Paro Tsechu - 8 Days

Paro Tsechu is one of the important festivals of the Bhutanese and is celebrated to honor Guru Rimpoche. This tsechu takes place in the courtyard of dzong, and on its final day, you see the senior monk displaying the image of Guru Rimpoche. Paro Tsechu is attended by the local people; Paro Tsechu is enjoyed by the tourists, and Paro Tsechu is performed by monks. The itinerary of Paro Tsechu also includes the interesting places of Bhutan, such as Thimpu, Gangatey, and Punakha.

Like other Tsechus, you also see the locals in their new clothes and favorite jewelries in Paro Tsechu. They receive a blessing from a senior Rhimpoche. Around the courtyard of the dzong, you see the people, sitting and standing, and in the middle of the courtyard of the dzong, you see the events of Paro Tsechu beings performed. These events mainly include the activities of monks, who wear the masks of animals, demons, heroes, and gods, and who dance in the mantras of the Buddhist monks.

Also, you see monks swirling and jumping in the air in their colorful robes, as well as the monks playing the drums and wearing religious helmets. Along with the sound of the drum, you hear the sounds of “Dungchen,” and Lingim. You also do an excursion to Tigers Nest that clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 m into the Paro Valley.

History states that Guru Padmasambhava, the Tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, landed here on the back of a flying tigress from Tibet. He established Nyingma School of Mahayana Buddhism in Bhutan, and many Bhutanese believe that he is the protector saint of Bhutan.