Paro Tshechu Festival Tour
Eight days in spring, timed around the masked dances of the Paro Tshechu.
- Duration
- 8 days / 7 nights
- Route
- Paro · Thimphu · Punakha
- Accommodation
- 3-star hotels as standard; 4-star, boutique, luxury or homestays on request
- Best season
- Spring (March or April, on festival dates)
- Group size
- Private tour, 1 traveller or more
Overview
Each spring, families from across the Paro valley gather in the courtyard of Rinpung Dzong for masked cham dances and blessings. This journey is timed around the festival, with sightseeing in Thimphu and Punakha beforehand, and ends with the hike to Tiger’s Nest.
Trip highlights
- Masked cham dances at Rinpung Dzong, among local families
- The dawn unveiling of the giant thongdrel on the final day
- Dress in a gho or kira for the festival
- Dochula Pass and Punakha Dzong
- The hike to Tiger’s Nest
Sample itinerary
Paro · Thimphu · Punakha · 7 nights
- Day 1
Arrive in Paro
A welcome dinner and a short briefing on festival customs and dress. Overnight in Paro.
- Day 2
Thimphu
Explore the capital and pick up a gho or kira to wear to the festival. Overnight in Thimphu.
- Day 3
Over Dochula Pass to Punakha
Dochula Pass, Punakha Dzong and the valley’s terraced farmland. Overnight in Punakha.
- Day 4
Back to Paro
An afternoon at leisure, with an optional hot stone bath. Overnight in Paro.
- Day 5
Paro Tshechu, day one
Masked cham dances in the courtyard of Rinpung Dzong. Overnight in Paro.
- Day 6
Paro Tshechu and the thongdrel
An early start to see the giant thangka unveiled at dawn on the final day. Overnight in Paro.
- Day 7
Tiger’s Nest
The hike to Paro Taktsang, then a farewell dinner. Overnight in Paro.
- Day 8
Departure
Transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward flight.
Festival dates follow the Bhutanese lunar calendar, so we confirm your exact dates when you book. This is a sample itinerary. We share the full day-by-day plan, with hotels and experiences, once we start planning your trip.
What’s included
Included
- Accommodation in 3-star hotels approved by the Department of Tourism, twin or double sharing. Prefer something different? Choose 4-star, boutique or luxury hotels, or village homestays and farmhouse stays, priced on request
- All meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Bottled drinking water throughout your trip
- Licensed English-speaking guide
- Private vehicle with an experienced driver, sized to your group
- Airport arrival and departure transfers
- Daily sightseeing and activities as listed in the itinerary
- Entrance fees to all sites on your itinerary
- Bhutan visa fee (US$40) and processing: we apply for your visa on your behalf
- Sustainable Development Fee (US$100 per person per night), government taxes and surcharges
- Help from our team before, during and after your trip
Not included
- Flights to and from Bhutan (we are happy to book these for you)
- Single room supplement when two travellers would like separate rooms
- Travel insurance
- Drinks other than water, including alcohol
- Meals at 4–5 star restaurants outside the itinerary
- Tips for your guide and driver
- Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls and souvenirs
Prices are per person in US dollars and include the visa fee and the Sustainable Development Fee, with 3-star accommodation as standard. The 2-traveller price is per person, sharing a twin or double room. Quotes are valid for 30 days; see our Booking Terms.
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Like this journey but want to change a few days? Tell us and we will adapt it for you.