Thimphu Tshechu

Trip Highlights

Experience the vibrant Thimphu Tsechu, where sacred mask dances and ancient rituals bring Bhutanese spirituality and culture to life.
Witness monks and lay performers in colorful costumes performing traditional cham dances at Tashichho Dzong.
Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere as locals gather in their finest attire to celebrate blessings, community, and heritage.

Trip overview

Celebrate the spirit of Bhutan on this vibrant 7-day cultural and spiritual journey, centered around the colorful Thimphu Tsechu.

Experience sacred mask dances, joyful celebrations, and centuries-old rituals as locals gather in their finest attire to receive blessings and honor tradition. Beyond the festival, explore Bhutan’s rich heritage with visits to Buddha Dordenma, the scenic Dochula Pass, and the majestic Punakha Dzong. Cross the country’s longest suspension bridge and hike to the legendary Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest), perched dramatically above the valley. Fun, festive, and deeply spiritual, this tour offers the perfect way to experience Bhutan at its most colorful and meaningful.

This itinerary is designed for 7 days and can be customized according to your clients’ preferences, with options ranging from a minimum of 5 days to a maximum of 12 days for a festival and cultural tour.

Please note that to attend the Thimphu Tsechu, travel dates must coincide with the festival schedule. For 2026, the Thimphu Tsechu will be held from 21st–23rd September 2026, so kindly plan your trip accordingly.

Why Book Your Trip Now?

Limited festival dates: The Thimphu Tsechu takes place only once a year, and the 21st–23rd September 2026 dates are fixed.
High demand period: Hotels, guides, and flights fill up quickly as this is one of Bhutan’s most popular and colorful festivals.
Best viewing experience: Early booking ensures proper festival seating arrangements and a well-planned itinerary.
Seamless travel planning: Securing permits and logistics in advance guarantees a smooth and stress-free cultural journey.

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Itinerary

01:

Arrival in Paro - Transfer to Thimphu

Upon your arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide. Your journey begins with a scenic drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. Along the way, stop at Tamchhog Lhakhang, a traditional temple known for its iron bridge built by Bhutan’s famous bridge builder, Thangtong Gyalpo. This bridge, adorned with prayer flags, offers a perfect

introduction to Bhutan’s spirituality. In Thimphu, visit Buddha Point (Buddha Dordenma), where a massive 51-meter bronze statue of Buddha overlooks the valley. Then head to the Memorial Chorten, a stupa revered by locals for daily prayers and rituals. Conclude your day with dinner at a local restaurant, enjoying traditional Bhutanese cuisine. Overnight in Thimphu.

02:

Thimphu Tsechu and Sightseeing

Begin your day immersed in the vibrant Thimphu Tsechu festival, one of Bhutan’s most celebrated events, held near the Tashichho Dzong. You’ll witness traditional mask dances, religious rituals, and colorful performances that offer insight into Bhutanese culture and spirituality. In the afternoon, explore Thimphu’s key attractions. Visit the Takin Preserve, home to Bhutan’s national animal, the takin. Then, head to the Sangaygang Viewpoint for panoramic views of the Thimphu Valley, followed by a tour of the Simply Bhutan Museum, where you can experience Bhutanese life through interactive displays. End the day with an authentic Bhutanese dinner at the Folk Heritage Museum restaurant. Today you will get the complimentary Bhutanese Traditional Attire try out as you head to the festival, purely your choice, but it’s a good day to attend the festival in Bhutanese style.

Overnight in Thimphu.

03:

Thimphu - Punakha

After breakfast, depart for Punakha, a valley blessed with a subtropical climate and lush rice fields. En route, stop at Dochula Pass (3,050 meters) to enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayan range and the 108 chortens (stupas) built in honor of Bhutanese soldiers.

Upon arrival in Punakha, visit Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple dedicated to the Divine Mad Monk, Drukpa Kunley. Known for its fertility blessings, this temple is a popular pilgrimage site for couples.

