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Thimphu Festival

  • Thimphu Drubchen, Tashi Chhodzong, (September 12, 2021)
  • Thimphu Tsehcu, Tashi Chhodzong, (September 16 – 18, 2021)

Thimphu Drubchen:

It was first introduced by Kuenga Gyeltshen in 1710, who was recognized as the reincarnation of Jampel Dorji, son of Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyel. The dromchoe is celebrated 3 days prior to the Thimphu Tshechu. The Drubchen showcases the sacred dances dedicated to the chief protective deity of Bhutan, Palden Lhamo.

Thimphu Tshechu

Thimphu Tshechu starts on the 10th day of the 8th lunar month. The three-day religious event plays an important role in the lives of Bhutanese people as it is an opportunity for the Buddhist followers to immerse and cleanse themselves of the bad Karma and to remind them of what to make of their lives. Staying true to the age-old tradition, locals dressed in their finest outfit and jewelries gather at the Thimphu Tashichoedzong. This spiritual social event brings people together unified by the common culture, tradition, and beliefs. The sacred mask dance (Chham) is believed to invoke deities blessing all who witness the Chham.

A Tsechu is performed as a tribute to Guru Rimpoche, a great Buddhist master who brought Buddhism to Bhutan. Sources say Guru Rimpoche healed a king called Sindhu Raja by performing eight forms of dances representing eight manifestations of Padmasambhava in the Bumthang Valley to restore the health of the king. These became the Chham dances depicting the grandeur of Padmasambhava which are now performed by monks and laymen.

The monks perform a series of meticulously choreographed religion inspired dances wearing grand silk robes and exquisitely crafted mask. It takes years learning and mastering the art of mask dance and months of meticulous practicing and rehearsing for the grand event.

The three-day event presents a collection of age-old Chham which includes Dance of the Stag and the Hounds, Dance of the Lords of the cemetery and the theatrical presentation of the judgment day after a person dies which are quintessential Buddhist beliefs and the Dance of Eight Manifestations of Padmasambhava.

Source: https://www.bookmytour.bt/bhutan-events/thimphu-tshechu#

Day 01: Arrive Paro International Airport

The flight into Paro on our national carrier, Druk Air of Bhutan Airlines, is a befitting introduction to the spectacular beauty of our country. In clear weather, magnificent views of the world’s highest peaks give way to the lush green Paro valley as you land. The first gift from Bhutan will be the cool, clean fresh air as you step out of the plane. After clearing customs and visa control our guide and will take you into to Thimphu, the modern capital of Bhutan.

Day 02: Thimphu Drubchen

The Drubchen is held in the courtyard of Tashichho Dzong. This is the main Secretariat Building, where the government ministries, the office of His Majesty the King, the Throne Room, the offices and living quarters of the monk body and its Chief Abbot are housed. In the evening, time free at leisure for own activities and relax in the hotel to acclimatization with Bhutan weather conditions

Day 3: Thimphu – Punakha

Drive to Punakha, the former Capital of Bhutan (77 Km) from Thimphu. Enjoy panoramic view of Black Mountain range at Dochu La (3100m), Visit Druk Wangyel Lhakhang and 108 chortens (stupas), and Royal Botanical Garden on the way. Dochu La is a paradise for photographers, wide ranges of panoramic views of Himalayan Mountains can be seen if the weather is clear. Visit Punakha Dzong, Drive upstream of Phochu for a short hike/return from the view point

Day 4: Punakha – Phobjikha

Morning visit Chimi Lhakhang (temple) of the Drukpa Kuenly 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.

Drive to Phobjikha valley winter hot spot of black-necked cranes and visit the Gantey Gompa (temple) built in 1613 century (1564-1642) by first Gangtey Trulku (reincarnation) of Pemalingpa (1450 – 1521)

Day 5: Phobjikha – Thimphu

Afternoon, visit Buddha Dordenma Statue, made of bronze and gilded in gold, and the 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 in 1974 for the Third King who passed away in 1972.

Day 6, 7 and 8 – Thimphu Tshechu

The Tshechu is performed in the Tendrelthang of Tashi Chhodzong, the courtyard is full of colorful dresses wears by Bhutanese. The spectators are ranging from small to adulthood. Entertainment by Atsara is unforgettable moments (Atsara is originated from Sanskrit) Atsara refers to a teacher or scholar in Indian. 

Day 9. Thimphu – Paro

Drive to Paro airport for your onward destinations

Travel Season

1 person

2 persons

3 persons & above

Low Season: (Dec, Jan,  Feb, Jun, Jul & Aug)

US$1960/person

US$1880/person

US$1640/person

Thank you & Tashi Delek

ENQUIRY NOW

9 + 4 =

INCLUDED
  • Twin sharing hotel rooms at 3 star hotels.
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner & light refreshments) at 3-star hotels/tourist standard restaurants. 
  • English speaking tour guide service.
  • All transfers and excursions by private vehicles.
  • All entrance fees to museums and monuments.
  • All internal taxes and fees.
  • Mineral drinking water.
    NOT INCLUDED
    • Airfares.
    • Travel assurance (recommended).
    • 4 star and 5-star accommodations and meals (optional).
    • Other personal expenses like overseas calls, laundry, etc.