Tashigang Tsechu Festival Tour - 13 Days

Tashigang Tsechu Festival is celebrated in autumn (September-November) of the Bhutanese lunar calendar, and is usually celebrated during the 10th day of the 8th lunar month. The dates are specific each year, depending on the astrological calculations carried out by Buddhist monks, and are confirmed about 2-3 months before. We advise you to book in advance because this is a real festival, which has only a few visitors, and Eastern Bhutan has limited accommodation facilities. 

Tashigang Tsechu Festival takes three days to complete, and the three days are characterized by different religious performances and sacred rituals. The preparatory rituals and the opening ceremonies are usually done on the first day, and the main masked dance performances and community celebrations are on the second and third days. The last day is the most important one, and it involves the sacred ceremony of unfurling Thongdrel in the morning and the final celebrations. 

Your tsechu festival package accommodation will range between comfortable hotels in large cities to genuine guesthouses and traditional lodges in more remote locations, all chosen because of their cleanliness, security, and cultural authenticity. Formerly in Thimphu and Paro, you will be accommodated in very nice hotels with modern facilities, but with Bhutanese traditional architecture. Punakha and Bumthang have small lodges that combine comfort with native flair, with traditional wood-burning stoves and farm-to-table organic food. The accommodation in Tashigang and Eastern Bhutan can be simpler yet genuine, and in some cases, it can entail traditional guesthouses or small hotels that offer a real cultural immersion experience. Every accommodation will have its bathroom, clean bedding, and meals with Bhutanese and international food. 

The Tashigang Tsechu Festival is a religious event that revolves around sacred masked dances (Cham) by monks wearing extravagant costumes of the Buddhist deities and doctrines. The festival starts with rituals of preparation and purification ceremonies, and the wonderful dance performances in the courtyard of the dzong under the colorful prayer flags and traditional buildings. Community participation includes circumambulation around sacred sites, offering prayers and butter lamps, and receiving blessings from high lamas. Local families dress in their finest traditional clothing (gho for men, kira for women) and bring picnic lunches to share during breaks between ceremonies. The celebration includes traditional music with long horns, drums, and cymbals accompanying the dances, while vendors sell religious artifacts, traditional foods, and local crafts.

During your Bhutan culture tour, you should have a respectful dress code when participating in the festival or visiting the temples. To attend the festivals, one should wear modest dressings which cover the shoulders and knees, and long pants and skirts should be preferred to short pants. The traditional clothes of Bhutan (gho or kira) are very valued and can be arranged with our guides, but it is not obligatory for tourists. Take off your hats and shoes before entering temples and dzongs, and also do not wear revealing clothes during religious ceremonies. 

Although the tourists are not allowed to take part in the sacred Cham masked dances, which are undertaken only by trained monks after several years of religious study and practice, there are various ways that visitors can be involved in during the tsechu festival celebration. Other festivals feature folk dances by the community, whereby visitors could be invited to join the locals as they dance in circles and celebrate. 

The prices of the tsechu festival differ depending on the level of accommodation, group size, and seasonal conditions, with the prices being in the premium and luxury categories with all-inclusive packages including accommodation, meals, transportation, guide services, and festival access permits. Our tsechu festival tour package offers transfers to and from the international airport, domestic transport, knowledgeable cultural guides, all meals with Bhutanese and international cuisine, comfortable hotels and guesthouses, and special permits to attend the festivals. 

In your travel experience to eastern Bhutan, medical services are basic healthcare facilities in the major towns in the country, as well as extensive travel insurance coverage that is offered by our tour arrangements. The modern medical facilities are available in Thimphu and Paro, and the National Referral Hospital has qualified doctors and emergency services. In smaller towns such as Punakha, Trongsa, and Tashigang, there are simple health centers with qualified medical personnel to attend to common illnesses and minor accidents. 

You need a visa and all necessary permits for your trip. These documents can not be received on the day of your arrival, so they must be processed before coming here. After you book a trip with us, we will manage these papers for you. Your Bhutan visa is arranged by Orrog as part of the package.

The main way to come to Bhutan is through Paro International Airport, which is well-connected to cities like Bangkok, Delhi, Kathmandu, and Singapore. Most people arrive by air, but if you plan to come via road, you can enter through Phuentsholing, located on the southern border with India, which is the most commonly used entry point. 

It is recommended to apply for the visa at least 20 days before your planned departure date so that there is enough time for processing your Bhutan visa, finalizing your itinerary, and arranging your guides and transportation. Although visa processing itself is relatively fast once payment is received, early preparation helps avoid delays and ensures availability, especially during peak seasons (spring and autumn).

You don’t require a passport-size photo for the visa, but it is wise to carry at least 2–4 recent passport-sized photographs during your trip. These may be needed for local permits, registration, or when applying for a local SIM card upon arrival in Bhutan.

Yes, you can lengthen your stay in Bhutan either before or after your trip. Bhutan’s tourism model requires visitors to pay a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) and a daily package cost, so any extra days will involve additional charges. Extensions are a great opportunity to explore cultural sites in Paro, Thimphu, or even add another short trip or day hike.

Yes, Bhutan requires full tour payment in advance before your visa can be processed and issued. The government of Bhutan regulates this policy to ensure that all travel arrangements are confirmed through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator. We are a licensed tour operator that ensures you have everything you need for a trouble-free trip.