Overnight in Punakha.

04:

Punakha Sightseeing

Start your day with a hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten, an elaborately designed temple built to promote peace and harmony. Located on a ridge, it offers a stunning view of the Punakha Valley.

After lunch, visit the iconic Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful fortresses, strategically positioned at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Explore the dzong’s exquisite architecture and murals. End the day with a walk across Bhutan’s longest Suspension Bridge, providing scenic views of the valley and rivers below.

Overnight in Punakha.

05:

Punakha - Paro

Drive back to Paro, with a visit to Drukgyel Dzong, an ancient fortress that once protected Bhutan against Tibetan invasions. It offers spectacular views of Mount Jomolhari on clear days. In Paro, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, believed to have been built in the 7th century. This serene temple is rich in history and spirituality. Conclude the day with free time to explore Paro town, where you can browse local handicrafts and experience the charming atmosphere of this small Bhutanese town.

Overnight in Paro.

06:

Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery

After an early breakfast, set out for a hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang Lhakhang), Bhutan’s most iconic landmark. This sacred monastery clings to a cliffside 900 meters above the Paro Valley. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche flew to this spot on the back of a tigress and meditated here, making it a pilgrimage site for Buddhists. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the Taktshang Cafeteria on your way back down, with scenic views of the monastery and valley.

Overnight in Paro.

07:

Departure

fter breakfast, you’ll transfer to Paro International Airport for your departure. Bid farewell to Bhutan with unforgettable memories of its rich culture, scenic landscapes, and warm hospitality.

Side Note: The Thimphu Tsechu Festival in 2026 is scheduled to begin on 21st – 23rd September 2026. Tashi Delek!

Cost Details

Cost includes

Accommodation
Full Board Meals
English speaking Guide
Transportation
Entrance fee, Visa fee
Unlimited bottles of mineral water
Applicable government taxes(5%GST)
SDF
Trying out of traditional Bhutan attire.

Cost exclusion

Medical & personal insurance
Personal expenses
Emergency evacuation charges
Tips for the guide and driver
Airfare
Pony Ride to Taktshang (Tiger Nest)
Hot Stone Bath
Raffting

Trip Facts

Trip Duration 7 Days & 6 Nights

Trip Price $1800

Single Supplement $252

Districts Paro, Thimphu & Punakha

Accomodation Hotels in Paro, Thimphu & Punakha

Entry Paro

Exits Paro

Difficulty: Medium

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Hotels where you’ll be staying during this trip

Our Bhutan tour packages are specifically curated with the travellers in mind. As a reputable Bhutan travel agency, for the past 23 years, our tour guides and travel specialists have dedicatedly served travellers from all over the world. We want to show you what Bhutan has to offer, and we’re committed to making your trip to Bhutan a special and memorable one. We have a deep love for the Kingdom, and we hope that you’ll come to love it too.

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Transportation

Choice of vehicles for this trip

Private SUVs for Couples 2 Seater

Toyota Innova (2 Units) 5 Seater

Coaster Buses (4 Units) 25 Seater

Mini Bus (8-Seater) 8 pax. Seater

Restaurants

Food and Drink

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   Carolann M 
 
 
 
 Verified An unforgettable week in Bhutan! An unforgettable week in Bhutan with Happiness Kingdom In July 2025, I joined a 7-day group tour of Bhutan with Happiness Kingdom, and it was truly an unforgettable experience from start to finish. I had a fantastic time and enjoyed every single moment of the trip. From the very beginning, I felt incredibly well looked after and completely safe, which allowed me to fully relax and immerse myself in the experience. The organisation was excellent, and I was especially impressed by how much we managed to see and do in just one week without ever feeling rushed. Our tour guide, Karma, was absolutely outstanding. His knowledge, professionalism, and warm personality made the journey even more special. He went above and beyond to ensure everyone was comfortable, informed, and enjoying themselves, and his passion for Bhutan really shone through. Thanks to Happiness Kingdom and Karma, this trip created memories I will cherish forever. I would highly recommend them to anyone considering a visit to Bhutan — you won’t be disappointed.
  
