Paro Tshechu
Masked dances in the courtyard of Rinpung Dzong and the dawn unveiling of a giant thongdrel, one of Bhutan's most celebrated festivals.
Dates follow the Department of Tourism's tentative 2027 festival calendar and may shift with the lunar calendar — we confirm them when you book. See all 2027 festival dates
Each spring, Paro's great dzong fills with colour as monks and laymen perform the sacred cham dances over several days. On the final morning, before sunrise, a vast embroidered thangka called the thongdrel is unfurled; simply seeing it is said to bring merit.
We time your journey around the festival days and add the classic sights of the west on either side.
Highlights
- Two days at the Paro Tshechu
- The thongdrel unveiling at dawn
- Dressing in gho or kira for festival day
- Punakha Dzong and Dochula
- The Tiger's Nest
Day by day
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Day 1Wed 17 Mar
Arrive in Paro
Meet your guide. In the evening, a briefing on festival etiquette and the meaning behind the dances.
Paro valley · Photo: Abhijit Kar Gupta from Kolkata, India, CC BY 2.0 -
Day 2Thu 18 Mar
Paro to Thimphu
Kyichu Lhakhang on the way, then the Memorial Chorten and Tashichho Dzong in the capital.
National Memorial Chorten · Photo: Vinayaraj, CC BY-SA 4.0 -
Day 3Fri 19 Mar
Thimphu to Punakha
Over Dochula to Punakha Dzong and a village walk to Chimi Lhakhang.
Dochula · Photo: David Broad, CC BY 3.0 -
Day 4Sat 20 Mar
Punakha to Paro
A morning in the Punakha valley, then back to Paro for the festival.
Punakha valley · Photo: David Broad, CC BY 3.0 -
Day 5Sun 21 Mar
Paro Tshechu
Join the crowds in the dzong courtyard for the masked dances, dressed in a gho or kira. Your guide explains each dance as it unfolds, including the antics of the atsara clowns.
Paro Tshechu · Photo: Sujithkr, CC BY-SA 3.0 -
Day 6Mon 22 Mar
Thongdrel & Tiger's Nest
Rise before dawn to witness the unfurling of the thongdrel. Later, hike to Paro Taktsang.
Paro Taktsang · Photo: Gerd Eichmann, CC BY-SA 4.0 -
Day 7Tue 23 Mar
Depart
Transfer to Paro airport for your onward flight.
Paro International Airport · Photo: Vinayaraj, CC BY-SA 4.0
Included on this journey
More journeys
Thimphu Tshechu
The capital's grand autumn festival in the courtyard of Tashichho Dzong, paired with the golden harvest valleys of the west.
Black-Necked Crane Festival
Celebrate the return of the endangered black-necked cranes to the Phobjikha valley, with dances by local children at Gangtey Goenpa.
Jambay Lhakhang Drup
Bumthang's most revered festival at one of Bhutan's oldest temples, including the night-time Mewang fire blessing.
Make it yours.
Tell us your dates and wishes, and we'll tailor this journey around you.
- Private & tailor-made
- Licensed by Bhutan’s Department of Tourism
- Every enquiry answered personally