Overview
The Paro Tshechu Festival is a vibrant and colorful celebration that takes place in Paro, Bhutan. Spanning several days, this annual festival holds immense cultural and religious significance for the people of Bhutan. The festival showcases traditional dances, music performances, and religious rituals, making it a must-visit event for both locals and tourists alike.
The festival held at the Paro Dzong, a majestic fortress-monastery that overlooks the Paro Valley. The monastery adorned with intricate murals and serves as the backdrop for the festivities. During the Paro Tshechu, the entire town comes alive with the sound of drums, cymbals, and chanting as masked dancers, known as cham dancers, perform traditional Bhutanese dances. Each dance represents a religious story or legend, and the performers wear vibrant costumes and intricately carved masks.
The festival attracts a large number of visitors from across the globe who come to witness the unique cultural experience. The atmosphere also filled with joy and devotion as locals and tourists come together to observe the religious rituals performed by the monks. Visitors also have the opportunity to witness the unveiling of the sacred Thongdrol, a massive religious scroll painting that unfurled for just a few hours during the festival. It also believes that viewing the Thongdrol grants spiritual blessings and washes away sins.
Apart from the religious aspect, the Paro Tshechu also offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in Bhutanese culture. The festival grounds are bustling with stalls selling local handicrafts, traditional food, and souvenirs. It’s also an excellent opportunity to taste authentic Bhutanese cuisine, witness traditional arts and crafts, and engage with the friendly locals.
Conclusion and Summary
In conclusion, the Paro Tshechu Festival is a remarkable event that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Bhutan. It also provides a unique opportunity for visitors to witness traditional dances, religious rituals, and immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of this ancient festival. Whether you’re a culture enthusiast or a curious traveler, the Paro Tshechu Festival promises an unforgettable experience filled with color, music, and spirituality.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival Paro (2,250m) – Thimphu (2,350m)
Arrive Paro by Bhutan’s national carrier, Druk Air, and it’s a scenic flight as the plane touch down the lush green Paro Valley flying past the world’s highest mountains. Steeping down from the plane, cool,
clean and fresh air welcomes the visitor, the first gift of Bhutan. After clearing the customs and visa formalities met by the representatives and transfer to Paro for lunch. Afterwards drive to Thimphu (1 half hrs) following Pa Chhu downstream.
In Thimphu, drive on to the Buddha Terrance for a stunning view of the valley and take a drive to visit Takin Preserve to see Takin, Bhutan’s national animal – a strange looking beast which some say resembles a beestung moose! Take a view of the majestic Tashichoe Dzong, the seat of the government before circumventing the
Memorial Chorten – a monument erected in memory of Bhutan’s third king H.M. Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Visit Centenary Farmers Market, the new authentic craft bazaar, National Institute of Traditional Medicine that still dispenses traditional herbal medicines to the locals, the Folk Heritage Museum – a 300 year old traditional house converted into a museum. Overnight at Hotel (Lunch/Dinner included)
Day 02: Thimphu-Punakha (1,310m)
After breakfast, drive for about 3 hours to Punakha. Climb up the mountain road to Dochula La at 3140m. On clear weather, the pass commands a wonderful panorama of the Eastern Himalayas. From
the pass, descend through varied forest and finally emerging into the highly cultivated valley of Punakha. Take a short hike through beautiful rice fields to Chimmi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley, who as a favorite saint of the Bhutanese people is known affectionately as the Divine Madman. The temple is on a hillside in the middle of rice fields and has become a pilgrimage site for childless couples. Enjoy some tea and snacks at the end of hike while overlooking the fields. Overnight at Hotel (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
Day 03: Punakha-Paro (2,250m)
Drive to visit a stunning hill-top nunnery – Sangchen Dorji Lhundrup Chholing. Have a chat with the nuns and enjoy the charm of the surrounds! The main temple is dedicated to the bodhisattva of compassion (Avaloketeshvara) and next to the temple is a beautiful Stupa and there are slate carvings of religious figures. Re-crossing Dochula and stopping at Thimphu for lunch. Arrive Paro in the afternoon and check hotel. Overnight at Hotel (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
Day 04: Paro festival
After breakfast, visit the Paro Ringpung Dzong where the Paro Tshechu festival is held to witness the celebration, and enjoy the dances and other religious rituals. Locals in their best dresses come to see the festival. Afternoon: Visit Kyichu Lhakhang one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in Bhutan built in the 7th century by King Songtsen Gampo, the first Tibetan King to spread Buddhism across the Himalayas. Overnight at Hotel (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
Day 05: Paro festival
After breakfast, again move towards the Paro Dzong to witness the festival enjoying the ceremonies and celebrations. Afternoon: At leisure/Free for shopping. Overnight at Hotel (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
Day 06: Paro – Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (3,120m)
View unfolding of the gigantic sacred ‘Throngdrul’ Thangka painting and watch as people from all over the country come to seek its divine blessing. The ceremony begins before dawn and it is folded before sunrise. Afterwards, drive towards the base camp of Taktsang for the hike up to the Taktsang Monastery ‘Tiger’s Nest’. It’s about two hours hike up the cafeteria. From this point, enjoy the spectacular view of the monastery, where Guru Padmasambhava landed on the back of a tigress in the 8th century. Afterwards, hike back to the road point and drive towards Drukgyal Dzong, the ruined fort. This fort once defeated this valley from the Tibetan invasions during the 17 th century. Also visit the local farm house at Drukgyal to witness daily life of the Bhutanese people PM: Stroll around the main shopping district in Paro. Overnight at Hotel (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
Day 07: Paro – Depart
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to catch the onward flight. Bid farewell to the remote and legendary Dragon Kingdom disappears again behind its guardian mountains. (Breakfast only included)