would like. However, you will be asked to not take pictures in our temples. If you have any questions about when you can take pictures, please ask your guide.

Should be bring snacks?

If you would like to have a snack (protein bar, etc.) while hiking/trekking, or if you just think you might miss your favorite snack – then yes, please bring some snacks with you. However, they are not necessary. Druk Experience will make sure that you are well fed on your tour.

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Paro Tshechu & Bhutan Culture Tour
From $2775
/ Adult
  • Guided Tour
  • Best Price Guaranteed

TRIP INFO