Bhutan Festival Tour
Tour Overview
THIMPHU FESTIVAL 2024. (11th September to 16th September,2024) One of the biggest festivals in the country is the Thimphu Tshechu. This festival is held in the capital city for three days beginning on 10th day of the 8th month of lunar calendar. This Tshechu is witnessed by thousands of people many of which travel from neighboring Dzongkhags (districts) to attend the festivities. The actual Tshechu is preceded by days and nights of prayer and rituals to invoke the gods. When it was initiated by the 4th Desi, Gyalse Tenzin Rabgay in 1867 the Tshechu consisted of only a few dances being performed strictly by monks,the Thimphu Tshechu underwent a change in the 1950s, when the third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, introduced numerous the dances. Equally important are the Atsaras, who are more than just mere clowns. The Atsaras are the dupthobs (acharyas), who provide protection. The dances and the jesting of the Atsaras are believed to entrance evil forces and prevent them from causing harm during Tshechus. Modern Atsaras also perform short skits to disseminate health and social awareness messages.to farmers, the Tshechu is also seen as a break from farm life. It’s an occasion to celebrate, receive blessings and pray for health and happiness.
Tour Highlights
- Witness the Thimphu Festival
- Discover the tradition and culture
- Interact with Local people
- Visiting Ancient Temple and Monastery
What's included
Itinerary
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world, with a constantly changing panorama of some of the highest mountains on earth. Our guide and driver will meet you at Paro airport after customs formalities.
After lunch we will start with the sightseeing around Paro, including a visit to the Ta Dzong Museum housing many religious relics, works of art and handicrafts offering a great orientation into Bhutan’s historical, cultural, and religious past. Next, visit the Rimpong Dzong to see the painting of the great saint Milarepa, considered as the master of meditation by the Bhutanese and believed to have attained enlightenment in a lifetime. Dzong’s are large monasteries and district administrative centres, which were once strategic forts. Then we will drive to the capital, Thimphu (1hour) following the Pachu River. Before dinner at the hotel there will be an orientation by your guide.
Drive over the Dochu-La pass (3,100 meters), which on a clear day offers an incredible view of Himalayan peaks before descending into balmy Punakha valley (about 3 hrs total driving time). The drive through the countryside affords a glimpse of everyday life in this most remote of Himalayan kingdom. In the Dochu-La area there are vast Rhododendron forests that grow to tree size and bloom in late April/early May covering the mountains in a riot of glorious spring colour.
Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan. On arrival, visit Punakha Dzong, the “Palace of Great Happiness” built in 1637 by the Zhabdrung, the ‘Unifier of Bhutan’. It is situated at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu (Mother and Father Rivers) and is the winter headquarters of the Je Khenpo and hundreds of monks who move en masse from Thimphu to this warmer location. The three-story main temple of the Punakha Dzong is a breathtaking example of traditional architecture with four intricately embossed entrance pillars crafted from cypress and decorated in gold and silver. It was here in 1907 that Bhutan’s first king was crowned.
After breakfast we will enjoy a walk to Chimi Lhakhang, temple of the Drukpa Kuenley who is also known as the Divine Madman. He inherited the Divine Madman title since he revolted against the orthodox Buddhism in his time. He taught the people that religion is an inner feeling and it’s not necessary that one should be an ordained monk. He is also considered a symbol of fertility and most childless couples go to his temple for blessing than head toward Thimphu.
Enjoy a morning of sightseeing, including a visit to National Memorial Chorten depicting the Buddhist faith in the form of paintings and statues. This temple was first initiated by the Third King as a protection from the negative elements of modernization, and as a monument to world peace. The Royal Queen Mother completed it as a memorial stupa for the Third King who passed away in 1972. Buddha Dorderma Statue and Folk Heritage Museum.
In the afternoon return to Tashichhodzong to further experience the colorful events of the Thimphu festival.
After breakfast we will visit the festival and in the afternoon will visit the following places
1. centenary farmers market
2. Bhutan Post
3. Bhutan hand made paper factory
in the evening rest.
After breakfast hike to Taktsang Monastery. The trail is broad and the walk of approximately 2 1/2 hours uphill takes you almost a kilometer above the Paro valley floor (for those who cannot hike we will arrange a horse for transfer up to the viewing point). The view of Taktsang Monastery built on a sheer cliff face 900 metres above the valley floor is a spectacular sight. The Monastery is also an important pilgrim site for the Buddhists. The great Guru Rimpoche is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. He then mediated in a cave there for three months where the monastery was later built. Nearby there is a teahouse where you can stop for lunch.on the way back before going hotel we will visit 7th Century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples constructed by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo and in the evening visit the local farm house for farewell dinner.
After breakfast you will be escorted to the airport for your onward destination.
Tour Map
FAQ
if you want to obtain single room then we charge $40 per night single supplement
The Tour will be confirmed only 50 % of the payment is received to apply the visa and to book the ticket.
TOUR CANCELLATIONS TERMS AND CONDITIONS Clients will be subject to tour cancellation fees for paid tour packages with Druk Bayuel Tours, as follows: 10% of the tour cost will be deducted as an administration fee for all cancelled tours. 60 days or more prior to arrival date in Bhutan: No penalty, except wire transfer fees. 59-30 days prior to arrival date in Bhutan: 40% cancellation fees in addition to wire transfer fees. 29-15 days prior to arrival date in Bhutan: 50% cancellation fees in addition to wire transfer fees. Less than 15 days prior to arrival date in Bhutan: 100% cancellation fees/non-refundable. After arrival in Bhutan: 100% cancelation fees/non-refundable. Druk Bayuel Tours not be held liable for any additional charges that may be levied by the Tourism Council of Bhutan, the airlines and local banks. FLIGHT CANCELLATIONS Clients will be subject to flight cancellation fees for flights booked through Druk Bayuel Tours as follows: An administration fee of USD $ 50 will be applicable for all cancelled tickets that has already been issued by the airline. 30 days or more before the date of departure: 15% cancellation fees are applicable 29-10 days or more before the date of departure: 30% cancellation fees are applicable 9-4 days or more before the date of departure: 55% cancellation fees are applicable 4 days and less before the date of departure: 100% cancellation fees are applicable As per airline regulations additional fees are applicable for changes in date, sector and flight timing. On such re-rescheduled/re-issued tickets, there will be no refund and will bear 100% cancellation fees.