Day 01: Arrive in Paro and travel to Thimphu

• Altitude in Paro: 2,300m
• Altitude in Thimphu: 2,400m
• Distance: 55km
• Estimated travel time: 1.30hrs

You will arrive in Paro, one of the biggest cities in Bhutan. Take a look out of the plane window for the incredible view of the Himalayan snowcapped peaks from above. Our representative will welcome you at the airport, then we will drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. 

Thimphu, while being the capital, remains charming with the mix of ancient landmarks and modern restaurants and cafes in one city. The first destination we will visit is the National Memorial Chorten. The remarkable site was built as a monument for world peace and prosperity, and later serves as a memorial to the Late Third King His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (1928-1972).

After that, we will head to Buddha Point (Buddha Dordenma Statue), the tallest Buddha statue in Bhutan. Measured at a height of 51.5m, the large figure is seen sitting on a meditation hall, and overlooks the beautiful sight of Thimphu from a hill’s top. Placed inside the giant figure are 125,000 smaller Buddha statues.

The National Institute for Zorig Chusum, or otherwise called ‘the Arts and Crafts School’, the ‘Painting school’, is a perfect place to learn about the traditional arts of Bhutanese and see the skill demonstrations. The students are enrolled in different courses, which teach a variety of traditional arts, from painting, clay arts to wood-carving, embroidery. 

Later in the afternoon, we will take you around to see the dynamic life in Thimphu. The noises on the street in shops and bazaars, delicious smells from restaurants and music from nightclubs together create   a lively picture of Thimphu to welcome anyone to the city. 

The first night we will rest at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 02: Thimphu Tshechu Festival

Thimphu Tshechu Festival is held every year and is one of the most celebrated Tshechus in Bhutan. Thousands of people will come to participate in the Tshechu, including those from outside of Bhutan. As with all Tshechus, Thimphu Tshechu Festival is a religious ceremony held in honour of Guru Rinpoche (or Padmasambhawa), the great master who is believed to have introduced Tantric Buddhism throughout the Himalayas. 

Thimphu Tshechu Festival is held at Tashichho Dzong (Fortress of The Glorious Religion), which was first built in 1216 A.D. The imposing complex is one of the city’s most famous sites. Surrounding the massive building are lovely green lawns and exquisite gardens, which is a pleasant sight.

There will be many performances during Thimphu Tshechu Festival. The monks will wear colorful brocade attire to perform mask dances while chanting and reading out Buddhist scripts. Ancient stories about the victories of Guru Rinpoche, driving out evil spirits, and purifying the ground with his footsteps will also be told by the monks. 

Here are the programs for the 4 festival days. The festival’s program may differ slightly from year to year.

Day One:

• Boe Cham – Dances of the Courtiers

Boe Cham is a dance that is performed by laymen. Historically, these dances were performed by men who were part of the cadre of all-purpose attendants, known as boe garpas. In the past, Boe Cham was performed in dzongs, temples, and monasteries, as well as during religious festivals. However, during the reign of the Third King, they started to be performed outside of religious festivals. 

• The Peling Gingsum Cham– The Three Ging Dances of Pema Lingpa. 

The Peling Gingsum Cham is a set of three sacred mask dances that are considered to have been introduced by Pema Lingpa. It is believed that Pema Lingpa revealed these dances on a visit to Zangdo Pelri. The dances are considered a means of subjugating evil spirits, or nyulema, who hinder the Buddha’s teachings (Mantras and Sutras) by which one achieves ultimate happiness for all sentient beings in the three different worlds (Khamsum).

During his visit to Zangdog Pelri, Pema Lingpa witnessed how Guru Rinpoche miraculously subjugated the evil spirits by means of the three Ging dances. This was the secret teaching that Pema Lingpa received from Guru Rinpoche. Therefore, the Peling Ging Sum Cham is considered extremely sacred, and those who witness it are said to accumulate much merit.

The three dances, Jug Ging (dance holding a stick), Dri Ging (dance holding a sword), and Nga Ging (dance holding a drum), are performed in a sequence. 

The Jug Ging dance is unique in its ability to see and perceive the evil activities and obstacles created by Nyulemas in all three worlds. The word “Jug” means baton or wand, and the Jug Ging use their wands to sense the direction where evil lies. Using their psychic senses and supernatural powers, the Jug Ging captured the Nyulema, disarmed them spiritually, and instilled them with wisdom and compassion. This is the message that the Jug Ging dance conveys.

