Paro Tsechu is one of Bhutan's most popular festivals. Tsechus (festivals) are one of the best ways to experience Bhutan's ancient living culture, featuring dances performed by trained monks and laymen in amazing masks and costumes. Tsechu is a Buddhist festival commemorating Guru Rimpoche, the saint who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan. The unfurling of the silk Thangka, which is so large it covers the face of an entire building and is considered one of Bhutan's most sacred blessings, is a highlight of the Paro Tsechu. The 'Thangka,' also known as a 'thongdroel' in Bhutan, is a religious picture scroll that is only displayed for a few hours at daybreak on the final day of the festival.

Day 1 : ARRIVE IN PARO

The flight to Paro is one of the world's most spectacular mountain flights, with a constantly changing panorama of some of the world's highest mountains.

After lunch, spend the afternoon exploring Paro, including a visit to the Ta Dzong Museum, which houses many religious relics, works of art, and handicrafts and provides a great introduction to Bhutan's historical, cultural, and religious past. Drive to the 7th Century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of 108 temples built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. Kyichu is built in the same style as the Jokhang in Lhasa. Inside is a magnificent golden image of Buddha Shakyamuni.

Your guide will brief you on Bhutanese etiquette before dinner at the hotel. Overnight.

Day 2 : PARO

Hike to Taktsang Monastery after breakfast. The 1.5 to 2-hour uphill walk takes you nearly a kilometer above the Paro valley floor (for those who cannot hike we will arrange a horse for transfer up to the cafeteria). Taktsang Monastery, built on a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley floor, is a breathtaking sight. The Monastery is also a popular Buddhist pilgrimage site. When the great Guru Rimpoche brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the eighth century, he is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress. There is a teahouse nearby where you can get some refreshments before returning to Paro for lunch.

Attend the Paro festival in the afternoon. You will see locals dressed to the nines who have traveled for miles to attend the festivities. They come to see the masked dances, pray, and feast. While the festival's underlying purpose is spiritual, the dances are more often like plays, telling stories about how good triumphs over evil or depicting significant historical events, particularly those surrounding the life of Bhutan's patron saint, Padmasambhava (also known as Guru Rinpoche). There will inevitably be a lot of socializing. Overnight in Paro at your hotel.

Day 3 : PARO - THIMPHU

To see the thongdroel ceremony, which involves the unfurling of a sizable cloth religious artwork of Guru Rinpoche on the side of the Dzong, get up extremely early at 2.30 am and drive to Paro Dzong. The conclusion of the annual celebration is marked by this occasion. After some downtime at the accommodation, drive the 1.5 hours to Thimphu, the capital, while staying on the Pachu River. As the hereditary place of worship for Bhutan's iron bridge builder, Tamchhog Lhakhang, you can pause along the road to admire its magnificence.
Spend the night in your Thimphu hotel.

Day 4 : THIMPHU

Thimphu, formerly a little town situated in a wide, productive river valley, is now the vibrant capital of the country. Enjoy an entire day of sightseeing, which should include a trip to the National Memorial Chorten, which the Royal Queen Mother finished as a monument to the Third King, who died in 1972. Continue to the Changangkha Temple from the 12th century, the Zilukha Nunnery, and the National Library, which houses a collection of Bhutanese scriptures from the 8th century. If you have the opportunity, you may also stop by the Takin, the country of Bhutan's national animal, and Tashichhodzong, also known as "the castle of the wonderful religion," which houses the main body of monks as well as some government offices. You can stroll through the Thimphu Market on the weekend if your trip there falls on that day (Open only from Friday until mid-Sunday).
Spend the night in your Thimphu hotel.

Day 5 : THIMPHU - TRONGSA

Drive across the Dochu-La pass (3,100m) and Pele La pass (3,420m) on the Black Mountain range from Thimphu to Trongsa (7-8 hours). Visit the stunning Chendebji Chorten en route. In the 18th century, the Chorten was constructed. As you approach the village over a twisting road, the massive Trongsa Dzong can be seen across a steep canyon. The governing dynasty of Bhutan hails from Trongsa.
Spend the night at your Trongsa hotel.

