Come and experience the wildlife on offer, 56 species of mammals including the one horned rhinoceros, Bengal tiger, leopard, sloth bear, wild elephant, striped hyena, Gang tic dolphin and wild bison.
The best quality bargains available in Nepal with a wide choice of outlets to include carpets, trekking equipment, gems, jewellery, shoes, Pashmina, Mandalas (Thankas), Gurkha Khukuri Knives, wooden carvings, custom made suits and gifts.
Want to be in camera range of the highest peaks in the world, fly above the clouds, over glaciers, lakes, rivers while cruising so close to the awe-inspiring massifs of rock and ice an out-of-this world experience.
Rafting is inarguably the best way of exploring and experiencing Nepal’s natural thrill with rivers crashing down through the foothills providing the best white water rapids with many exciting moments.
Paro Tshechu Festival 2008 - 9 Days.
Paro Tshechu Festival also called Paro Spring is one of the busiest festivasl in Bhutan. The unfolding of the silk Thangka - which is so large it covers the face of the building and is considered one of the most sacred blessings in the whole of Bhutan. The 'Thangka' is a religious picture scroll known as a Thongdroel which is exhibited for a few hours, at day break of the final day of the festival, enabling the people to obtain its blessing. This holy scroll 'confers liberation by the mere sight of it' (the meaning of the word 'thongdroel' in Bhutanese). This festival is a time for Bhutanese to celebrate with their families and friends.
The 'Tsechus' are Buddhist religious festivals where masked dances depicting events from the life of Padmasambhava, the eighth century Nyingmapa Buddhist teacher (second to Buddha), and stories of other saints are staged. In Bhutan, Padmasambhava is known as 'Guru Rimpoche'. The dances are performed by trained monks and laymen wearing costumes that depict the creatures that you can expect to meet after death. Besides attending the Paro Festival we do sightseeing in Paro valley, Thimphu and Punakha visting many historical sites.
Itinerary in Details
March 13 - Arrival at ParoAirport. You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel to settle in. After the formalities we take a short drive to Paro town to stroll through Bazaar. Overnight at hotel.
March 14- Scenic drive from Paro to Thimphu for sightseeing. Early morning we take a scenic drive to Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu, approx 90 mins drive from Paro. Sightseeing in and around Thimphu valley we visit the National Library, which holds a collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts, as well as the institute for Zorig Chusum commonly known as Painting School, textile and Folk Heritage Museum which provides an insight into Bhutanese material culture and everyday way of life. Also visiting the National Memorial Chorten, Trashichho dzong an impressive monastery, Bhutanese Handicrafts displaying a wide range of beautifully hand-woven textiles and craft products. In the evening we explore the vibrant Thimphu Bazaar. Overnight at hotel.
March 15 - Drive from Thimphu to Punakha with sightseeing on the way. Driving 3 hours leaving Thimphu the road climbs steeply through a forest of pine and cedar, festooned with hanging lichen high up near Dochula pass (3,050 m). This pass offers panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges on a clear day. You will see Rhododendrons, Magnolias, Junipers and pine forests with chirping sounds of the many rare species of birds found in Bhutan. We then drive onto Lobesa where you take a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang Temple, it is believed that this temple blesses women who seek fertility. Continuing North to visit the majestic Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 which strategically occupies the land between the two rivers Phochu and Mochu. Visit the YDF (Youth Development Fund) sponsored Souvenir production and training centre. Overnight at hotel.
March 16- Drive back to Paro. Take the breezy drive to Wangdi market and the fortress monastery of Wangdiphodrang and drive back to Paro in the late afternoon. Overnight at hotel.
March 17 - Stay in Paro Enjoy mask dance and cultural festivities of the Paro Festival. Overnight at hotel.
March 18 - Paro. In the morning we enjoy the Paro festival festivities, with an afternoon of Sightseeing in Paro. Visiting Ta Dzong which houses the National Museum and visit Paro Rimpung Dzong. On the way down cross the 16th century cantilever bridge.
Drugyel Dzong (victory fortress), built in 1647 is 18 kilometers away from Paro town. Explore the magnificent ramparts of the erstwhile fortress which defended the country against several incursions. On a clear day one can also view the sacred Mount Jomolhari, from the northern battlements. Visit to a farm house and observe the traditional Bhutanese way of life & living. Overnight at hotel.
March 19 - Sightseeing around Paro. Excursion to Taktsang Monastery (Tigers Nest).The trail to the monastery climbs through beautiful Pine and rhododendron forests. We stop at the tea houses for a rest and refreshments, the tea house offers magnificent up close views of the tigers nest and continues to hike for short while until you see, clearly and seemingly within reach, the imposing Taktsang monastery. Built in 1600s, this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. History states that Guru Padmasambhava, the Tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, landed here on the back of a flying tiger and meditated here for three months. It is regarded to be one of the most venerated cultural heritage sites in Bhutan. People from all over the Himalayan Diaspora frequent this place on the pilgrimage trail to Bhutan. Overnight at hotel.
