Thimpu
Tshechu Festival Tour-09 Days
The Tshechu is a festival
honouring Guru Padmasambhava, "one
who was born from a lotus flower."
This Indian saint contributed enormously
to the diffusion of Tantric Buddhism in
the Himalayan regions of Tibet, Nepal,
Bhutan etc. around 800 AD. He is the founder
of the Nyingmapa, the "old school"
of Lamaism which still has numerous followers.
The biography of Guru is highlighted by
12 episodes of the model of the Buddha
Shakyamuni’s life. Each episode
is commemorated around the year on the
10th day of the month by "the Tschechu".
The dates and the duration of the festivals
vary from one district to another but
they always take place on or around the
10th day of the month according to the
Bhutanese calendar. During Tshechus, the
dances are performed by monks as well
as by laymen. The Tshechu is a religious
festival and by attending it, it is believed
one gains merits. It is also a yearly
social gathering where the people, dressed
in all their finery, come together to
rejoice. The Thimphu Tshechu for 1999
scheduled TBA.
Day 1: Arrive Paro
International Airport- During
the journey, one will experience breath
taking view of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga
and other famous Himalayan peaks including
the sacred Chomolhari and Mount Jichu
Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International
Airport, you will be received by your
tour operator. who will take you to Thimphu,
the Capital, 60 Kms. from Paro Airport
and about 2 hours drive. The drive to
Thimphu takes you along the Paro Chu (Chu
means water or river) down stream to the
confluence with the Wang Chu, then turn
upstream and travel along the Wang Chu
to Thimphu. Check in at the hotel.
Evening: Reception by tour
operator representatives.
Day 2: Thimphu
– Sightseeing- Visit the
Memorial Chorten (a huge stupa) built
in memory of the third King of Bhutan
who reigned the Kingdom from 1952-1972.
Visit the National Library
where ancient manuscripts are preserved
Visit the Wood Craft and Painting School
where traditional arts and crafts are
still kept alive.
Visit the handicrafts Emporium
where Bhutanese textiles and other arts
and crafts are displayed and can be purchased.
Visit Simtokha Dzong. This
is one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan.
It was built in 1629 A.D. It houses the
largest monastic schools in the country.
Evening:
Relax in Thimphu's modern health club,
Sakten Health Club and Salon, where sauna,
steam, gymnasium facilities are available
as well as full beauty treatment, including
hair dressing, skin care (with pure herbal
products) and body massage services. For
our guests, the Health Club facilities
(steam, sauna and gymnasium) are free
and beauty services are available for
a concessional rates.
NOTE:
The Thimphu Tshechu is usually fixed for
four days as indicated in the attached
programme. But the official programme
for tourists is for three interesting
days only to make the best use of their
time. Therefore, day four is optional.
Day 3: Thimphu
Tshechu After an early breakfast
attend the first day of the Tshechu which
is held in the courtyard of Tashichho
Dzong. This is the main Secretariat Building,
where the government ministries, the office
of His Majesty the King, the Throne Room,
the offices and living quarters of the
monk body and its Chief Abbot are housed.
Lunch at the hotel
Thimphu Tshechu
Evening: relax at the hotel or stroll
through Thimphu Town.
Day 4: Morning
- attend Tshechu- After lunch:
two optional programmes are
Dechen Chholing is a quiet
place where the hermits find it ideal
for meditation. One can see a number of
small huts scattered right across the
hill just above the Palace.
Have picnic lunch in Dechen
Chholing just above the palace.
Evening: If the day falls on a Saturday,
visit the most popular night club in Thimphu
known as "Club X". This is optional.
Guests can either relax in the hotel or
visit the Company Health Club.
Day 05: Morning:
the following are two optional programmes:
Day 7: Thimphu
- Punakha/Wangdiphodrang- A full
day excursion to Punakha, the former Capital
of Bhutan (77 Km) from Thimphu. Wangdi
is 16 Km from Punakha. Visit the Dzongs
in both Punakha and Wangdi.
Day 8: Thimphu
- Paro In Paro- Visit the following
places of interest:
The National Museum (Ta-Dzong). This was
actually the Watch Tower of the Paro Rinchen
Pong Dzong. It was converted to the National
Museum in l968.
Visit the Rinchen Pong Dzong.
This massive fortress is located on a
hill top above the Pachu (Paro River)
in the Paro Valley. It houses the District
Administration Office and the District
Monk Body. It was built in 1645 AD. Visit
the Drugyel Dzong which is located 16
Km away from the Paro Town. The name Drugyel
means "Victorious". Although
in ruins, this Dzong is of great historical
importance. It was here that the Bhutanese
finally defeated the invading Tibetans
and drove them back. From here, the peak
of Chomolhari "Mountain of the Goddess"
can be seen on a clear day (Alt. 7329m/24,029ft.)
On the way back, visit a typical Bhutanese
farmhouse.
Day 9: Drive Paro
- International Airport fly your next
destination
Tour Price per
person basis
