Overview
Two festivals in one trip. Talo Tshechu is intimate and local; Paro Tshechu is grand and famous. Together they give you the full spectrum of Bhutanese sacred dance, from masked clown acts that make children shriek with laughter to solemn rituals that haven't changed in centuries.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival in Paro
Welcome to Bhutan! We visit the impressive Paro Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang — one of the oldest temples in the country, where butter lamps flicker in ancient darkness and the air is thick with juniper incense.
Over the Mountains to Punakha
We drive up and over the spectacular Dochula Pass, where you can see a jaw-dropping panorama of snow-capped peaks. The road winds down into the warm Punakha Valley. We end at magnificent Punakha Dzong, reflected in the turquoise water below.
Talo Tshechu — An Intimate Village Festival
We hike up to the small village of Talo, where the local tshechu is in full swing — masked dancers whirl in brilliant brocade while the entire community gathers in their finest handwoven clothes. Unlike the bigger festivals, Talo feels wonderfully intimate.
Talo Tshechu Day Two or Khamsum Yulley Chorten
Return to Talo for the second day of celebrations, or visit the exquisite Khamsum Yulley Chorten — a golden-spired temple reached by a gorgeous walk through terraced rice fields along the Mo Chhu river.
Journey to Thimphu
We drive back over the mountains to Thimphu. We visit the Memorial Chorten, the imposing Tashichho Dzong, and the massive Buddha Dordenma statue, where you watch the sun set over the entire valley.
Paro Tshechu — The Grand Festival
We head to Paro Dzong, where the famous Paro Tshechu is underway. Hundreds of spectators pack the galleries while monks in magnificent masks perform ancient dances. The drumming reverberates off the stone walls, and the atmosphere is electric.
Paro Tshechu Day Two — The Giant Thangka
Set your alarm early — we head to the dzong for the unfurling of the Thongdrel, a giant silk thangka so large it covers the entire face of the building. Watching it slowly unrolled by torchlight while monks chant is one of the most extraordinary spiritual experiences you will ever have.
Farewell
We say goodbye to the Land of the Thunder Dragon. You leave with a heart full of festival memories and the echo of monastery horns.