Any personal expenses are not covered in the package like:

• Tips for your guide and other staff
• Bottled drinks and snacks(personal expense)
• Souvenirs or local crafts

Credit cards are easily accepted in major cities like Paro and Thimphu. But in remote areas, you may not have access to a card or an ATM. So, it is best to carry some cash before heading for the trip. 

Tipping is not mandatory, but it is a widely appreciated gesture and a customary way to show gratitude for good service. The tipping guideline would be to give USD 5-10 per day as a tip for the guides and other staff.

Paro International Airport is the only international airport in Bhutan. It is well connected by flights from cities like Bangkok, Delhi, Kathmandu, and Singapore.

Yes, airport pick-up and drop-off are included in the package. We will have your guide and driver meet you at the airport and transport you to your hotel.

While Bhutan's roads are mostly paved, some parts are narrow, winding, and occasionally affected by weather. However, we ensure your travel is safe, well-maintained, and driven by an experienced professional throughout the journey.

The Bhutanese Ngultrum is used in Bhutan. All local transactions during the trip will be in BTN.

US Dollars (USD) are generally accepted at larger hotels, souvenir shops, and tour operators, particularly in Paro and Thimphu. However, it’s advisable to convert your currency to BTN for general purchases in rural areas. Other currencies like the Euro or the Pound are not commonly accepted directly.

No, credit or debit cards are not accepted on the trip, as it takes you through remote regions with no banking or electronic payment access. All trip-related payments like accommodation, meals, permits, etc, are paid in advance. 

You can exchange foreign currency at the Paro International Airport, at banks, or through licensed money changers in cities like Thimphu and Paro. It's best to exchange enough cash before heading out on the trip.

The national language is Dzongkha, but many Bhutanese also speak English. If you speak English and are worried about communicating with the local people, you will have your guide as a translator. 

Yes, all licensed tour guides in Bhutan are required to speak fluent English. Many are also trained in other languages such as German, Japanese, or French. Communication during the trip will be smooth and clear in English.

Most signboards, tourist maps, and information brochures are written in English, especially in tourist destinations like Paro, Thimphu, and trailheads. Directional signs along routes are often labeled in both Dzongkha and English.

No, learning Dzongkha is not at all needed for the trip, but knowing a few basic words like "Kuzu zangpo la" (Hello) or "Kadrinche la" (Thank you) is a good way to interact with the locals.

Language barriers are minimal, as your guide will handle all communication with locals and support staff. Your guide will translate for you during your interaction with the locals.

To greet people, you can greet with locals “Kuzu zangpo la” (Hello) by performing a slight bow. Most common greetings include physical greetings, such as shaking hands less visible, especially in rural areas.

Yes, but remember to seek permission, especially when taking photos of monks, locals, or temples. Please note that clicking photos is not allowed at most religious sites.

Visitors should dress modestly and respectfully. This means:

• Covering shoulders and knees
• Removing hats and sunglasses
• Not wearing shorts or sleeveless tops

 This applies to both men and women.

Yes, Bhutanese society is deeply rooted in Buddhism and tradition. Here are some key taboos:

• Do not point your feet at people or sacred objects
• Never touch anyone on the head, as it is considered sacred
• Walk clockwise around temples, stupas, and religious monuments
• Avoid public displays of affection

While gifts are not expected, they may be accepted graciously if given with respect. It is advisable to consult with the guide before giving out anything.

Bhutan typically uses Type C, Type D, and Type G electrical outlets. Standard safe voltage is 230V and frequency is 50Hz; therefore, ensure that your equipment is compatible with this voltage.

Indeed, it is highly advised to take along a universal travel adapter, particularly one to fit a variety of types of plugs, because plugs can be different in a hotel or a guesthouse.

Bhutan follows Bhutan Time (BTT), which is UTC/GMT +6 hours. This time zone remains consistent throughout the year.

No, Bhutan does not observe daylight saving time. The country maintains the same time year-round.

Bhutan is 30 minutes ahead of India. For example, 12:00 PM in India is 12:30 PM in Bhutan.

Yes, souvenirs can be bought in Paro or Thimphu before or after the trip.

Some popular souvenirs include hand-woven textiles (kira and gho fabric), prayer flags, thangka (religious scroll) paintings, handmade paper products, traditional masks, and Buddhist artifacts.

You can do some gentle bargaining in local street markets. However, in government-run shops and fixed-price stores, prices are usually non-negotiable.

Only some larger shops in cities like Paro and Thimphu accept credit cards. The remote areas might not have a card payment option, so we suggest that you carry some cash.

Yes, you can easily purchase a SIM card upon arrival in Bhutan. We will assist you with the process, and you'll need a passport copy and a passport-sized photo.

No, internet access is not available during the trip. However, Wi-Fi is available in hotels in Paro and Thimphu before and after the trip.

 Since the weather can be unpredictable and temperatures can vary drastically, layered clothing is essential. You should pack:

• Base layers (thermal tops and bottoms)
• Insulating layers like fleece or down jackets
• Waterproof and windproof outer layers
• Warm hats, gloves, and neck gaiters for freezing conditions
• Moisture-wicking socks and weatherproof trekking boots

Nighttime temperatures can be extremely cold, especially at high-altitude places. So you need to have enough clothing to keep you warm.

The weather is clear with mild daytime temperatures during spring and autumn. 

Yes, all tours include certified, English-speaking guides who are knowledgeable in Bhutanese history and culture.

You can learn about the Bhutanese culture through local interactions, homestay visits, cooking classes, traditional art workshops, and attending local festivals and religious ceremonies.