Tshechu Festival Journey

Timed around the Jakar, Jambay or Trongsa tshechus, this journey brings you into the crowd as villagers gather in their finest gho and kira to receive blessings through the cham dances. Your guide explains the meaning of each dance, and you witness the unfurling of the great thongdrel at dawn.

Day by day

1. 1

   Arrive in Paro

   Welcome dinner and fitting for traditional dress.

2. 2

   Thimphu

   Folk Heritage Museum and the National Institute for Zorig Chusum.

3. 3

   Punakha

   Cross the Dochula and visit Punakha Dzong.

4. 4

   To Trongsa

   Drive through Phobjikha valley, winter home of the black-necked crane.

5. 5

   Into Bumthang

   Settle in Jakar and visit the festival grounds as preparations begin.

6. 6

   Festival day one

   Cham dances and the atsara clowns, with your guide narrating.

7. 7

   Festival day two

   Rise before dawn for the thongdrel blessing.

8. 8

   Ura valley

   A walk through the cobbled village of Ura.

9. 9

   Return to Paro

   Fly from Bumthang or drive back west.

10. 10

    Depart

    Transfer to the airport.