The Dri Ging, who wield swords, use their weapons to defeat evil. They free the Nyulemas from their evil masters, purify their karma, and liberate them into celestial realms.

In the third dance, Nga Ging, the dancers carry drums (nga) and perform a victory dance to celebrate their triumph over evil spirits. They beat their drums rapidly to mark their victory over these forces and the resulting spread of the Buddha’s teachings. This dance means to bring good luck and happiness to all beings and free them from the world of suffering, leading them to the Buddha realm. The Nga Ging is a highly regarded treasure dance from treasure-revealer Pema Lingpa. Merely witnessing it during religious festivals is said to increase one’s merit and help repel evil influences. The dancers, who are bare-chested, wear cloud collars, knee-length skirts, and masks. They carry sticks in the first part of the dance, swords in the second part, and hand drums in the third part.

• Ter Cham – Dance of Tamshing in Bumthang.

The temple of Lungrub Chholing in Tamshing, Bumthang Valley, was built by Terton Pema Lingpa, the great treasure discoverer. Prior to its consecration, the saint had a dream in which he saw five Tantrist brothers from the Lord of Sufferings of the three worlds, who instructed him to consecrate the temple with a special dance that they performed. When Pema Lingpa woke up, he set out to compose the dance using his recent memory of the dream and a text called Phurba Segi Poti.

• Dranyen Cham – Dance Of The Guitar.

Although commonly referred to as a guitar in English, the stringed instrument is actually a lute. Dranyen Cham is a form of celebration introduced to mark the peaceful and joyous state of Bhutan, as well as to commemorate the founding of the Drukpa Kagyud School of Buddhism by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. He was an important figure in Bhutanese history who unified the country by defeating both internal and external enemies, and who taught people to have faith in the triple gem (Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha). Through his blessings, he brought peace and prosperity to Bhutan and gave it a unique cultural identity. During the Dranyen Cham celebration, dancers wear a heavy woollen dress, traditional felt boots, a long black skirt, a yellow shirt, and a brown coat. They also carry a sword across their waist and wear a headband. One of the dancers holds a traditional Bhutanese seven-stringed lute called a dranyen, which is played to keep time for the dancers.

Day Two:

• Wang Zhey

In Bhutanese, Zhey literally means ‘dance’. Wang Zhey had its roots in the 17th century when Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal arrived in the Thimphu valley. His followers in the district performed this zhey as a mark of their devotion. 

Wang Zhey is performed by a lead dancer with twelve assistant dancers. It has fourteen steps, and each step has a specific dedication. Today, Wang Zhey is performed during special official occasions such as Tshechu and Tendrel.

In this performance, the dancers are bare-headed. Their attire consists of a raw silk gho, symbolizing the sovereignty and independence of the country, and a patterned silk meyo, a knee-length skirt, to protect against adverse influences. Each dancer carries a white scarf, or kabney, signifying respect and allegiance to the Lama (the Zhabdrung), and wears a five-coloured silk headband, representing the spread of the Lama’s blessing to all mankind. To subdue the country’s enemies, the dancers wear traditional leather and silk boots, known as dralham.

• Zhana Nga Cham – Black Hat With Drums Dance

Poisonous and infectious afflictions can obstruct accomplishment in Buddhism. To overcome these obstacles, the Masters of the Vajrayana tradition use dance as a way of proclaiming victory over evil spirits. Thus, Zhana Nga Cham represents this process of good triumphing over evil. The sound of the drums represents religion and the subtle form of Buddha’s teachings. Zhana Nga Cham is typically performed during occasions where great works are planned, such as when the Glorious Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal consolidated the country. The dance helps to pacify the elements of earth, water, fire, and air, making them more conducive to supporting initiatives. During the performance, the dancers wear large black hats, felt boots, and colourful long brocade garments.

• Kay Cham – The Accompaniment Dance

When King Norzang of Naden (a northern Indian land) set out to conquer his enemies in the north, he was accompanied by his armed companions, who were also the protectors and guardians of the doctrine and the assembly of the king’s tutelary deities. This is the traditional explanation of Kay Cham, which was named after this event.

A second explanation is related to another dance called Pholey Moley. In this version, the dance is about a couple who were once happy together, but their marriage was tested by a love triangle, which ultimately led to the husband cutting off his wife’s nose. The story emphasizes that there is no real substance in worldly components, and many people bring suffering into their lives through similar behavior. However, faith in the Buddhist creed allows one to find happiness by realizing that the three jewels (Buddha, Religion, and Community of Believers) are sanctuaries that never fail.

