Sacred Dance of Thunder Dragon Tour
Trip Overview
Thimphu Tshechu is undoubtedly the most beloved and spectacular festival in Bhutan, drawing locals and visitors alike into a vibrant celebration of culture and spirituality. Held annually in the capital city, Thimphu, this five-day festival honors Guru Rinpoche, the revered Buddhist master who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan. The event takes place within the majestic grounds of Tashichho Dzong, an impressive fortress that not only serves as a monastery and government seat but also houses His Majesty the King’s golden throne room.
The festival is marked by mesmerizing masked dances known as Cham, performed by monks in elaborate costumes and masks, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. The air fills with traditional music, colorful prayer flags flutter, and the atmosphere buzzes with joy and devotion. Beyond the religious ceremonies, Thimphu Tshechu is a social gathering where families and communities come together, dressed in their finest traditional attire, to share food, laughter, and blessings. This festival powerfully reflects Bhutan’s rich heritage, spiritual depth, and enduring unity.
At a Glance
US $1,600 per Person
📅 Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
👥 Group size : 2 person & above
🏔️ Tour Type: Cultural & Festival Tour
🏔️ Trek grade Level : Easy
🚶 Average walking Time : 4-5 Hours
🌄 Best Seasons : Sep-Oct
📊 Highest Elevation : 3,150m
🛏️ Accommodation : Hotels
Tour Highlights
✅️ Celebrate one of Bhutan’s largest and most famous festivals, cherished by Bhutanese people nationwide.
✅️ Enjoy a vibrant three-day festival held at the newly constructed Tsechu ground next to Tashichhodzong.
✅️ Take advantage of breathtaking photography opportunities throughout the festival, capturing the colorful events and performances.
✅️ Appreciate the lush greenery and serene landscapes that define the Bhutanese countryside.
✅️ Walk up to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, a must-see landmark offering breathtaking views and spiritual significance.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1(21 September, Monday): Arrive at Paro international airport.
During the journey, one will experience a breath-takingview of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks including the sacred Jumolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by your guide and take you to Thimphu which is 54 km from Paro Airport and about 45 minutes drive. Later in the afternoon , visit the Post office where you can personalize your stamp, , visit the giant Buddha statue, Traditional paper factory, visit the King’s Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan);. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.
Day 2(22 September, Tuesday) Thimphu Festival
After breakfast you will go to Tashichhodzong to attend festival, later in the afternoon visit the mini zoo where you will see national animal of Bhutan Takin, , visit Changgangkha Monastery, visit weaving centre,. Evening: Stroll through the town. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.
Day 3(23 September, Wednesday) Thimphu – Punakha
After breakfast this morning, enjoy the scenic drive to Punakha with a stop for tea at Dochu La (3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Eastern Himalayas. From the pass, drive downhill through the forests of rhododendron, fir and hemlock. You will arrive at Punakha after traversing through rice fields and along the bank of Punakha River. On the way to Punakha, you will stop at Metsina village and take a 20 minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, which is a fertility temple. After Lunch you will visit the Punakha Dzong, which is stunningly situated in between the male and female rivers like an anchored ship. Overnight hotel in Punakha.
Day 4(24 September , Thursday) Punakha – Phobjikha
After breakfast you will be driving to Khamsum Yuelley Namgayl chorten. Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten stands out on a beautiful ridge above the Punakha valley. It was built by Her Majesty the Queen Mother, Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck. It took 9 years to build and Holy Scriptures rather than engineering manuals were consulted to construct this 4-storey temple. It is a fine example of Bhutanese architecture and artistic traditions. This temple has been dedicated for the well being of the kingdom, its people and all sentient beings. From the parking lot it is another 45 minutes uphill walk through the rice fields and the return portion downhill takes around 30 minutes. The best view of the Punakha Valley is seen from the top of the temple. After lunch you will drive to Phobjekha which is a famous winter roosting place for Black necked cranes. Overnight hotel in Phobjikha.
Day 5(25 September, Friday) Phobjikha – Paro
After early breakfast, you will be hiking on Gangtey Natural Trail which is approximately 1 hour 30minutes approximately. Phobjikha is one of the most beautiful glacial valleys in Bhutan. It is a winter roosting place for the black neck crane. You will be hiking through pine forest and small bamboo plants. You can see the beautiful Phobjikha valley from this hike. It is one of the best hikes for naturelovers. After the hike, visit Gangtey Goenpa, the largest Nyingma monastery in Bhutan. Gyalse Pema Thinlay built a small temple in 1613, which was later built into a larger Goenpa by the 2nd reincarnation Tenzin Legpai Dhendup. After the monastery you will proceed to Paro with a stop at Dochula for lunch . After lunch, continue driving towards Paro. Evening Stroll through the Paro town. Overnight hotel in Paro.
Day 6(26 September, Saturday) Paro. Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
In the morning you will hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan’s most famous monastery situated at 3180 meters. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. The Monastery is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. Lunch will be served at the Cafeteria. Explore the monastery and hike back to the valley in the afternoon. Then you will visit Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 8th century. Overnight hotel in Paro.
Day 7(27 September, Sunday) Departure
Drive to the airport for departure. Our representative will bid you farewell.
Cost Includes
✓ Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
✓ VISA Fee
✓ Accommodation
✓ All meals
✓ Transport
✓ All internal taxes & charges
✓ Licensed Bhutanese Tour Guide
Cost Excludes
✗ Flight tickets
✗ Insurance
✗ Drinks and Beverages
✗ Tips
✗ Internet and Phone bills
✗ Other bills of personal nature
Insurance
Note: Package does not include insurance of any kind.
You are required to obtain separate coverage from your home country before your trip begins.