Thimphu Tshechu

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Trip Facts

  • Destination:Bhutan
  • Trip Grade:Easy
  • Total Duration:7 Days
  • Best Time:October
  • Group Size:1-40 People

Trip Overview

One of the biggest festivals in the country is the Thimphu Tshechu. This festival is held in the capital city for three days beginning on the 10th day of the 8th month of lunar calendar. This Tshechu is witnessed by thousands of people many of which travel from neighboring Dzongkhags (districts) to attend the festivities.
The actual Tshechu is preceded by days and nights of prayer and rituals to invoke the gods.When it was initiated by the 4th Desi, Gyalse Tenzin Rabgay in 1867 the Tshechu consisted of only a few dances being performed strictly by monks. These were the Zhana chham and the Zhana Nga chham (Dances of the 21 Black Hats), Durdag (Dance of the Lords of the Cremation Ground), and the Tungam chham (Dance of the Terrifying Deities).The Thimphu Tshechu underwent a change in the 1950s, when the third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, introduced numerous Boed chhams (mask dances performed by lay monks).
These additions added colour and variation to the festival without compromising its spiritual significance. Mask dances like the Guru Tshengye (Eight Manifestations of Guru), Shaw Shachi (Dance of the Stags) are enjoyed because they are similar to stage-theater.Equally important are the Atsaras, who are more than just mere clowns. The Atsaras are the dupthobs (acharyas), who provide protection. The dances and the jesting of the Atsaras are believed to entrance evil forces and prevent them from causing harm during Tshechus.
Modern Atsaras also perform short skits to disseminate health and social awareness messages.To farmers, the Tshechu is also seen as a break from farm life. It’s an occasion to celebrate, receive blessings and pray for health and happiness.

Thimphu Dromchoe : Besides the annual three days Tshechu, Thimphu also celebrates a one-day festival known as the Thimphu Dromchoe. The day-long festival dates back to the 17th century. It was first introduced by Kuenga Gyeltshen in 1710, who was recognized as the reincarnation of Jampel Dorji, son of Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyel. The dromchoe is celebrated 3 days prior to the Thimphu Tshechu.The Dromchoe showcases the sacred dances dedicated to the chief protective deity of Bhutan, Palden Lhamo. Legend has it, that the deity Pelden Lhamo appeared before Kuenga Gyeltshen and performed the dances while he was in meditation. Based on these dances, Kuenga Gyaltshen initiated the Dromchoe.

Detail Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Paro – Thimphu.
Day 2: Thimphu.
Day 3: Thimphu.
Day 4: Thimphu – Punakha.
Day 5: Punakha – Thimphu – Paro.
Day 6: Paro.
Day 7: Depart Paro.

Cost Includes

  • Airport pickup and drop.
  • It is private tour, will be accompanied by your personal guide and your driver with vehicle.
  • Camping Equipment and Haulage for Trekking Tours
  • Bottled mineral Water throughout your tour.
  • Accommodation in twin Sharing in 3 Star Hotel.(4 & 5 star may require an additional premium).
  • All meals (buffet system /include evening tea/snacks per pax each day).
  • All hotel tax & service charges.
  • Bhutan visa processing fee.
  • All inland travel permits.
  • Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) Royalties and taxes.
  • Inland transfers by private car: SUV Vehicles (Toyota Prado / Hyundai Tucson / Hyundai Santa Fe / Toyota Sedans), Toyota Hiace, Toyota Coaster, Hyundai H1 – based on group strength.
  • Local sightseeing with entrance fees where applicable.
  • Services of an English speaking local guide.

Cost Excludes

  • Druk air flights [Please note that the cost of any domestic airfare for the guide must be paid by the clients/agents].
  • Travel insurance
  • Refreshment, any alcoholic/nonalcoholic beverages and any other personal expenses
  • Gratuities to guide, driver, trekking staff, etc
  • Other expenses of personal nature

The tour has included most of the important landmarks to know about Bhutan and its culture in short period of time. I enjoyed my solo trip in Bhutan. My tour guide Chencho has excellent knowledge about Buddhism, the monasteries and the history of Bhutan. He was also very accommodating and responsible guide. The driver, Benzay kept the car clean and was also very pleasant and funny.

Aaron,
United States of America
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