Day 6 : BUMTHANG - TRONGSA

Visiting the architectural masterpiece of Bhutan, Trongsa Dzong, in the morning. The establishment of Bhutan's monarchy took place in Trongsa, the country's biggest Dzong. From the Dzong, one can see for kilometers across the magnificent countryside, which is breathtaking. Visit the Ta Dzong museum as well, which has a remarkable collection of Royal Family historical artifacts and a variety of traditional armor.

After that, go for 2.5 hours to Bumthang, the spiritual center of the nation. The route descends sharply through a thick coniferous forest to Chummey valley after climbing steeply to Yo Yutung La Pass (3,400m).

Some of Bhutan's oldest palaces, Buddhist temples, and monasteries can be found in the Bumthang Valley. Huge hills in the valley, which ascend toward the Himalayan mountain wall dividing Bhutan from Tibet, are surrounded by barley fields, apple orchards, and meadows. Visit the Kurje Lhakhang, one of the most revered locations in the kingdom where Guru Rimpoche meditated, the 7th Century Jambay Lhakhang, and the 16th Century Tamshing Lhakhang, which contains ancient Buddhist murals. At your lodging in Jakar, Bumthang, spend the night.

Day 7 : BUMTHANG

Enjoy a day of sightseeing in and around Bumthang. An excellent overview of Bhutan's traditional rural life may be found in the museum housed in the Tang Ugyen Chholing Palace, which dates back to the 16th century. Visit the Mebartso pool after that (The Lake of Fire). Pemalingpa, the sect's founder, is reported to have discovered a treasure here that Guru Rinpoche had hidden.
At your lodging in Jakar, Bumthang, spend the night.

Day 8 : PUNAKHA - BUMTHANG

Leave for Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan, stopping for lunch en route in Trongsa. Enjoy a stroll through the Punakha municipality when you first arrive. Spend the night at your Punakha hotel.

Day 9 : PUNAKHA

Visit the Punakha Dzong, the "Palace of Great Happiness" constructed in 1637 by the Shabdrung, the "Unifier of Bhutan," by the great Guru Rimpoche's prophecy (Padmasambhava). It serves as the winter headquarters of the Je Khenpo and hundreds of monks who relocate in large numbers from Thimphu to this warmer location. It is located at the junction of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu (Mother and Father Rivers). A stunning example of traditional construction, the Punakha Dzong's three-story main temple features four beautifully carved entrance pillars. 9th day: Punakha

Visit the Punakha Dzong, the "Palace of Great Happiness" constructed in 1637 by the Shabdrung, the "Unifier of Bhutan," following the great Guru Rimpoche's prophecy (Padmasambhava). It serves as the winter headquarters of the Je Khenpo and hundreds of monks who relocate in large numbers from Thimphu to this warmer location. It is located at the junction of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu (Mother and Father Rivers). A stunning example of traditional construction, the Punakha Dzong's three-story main temple features four cypress entrance pillars that have been elaborately embossed and then embellished with gold and silver. On December 17, 1907, the first monarch of Bhutan was crowned in this location.

Drive a little distance to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of the Drukpa Kuenly, also known as the Divine Madman, and have a brief walk there. He inherited the moniker "Divine Madman" because he rebelled against traditional Buddhism at the time. He educated the populace that religion is an inner sense and that becoming an ordained monk is not necessary. He is also viewed as a representation of fertility, and most childless couples seek blessings at his temple.
Spend the night at your Punakha or Wangduephodrang hotel.

Day 10 : Punakha to Paro

Drive to Yabesa village in the morning, where you can climb past rice paddies and up to the Khamsum Yueley Namgyal Chorten, which was constructed by her Majesty the queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuk. The Chorten, which is perched high on a hill along the river, is home to paintings from the Nyingmapa Tradition. After that, take a drive back to Thimphu where you can browse gift and handicraft shops. Then make your way to Paro.
Spend the night in your Paro hotel.

Day 11 : Leave Paro

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport to catch your flight to the next location.