4 Nights and 5 Days Paro Tshechu(Festival)
Overview
This 4-night, 5-day Paro Tshechu Tour begins with a scenic drive from Paro to Thimphu, exploring landmarks like Tashichho Dzong and the National Memorial Chorten. Visitors journey to Punakha, famous for its fertility temple and Punakha Dzong. The tour includes a visit to the Paro Tshechu festival before departure.
Tour Plan
Day 01-Paro-Thimphu: Altitude 2280m/68km/2-3hr drive:
During the journey by Druk Air ( Bhutan’s National Airline), one will experience spectacular view of Mt. Everest (of Nepal) and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the revered Mt. Jumolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake of Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by representatives of Indostan Viajes Tours. Drive south of paro valley following Pachu chhu(River) to the river confluence at Chuzom, which is also the hub of road network going to Paro, Ha, Thimphu and Phuntsholing. From Chuzom, the drive takes about less than 1 hour, staying close to the Wangchu River in the valley floor, as you pass through villages and suburbs to the capital, Thimphu. En-route, you can stop to view Tachogang temple and to take good shot of the iron chain bridge date back to 15 century and temple.Continue drive to Thimphu, capital city of Bhutan. Thimphu was a wooded farming valley until 1961, when it became Bhutan's official national capital. The massive Tashicho Dzong, about 700 years old, was carefully revamped in the 1960s by the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk to house the royal and main government offices. Even today, it still only has a few streets and no traffic lights with estimated population of 150,000 people.On arrival in Thimphu, visit weekend market to see the farmers selling local vegetables.Visit National memorial chorten,which was built in the memory of late third king of Bhutan Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.There we can see old man and women praying and walking around the chorten.Visit Buddha point to see the big sitting statue of Buddha.If time permit drive to the view point of Thimphu Tashichhe Dzong(fortress).From there we can see the great view of the Dzong and also we can see view of the king’s palace. Overnight in hotel.
Day 02 –Thimphu-Punakha- Altitude 1500m/77km/3hrs drive:
After breakfast drive to punakha.The road climbs from Thimphu to Dochula Pass (3050m) and descends through ever changing forests into semi-tropical valley of Punakha at around 1250m.En-route stops at dochula Pass (3050m) where you can view the eastern Himalayas, including Bhutan’s highest mountain, Gangkhar Punsum (7550m).Visit chime lhakhang, famous temple of fertility(Short hike through the village)there we can see young monks chanting prayer The monastery and fertility temple dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, a Tibetan Buddhist saint known popularly as “the divine madman” and considered a folk hero in Bhutan for his unconventional ways. Drukpa Kuenley originally built a chorten on the site in the 14th century, on which a temple was later built in 15th century. The temple, flanked by nearly 100 tall prayer flags, sits atop a picturesque hill. It has long been a pilgrimage site for childless couples. Overnight in hotel.
Day 03-Punakha-Paro-Altitude 2200m/150km/4hrs drive:
After breakfast drive to punakha. Visit Punakha Dzong: or Pungthang Dechen Phodrang "Palace of Great Happiness” is located on the confluence of two rivers, the Pho and Mochu. It was built in 1637 by Shubdrung Nawang Namgyal and following the ancient traditions, it serves as winter residence for chief abbot (Je-khenpo) and the monks of Central Monastic Body, who return to Thimphu in the summer.Continue drive to paro, on the way stop on the Dochula (pass) have a cup of tea and continue drive to paro, visit one of the oldest temples we have in Bhutan, There we can see old man and women praying, sitting and walking around the temple. The first King of Tibet Songtsen Gampo built Kyichu Lhakhang in 7th century to introduce Buddhism into our country, while our country was still influenced by the Bon beliefs. Drive to Dzongdrakha lhakhang(temple) from there we can see great view of the valley. In the evening walk around the town. Overnight in hotel.
Day 04-Paro-Paro:
After breakfast drive to festival ground to witness the festival. Overnight in hotel.
