7 Day Thimphu Tshechu Tour

Simply Bhutan

Simply Bhutan is an interactive living museum that gives an introduction to Bhutanese traditions. There’s also a café that dishes nosh that locals eat at home. [Opening hour Summer 09.00 AM - 17.00 PM, Winter 10.00 AM - 16.00 PM]

Buddha Point

Towering above Thimphu Valley from the tranquil Kuenselphodrang Nature Park, the majestic Buddha Dordenma is a sight to behold. Standing at a staggering 51.5 metres, this golden statue is one of the largest seated Buddhas in the world—and it’s not just its size that impresses. Nestled inside are over 100,000 smaller Buddha statues, each crafted with the same devotion and detail. More than a monument, the Buddha Dordenma is a symbol of indestructibility and spiritual awakening, believed to bless the land with peace and harmony.

National Memorial Chorten

Immerse yourself in the spiritual rhythm of Thimphu with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten, where locals—especially the elderly—gather daily to walk in prayerful circles, spinning prayer wheels and murmuring mantras in a peaceful flow of devotion. Built in 1974 to honour the beloved Third King, this white-washed stupa is a living sanctuary. Step inside and you’ll find vibrant murals, intricate mandalas, and detailed sculptures that beautifully illustrate Buddhist teachings. If you're seeking serenity or a glimpse into Bhutanese spiritual life, this is a place that quietly leaves a lasting impression.

Simtokha Dzong

Just a short drive from Thimphu, Simtokha Dzong is Bhutan’s oldest surviving fortress, built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Simtokha Dzong may be modest in size—but hidden among its sweeping courtyards lies a stunning secret: over 300 intricately carved slate panels lining the lower walls behind the prayer wheels. Each panel depicts a different Buddhist saint or philosopher, their serene faces and flowing robes capturing centuries of devotion and wisdom.

Walk Around Thimphu Town

Strolling around Thimphu town offers a delightful blend of tradition and modern life in Bhutan’s capital. Start at Clock Tower Square, the lively heart of the city—adorned with carved wooden façades, prayer wheels, and water fountains—and a charming spot to linger while locals chat or browse the weekend market. From here, wander down Norzin Lam, Thimphu’s main street, where boutique shops, handicraft stores, and cafés invite you in. Along the way, admire traditional architecture—ornate wood carvings, colourful murals, and fluttering prayer flags—woven seamlessly into everyday life.

Tashichho Dzong (Thimphu Dzong)

Tashichho Dzong, often called the “Fortress of the Glorious Religion,” is one of Thimphu’s most iconic landmarks—and a must-visit for anyone wanting to understand the soul of Bhutan. First built in 1641 and later restored by the visionary Third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, this grand fortress sits majestically along the banks of the Wang Chhu River. By day, it functions as the seat of Bhutan’s government and religious affairs, housing key ministries, His Majesty’s office, and the central monastic body. By evening, it transforms into a serene and majestic sight, its golden roofs glowing against the backdrop of the setting sun. You can stroll through its beautifully maintained courtyards, admire traditional Bhutanese architecture, and get a rare glimpse into the harmonious blend of spiritual and administrative life.

Thimphu Tshechu Festival

Thimphu Tshechu is Bhutan’s largest and most festive Tshechu, held over three days in the courtyard of Tashichho Dzong each autumn (typically late September or early October) to honour Guru Rinpoche, the 8th‑century saint who introduced Tantric Buddhism to the Himalayas. The air buzzes with anticipation as local families gather in their colourful ghos and kiras, creating a vibrant, community spirit. The heart of the festival lies in the Cham dances—dramatic, masked performances by monks and lay dancers depicting legends of Guru Rinpoche, protective deities, and moral tales like the Dance of the Lords of the Cremation Grounds and Guru Tshengye (Eight Manifestations). The grand finale is the unfurling of a giant thangka scroll (thongdrel) on the final morning, offering spiritual merit to anyone fortunate enough to see it before sunrise.

Centenary Farmers' Market

Visiting the Centenary Farmers’ Market in Thimphu is a sensory delight and a peek into the everyday rhythm of Bhutanese life. Held every weekend, the market buzzes with energy—you’ll see locals mingling, laughter drifting through the air, and colourful stalls overflowing with fresh produce. Pick up crisp red apples, leafy greens, fragrant herbs, and seasonal vegetables, all grown by nearby farmers. There’s also an inviting food corner where you can sample hot momos, sweet orange slices, and freshly pressed fruit juices. Wander through the craft stalls, where artisans display hand-carved wooden utensils, woven baskets, and traditional textiles—perfect for unique souvenirs.

Sangaygang (BBS Tower)

Just a short 15-minute drive from the heart of Thimphu brings you to a scenic hilltop where the Bhutan Broadcasting Tower stands. From this peaceful vantage point, you’ll be treated to sweeping panoramic views of Thimphu Valley—especially stunning in the soft light of early morning or golden hour. If you're lucky, you might even spot the takin, Bhutan’s beloved and rather curious-looking national animal, along the way. For those who enjoy a bit of adventure, an early morning walk up to the viewpoint can also be arranged—perfect for catching the city awakening beneath the mountains.

Motithang Takin Preserve

Visiting the Motithang Takin Preserve in Thimphu is a delightful and serene experience—it’s the national animal’s very own sanctuary, nestled just 15–20 minutes from the city centre. What began as a humble mini-zoo became something far more fitting: a forested 3.4-hectare reserve where takin, Bhutan’s unique goat–cow creatures, have chosen to stay even when released into the wild. It’s a charming, low-key wildlife encounter that captures Bhutan’s gentle spirit—perfect for families, nature lovers, and anyone curious about the country’s living symbols.

