Capital Thimphu comes to a standstill during the three-day Thimphu Tshechu. The otherwise busy main street, Norzin Lam, remains closed to traffic and makeshift tents are erected to serve as shops. The whole city erupts during these annual holidays. It is one of the biggest festivals in the country.
The main festival is hosted at the courtyard of the Tashichhodzong, the fortress that houses the office of the King. People flock to Thimphu from all over the country to attend the festival. The festival also attracts a huge number of tourists.
Three days before the Thimphu Tshechu, the Tashichhodzong comes to life with prayers and sacred dances to observe a day long Thimphu Dromchoe. During this festival, several dances are performed dedicated to the chief protective deity of Bhutan, Palden Lhamo. It is said that in the early 18<sup>th</sup> century, Lama Kuenga Gyeltshen, visualized Palden Lhamo who appeared in front of him when he was meditating and performed the dances which he later initiated by introducing the Thimphu Dromchoe.
HIMPHU TSECHU DETAILED ITINERARY
DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO – THIMPHU
DAY 02: THIMPHU
DAY 03: THIMPHU
DAY 04: THIMPHU – PUNAKHA
DAY 05: PUNAKHA – THIMPHU – PARO
DAY 06: PARO
DAY 07: DEPART PARO