 
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   Rachel L 
 
 
 
 Verified A fantastic Bhutan trip! We had a wonderful experience exploring Bhutan’s rich culture with Jigme Thinley and Tenzin Wangchuk. Jigme is incredibly knowledgeable and provided engaging explanations about Bhutan’s history and traditions. We thoroughly enjoyed learning from him. Every story, explanation, and insight added depth and meaning to the places we visited. At one point, Jigme even prepared a simple makeshift heat pack to ensure we stayed comfortable in the cool mountain weather. That thoughtful gesture made all the difference and showed just how dedicated he is to his guests’ comfort. Shoutout to Tenzin as well, a wonderful and skilled driver. We felt safe and comfortable throughout our journey. Both of them were exceptionally helpful and attentive. Each day was well-scheduled and relaxed, letting us take in the experience without rush.
  
 
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   Becky S 
 
 
 
 Verified Best value to see Bhutan in a cultural tour We selected this tour company both because of reviews and cost. Flights to and from Bhutan cost more than our 10-days in Bhutan with Happiness Kingdom. Our guide, Tschering Namgay, and driver, Tashi, were great! Both were so polite and helpful. Tashi was a safe driver. Namgay was a very knowledgeable cultural guide. He explained all the temples and fortresses, the stories and history of Bhutan, and the nuances and meanings of Buddhist sculptures and paintings. He had a good sense of humor and worked hard to ensure we got to see and do all that we wanted to do. Communication with the tour company was delayed, because of the time difference, but always responsive. They were happy to rearrange the plans to accommodate what we wanted to do instead of the standard, without leaving out the important things we didn't even know we wanted to see. Our hotels were comfortable, restaurants with good and sufficient food, and although our schedule was full, we were not rushed (just tired) every day. We got to see the black-necked cranes and several other birds. We enjoyed the Takin Preserve to see some of the more difficult species of animals. Word of caution though - if you are unfit, need a cane, walker, or wheelchair, Bhutan is NOT for you. There are stairs and hilly climbs everywhere. It is not ADA-compliant. But, if you want to take a tour of Bhutan, we recommend Happiness Kingdom as your tour company & #tscheringnamgay, #tashi as your guide and driver.
  
 
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   Sam B 
 
 
 
 Verified Great 6-day trip in Bhutan Really enjoyed our 6 day tour of Bhutan with our guide Bhim and driver Tshering. They were both very attentive to our every need, and took us to some great places. We loved the hike to Tiger's Nest and the visit of Punakha Zhong. Bhim was very knowledgeable and gave us all the context and history we needed while visiting all the religious sites. Thanks again for everything!
  
 
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   ik298 
 
 
 
 Verified Wonderful trip 7days Bhutan Trip 19.th – 25th. of October 2025 I had booked the 7days trip to Bhutan via Asia Odyssee travel agency. This trip was really a great adventure and everything was wonderful. Well Bhutan I is a very special and amazing country with such a beautiful landscape, very cultivated architecture and overall deep religious life. Well let me give you some details of my tour: The first 3 days I spent with 5 other persons from all over the world. On the second day we made the hike to Tiger nest. I am not so used to climb steep mountains (Steps!!!), so my knees were already quite hurting from my former trek in Nepal. Our driver, Phub Gyeltshen, carried all the way up my backpack and motivated me all the way up to carry on. All the three days he was always there when somebody needed anything, everybody found on his place freshwater bottles. His drive was safe and very relaxed. The last days I travelled alone with the same guide and the driver Gembo. There we had quite long drives – over Dochu La. Also his way to drive was save and forward-looking. I really could enjoy to be on routes. But the main contribution of this wonderful trip layed in the responsibility of the guide (all 7 days!) Sonam Phuntsho. He is such a mindfulness person and always tries to make that everybody feels well. His explanations at the different sites where really detailed and showed that he has a great knowledge, specially religious belongings. Two of the other travellers were Tibetans and he could give always profound answers even from them, who had a great knowledge of the Bhuddist religion. In the day when I was travelling alone, we talked a lot about the social life, education, regime (your King), environmental protection and much more. So I got a deep insight of the life in Bhutan. So I really want to thank you for this wonderful days. Before this trip Bhutan seemed to be an unreachable country and somehow unreal, but now it is a part of my dreams, a country were I really could feel the meaning of happiness and mindfulness. .
  
