The Chhukha Ngedrup tse Dzong observes a three-day Tshechu comprising different masked dances and cultural items as an offering to the Guru Padmasambhava every year. Thousands of devotees congregate at the courtyard of the newly built Dzong to witness the religious Chams which are considered sacred and believed that onlookers will be liberated and washed off of their past sins. The best part of the Tshechu is that on the last day of the Tshechu a massive Thongdrol (appliqué tapestry) of Guru is unfurled from the Utse of the Dzong for the devotees. Thongdrol means liberation at sight.
DAY 1: PARO/THIMPHU
Arrive any time at Paro International Airport (2200 meters above sea level) and transfer to Thimphu. In Thimphu (2300m), if time permits, take an orientation walk in town, do some shopping, and get settled in.
Meals Included: Dinner
Accommodations: Hotel Tara Phendeyling (or similar)
DAY 2: THIMPHU/CHHUKHA (Chhukha TSHECHU)
Drive early in the morning to Chhukha Dzong to the Tsechu.
After tshechu, drive back to Thimphu
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Evening
Accommodations: Hotel Tara Phendeyling (or similar)
DAY 3: THIMPHU/PUNĀKHA
Enjoy a full day of exploration including a visit to Dochula Druk Wangyel Chorten (108 victory stupas) at Dochula Pass (3150m), Chhimi Lhakhang (temple of fertility), Punakha Dzong (1200m), and Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Zhingkham Resort (or similar)
DAY 4: PUNĀKHA
Hike through rice terraces and forests to Khamsum Yueley Chorten.
Ramble through the suspension bridge.
In the afternoon, go river rafting.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Zhingkham Resort (or similar)
DAY 5: PUNAKHA /PARO
Travel to Paro. Visit Paro Dzong and National Museum and Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples built in the 8th century.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Bhutan Mandala Resort (or similar)
DAY 6: TAKSANG HIKE
Hike to tiger nest famously known as Taktsang Monastery (2900M). It will take at least 2 hours to reach the monastery.
Enjoy a cultural program and dinner in pure Bhutanese style in the evening.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Bhutan Mandala Resort (or similar)
DAY 7: DEPARTURE
Depart from Paro International Airport