Thimphu Tshechu Festival Tour
Trip at a Glance
-
Country: Bhutan
-
Trip grade: Easy
-
Destination: Paro/Thimphu/Punakha
-
Activities: Festival tour/Cultural sightseeing
-
Accommodation: 3-Star hotels
-
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
-
.png)
Transportation: Private vehicle/Plane
-
Maximum altitude: Taktsang Monastery (3120m)
-
Trip Start / End: Kathmandu - Kathmandu
-
.png)
Best Season: 21-23 Sep 2026
Thimphu Tshechu Festival is one of the most significant religious and cultural events in Bhutan. It takes place in the capital city of Thimphu and showcases a rich display of traditional masked dances, folk performances, and religious rituals. Attending the Thimphu Tshechu Festival offers a unique opportunity to witness the vibrant Bhutanese culture and immerse yourself in the country’s traditions. It takes place in the capital city of Thimphu and showcases a rich display of traditional masked dances, folk performances, and religious rituals. Attending the Thimphu Tshechu Festival offers a unique opportunity to witness the vibrant Bhutanese culture and immerse yourself in the country’s traditions.
Thimphu tshechu festival 2026 dates in Bhutan
21st to 23rd Sep 2026
Location: Tashi Chhodzong, Thimphu
Thimphu Tshechu Festival Tour Highlights:
- Scenic flight to/from Paro witnessing the world’s highest mountains.
- Cultural tour of Paro & the tiny capitalThimphu’.
- Witness the colorful Thimphu Tshechu at Tashichho Dzong.
- Discover age-old Buddhist culture and tradition of the Himalayan Kingdom.
- Hike to the Taktsang Monastery ‘Tiger’s Nest’.
- Spectacular snow-capped mountains views.
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive Paro (2250m) - Thimphu (2350m/1 hr)
Day 02: In Thimphu - attend Thimphu Tshechu
Day 03: Thimphu – Punakha (1310m/3 hrs)
Day 04: In Punakha (1310m)
Day 05: Punakha – Paro (2250m/3.5 hrs)
Day 06: Paro – Hike to Taktsang Monastery ‘Tiger’s Nest’ (3120m)
Day 07: Paro Depart
Arrive at Paro International Airport in Bhutan with direct flights from cities like Kathmandu, Bangkok, New Delhi. After going through immigration, you'll be greeted with a warm welcome from our representatives and drive to Thimphu. Check in at the hotel and visit King's Memorial Chorten, Tashichhoe dzong, Local Crafts Bazaar.
Spend the day at Bhutan's most important religious celebration, the lively Thimphu Tshechu. See religious masked dances (Cham), traditional music, and bright clothes from the area. This religious event gives you a lot of information about Bhutanese culture and Buddhist customs.
Drive to Punakha via the beautiful Dochula Pass (3,100m) to get to Punakha. On clear days, you can see the northern Himalayas from the pass. Visit the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens at Dochula. Arrive Punakha Valley and visit Punakha Dzong – one of the most beautiful monasteries in Bhutan. Later on excursion to Chimi Lhakang ‘the temple of fertility’ from Punakha.
Today is a hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten through fields of chilies, cabbages and rice along the banks of the Mo Chhu. Later visit to Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery perched on a ridge amid pine trees and overlooking valleys of Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang.
Drive to Paro en-route visiting Simtokha Dzong built in 1627 which now houses the School for Buddhist studies. In Paro visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower then a short walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) “fortress of the heap of jewels”.
Drive to the base of the monastery outskirts of Paro town and hike above to Taktsang Monastery. The monastery is perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. Later on, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan.
After breakfast, your guide will escort you to Paro International Airport for your flight back home.
What is included?
- Airport pick-up and drop services by private transportation.
- Guided sightseeing tour as per the itinerary.
- Accommodation in Bhutanese government-approved tourist standard hotels throughout the trip.
- All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner).
- Entrance and monumental fees during sightseeing.
- Bhutan visa fees and processing assistance.
- Remuneration to the Bhutanese government-certified English-speaking local tour guide.
- Bhutanese government’s royalties, and taxes.
What is not included?
