Trongsa tsechu (festival) is a very special one as it is believed to be the oldest tsechus held in reverence to the 8th century Saint Guru Padma Sambhava. The importance of the festival is magnified as Trongsa is the place from where the Wangchuck dynasty rose to power leading to the historic unification of Bhutan in 1907. Even today, the Crown Prince must assume the post of the Trongsa Penlop (Governor), before ascending the Throne.
Similar to other festivals around the country, the sacred dances speak of the triumph of good over evil. Traditional songs also form part of the Tsechu.
(For understanding the historic and cultural significances of the places you would visit, check “Landmarks of Bhutan” on our website.)
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive at Paro
Drive to Ta Dzong, formerly a Watch Tower which now houses the National Museum and then visit RinpungDzong which houses the monastic school and the office of the civil administration and walk down passing close by crossing the Bhutanese typical wooden roofed bridge to Paro town, night will be in the hotel.
Day 02. Paro - Taktsang Excursion
Hike to Taktshang
Visit the ruins of DrugyelDzongenroute.
Day 03: Paro – Punakha
Stop at Dochula pass (3,100m) and Temple of Fertility – Chimi Lhakhang.
Day 04: Punakha – Trongsa
Drive to Trongsa via Pele la pass at the altitude of 3,150 meters, a wonderful opportunity for photographs.
Visit Ta Dzong, converted into the museum from watchtower that once guarded Trongsa Dzong from internal rebellion, stands in Bhutan’s history.
Day 05. Trongsa Tsechu:
First day of festival begins. Witness the festival.
Day 06. Trongsa Tsechu: Witness the Trongsa Tshechu on the courtyard of the Dzong.
Day 07. Trongsa – Phobjikha:
Drive to Phobjikha Valley.
Visit GangteyGompa (monastery) which now houses one of the only Pelingmonasteries in Bhutan.
Day 08. Phobjikha – Paro:
Drive to Thimphu. .
Day 09. Paro - Thimphu - Whole day sightseeing
- Buddha Point/ KuenselPhodang: It is the largest Buddha statue in the country, from there you can get a good view of the Thimphu valley.
- Traditional Medicine Institute : In Bhutan, equal emphasis is given to both allopathic and traditional medicines. The rich herbal medicines made up from medicinal plants are prepared and dispensed here.
- National Institute for ZorigChusum: (the school of Arts and crafts) It is an institute where student undertake a six year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan.
- Folk Heritage Museum: the house replicates a traditional farmhouse and is furnished as it would have been about a century ago.
- Weaving center, Changzamtog
- Bhutanese Paper factory and Overnight at hotel.
Day 10: Departure: After breakfast, drive to Paro international airport for your onward flight.
