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Paro Tshechu Festival Tour
7 Days / 6 Nights

Paro Tshechu Festival Tour

Masked dances and the unveiling of the great Thongdrel

7 days Easy Max 3,120 m Paro · Thimphu · Punakha
Overview

Masked dances and the unveiling of the great Thongdrel

Each spring, people from across western Bhutan gather in their finest clothes at Rinpung Dzong for the Paro Tshechu. Monks and laymen perform cham — sacred masked dances — while atsaras (clowns) entertain the crowds.

On the final morning, before sunrise, a huge thongdrel (appliqué thangka) of Guru Rinpoche is unfurled; seeing it is believed to cleanse one of sins. Our guides secure good viewing spots and explain the meaning of each dance.

Festival dates follow the lunar calendar — Paro Tshechu 2027 is tentatively scheduled for 18–22 March.

Duration7 Days / 6 Nights
Best seasonMarch/April (festival dates)
GroupPrivate: 1–12 guests
Start / EndParo → Paro

Journey highlights

  • Two days of Paro Tshechu cham dances
  • Dawn unveiling of the Thongdrel
  • Thimphu and Punakha sightseeing
  • Tiger’s Nest hike
Day by day

Itinerary

Day1

Arrive Paro – Thimphu

Arrival and drive to Thimphu.

Overnight: Thimphu Meals: L, D Drive: 1 hr
Day2

Thimphu

Sightseeing in the capital; your guide helps you buy or borrow a gho or kira to wear at the festival.

Overnight: Thimphu Meals: B, L, D
Day3

Thimphu – Punakha – Thimphu

Day trip over Dochula to Punakha Dzong.

Overnight: Thimphu Meals: B, L, D Drive: 3 hrs each way
Day4

Thimphu – Paro: Tshechu Day

Drive to Paro and spend the day at the festival grounds watching the cham dances.

Overnight: Paro Meals: B, L, D Drive: 1 hr
Day5

Paro Tshechu

A second day at the festival — the most important dances are performed on the final days.

Overnight: Paro Meals: B, L, D
Day6

Thongdrel unveiling – Tiger’s Nest

Pre-dawn visit to witness the Thongdrel, then hike to Taktsang Monastery.

Overnight: Paro Meals: B, L, D
Day7

Depart Paro

Transfer to the airport.

Meals: B

B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner. Itineraries may be adjusted for weather, festival dates and road conditions.

Good to know

What’s included

Included

  • Bhutan visa processing (US$40 visa fee included)
  • Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of US$100 per night
  • Licensed English-speaking Bhutanese guide throughout
  • Private air-conditioned vehicle with experienced driver
  • 3-star government-certified hotels on twin-sharing basis
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner), tea & bottled water
  • Entrance fees to monuments and museums on the itinerary
  • Airport transfers in Paro

Not included

  • International flights to and from Paro (we can book Drukair / Bhutan Airlines)
  • Travel insurance (mandatory)
  • Single-room supplement
  • 4- and 5-star hotel upgrades (available on request)
  • Alcoholic drinks, laundry, phone calls & personal expenses
  • Tips for guide and driver
Reviews

What travellers say

“Seeing the Thongdrel unveiled at dawn was magical. Our guide found us a perfect spot and explained every dance.”
A
Anna & Lukas BergerGermany · April 2026
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