- International airfares.
- Personal travel insurance.
- Nepal entry visa fee – Visa can be obtained upon your arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu.
- Other expenses of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry, bottled water etc.).
- Bar bills, alcoholic drinks & beverages.
- Tip for a tour guide or driver.
FAQ's
What is the Thimphu Tshechu Festival?
The Thimphu Tshechu is a religious celebration that takes place every year at Tashichho Dzong, the fortress monastery in Thimphu, Bhutan. It is held on the tenth day of the lunar calendar to honor Guru Padmasambhava, or Guru Rinpoche, who brought Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century.
What is the Thimphu Tshechu Festival Tour?
The Thimphu Tshechu Festival Tour is a cultural trip that lets you see and take part in the lively Thimphu Tshechu, which is one of Bhutan's most important religious festivals. This tour is to see the Bhutanese people's rich cultural heritage, masked dances, and traditional performances.
When does the Thimphu Tshechu Festival start?
The Thimphu Tshechu Festival normally happens in September or October, which is late summer or early fall. The dates change every year because they are based on the Bhutanese lunar calendar.
What are the most important parts of the Thimphu Tshechu Festival Tour?
The best parts of the Thimphu Tshechu Festival Tour are seeing the exciting masked dances and cultural performances by monks and laypeople, feeling the energy of the festival, and seeing the grandeur of Thimphu and its cultural sites.
When does the Thimphu Tshechu Festival happen in 2026?
The Thimphu Tshechu Festival will take place from September 21 to 23, 2026.
Do you need a visa to visit Bhutan?
Yes, foreign nationals from all over needs visa to enter Bhutan except from India, Bangladesh, and Maldives. Tourist visa to Bhutan can only be secured from a licensed tour operator.
What is the SDF (Sustainable Development Fee) in Bhutan?
The Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) helps protect the environment, educate people, and support local communities. SDF cost is $100 per person per night (subject to change).
Is it possible for me to travel alone in Bhutan?
No, you can't travel solo in Bhutan. According to Bhutan's tourist rules, all visitors must book a tour through an authorized operator and travel with a licensed guide.
What is included in a Bhutan travel package?
A typical Bhutan tour package includes Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), English Speaking Guide, Car with a driver, Staying in a hotel, All meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Entrance Fees to museums and monasteries, Taxes and permissions from the government.
What isn't included in the price of the Bhutan tour?
Usually not included are flights to and from Bhutan from other countries, Insurance for travel, Personal costs (drinks, laundry, tipping), extra activities like hot stone bath, Supplement for a single room (if needed)
When is the best time to visit Bhutan?
The best time to go to Bhutan is Spring (March to May) when the weather is nice. Then Autumn (September to November) when clear vistas of the mountains and big festivals can be observed.
How hard is it to go to Bhutan?
Most cultural trips in Bhutan are not too easy going programs. You need to be in good shape for short hikes like the Tiger's Nest Monastery climb. Trekking in Bhutan are moderate to strenuous and requires you to be in good shape.
What kinds of hotels are there in Bhutan?
There are different categories of hotels to stay in Bhutan from 3- and 4-star hotels to luxury 5-star hotels that are comfortable. Normally your tour cost includes 3-star hotels stay and for upgrade will require extra.
What kinds of cuisine will be served on the Bhutan tour?
Bhutan excursions include a wide range of meals, such as traditional Bhutanese food like Ema Datshi, food from India, Asia, and the rest of the world.
Is Bhutan safe to travel?
Yes, Bhutan is considered the safest places to travel in the world due to it’s very little crime and the people being friendly.
What kind of money do people in Bhutan use?
The Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN) is the Bhutanese currenty. A lot of places will accept Indian Rupees. In big cities, you can use ATMs and credit cards, but in rural places, cash is better.
Is there internet in Bhutan?
Most hotels located in towns like Paro, Thimphu have Wi-Fi, but the speed may vary.
Do you need travel insurance to go to Bhutan?
The Bhutanese government has announced travel insurance is no longer mandatory for travel to Bhutan in 2024 to boost tourism. But it’s recommend get one for high altitude trekking to cover evacuation and medical charges.
