Paro Tshechu Festival Tour

The Paro Tsechu Festival Tour focuses on Bhutan’s most popular Paro Tsechu Festival. The festival is observed every year during March/April and is attended by the largest number of Bhutanese. The weeklong fair is the most colorful celebration of Bhutanese tradition and religious faith. Sacred mask dances and rituals are performed by monks wearing elaborate costumes and rare and sacred ‘Thongdroel’ scroll is put on public display. On top of the festival, you will also have plenty of days to explore treasures of central Bhutan. There are rich, ancient historical monasteries, medieval fortresses such as Taktsang Monastery, Tiger’s Nest, Drugyel Dzong and Punakha Dzong. We will also cross over highest passes of the Himalayas and cherish magnificent views of the snow capped mountains including Mt. Chomlohari (7134m). During the festival, mask dances can be observed resembling the deeds of the great saint Guru Rinpoche. The dances invoke the deities of the tantric teachings – who through their powers and blessings remove misfortunes by suppressing all evil spirits. While the locals attend the colorful festival to acquire merit, visitors travel from far and near to witness the spectacular display of color, aged old traditions, and tantric Buddhist rituals. The event inside Paro Rinpung Dzong initiates with monks performing the Shingje Yab Yum – the dance of the lord of death (Shingje) and his companion. This is followed by Durdag – the dance of the lords of the cremation grounds, after which, the dance of the black hats, Shanag, and the dance of the drums from Drametse (Drametse Ngacham) are performed.