Dochula Pass

Perched at an altitude of 3,100 metres, Dochula Pass is one of Bhutan’s most serene and awe-inspiring mountain passes. Often cloaked in mist and prayer flags fluttering in the breeze, it’s a place where time seems to slow down. The pass is adorned with 108 memorial chortens, built in honour of Bhutanese soldiers, and offers panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayan range on clear days. Whether you're pausing for reflection or simply soaking in the stillness, Dochula invites you to breathe deeply, feel the peace, and reconnect with the beauty of the journey.

Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge

At 160 metres, this is known as the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan. From here, you will get spectacular views of Punakha Dzong and the Pho Chhu Valley.

Punakha Dzong

Located strategically at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, the Dzong was built in 1637 by the Great Unifer of Bhutan as the religious and administrative seat of the region. It was here that the dual system of government in Bhutan was introduced in the 17th century. The first King Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck was crowned here in 1907. Damaged by four fires and an earthquake over the centuries, the Dzong was fully restored in recent years by the 4th King Jigme Singye Wangchuck. It is now the winter home of Je Khenpo, the head abbot of Bhutan, along with a retinue of 1,000 monks. Marvel over intricate woodwork by the best craftsmen in Bhutan. Visiting Window: Summer Timing: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Winter Timing: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Chimi Lhakhang

Also known as the Fertility Temple, this monastery is located in the beautiful village of Sopsokha. It stands on a small hill close to the village of Lobesa and was constructed in 1499 by Ngawang Choegyel, the 14th Drukpaheirarch. This monastery is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley, the 'Divine Madman', known for his risqué behavior. The footpath to Chimi Lhakhang meanders through beautiful terraces of paddy fields. The walk across the fields takes about 30 minutes. Many have been blessed with children after praying at the temple. Visiting Window 9:00 A.M to 12:00 NOON 2:00 P.M to 4:00 P.M

Rest in Punakha

Check in to hotel and rest for the night

Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten

[Duration 2 hour, 1 hour to ascend and 1 hour to descend] There is no temple in Bhutan built elaborately as this. This fascinating temple was built by the Queen Mother of the 5th King to bring universal peace in this world. The best of the spiritual art works are painted on the inner walls. There are also paintings of Buddhist teachers and tutelary deities of the country. This is a great temple to study the symbolic meanings from frescoes and sculptures.The Chorten is situated along a hill up the valley and can be reached after a leisurely hike through the woods and paddy fields.

Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang

A temple and nunnery perched on a ridge and overlooking Toebesa, Punakha and Wangduephodrang valleys. The temple is consecrated by His Holiness and was attended by His Majesty the King, the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, members of the royal family along with hundreds of people from Punakha. The temple is dedicated to the bodhisattva of compassion.

Home Visit

Visit a Bhutanese family at their home. Take a peek into their lives and experience dining in a traditional Bhutanese home embraced by the warm hospitality of the family.

Paro Dzong (aka Rinpung Dzong)

Paro Dzong—also known as Rinpung Dzong, or the “Fortress of a Heap of Jewels”—is a spectacular hilltop monastery-fortress overlooking the Paro River and valley. Built in 1646 on an earlier temple site, it remains one of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture, with soaring wooden beams, an iconic cantilever bridge and numerous shrines and chapels inside. It has served both as a defensive stronghold against Tibetan invasions and as the administrative and monastic centre for Paro district. Today it’s still home to around 200 monks, hosts the colourful Paro Tsechu festival, and offers visitors a serene yet awe-inspiring glimpse into Bhutan’s spiritual and cultural heritage.

Paro Town

Paro Town is a charming and picturesque valley town nestled along the Paro River, surrounded by forested hills and traditional Bhutanese architecture. As the gateway to Bhutan—home to the country’s only international airport—Paro offers a relaxed blend of culture, history, and local life. The town is dotted with whitewashed shops, cosy cafés, handicraft boutiques, and traditional wooden buildings, all set against a stunning Himalayan backdrop. It's a good place to shop for souvenirs and mementos.

Kyichu Lhakhang

At 1300 years old, Kyichu Lhakhang is one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples, believed to have been built in the 7th century by Tibetan Emperor Songtsen Gampo as part of a spiritual mission to subdue a demoness and spread Buddhism. Located just north of Paro, it is often referred to as the “Sacred Jewel of Bhutan.” Over the centuries, the temple has been expanded and visited by many great masters, including Padmasambhava. It's a peaceful and deeply spiritual place, cherished by pilgrims and visitors alike.

Taktsang Monastery

They say, "a visit to Bhutan is not complete without climbing up to the Tiger's Nest". Taktsang Monastery, famously known as the Tiger’s Nest, is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark, dramatically perched on a cliffside 3,120 metres above sea level in Paro Valley. According to legend, Guru Padmasambhava flew to this site in the 8th century on the back of a tigress and meditated in a cave that now lies at the heart of the monastery. Built in 1692, the complex includes temples, meditation caves, and stunning viewpoints that seem to defy gravity. Reaching the monastery involves a scenic 2–3 hour hike through pine forests and fluttering prayer flags—a spiritual and physical journey that rewards you with breathtaking views and deep serenity.

Hot Stone Bath

After the trekking we special arrange Bhutanese traditional hot stone bath for you to relax your muscles.The process of a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath is unique. It uses Menchu (medicinal water) which is nothing but fresh river water mixed with Artemisia leaves. The water is heated using river stones that are roasted on fire till they are glowing red. The temperature of the water can be increased by adding more heated stones into a wooden chamber via a chute. This chamber is connected to the main tub (also made of wood) which contains the water. The holes in the chamber allow the heat to be infused into the bath (so there is no danger of being burned by the hot stones) and the stones are said to release key minerals into the water which are believed to have medicinal benefits. One can soak in the water for about half and hour after a tiring day. **additional charges USD 25 per person