Day 05-Departure:
Wake up early in the morning to see the Thongdrel (Thanka) ceremony. If the flight departure time is late.
Tour Map
Included/Excluded
- 3*hotel twin sharing
- 3 meals(Breakfast, Lunch and dinner)
- English speaking guide
- SDF
- Visa fees
- Transportation with driver
- Entrance fees
- International flight tickets
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Payment transfer fees
- Tips to service provider
- and any other cost which is not included in given cost
- Additional cost for 4* hotel and above
Frequently asked questions
Bhutan is a year-round destination. There are four seasons: summer (June to August), autumn (September to November), winter (December to February) and spring (March to May). But because of the range of altitudes in the country, and the influence of the north Indian monsoons, the climate is incredibly varied.
In the south, the humid, subtropical climate is fairly consistent year-round, with temperatures between 15oC and 30oC. Central Bhutan, with its temperate forests, has a more seasonal climate, with warm summers and cool, dry winters. The northern regions are much colder during winter. Because of the high altitude, mountain peaks are snowy year-round and the lower reaches remain cool in summer.
In summer, the Indian monsoon season runs from late June or July to late September, mostly affecting the southern regions. Most farming activities take place in the summer, when crops thrive in verdant landscapes.
Autumn, from late September or early October to late November, follows the rainy season. It is characterised by bright, sunny days and some early snowfall at higher elevations. It’s the season of feasts and festivals as farmers reap the fruits of their work.
From late November until March, the crisp, clear and sunny winter sets in, with frost throughout much of the country and snowfall common above elevations of 3,000 metres. The winter northeast monsoon brings gale-force winds at the highest altitudes through high mountain passes, giving Bhutan the name Drukyul, which means Land of the Thunder Dragon in Dzongkha (Bhutan’s national language).
Bhutan’s generally dry spring starts in early March and lasts until mid-April. It is a botanist’s delight, with nature in full bloom. Summer weather commences in mid-April with occasional showers and continues to late June.
Visitors of all nationalities, except those from India, require a visa before entering Bhutan. For all visitors, except those from Bangladesh and the Maldives, this visa must be applied for and approved in advance of travel. Visitors from Bangladesh and the Maldives also require a visa, but this can be applied for and approved either in advance of travel or upon arrival in Bhutan.
Visitors from India are able to apply for a permit but are required to hold an Indian passport or an Indian voter ID card. For Indian nationals under the age of 18, a passport or a birth certificate can be used to enter and they must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
Nationals from Switzerland and Thailand holding diplomatic or government-official passports are eligible for a visa at their port of entry.
A correctly input visa application can take up to five days to process.
The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is a daily levy paid by visitors to support Bhutan’s development. Since the kingdom first opened its doors in 1974, guests have played a critical role in our country’s growth.
The SDF is collected by the national exchequer and funds are allocated to various projects that create long-term, sustainable opportunities for the Bhutanese people, through free healthcare, education and training, upskilling the tourism and hospitality industry, improved infrastructure, environmental preservation and conservation, cultural preservation programmes and initiatives that support local businesses and economies. The SDF is also a vital means of maintaining the exceptional forest cover and carbon-neutrality for which our small nation is world-renowned and globally critical. The SDF also helps us to ensure that we can continue to offer guests tranquillity and an intimate experience.
The SDF is USD 100 per night for adults from all countries except for India. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay USD 50 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF.
The SDF for Indian nationals (showing a valid Indian passport or Voter ID card) is Nu. 1,200 (or the equivalent amount in Indian rupees) per person, per night. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay Nu./INR 600 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF.
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1 Comment
I had a great time in Bhutan! I really recommend a visit to this country if you want to have a great and different experience. I exclusively recommend Indostan Viajes Tours that provided me with this satisfying opportunity. The tour guide was brilliant and I was exposed to the original Bhutan.
Regards,
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