The main characters in the dance drama wear white masks, rich costumes, jewelry, and felt boots. The old man and woman are dressed according to their social status, while the 16 kay cham mask dancers wear silk skirts, and each carries a sword in their right hand.

• Drametse Ngacham – The Drum Dance of Drametse

Drametse Ngacham is the most popular mask dance performed throughout Bhutan during festivals held in honour of Guru Rinpoche. There are several versions of how the dance was first introduced. Still, it is commonly thought that the dance was first introduced by Khedrup Kuenga Gyeltshen in Ogyen Thechog Choling monastery in the 16th century. (Many believe this sage to be a brother of Pema Lingpa’s granddaughter, Ani Choeten Zangmo, who settled in Drametse after naming the place.) 

It is believed that while he was on meditative retreat, through his intense powers of concentration, Khedrup Kuenga Gyeltshen was able to visit the celestial palace of Zangdog Pelri, where he witnessed the heavenly attendants of Guru Rinpoche transform themselves into one hundred wrathful and peaceful deities and perform a dance using drums and drumsticks. From this vision, Khedrup Kuenga Gyeltshen understood that Guru Rinpoche wanted him to use this medium of dance to help sentient beings defeat the cycle of birth and rebirth. He carefully noted down the choreography of the dance and introduced it in Drametse.

Day Three:

• Durdag Cham – Dance of the Lords of the Cremation Grounds

Durthroe Dagmo Chezi Cham, also known as Durdag Cham or simply Durdag, is a dance with a special meaning. It depicts how a person who believes in religion and desires to spread its teachings can attain a higher state of life by following the white path with single-minded devotion. The lords of the cremation grounds take vows to protect the Dharma teaching and its practitioners. They guard the Mandalas of the Tantric Deities and protect them by rendering the evil forces powerless or destroying them. The spirits that are not destroyed are then offered to the higher deities. 

During this performance, four dancers wear short white skirts, white gloves, white boots, and white skull masks, creating a mesmerizing sight to behold. Witnessing the cham can serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of believing in religion and practicing the Dharma. 

• Tung Ngam Cham – Dance of the Terrifying Deities

Tung Ngam Cham is where you will learn about a different form of Guru Rinpoche. 

Legend has it that Sutrayana and Vajrayana vehicles are the ultimate refuge for all sentient beings. However, there are some beings, both human and non-human, that cause harm or obstacles to the transmission of teachings. To subdue these beings that do not submit to peaceful means, Guru Rinpoche took on wrathful forms to overpower them. 

In the intriguing performance of Tung Ngam Cham, one of the dancers represents Dorje Dragpo, the terrifying form Guru Rinpoche assumed to subdue enemies of the doctrine. The performers are representations of the deities of Gongdue, also known as the Embodiment of Realization. They wear beautiful brocade robes and boots, but with terrifying masks.

• Raksha Mang Cham – Dance of the Judgement of the Dead

The Raksha Mangcham is an impressive dance form that was introduced by Tertoen Karma Lingpa. The dance is based on the Bardo Thoedrol (Book of the Dead), which is a text that was hidden by Guru Rinpoche in a cave and rediscovered by Karma Lingpa in the 14th century. This dance is closely connected with a person’s soul after they die. According to beliefs, when a person dies, their soul enters an intermediate state called bardo, which exists between death and rebirth. In this stage, the Buddha appears in numerous peaceful and wrathful forms to guide and liberate the confused soul to eternal peace. Those who believed in the Triple Gem while living on earth as human beings recognize these appearances of the Buddha as their saviors.

The entire dance is a powerful theatrical performance that takes place in a court of justice. The Lord of Death plays the supreme role of passing judgment based on a person’s deeds, and the most trusted Raksha Lango, the Ox-headed dancer, acts as the Minister of Justice, following the principles of the cause and effect relationship of good and bad deeds with strict obedience. Other loyal dancers, including Phag Gochen, the Wild hog-headed dancer, Chung Gochen, the Garuda-headed dancer, Singye Gochen, the lion-headed dancer, Domgyi Gochen, the bear-headed dancer, Drulgyi Gochen, the snake-headed dancer, and Trelgyi Gochen, the monkey-headed dancer, are also present at the court.

Upon closer observation, one can easily follow the dance of the intermediate state and witness the judgments passed by the Lord of Death on Digchen Nyalwabum, a sinner, and on Khimdag Palkyed, a virtuous householder.

