Punakha Tshechu Tour (26th Feb - 03rd March 2026)

5 Nights / 6 Days

Pick/Drop: Paro Airport

Private Tour

Overview

Punakha Tshechu is a traditional religious festival held annually in Punakha, Bhutan. Tshechus are important events in Bhutanese culture, typically featuring masked dances, religious rituals, and vibrant celebrations. The Punakha Tshechu specifically commemorates the founding of the Punakha Dzong (fortress-monastery) and pays homage to Guru Rinpoche, who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century.

Tour Highlights

  • Witness colorful masked dances, folk songs, and traditional music performed by monks and
    local dancers at Punakha Tshechu.
  • Hike the Taktsang ‘tiger’s nest’ monastery, one of Bhutan’s architectural highlights
  • Visit the 300-year old Punakha Dzong which is located between Pho chu (male river) and Mo
    chu (female river).
  • Explore the bustling capital Thimphu, including sights like the Buddha Dordenma, the
    National Memorial Chorten and more.
  • Enjoy spectacular views of the himalayas from the Dochu la mountain pass.
  • Walk across Farm Houses to reach Chimi Lhakhang, a 15th-century fertility temple.
  • Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten situated on a ridge above the Punakha valley,
    offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and rice fields.

What's Included & Excluded

Inclusions:

  • A minimum of 3-star accommodation
  • Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
  • Bottle of water in the car.
  • A licensed Bhutanese tour guide.
  • Private transport (transfer & sightseeing) 
  • Monument (Dzongs & Temples) and Museum Fees
  • Sustainable Development Fee & Visa Fee

Exclusions:

  • Air Transport/Flight
  • Personal Expenses such as Laundry, Tips, etc
  • Drinks & beverages.
  • Travel Insurance
  • Bank Charges

Itinerary

The early morning flight to Paro reveals scenic and breathtaking views of Himalayan Mountains of the world. If weather permits you will be able to see Mt. Everest (8848 m, 29,198ft) and other Himalayan Mountain Ranges. Once you arrive at the Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative (Guide) and then drive to Thimphu (50km) which takes approximately an hour. On the way visit;
Tachogang Iron Chain Bridge, located along Paro-Thimphu highway, before Chhuzom. It is just a 10 minutes walk from the highway. It is a great spot for photography with a stunning view and peaceful ambience.
After arriving in Thimphu,visit; National Memorial Chorten: Probably one of the most popular Thimphu points of interest. 
Lunch at Zombala 2 Restaurant, a popular eatery for both locals and tourists seeking authentic flavors. Try Momos (dumplings), Thukpa: A comforting noodle soup and Ema Datshi: Bhutan’s national dish made with chilies and cheese.

The Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory is reputedly the best place that manufactures traditional paper. You can buy this unique paper here which will make for interesting souvenir gifts.
Changlimithang Archery Ground to see local folks playing their tradition game archery.
The Centenary Farmers Market (Now Kaja Throm) is a vibrant and dynamic space, offering a diverse range of products and experiences. Walk through Bhutan’s capital city exploring Clock Tower Square, a prominent landmark adorned with intricate Bhutanese motifs and stroll towards Thimphu’s iconic traffic junction, famously known as the main traffic circle as it has no traffic lights. Instead, you’ll witness a white-gloved traffic officer gracefully directing vehicles in a choreographed style that has become a tourist attraction in its own right.
Lastly Tashichhodzong visit. This magnificent structure stands proudly on the banks of the Wang Chhu River and serves as both a religious and administrative hub of Bhutan. Now it houses the secretariat building, the throne room and the office of the King and central monk body.

Overnight in Thimphu

After breakfast, visit Buddha Dordenma Statue, also known as the “Buddha Point,” a massive statue of Buddha Shakyamuni in the Kingdom of Bhutan. Royal Takin Preserve also known as the Mini Zoo by many is a small natural preserve for the Takin – Bhutan’s national animal.

Drive to Punakha (2 and half hrs). On the way, stop at Dochula Pass.
Dochula Pass is a mountain pass located in the Kingdom of Bhutan, a landlocked country in the Eastern Himalayas. It sits at an elevation of around 3,100 meters (10,200 feet) above sea level. The pass is renowned for its breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges, including the majestic peaks of the snow-capped Himalayas. Once here, you will witness 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens.

