SD Gangtey Tshechu Tour

Thimphu, Paro, Punakha, Phobjikha Valley

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Tour snapshot

Duration:
9 days

Tour Type:
Festival Tours

Language(s):
English

Highlight:
Top-rated experience

Overview

Gangtey Tshechu celebrates spirituality, protects the valley, and brings the community together in a colorful cultural gathering.

Included Services

Hotel, Meals, Transport, Guide

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Description

The Gangtey Tshechu Festival is held at Gangtey Goenpa in the scenic Phobjikha Valley. During the festival, monks and local residents perform a variety of mask and folk dances. It concludes with a special blessing ceremony known as Ngedup Langwa, symbolizing the attainment of spiritual wisdom and strength. Note: We would be happy to offer hotel upgrades based on your preference and comfort level. If you wish to stay in higher-category properties (such as premium 4-star or luxury hotels), we can arrange the upgrade for you. However, please note that any additional cost arising from the upgraded accommodation will need to be borne by the guest and will be added to the final package price accordingly.

What's Included

Inclusions

* All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and evening tea/coffee).
* Accommodation on a twin or double sharing basis (single room available at an additional cost).
* All in-country transportation, including airport transfers.
* Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) and government taxes.
* Bhutan visa fee.
* English-speaking local guide.
* Sightseeing as per the itinerary.
* Bottled drinking water.

Exclusions

* Entry fees for museums and monuments.
* Airfare with Drukair or Bhutan Airlines.
* Travel insurance.
* Charges for services of a personal nature.
* Any services not listed under “Cost Includes.”
* Expenses arising from unforeseen events such as accidents, strikes, or political disturbances.
* Personal expenses such as laundry, beverages, camera fees, incidental costs, porter services, bellboy charges, tips, or any additional services.

Additional information

Confirmation is sent at the time of booking
Please provide your arrival details so pickup can be arranged
Some sites may close at short notice for religious or official events
The itinerary may change based on weather and local conditions

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Day 1. Arrive Paro – Thimphu sightseeing
Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by our guide and driver. After completing immigration and customs formalities, proceed on a scenic drive to Thimphu.
- Tamchog Lhakhang
- Buddha Dordenma Statue
- National Memorial Chorten
Overnight Thimphu
2
Day 2: Day 2. Thimphu sightseeing
- Simtokha Dzong
- Royal Takin Preserve, Motithang
- Changangkha Lhakhang
- Folk Heritage Museum (Phelchey Toenkhyim)
- Centenary Farmers’ Market
- National Textile Museum
- Explore Thimphu Town
Overnight Thimphu
3
Day 3: Day 3. Thimphu – Punakha sightseeing
- Dochula Pass
- Chimi Lhakhang
- Punakha Dzong
- Suspension Bridge
Overnight Punakha
4
Day 4: Day 4. Punakha – Gangtey sightseeing
- Wandue Phodrang Dzong View
- Black Necked Crane Center
- Phobjikha Valley
Overnight Phobjikha
5
Day 5: Day 5. Gangtey – witness Gangtey tshechu
The Gangtey Tshechu festival dances are sacred Bhutanese mask dances performed by monks and lay dancers at Gangtey Monastery. Each dance carries religious meaning and is believed to bless spectators and remove negative energies.
Key dances include:
- Cham dances (Masked dances): Performed in colorful masks representing deities, protectors, and spiritual beings. They symbolize the victory of good over evil.
- Guru Rinpoche dances: Depict the life and teachings of Guru Padmasambhava, who brought Buddhism to Bhutan.
- Drum and cymbal dances: Accompanied by rhythmic music, creating a powerful spiritual atmosphere.
- Animal and deity dances: Represent moral lessons and Buddhist mythology in symbolic form.
Overall, the dances are not just performances but spiritual rituals meant to purify, bless, and protect the valley and its people.
Overnight Phobjikha
6
Day 6: Day 6. Gangtey – Thimphu sightseeing
- Free to Stroll in the town for shopping and photography
Overnight Thimphu
7
Day 7: Day 7. Thimphu – Paro sightseeing
- Rinpung Dzong
- National Museum (Ta Dzong)
- Drukgyel Dzong
- Dungtse Lhakhang
Overnight Paro
8
Day 8: Day 8. Hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery
- Paro Taktshang
- Kichu Lhakhang
- Hot Stone Bath
Overnight Paro
9

Day 9: Day 9. Paro – Departure

Transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward journey.
The tours conclude with cherished memories of Bhutan.