Day Four:

• Pa Cham – Dance of the Heroes

Pa Cham is a peaceful dance that was introduced in the 15th century by Tertoen Pema Lingpa. Legend has it that Pema Lingpa had a mystical experience where he traveled to Zangdog Pelri, the copper-colored mountain, and saw Guru Rinpoche seated in the center of a beautiful mandala of rainbows. Guru Rinpoche was surrounded by an assembly of sages, heroes, heroines, tutelary deities, and dakas and dakinis (spiritual, non-human beings). They were dancing in the forms of emanations of peaceful and terrifying deities and singing harmoniously together. Pema Lingpa then introduced the Pa Cham dance to lead those who witnessed it into the presence of Guru Rinpoche.

Pa Cham is performed for the benefit of sentient beings. Unlike other traditional dances that use masks, the dancers in Pa Cham don’t wear any masks. Instead, they wear five-pointed crowns on their heads, with yellow knee-length skirts and golden. Each of the five faces of the crowns represents one of the five meditational Buddha families of tantric Buddhism. The dancers represent long-haired dakinis, and long strands of black thread hang below their crowns. They perform the dance barefoot while carrying a small bell and a small drum.

• Ging Tsholing Cham – Dance of the Ging and Tsholing

The Ging Tsholing Chham dance is a captivating and powerful combination of two dances – Ging Chham and Tsholing Chham. It dates back to the 15th century, when Pema Lingpa had a powerful vision of the dance, which he introduced to the people.

According to legend, during the construction of the Samye monastery in Tibet, King Thrisong Detsen faced fierce opposition from evil spirits. However, Guru Rinpoche, who possessed supernatural powers, took the form of Ging to vanquish and subdue these spirits. The dance portrays Zangdo Pelri, the paradise of Guru Rinpoche, with enlightened sages of India and Tibet seated on his right and scholars on his left. The intermediate areas showcase the 108 treasure discoverers, his incarnations, and his 25 disciples, including King Thrisong Detsen.

Tsholing Chham is a potent dance performed by the Tsholings, who are regarded as fearsome deities responsible for safeguarding the religion. The dance begins with the vigorous annihilation of an effigy, which represents the evil spirits, contained within a black box. After this, the Tsholing dancers, dressed in long and colorful costumes and wearing intimidating masks, are driven away by the Ging dancers.

The inner dance Ging Tsholing, which is known as the Ging dance, is performed by a group of spiritual heroes, deities, and dakinis in their peaceful and wrathful forms. The Ging dancers, wearing masks with a flag on top and dressed in imitation tiger skins, celebrate their victory over evil by beating their drums in a triumphal dance. This dance symbolizes the resolute triumph of good over evil.

The Tshechu Festival culminates with the unveiling of the Guru Thongdrel, a massive embroidered painting. This impressive Thongdrel is large enough to cover an entire building’s facade. It is an extremely revered scroll and will only be revealed before sunrise and taken down before the sun touches it. The name Thongdrel means ‘liberation on light’, and it is believed that one can absolve themselves of sins simply by viewing the scroll.

We will stay in Thimphu for another night. 

Day 03: Thimphu to Gangtey

• Altitude in Gangtey: 2,900m
• Distance: 160km
• Estimated travel time: 6hrs

After joining the Thimphu Tshechu, we will travel to Gangtey and then to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan. On the way, we will stop at Dochula Pass. At an altitude of 3,050m, this is a famous location to get the panoramic view of the Himalayas. The scene from the pass is breathtaking with chortens gracing the hillside and the gorgeous backdrop of the snowcapped mountains.

In Gangtey, we will first see Gangtey Goemba, or Gangtey monastery. The monastery sits on top of a forested hill, overlooking the fertile landscape of Gangtey valley (or Phobjikha valley). It was built in 1613 to fulfill the prophecy of Pema Lingpa – the legendary 15th-century treasure finder. The picturesque Gangtey valley is also famous for being the winter home of the rare Black-necked Cranes. 

We will spend night at the hotel in Gangtey

Day 04: Gangtey to Punakha

• Altitude in Punakha: 1,300m
• Distance: 87km
• Estimated travel time: 3hrs

Gangtey valley is one of the most scenic valleys in Bhutan, and there is no better way to discover it than the Gangtey Nature Trail. This is a pleasant hike which will take you to see the most charming spots of the valley. We will start from the small hilltop overlooking Gangtey Goemba, then descend to beautiful flower meadows to Semchubara village. After a while we will pass through a deep forest of blue pines before walking down to a viewpoint and finish the whole journey at Khewang Lhakhang (Khewang temple). 