 
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   Paul W 
 
 
 
 Verified Amazing place. Wonderful people. I did a 7-day trip through West Bhutan and loved the tour overall. It was very well organised and Bhim (Narayan) and Dorji (Wangchuk) were a pleasure to spend time with. Friendly, helpful and a credit to the hospitality of their country. My personal highlights were the dzong at Punakha, getting to enjoy two tsechus (festivals) at Wangdue and Thimphu, and the hike to Tiger's Nest. The addition of a homestay was also a nice way to see a different side to Bhutan. I can thoroughly recommend both visiting Bhutan and this trip.
  
 
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   thierry w 
 
 
 
 Verified Great travel in Bhutan Very well organise 10 days tour group in Bhutan. the guide Tashi and Phuba the driver were fantastic. Adapting the time for us to discover places without rushing us. 'the hotels were we stayed were nice and the food very good. I would highly recommand happiness kingdom travel to anyone who decide to travel to bhutan
  
 
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   Chris K 
 
 
 
 Verified Fantastic tour, well organised, great Guide and Driver. Excellent in all aspects Did a small group tour of Bhutan over 10 days with Tashi and driver Phuba. The tour took our group from Paro to Thimbu, Punakha, Phobjikha Valley and Bumthang Valley. A lot of logistics to get that to go off smoothly; stayed in good hotels, always with extremely enthusiastic staff, saw lots. But what really set this off was Tashi; extremely knowledgeable and equally extremely patient with guiding the group through from zero to at least a vague understanding of Bhutan Buddhist culture and history. Tashi, your sense of humor and tolerance really made this trip work. And Phuba always there and ready to assist.
  
 
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   MK L 
 
 
 
 Verified A memorable journey! It was our first visit to Bhutan, and it turned out to be an incredibly unforgettable journey -- stunning views, awesome culture, and super friendly locals! We arranged this exclusive 6-day trip via a travel agency in Hong Kong. We landed at Paro Airport on 7 Sept and proceeded to Thimphu, then Punakha, before returning to Paro for the Tiger's Nest. Huge thanks to our amazing guide Jigme for his expertise, organization, and dedication in making the journey truly memorable. He possesses great knowledge and has revealed to us the charm of Bhutan. Jigme attentively looked after us in every way, including informing all the restaurants of my dietary preference, and ensured we were comfortable to fully enjoy each moment throughout the trip. We are grateful for our friendly driver Tashi and his outstanding abilities. The ride was so comfortable and smooth! We couldn't have requested a better team! 👍👍 I was also impressed that Jigme not only spoke fluent English but also knew French! A heartfelt thank you to Jigme and Tashi, and I wish you both the very best! 🙏🙏
  
 
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   Madam Wong 
 
 
 
 Verified The Guide Who Turned Our Bhutan Trip Into a Masterpiece . TE25070007AT Bhutan is a country rich in culture and steeped in deep historical traditions. Our tour guide, Mr. Trashi Dhendup Namgyel, demonstrated exceptional professionalism throughout our journey. He was highly knowledgeable and consistently able to answer all of our questions with clarity and insight. Mr. Namgyel also went out of his way to accommodate our requests whenever possible, ensuring that our experience was both comfortable and memorable. We are truly grateful to have had him as our guide on this meaningful trip. — Madam Wong

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