Classic Bhutan · Cultural Tours · Easy
The Western Valleys
- Paro
- Thimphu
- Dochula
- Punakha
- …
Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and the glacial valley of Phobjikha — the classic first journey through Bhutan, paced with room to breathe.
View itinerary
Festival Journeys · Cultural Tours
Paro Tshechu Festival Journey
Spring in western Bhutan, timed around the masked dances of the Paro Tshechu and the dawn unveiling of the great thongdrel.
- Duration
- 9 days · 8 nights
- Route
- Paro → Thimphu → Punakha → Phobjikha …
- Activity level
- Easy
- Best time
- Mar, Apr
- From
- Price on requestQuoted for your dates and style
Overview
Few experiences in Bhutan compare with a tshechu. For several days, the courtyard of the dzong fills with families in their finest clothes, monks and laymen dance in elaborate masks to the sound of horns and drums, and the whole community gathers to receive blessings.
The Paro Tshechu is one of the biggest of the year. This journey explores the western valleys first, then returns to Paro for two days of festival — including the unforgettable dawn unveiling of the thongdrel.
- Paro
- Thimphu
- Punakha
- Phobjikha
- Paro
Highlights
- Two days at the Paro Tshechu, among locals in their finest clothes
- Dawn unveiling of the giant thongdrel on the final day
- Punakha in jacaranda season
- A night in the Phobjikha valley
- The Tiger's Nest after the festival
Day by day
- Day01
Arrival, drive to Thimphu Paro → Thimphu
Welcome at Paro and drive to Thimphu. Evening at the Memorial Chorten.
- National Memorial Chorten
- Day02
Thimphu Thimphu
Buddha Dordenma, the traditional arts school and Tashichho Dzong. Your guide will explain the meaning of the dances you are about to see.
- Buddha Dordenma
- Zorig Chusum
- Tashichho Dzong
- Festival briefing
- Day03
To Punakha Thimphu → Dochula → Punakha
Cross Dochula to Punakha, where the dzong is framed by jacaranda in spring. Walk to Chimi Lhakhang.
- Dochula
- Punakha Dzong
- Chimi Lhakhang
- Day04
To Phobjikha Punakha → Phobjikha
Drive to the glacial valley of Phobjikha; visit Gangtey Goemba and walk the nature trail.
- Gangtey Goemba
- Gangtey Nature Trail
- Day05
Return to Paro Phobjikha → Paro
Drive back to Paro, arriving in time to feel the festival atmosphere building in town.
- Scenic drive
- Day06
Paro Tshechu Paro
Join the crowds in the courtyard below Rinpung Dzong. Masked dancers perform the cham, accompanied by drums, cymbals and long horns, and atsaras — the clowns — keep everyone laughing.
- Paro Tshechu — masked dances
- Day07
The thongdrel at dawn Paro
Rise before sunrise for the unveiling of the great thongdrel, a vast embroidered thangka displayed only on this morning. Seeing it is said to bring blessings. Return to the festival later in the day.
- Thongdrel unveiling
- Final festival day
- Day08
The Tiger's Nest Paro
Hike to Taktsang and enjoy a farewell dinner.
- Tiger's Nest hike
- Farewell dinner
- Day09
Departure Paro
Transfer to Paro airport.
- Airport transfer
Staying, eating, travelling
- Accommodation
- 3-star hotels as standard. Paro books up early during the festival — we recommend reserving several months ahead.
- Meals
- All meals included.
- Transport
- Private vehicle and driver.
- Your guide
- Licensed guide who will explain the stories behind each dance.
What is included
Included
- Bhutan visa processing and visa fee
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for each night in Bhutan
- Accommodation as listed
- All meals in Bhutan
- Private guide, driver and vehicle
- Entrance fees
Not included
- International flights (book early for festival dates)
- Travel insurance (required)
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Tips
When to go & what you need
Best time to travel
The Paro Tshechu is held in spring, usually in March or April. Exact dates follow the Bhutanese lunar calendar and are confirmed each year — we build the itinerary around them.
- January
- February
- March — recommended
- April — recommended
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
- November
- December
Before you travel
- Passport valid for at least six months from arrival
- Travel insurance
- Respectful dress for the festival (we can help you borrow or buy a gho or kira)
Along the way
Questions about this journey
When is the Paro Tshechu this year?
Dates are set by the lunar calendar and published by the Department of Tourism. Contact us and we will confirm the dates for your year and adjust the itinerary to match.
Can I wear national dress to the festival?
Visitors are welcome to wear a gho or kira, and locals appreciate it. Your guide can help you borrow or buy one and show you how to wear it.
Places on this route
You might also like
Classic Bhutan · Cultural Tours · Easy
Bhutan in Brief
- Paro
- Thimphu
- Punakha
- Paro
Four nights, three valleys and the Tiger's Nest — a focused introduction for travellers short on time.
View itinerary
Cultural Tours · Classic Bhutan · Easy
Into the Cultural Heartland
- Paro
- Thimphu
- Punakha
- Phobjikha
- …
West to centre — from Paro across the Black Mountains to Trongsa and the ancient temples of Bumthang.
View itinerary