Paro Tshechu Festival- 8 Days

You can fly to Paro International Airport from cities like Kathmandu, New Delhi, Dhaka, and Bangkok. However, we recommend flying from Bangkok, as Druk Air operates daily flights on the Bangkok-Paro-Bangkok route, while flights from other cities are less frequent.

Upon arrival in Paro, you’ll be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel. After some time to relax and settle in, we’ll take a short drive into Paro town for a relaxed stroll through the local bazaar and surrounding area.

We begin the day with a beautiful drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan.

Once in Thimphu, we spend the day exploring the city’s cultural and historical highlights. Our visits include the National Library, home to a treasured collection of ancient Buddhist scriptures and manuscripts, and the Institute for Zorig Chusum, also known as the Traditional Arts School, where students learn Bhutan’s 13 traditional crafts.

We’ll also stop by the Textile Museum and the Folk Heritage Museum, both offering a deeper look into Bhutan’s rich culture and traditional lifestyle. Other highlights include the National Memorial Chorten, a sacred monument visited by locals throughout the day, and Trashichho Dzong, a majestic monastery that also houses government offices.

Before dinner, we take time to explore the lively Thimphu Bazaar, where you can browse local shops full of handwoven textiles, handmade crafts, and souvenirs.

After breakfast, we set off on a scenic 3-hour drive to Punakha. As we leave Thimphu, the road winds through beautiful forests of pine and cedar, climbing steadily toward Dochula Pass (3,050m). On clear days, this high mountain pass offers breathtaking panoramic views of the eastern Himalayas.

The route is especially picturesque in spring, with blooming rhododendrons, magnolias, junipers, and dense pine forests. It’s also a wonderful place to listen for the calls of rare bird species native to Bhutan.

From Dochula, we continue our drive to Lobesa, where we take a short and pleasant walk through the fields to visit Chimi Lhakhang, a temple located on a small hill. This sacred site is dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley, the legendary 14th-century Buddhist master also known as the “Divine Madman”. The temple is especially revered by those seeking blessings for fertility.

Today, we begin our scenic 71 km drive into the heart of Bhutan’s mystical Black Mountains, known for their dramatic beauty. The road winds gently upward through lush forests and mountain slopes, offering incredible views along the way. Though the climb can be a bit demanding, it’s well worth it when we arrive at Lawa La Pass at 3,300 meters, a spot famous for its sweeping views of the valleys and ridgelines.

From here, we descend into the beautiful Gangtey Valley, reaching by early afternoon. This peaceful glacial valley is known for its wide open pastures and as the seasonal home of the endangered black-necked cranes. The calm charm of Phobjikha welcomes us as we settle in for the night.

After breakfast, we begin our drive back to Paro from the peaceful Phobjikha Valley, passing through forested slopes and green alpine meadows. The road gradually climbs to Dochu La Pass at 3,050 meters, where, on a clear day, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of the snowcapped eastern Himalayas. As we descend, the route winds through the dramatic river valleys of Wang Chhu and Paro Chhu, revealing more of Bhutan’s untouched natural beauty.

Once in Paro, we explore some of the town’s rich cultural sites. If time allows, we’ll start with Simtokha Dzong, Bhutan’s oldest fortress known for its deep spiritual significance. Next, we visit Ta Dzong, a historic watchtower now serving as the National Museum. The day ends with a short walk down to the grand Rinpung Dzong, the “Fortress of the Heap of Jewels,” a true icon of Bhutanese architecture and tradition.

Enjoy the colorful energy of the Paro Tshechu, one of Bhutan’s most important festivals, where sacred mask dances and age-old rituals fill the day with vibrant culture and deep spiritual meaning. These captivating performances retell the legends of Guru Rinpoche, the revered 8th-century saint who brought Buddhism to Bhutan. Experiencing this festival offers a rare and meaningful look into Bhutanese heritage. After a full day immersed in tradition, unwind with a peaceful overnight stay at your hotel in Paro.

Today is all about exploring the cultural and spiritual highlights of Paro Valley. We start the day with a visit to Ta Dzong, home to Bhutan’s National Museum, followed by a stop at the impressive Rimpung Dzong, a fine example of traditional Bhutanese architecture. On our way down, we cross the charming 16th-century cantilever bridge that spans the Paro River.

We’ll also make our way to Drugyel Dzong, a fortress of great historical importance built in 1647 to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over Tibetan invasions. From its ruins, you can soak in the stunning views of the surrounding countryside, and on a clear day, catch a glimpse of the sacred Mount Jomolhari. A visit to a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse gives us a closer look at rural life and local hospitality.

Later in the day, we begin the much-anticipated hike to the famous Taktsang Monastery, widely known as the Tiger’s Nest. The trail winds through beautiful forests filled with pine and rhododendron trees. Along the way, we take a break at a charming tea house, where we enjoy refreshments and an up-close view of the monastery perched high on the cliff.

We then continue the hike for a short while until the monastery comes fully into view, that looks like it is within arm’s reach, but is dramatically perched on a vertical cliff about 900 meters above the valley floor. Believed to be the meditation site of Guru Padmasambhava, who is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress, the monastery is one of Bhutan’s most sacred pilgrimage destinations and a highlight for any visitor.

After a final breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Paro International Airport by our airport representative for your departure flight from Bhutan.