We also recommend you to try archery, one of the  most loved sports of Bhutanese. Your guide and driver will be happy to teach you the basics if you are interested. 

Later we will drive to Punakha, Bhutan’s old capital and spend the night at the hotel there.

Day 05: Punakha sightseeing

We will visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery after breakfast at the hotel. The stunning complex consists of a temple plus nunnery and a permanent higher learning and mediation temple for the nuns. The view from the nunnery is incredible as it stands on a ridge overlooking the staggering Punakha valley and Wangduephodrang valley. 

We will next spend time at Punakha Dzong (Place of Great Happiness), considered as the most impressive dzong in the country. The ancient construction is the second oldest dzong in Bhutan, and has witnessed the most important moments of the kingdom throughout its history.  Yet the dzong is not only attractive for its grand structure, but it also offers the captivating natural scenery as it stands at the convergence of the 2 major rivers of the valley, the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu. The sight is extremely gorgeous on sunny days with sunlight reflecting off the water onto its white walls. 

Close to the iconic dzong is Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge, which will also give us an incredible view of Punakha and Pho Chhu valley. The bridge is 160m long, making it the longest suspension bridge in the country.

We will hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten in the afternoon. The chorten is located on a crest above Punakha valley, which we will arrive after about 1 hour of walking. Upon reaching the chorten, we will be at one of Bhutan’s finest architectural examples, also the only one of its kind in the world.

After that we will return and stay for another night at the hotel in Punakha. 

Day 06: Punakha to Paro

•  Distance: 125km
•  Estimated travel time: 4hrs

Today we will return to Paro, the starting point of your whole journey. On the way, we will visit Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility) by hiking up for around 30 minutes and cross hillock fields. 

There are several renowned dzongs in Paro, we will first see Paro Rinpung Dzong (Fortress on A Heap of Jewels). This construction is praised as a great example of Bhutanese architecture with giant buttressed walls that are visible from anywhere in the town. Inside you will find the wooden galleries lined with wonderful wall-paintings, which illustrate famous Buddhist lore. 

The National Museum of Bhutan, or Ta Dzong, is an ideal place for you to have a deep insight about the country, from its culture, history, nature to daily life. This museum used to be a watchtower to protect Paro Dzong from invasion. Its unusual circular design, which resembles a conch shell, is another interesting point about this landmark. 

Tonight, we will rest at the hotel in Paro.

Day 07: Paro sightseeing

The first half of the day will be for our hike to the holy Taktsang Monastery, also known as the Tiger’s Nest. This is probably one of the most attractive destinations in Bhutan, and also one of the most sacred ones. Clinging to a cliff at more than 3,000m, it will take approximately 5-6 hours to reach the site. The highest altitude of the hike will be at 3,120m, with a 900m of walking height. The monastery is a place that any visitors to Bhutan will need to visit to see the incredible construction.

Though the hike will be long, the sights along the hike will make it all worth it. Along the hike, you will have the remarkable sights of lush forests and great mountain ranges. We will also stop for refreshments on the way there.

Leaving the sacred monastery, we will visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples in the Himalayas erected by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century. The marvelous temple was also visited by Guru Padmasambhava in the 8th century. The sight of elderly pilgrims constantly shuffling around the temple and spinning its many prayer wheels makes this one of the most fascinating sites to explore in Paro valley.

Then we will travel to the north of Paro valley to explore the ramparts of Drukgyal Dzong. The dzong was built in the 17th century by the great Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier of medieval Bhutan. The site now serves as an evocative reminder of the great victories over the Tibetan armies. Seeing the ruins of the dzong will feel like travelling back in the time of war and reliving the memories of a glorious past. 

In the late afternoon, we will join a local family for a special dinner in a traditional farm house. You will definitely enjoy your time with the most warmhearted people, chatting over delicious Bhutanese dishes. 

Later you can try taking a traditional hot stone bath, which is probably the best way to relax after a day of hiking. Make sure to check out the nightclubs and bars in Paro during your last night in Paro, these clubs are where you will find great music and good food.

You will stay in Paro for the last night of the holiday.

Day 08: Depart Paro 

After breakfast at the hotel, your guide will take you to the airport for flight to your onward destination. It is time to say ‘Tashi Delek’ (goodbye and good luck) and hope to see you again!