8-Day Talo and Paro Tshechu
Highlight: Talo Tshechu and Paro Tshechu
Talo Tshechu stands one of the many uniqueness and diversities that Bhutan boasts of. It is believed that Zhabdrung Jigme Drakpa would watch from his Zimkhang window, when his gomchen (lay monk) and village women practiced for the annual tshechu. In his last 39 appearances as a dancer in the annual Tshechu, Lhendup, who became a mask dancer from 18, said not a single dance has been performed at the Goenpa courtyard without being routed from the Gangsa Pang. Every year, two weeks before the annual Talo tshechu begins, a group of lay monks and elderly women would arrive at Gangsa Pang, offers the first sacred offering and starts the practice of mask dances and folk songs.
Day 1 – Arrival (Paro)
On your arrival at Paro airport, you will be received by our representative. Drive downstream alongside the Pa Chhu River to its confluence with Wang Chhu (Thimphu River) then upstream to Thimphu, the capital of the country. Check in to the Hotel and have your first taste of Bhutanese cuisine. If time permits, we visit the Heritage Museum designed to exhibit Bhutan’s traditional artifacts. Proceed to Textile Museum and explore the Bhutanese art of weaving. 5 miles east from the town will take you to the Simtokha Dzong, the oldest Fort in the Country built in 1629. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu!
Day 2 – Thimphu to Punakha
A drive for two and half hours will reach you to Punakha, the former capital of the country at 1, 300m. On the way, we will stop for a while for Dochula Pass affords scenic view of the Himalayas aside it’s 108 chortens built by Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over Indian Militants during low intensity war I 2003 ad to liberate the souls of those who lost lives during the conflict. Upon reaching Punakha, visit the Dzong built in 1637 at the confluence of Mochhu and Phochhu. The fort symbolizes the master piece and uniqueness of Bhutanese architecture. Visit Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten built by Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck. Overnight in Punakha!
Day 3 – Punakha (Talo Tshechu),
The three day Talo Tshechu is characterized by mask dances and the entertaining yet legendary Atsara dances. Equally popular attraction with deep religious and historical significance is the Zhungdra by the Talo dance troupe, the Mani Sum, 3 songs. The song composed by Meme Sonam Dondup, the Grandfather of Zhabdrung Jigme Chogyal (1862-1904), the 5th mind reincarnation of the first Zhabdrung (1594-1651) is very close to the heart of the Talopas. The three Songs, Samyi Sala (performed on the first day), Drukpa Dungey (second day) and Thowachi Gangi Tselay on the final day are performed as the closing item on each day of the three days Tshechu.
Samyi Sala was composed when the Talo Sanga Choeling Dzong was built, modeled like Samyi Monastery in Tibet. Drukpa Dungey tells the story of the Zhabdrung Lineage and Thowachi Gangi Tselay is the thanksgiving song. Beside the Tshechu, Talo valley in itself affords the scenic view endowed with lush environment rich in both flora and fauna.
Day 4 – Punakha to Gangtey
On your way to Gangtey, we stop for a while and make a 20 minute walk across the terraced fields through the village of Sopsokha for Chimi Lhakhang is located on a hillock in the centre of the valley below Mesina. Regarded as the Fertility Temple, the Lhakhang is blessed by the Great saint Drukpa Kuenley, often known as the Divine Madman. Continue you journey and it will take us to Wangdue Phodrang for the district is known for bamboo works and slate and stone carvings. Two and a half hours of drive will reach us to Gangtey at 3, 000m.
Phobjikha valley in which the Gangtey Goemba is located is one of the most beautiful valleys in the Himalayas. Favorable weather condition coupled with suitable environment has made Phobjikha one of the few winter homes of endangered black necked crane numbering around 600 cranes annually. The birds can be seen from November until March. The sacred Gangtey Goemba is the seat of venerable Gangtey Truelku and people from across the country make a visit to the Goemba. Some short hikes in the vicinity of the valley will be arranged for you.
Day 5 – Gangtey to Thimphu
Five hour drive from Gangtey will deliver us at Thimphu transcending beautiful valleys and lush forests. Upon reaching Thimphu, visit the Takin enclosure, to see the national animal of Bhutan. Proceed to Kuensel Phodrang and have a sight of Buddha Dordenma Statue, the biggest of its kind in the world. After visiting Heritage Museum and Textile Museum, follow to Trashichhodzong, the throne room and the seat of Chief Abbot of the Central Monastic Body. Visit National Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the late Majesty, the Third King of Bhutan, Druk Gyalpo Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Make a short trip to Paper factory where you will get to see the art of Bhutanese traditional paper making. Five miles from the town will reach you to Semtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress in the Kingdom built in 1629. Never miss an opportunity to visit Centenary Farmers Market, for you will get to herds of people come for market as variety of home grown vegetables will be displayed for sell. Overnight in Thimphu!
Day 6 – Thimphu to Paro
Paro Tshechu is one of the most popular Tshechus in the Country. People, far and wide come to attend the Tshechu and receive blessings. Tshechu, honouring Guru Padmasambhava, the great Buddhist Master who brought Tantric Buddhism in the Country and beyond is very popular in various parts of Bhutan. The festival’s masked dances are performed by monks clad in colorful brocade attire and permeated by chants and reading of Buddhist scripts. The culmination of festival constitutes the unfolding of a huge Thongdroel, a sacred scroll, depicting Padmasmabhawa and imagery from Buddhist pantheon. The mere viewing of the thongdrel (‘thong’-‘see’ and ‘drel’- ‘liberate’) is said to cleanse the viewer of their defilements. Besides Tshechu, the beautiful Paro valley in itself is the attraction for many. At 2, 280 the weather in entire Paro valley is soothing for visitors. We will make short trips in and around the town including Rinpung and Taa Dzong. Rinpung Dzong built in 17 th Century by Great Zhabdrung Ngwang Namgyel has served as a key strategic place to defend the external intrusion and today is the seat of District Administration. Visit Taa Dzong, the Watch Tower, now converted to National Museum. There, you will get to see antiques, thangkas, textiles, armour and historical artifacts.
Day 7 – Paro Sightseeing
After breakfast, start early hike to Taktshang, the Tiger Nest Monastery. Guru Rinpochhe is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress to meditate and convert the valley to Buddhism. The Monastery is miraculously built at vertical granite rock. After lunch at Taktshang Cafeteria, we visit Drukgyal Dzong, the Fort of Victorious Bhutan built after Bhutanese victory over Tibetans. Then, proceed to Kyichhu Lhakhang, one of the oldest in the Country and contemporary to Jampbay Lhakhang in Bumthang. In the evening, you may stroll freely in the town. Overnight hotel in Paro!
Day 8 – Departure (Paro)
After breakfast, we will transfer you to Paro airport for your flight and you bid a fond farewell to the Kingdom of Bhutan.