Trip Facts
Overview
Colorful Festivals of Bhutan
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Bhutan without having to trek!Colorful Festivals of Bhutan Tour, take a step back in time for a glimpse of traditions and customs disappearing from the rest of the Himalayan world. Bhutan, a country of deep religious background will impress you through its magic everywhere. Gigantic mountains covered with thick primeval forests, the generous and welcoming attitude of its unassuming people, who have not rejected their spiritual heritage for modern ways, are all but that make up a for a unique cultural experience.
As you visit the country’s impressive whitewashed dzongs (fortress-monasteries that are thriving centers of worship and culture) and meet the people on hikes through the countryside, you will see how the past remains an integral part of the very vibrant present. A highlight is the Tsechu religious festival, an exuberant and earthy affair featuring fancifully costumed dancers performing masked dance-dramas before hundreds of onlookers. Mingling with the locals in this joyous celebration highlight of their social calendar is a unique honor, bestowed to only a limited number of visitors each year.
The Tshechu is a religious event celebrated on the tenth day of a month of the lunar calendar corresponding to the birthday of Guru Rimpoche (Guru Padmasambhava). However, the exact month of the Tshechu varies from place to place and temple to temple. Tshechus are grand events where entire communities come together to witness religious mask dances, receive blessings and socialize. In addition to the mask dances, tshechus also include colorful Bhutanese dances and other forms of entertainment.
It is believed that everyone must attend a Tshechu and witness the mask dances at least once to in order to receive blessings and wash away their sins. Every mask dance performed during a Tshechu has a special meaning or a story behind it and many are based on stories and incidents from as long ago as the 8th century, during the life of Guru Padmasambhava.
In monasteries, the mask dances are performed by monks and in remote villages, they are performed jointly by monks and village men. Two of the most popular Tshechus in the country is the Paro and Thimphu Tshechus in terms of participation and audience. Besides the locals, many tourists from across the world are attracted to these unique, colorful and exciting displays of traditional culture.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01 : Fly to Paro
Day 02-03 : Attend the Tsechu Festival
Day 04 : Morning drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital
Day 05 : Scenic drive over the Dochu La (10,000′) to the Punakha Valley
Day 06 : Drive to Bumthang
Day 07-08 : Explore the monasteries and pilgrimage sites of the Bumthang Valley
Day 09 : Retrace much of our route across the country to Gangtey valley
Day 10 : Drive to Thimphu. Sightseeing in the afternoon
Day 11 : More sightseeing of Thimphu valley. Late afternoon drive to Paro
Day 12 : Depart Paro on Druk Air
Cost
- Accommodation at 3-star hotel and tent camp
- Govt. licensed and experienced trekking and culture Guide service
- Experienced driver and comfortable transport service
- Alcoholic beverages & telephone calls
- High risk medical insurance
- Air tickets
- Purely personal nature expenses
- Emergency rescue evacuation if needed
Reviews
Simply put “WOW”.
Simply put “WOW”. I have never met more responsible people in my life. They made sure every step of the way was taken care of from the drivers, tour guides, trek guides, porters and hotel accommodations. I highly recommend this company for its hard working, responsible and friendly people. The people make a company. Special thanks to: Anuja “the planner”, Chitiz & Ashmir “the ultimate trekking guides” and finally Robin “the enthusiastic jungle bird watcher”.
Nick Devincenzo
San Diego, CaliforniaPlan Holidays did a fantastic job on our whole trip!
Plan Holidays did a fantastic job on our whole trip! We did the trip that included time in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan National Park and a 5-day trek around Annapurna. From the moment we stepped off the plane, we had guides showing us around and everything was perfectly planned for us. Maila, our trekking guide was amazing and had so much knowledge! It was a great trip!
Autumn Wonderlich
Boston, MassachusettsIncredibly well organized
This company was amazing. Incredibly well organized. I felt safe and spoiled. Our airport transports were always early and waiting for us. All of our reservations for our accommodations and busses were perfect. The temple tour we took was super fun and educational. Some of our luggage got stuck in our layover country and between this travel agency and our hotel they were able to get it for us and deliver it the next day. We also had a 10month old traveling with us and they made sure that our accommodation and travel plans were safe for him. During our 5 days of trekking, we had THE BEST guide/sherpa. I would positively let them plan another trip for us. Thank you!!!!
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Karen Graves
CaliforniaA wonderful trip
Thank you so much!!!!
We had a wonderful trip!!! And you were always there to help or guide us as needed! I hope we can have fun together again!!!!!
Janet Spencer
West Jordan, UtahNice trip to Nepal
Nice trip in Nepal organized by Plan Holidays Travel! Guide and Porter were great.
Michael Worcestar
Plan Holidays is the best company
Plan Holidays is the best company with wonderful staff members and Guide was incredible an genuinely cared for our welfare. It was such a pleasure to meet all the friendly and humorous people of Nepal. All of my thanks to Managing Director Mr. Kala Dhar Baral and the professional team members of Plan Holidays.
Samuel idas
Great Job
Plan Holidays did a great job on the organization of this wonderful journey! We all had a great time, it was such a pleasure to meet all the friendly and humorous people of Nepal.
Aleksandra Perr/Peter Babivskiy
I had a wonderful experience
I recently booked a tour with Plan Holidays, and I had a wonderful experience. Anuja scheduled the tour, and it was comforting to have our trip covered without any concerns. Our guide Shiva took us through Kathmandu, and showed all us the highlights of the city and provided us with the cultural and historical background. We also did the Poon Hill Trek with guides Chitiz and Ashmir, who provided a peaceful hike through the Himalayas. On our last two days, we spent time in Chitwan National Park, where our guide, Robin, took us on adventures where we saw crocodiles and rhinos.
The entire package was affordable, and our guides met our every need; they went out of their way for us on many occasions. It was comforting to get off the bus and see our guides waiting for us with our name tags. I would highly encourage anyone to book a trip through this company. I promise that you will have an amazing experience–five stars!
