Mongar & Trashigang Tshechu (Festival) Tour

Mongar Tshechu is one of the most exciting annual festival held for three days. The festival entrails various mask dances as well as folk dances of the region. Held inside the Dzong, it is one of the popular festivals for the people in eastern Bhutan.

The annual three-day distinctive Trashigang Tshechu is one of the biggest festival in eastern Bhutan and held at Trashigang Dzong, during the 7^th to 11^th day of the tenth month of the Bhutanese calendar. The Tshechu is also attended by the Brokpas, a semi-nomadic people those reside in the valleys of Merak and Sakteng, the Khengpa community and people from as far as Samdrup Jongkhar, Pema Gatshel and Trashiyangtse. Preparations for the Tshechu begin two days prior to the actual festival. On the 7th day of the month the monks perform ceremonial ablutions. On 8^th day, they have rehearsals in preparation for the Tshechu. Then on the 9^th day of the month the Tshechu formally begins. On the 10th day, the Thongdroel (large tapestry) of Neten Chudrug (Sixteen Arhats) is unfurled amidst a flurry of mask dances. On the final day, the old Thongdroel of Guru Tshengyed (eight manifestation of Guru Rinpoche) is displayed. The unfurling is accompanied by the performance of Guru Tshengyed Chhams.

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Day 1: Arrive Paro (Bhutan) by Flight

• On arrival at Paro International Airport, received by our representative after immigration formalities & baggage collection and then transfer to the hotel.
• Afternoon visit Kyichu & Dungtse temples.
• Later an exploratory walk around Paro city centre.
• Overnight in Paro (Altitude 2,280m).
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Day 2: Paro

• After breakfast, walking excursion (approx. 5-hour round trip walk) to Taktsang monastery or ‘Tiger Nest’.
• Afternoon visit to Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) or ‘Fortress on a Heap of Jewels’.
• Overnight in Paro (Altitude 2,280m).
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Day 3: Paro – Haa valley (70km, approx. 3-hour drive)

• Morning after breakfast, visit Ta Dzong (National Museum).
• Then drive to exotic Haa valley en route taking a short stop at Chelela pass to enjoy panoramic mountain views.
• Afternoon explore Haa valley visiting Lhakhang Karpo (white temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (black temple) and the picturesque villages.
• Overnight in Haa valley (Altitude 2,670m).
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Day 4: Haa Valley – Thimphu (115km, approx. 4-hour drive)

• After breakfast, drive to Bhutan’s capital city Thimphu, on the way taking a photo stop at Chuzom, the confluence of Paro & Thimphu rivers.
• Drive further and five miles before Thimphu town, visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the country.
• On arrival in Thimphu check into the hotel.
• Later visit King’s Memorial Stupa.
• Evening an exploratory walk around Thimphu city centre.
• Overnight in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320m).
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Day 5: Thimphu

• Full day exploration of Thimphu valley includes visit to, Simply Bhutan, Textile Museum, Institute of Zorig Chusum or Arts & Crafts School, Takin Preserve, Thimphu Post office, Buddha Dordenma and Trashichhoedzong, the beautiful medieval fortress / monastery.
• Overnight in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320m).
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Day 6: Thimphu – Punakha (75km, approx. 2.1/2-hour drive)

• After breakfast, drive to Punakha, the ancient capital town of Bhutan. En route take a short stop at Dochula pass (3,080m) enjoying stunning mountain views at the backdrop of picturesque Druk Wangyel Chortens (stupa).
• On arrival in Punakha, check into the hotel.
• Afternoon visit historic Punakha Dzong (fortress cum monastery) and a short walking excursion (about 30 min round trip walk) to Chimi Lhakhang or ‘Fertility Temple’.
• Overnight in Punakha (Altitude 1,300m).
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Day 7: Punakha - Gangtey (Phobjikha) (85km, approx. 3-hour drive)

• Morning after breakfast, proceed to Gangtey.
• Later explore idyllic Phobjikha valley, famous for Black Necked Cranes.
• Also visit famous Gangtey monastery and then take a stroll around lovely Gangtey village.
• Overnight in Gangtey (Altitude 3,000m).
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Day 8: Gangtey (Phobjikha) - Trongsa (80km, approx. 3-hour drive)

• After breakfast, drive to Trongsa across Pelela pass (3,300m). On the way, take a short stop at Chendbji Chorten (stupa).
• Afternoon visit majestic Trongsa Dzong & Ta Dzong (museum).
• Overnight in Trongsa (Altitude 2,310m).
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Day 9: Trongsa – Bumthang (68km, approx. 2.1/2-hour drive)

• After breakfast, drive to Bumthang across Yutongla pass (3,400m).
• Then drive further to Chumey valley and visit here Yathra (woollen fabric) weaving village.
• Afternoon in Bumthang visit ancient temples of Jambay Lhakhang, Kurje Lhakhang & Tamshing Lhakhang.
• Evening take a walk around Bumthang city centre.
• Overnight in Bumthang (Altitude 2,600m).
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Day 10: Bumthang

• After breakfast, walking excursion to Pelseling Geompa (approx. 4-hour round trip walk).
• Afternoon visit Jakar Dzong, Swiss Farm & Dorbj Weaving centre.
• Overnight in Bumthang (Altitude 2,600m).
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Day 11: Bumthang – Mongar (196km, approx. 7-hour drive)

• After breakfast, drive to Mongar.
• After an hour’s drive, visit on the way beautiful Ura village.
• Drive further across Thrumshingla pass (4,000m) the highest motorable pass in Bhutan.
• Evening take a stroll around unique Mongar town, situated on the side of a hill.
• Overnight in Mongar (Altitude 1,620m).
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Day 12: Mongar (Mongar Tshechu)

• After breakfast, full day witness Mongar Tshechu (festival).
• Also visit the Mongar Dzong.
• Overnight in Mongar (Altitude 1,620m).
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Day 13: Mongar – Trashigang (96km, approx. 3-hour drive) (Trashigang Tshechu)

• Morning after breakfast, drive to Trashigang.
• Afternoon witness Trashigang Tshechu (festival).
• Also visit Trashigang Dzong.
• Overnight in Trashigang (Altitude 1,150m).
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Day 14: Trashigang (96km, approx. 3-hour drive) (Trashigang Tshechu)

• After breakfast, witness Trashigang Tshechu (festival).
• Post lunch, driving excursion to visit Ranjung Monastery & Radhi village.
• Overnight in Trashigang (Altitude 1,150m).
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Day 15: Trashigang – Samdrup Jongkhar (180m, approx. 6-hour drive)

• After a leisurely breakfast, drive to Bhutan’s south-eastern border town of Samdrup Jongkhar.
• En route visit weaving centre at Khaling.
• Evening explore the typical border town.
• Overnight in Samdrup Jongkhar (Altitude 240m).
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Day 16: Samdrup Jongkhar – Guwahati (110km, approx. 3-hour drive)

• Morning after breakfast, departure to India’s north-eastern town of Guwahati for onward program.