Optional: Lungchutse Hike (2 hours): The trail to Lungchutse winds through pristine forests of rhododendron, oak, and pine trees, offering a tranquil and immersive experience in nature.

On rrival, walk across farmhouses to reach Chimi Lhakhang, A 15th-century fertility temple, blessed by Lam Drukpa Kuenley, who is known as the Divine Madman for his eccentric behaviors. He is also considered a symbol of fertility and many childless couples go to his temple for blessing. 

Overnight in Punakha

After breakfast drive to Punakha Dzong and attend Punakha Tshechu-a traditional religious festival held annually in Punakha, Bhutan. Tshechus are important events in Bhutanese culture, typically featuring masked dances, religious rituals, and vibrant celebrations. The Punakha Tshechu specifically commemorates the founding of the Punakha Dzong (fortress-monastery) and pays homage to Guru Rinpoche, who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century.

During the festival, monks and laypeople come together to witness masked dances known as cham, which depict stories from Buddhist mythology and history. The highlight is often the unfurling of a gigantic thangka (religious painting) of Guru Rinpoche, believed to confer blessings upon those who view it.

Punakha Tshechu is not only a religious occasion but also a social gathering where communities unite, and people dress in their finest traditional attire. It’s a time for prayer, contemplation, and joyous festivities that reaffirm Bhutanese cultural identity and spiritual beliefs.
After lunch attend Punakha Tshechu or drive to Talo Village. Take a Talo village walk offering a chance to explore the serene rural life and cultural heritage of the country.

After breakfast, 45 minutes hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel chorten with the picturesque view of the rice terraces along the river. It is a beautiful chorten located on a ridge at Kabesa Gewog in Punakha overlooking several villages. It is a 30-minute drive from the Khuruthang Town and a 45-minute uphill hike from the base of the hill through suspension bridge and rice fields.

Then drive to Paro (3 and half hrs). After lunch visit Paro Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the oldest and most revered temples in Bhutan, steeped in history and spiritual significance and visit Chencho Weaving Center in Paro Town, a locally-run weaving center showcases the intricate art of traditional Bhutanese weaving, offering visitors a chance to witness skilled artisans at work.

Later, stroll around Paro downtown for shopping or a cup of coffee.
Namgay Artisanal Brewery: Did you know Bhutan has some of the most reputed and highly enjoyed brews? Well, if you are a beer lover and want to taste some of the finest brews, you must visit the Namgay Artisanal Brewery in Paro Valley.

Overnight in Paro

Taktsang Monastery: The wooden structure built amazingly, stands bravely on a cliff. It is said that the great Guru Rinpoche flew here on the back of a tigress and set up this monastery when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. From the road, the hike toward Taktsang follows an uphill route and returning back takes approximately 5-6 hours at an average walking pace on a clear, sunny day.

Later we welcome you to visit Bhutanese homes for Hot Stone Bath. A Bhutanese hot stone bath is the perfect way to relax and wind down after a long day of sightseeing and is also believed to have numerous health benefits and practice Archery is the national sport of Bhutan. With our archery lessons, your guide will set up the targets and teach you the rules, as well as how to correctly hold the bow.
Darts are another popular pastime in Bhutan, with a different scoring system to the western tradition, and a target low to the ground. Both sports are a fun way to spend an afternoon, enjoying some healthy competition. Later dinner with them and experience their hospitality. A visit gives you an interesting glimpse into the lifestyle of Bhutan.

In the morning drive to Paro airport for departure to your onward destination.

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs

The tour is ideal year-round. However, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are particularly popular for their pleasant weather, clear skies, and vibrant festivals.

Yes, the itinerary can be tailored to your preferences. Discuss your interests with your tour operator to customize your experience.

We offer a minimum of 3-star rated accommodations to Luxury Resorts, certified by the Department of Tourism, Bhutan.

Our selection of 3-star accommodations has been carefully curated based on top ratings and consistent positive feedback from our past clients. These hotels offer a blend of comfort, convenience, and authentic Bhutanese hospitality.

We also offer Homestays with a local family that can give you an authentic Bhutanese experience. Rooms are typically modest but comfortable, often featuring traditional Bhutanese décor.

Send us the scan copy of your passport and passport sized photos, we will apply on your behalf. Read more about the visa here. 

Contact us for your Visa.

A correctly input visa application can take up to five days to process.

There is a one-off fee of US$40 for the processing of your application. This is payable at the same time as your Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), as part of the process of submitting your visa application.