March 20 - Paro Enjoy the mask dance of Paro Festival throughout the day. Overnight at hotel.
March 21 - Transfer to international airport for your final departure. After breakfast our Airport Representative will drop you to the Paro International Airport for your flight departure from Bhutan.
NOTE: The above information is a guide and standard template of what we provide. The tour can be customized at your request to accommodate your specific requirements.
Upon booking any festival holidays in Bhutan please allow at least 40 days as the Bhutanese government has strict Tourism policies. Please see our Visitor Facts for more information.
Trip cost as per above program
Group Size
1 (Solo Trip)
2 – 5
6 - 9
10 - 15
Cost per person in USD
2400.00
2250.00
2140.00
1860.00
Cost per person in GBP
1330.00
1245.00
1185.00
1030.00
Cost per person in EURO
1985.00
1860.00
1770.00
1540.00
Cost per person in AUD
3200.00
3000.00
2850.00
2480.00
Single Supplementary (if require) US$225, GBP 125, EURO 185, AUD 300 per person
The above cost Includes
1. Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop by private car / van / bus (all airport transfers).
2. Standard government approved accommodation (in twin share rooms) for the duration of tour.
3. Service of licensed English speaking Bhutanese Tour Guides.
4. All sightseeing tours, Monument /Museum, Festival events entrance Fees as per itinerary.
5. All meals fixed breakfast, lunch & dinner with Tea and Coffee for whole duration of your stay in Bhutan.
6. Country Presentation & Tour Briefing on Day 1 evening with welcome drinks.
7. Cultural afternoon/evening consisting of traditional mask dances & folk dances (with beverages) ~ For Group Tours
8. Mineral water supply for the trek or tour.
9. Government Royalty (which is 35% of $200) this goes to the country's health & education projects.
10. Private Transport & Driver within Bhutan. (Imported Prado’s, Micro Buses & Toyota Coaster Buses)
11. Toyota 4 X 4 luggage vans & light trucks for group travel
12. All our government taxes.
13. Tourist service charge, vat.
14. Official expense.
15. Bhutan Visa Fees and Visa Processing assistance The above cost Excludes
1. Bottled/alcoholic/cold drinks, room service and al a cart meals.
2. Your travel insurance (compulsory).
3. International airfares and airport departure tax.
4. Photography charges (if and when applicable).
5. Items of a personal nature such as laundry.
6. Personal Equipment.
7. Tips to guides, restaurants, hotel lobby. (Tipping is expected.)
8. Any others expenses which are not mentioned on Price Includes section.
Frequently Asked Questions for Paro Tshechu
Q. What type of shape do I need to be in, is this trip for me? A. This tour is suitable for anybody that is moderately fit. Persons suffering from a pre-existing medical condition must seek medical consent/advice before considering this tour.
Q. What sort of accommodation can I expect during the tour? A. Hotels vary in style and quality. All Government approved hotels are clean and well maintained with hot and cool water, telephones with international dialling and fax facilities.
Q. What sort of food can I expect in tour? A. Most of the restaurants serve Bhutanese, Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisine always plenty to choose from.
Q. What sort of transportation you use? A. We use comfortable and reliable Japanese Toyota SUV's, micro-buses and coaches to transport our guests. The cost of transport is already included in the daily tour cost. All our drivers are licensed by the Road surface transport authority (RSTA). Our vehicles are also certified and inspected by the RSTA frequently to comply with the road worthiness and safety standards. The guests will have a vehicle, guide and driver at their disposal at all times.
Q. What is the best season for this tour? A. As the Pro Tshechu tour is festival related you can only see this once in a year (September/ October) for this particular festival.
Q. What is the weather & temperature like? A. During the days the weather can range from 15 to 24, but at night it is generally cooler. It is also important to make sure that you can stay warm and dry in just about any conditions. Expect the unexpected! The temperature could be as high as 24 degrees C during the day to 2 degrees C low at night.
Q. Can I charge my digital camera or other batteries on my trip? A. These facilities are available in most of the hotels. Remember to bring your adapters!
Q. Is there any Photography restrictions? A. You will have many photo opportunities please ask if it is ok to take someones photo. Photography in, monasteries, shrine rooms of dzongs and religious institutions is generally not permitted but outdoor photography is permitted. To be sure when visiting such places, you may ask your guide.
Q. Can I use credit cards in the places visit in tour? A. In Bhutan there are no ATM machines for the use of credit or debit cards, you are required to bring travelers cheques or cash.
Q. Is the water OK to drink? Do I need to bring purifying tablets/filter? A We provide you mineral water whiles your stay in Bhutan which is 100% safe to drink.
Q. Are the Ace the Himalaya Agency's staff insured? A. Our company insures all our trekking staff, including guide, cook, sherpa and porters. Please, Click on LEGAL DOCUMENT page (Company) to view insurance details.
The above cost Includes
