Festival Tour

The Thimphu Tshechu is one of the biggest festivals in Bhutan as thousands of people flock to
the capital in their finest garments. This three-day festival is a welcomed reprieve from work.
During the festival, people pack into the courtyard of the Tashichho dzong (fortress), a dancing
stage is erected, and mask dances, often with a religious significance, are performed.

Traditional and mask dances are performed to honor Guru Rimpoche and to celebrate the
establishment of the Jambay Lhakhang Monastery. The fire ceremony, Mewang, is considered
the highlight. During the fire ceremony, locals sprint underneath a large flaming gate made from
dry grasses. The other notable event is the Tercham (Dance of Treasure), where masked dancers
perform naked in the middle of the night. They believe this dance will bless infertile women so
that they may bear children.

The annual WangduephodrangTshechu is one of the largest Tshechus introduced after the
completion of new Dzong construction, draws people from all over Thimphu and Punakha. The
event is a welcome respite for locals who come together to drink, dance and socialise. The
festival is now known for its RakshaMangcham or ‘Dance of the Ox’. The ‘Dance of Ox’ is a
major attraction, where people dance to ensure a peaceful afterlife.

Punakha Drubchen different is the dramatic recreation of a scene from the 17th century battle
with the Tibetan army. The local militia men (pazaps), dressed in battle gear, reenact the
encounter. It’s to remember when the village districts in Bhutan came forward and managed to
drive the Tibetan forces out of the country, bringing newfound internal peace and stability. The
Punakha Tshechu is held immediately afterwards.

It is in stunning location in the wilderness with views of the Himalayan landscape, the 3rd Haa
Summer Festival gives visitors an in-depth picture of the lives and culture of the nomadic
herders living in Haa Valley. It’s a happy and lively celebration of traditional Bhutanese culture,
sports, and religion. Tourists can participate in some of the local sports (such as yak riding), try
the local cuisine, or dance to their ancient folk songs.

The trail leads north crossing the ParoChhu (river) on a wooden bridge. Climb the hillside to the
lakes of Tshophu (4380m) and continue high above the eastern side of the second lake across a
scree slope to a crest. Descend into a hidden valley and climb steeply to Bhonte La at 4890m.
From the pass the trail eventually switchbacks down to the DhumzoChhu and after you cross the
river there is a short climb to a camp in a meadow at Chora at 3800m. (16 km, 6 to 7 hours)

The trail climbs 100m over a ridge, and then drops to another stream. Crossing that stream, the
trail heads up the hillside, dropping into a small side valley before emerging onto a ridge. Here
the route turns south, ascending past a few huts to TakhungLa (4520m). A short descent leads to
ThombuShong, with three yak herders’ huts. We camp at ThombuShong at 4180m. (12 km, 5
hours)

Climb out of the valley to Thombu La at 4380, and then drop gradually to about 4000m. The trail
then makes a steep descent, switch-backing down the ridge, finally reaching the helipad at
Gunitsawa (2730m) (13 km, 5 hours) from where your driver can meet you to and drive
toThimphu.

Sightseeing in Thimphu and drive back to Paro.

Early in the morning your guide will accompany you to the Paro International Airport to see you
off onto your flight and wish you Tashi Delek (goodbye and good luck).

Festival Tour