3rd to 6th December 2019
21st to 24th November, 2020
The ‘Tsechu’ literally means the ’10th day’ of a month and is considered one of the auspicious days of the month. The
festivals are called ‘Tshechu’ as the one of the three days of festival falls on the 10th day of the particular month. These religious festivals are in honour of Guru Rimpoche or a patron deity of the area. Mask dances and various cultural folk dances are performed by the monks and the locals. All mask dances have religious significance and it is believed that one who witnesses the tshechu is profusely blessed.
Tshechus are also an occasion for friends and families to get together and for some it is also an opportunity to show off their best dresses, jewelry and ornaments. So, everybody is dressed in their best.
Monggar in eastern Bhutan is largely known as the “Bastion of the Zhongarps,” after the illustrious Dzongpons of Zhongar that played significant role in the history of Bhutan. One can still see the ruins of the Zhongar Dzong next to the highway in Lingmethang before reaching Monggar.
The main inhabitants of this region are the Tshanglas and the Kurtoeps. They speak distinct languages known as Tshanglakha and Kurtoepaikha. This region is famous for its exquisite wood carvings.
The new Dzong in Monggar was built at the initiative of the third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in 1953. Today the dzong is the centre of administration where all important decisions are taken.
The most exciting local event is the annual three day Tshechu that is held every November. It is witnessed by people from as far as Trashigang and Lhuentse.
There are numerous local Tshechus in this region all with their own unique dances and traditions. They occur at various times throughout the year so visitors can be assured that no matter when they visit a fantastic and colorful local festival will be taking place.
This tour is a combination of cultural and festival tour to the Eastern part of the country and exit from Southeastern town of Samdrup Jongkhar or enter from Samdrup Jongkhar via Guwahati in Assam, India and exit from Paro.
Day 1 – Arrival at Paro
Day 2 – Paro Taktsang Hike
Day 3 – Paro – Thimphu
Day 4 – Thimphu Seightseeing
Day 5 – Thimphu – Punakha
Day 6 – Punakha – Gangtey
Day 7 – Gangtey – Bumthang
Day 8 – Bumthang Seightseeing
Day 9 – Bumthang – Mongar
Day 10 – Mongar Festival
Day 11 – Mongar Festival
Day 12 – Mongar – Tashigang
Day 13 – Tashigang (Rangjung Excursion)
Day 14 – Tashigang – Samdrup Jongkhar
Day 15 – Departure