Punakha Tshechu

Kinley Tshering

Festival expert and Historian

Why this Tour

Punakha Tshechu is among the most celebrated festivals in the country and a must witness festival for travellers visitng the country

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Punkha Tshechu, like all Tshechus, honors Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, the greatest yogi, and saint who is attributed with having introduced Tantric Buddhist all over the Himalayas.

Punakha Tshechu is held right after the Punakha Drubchen. The Drubchen is extraordinary as it seeks to re-enact the Tibetan invasion of Bhutan to steal its most precious relic. (RangjungKharsapani)

Punakha Tshechu is one of the best ways to experience the ancient living culture of Bhutan and it preserves Buddhist teachings and keeps alive the noble deeds of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, another great saint who brought unity and stability to Bhutan.

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Punakha Tshechu, like all the Tshechu festivals celebrated in Bhutan is in honor of Padmasambhava

what's included

We being a licenced travel agents operating directly under the Tourism council of Bhutan are mandated to provide our valued guests with a few services and the others are because we wouldn't want our guests to have anything less.

All Accommodation
All Meals
A Licensed English speaking travel guide
All internal Transportation
Monumental entry fees
Tourist sim cards
Bottled drinking mineral water
Evening Tea

What You Need to Know

The cost to visit Bhutan is mandated by the government and not abiding by the costing is illegal and not advisable
The best time to visit Bhutan is March to May and September through to November.
Visiting in a group of more than three at a time reduces the cost.
Bhutan consists of sub tropical, sub-alpine and alpine regions in-spite of being a small country
Bhutan has four seasons consisting of summer, autumn, spring and winter
The country is carbon negative and consists of about 72 percent of forest coverage
You will need to contact a registered travel agent to Book a tour to Bhutan

ambo Tip: opt for a minimum of 6 days so you can witness the festival and also see other places like Paro and Thimphu.

Why We Love This Tour

One can witness mask dances performed by monks dressed in colorful brocade apparel and filled by chants and reading of Buddhist scripts. The conclusion of the festival starts with the unfolding of a huge Thongdrel (is a large appliqué religious image normally only unveiled during Tshechus), a sacred scroll, portraying Padmasambhava and imagery from Buddhist pantheon.
Thongdrel usually presented to people during Tshechus and may also exhibit at other important occasions. It indicates anyone who gets to see Thongdrel are blessed and cleanses the viewer iniquities.
One can also witness the ‘Pazaps’ or local armed force dress in traditional battle equipment and re-enact the ancient battle scene. Their triumph ushered in a period of new-found internal peace and stability.
The appealing sight, the ‘Pazaps’ (warriors) perform a dance in the main courtyard, then shout and whistle as they move down the front stairs of the Punakha Dzong. Next, a parade of monks led by the Je Khenpo proceeds to the river to the accompaniment of cymbals, drums, and trumpets. At the river, the Je Khenpo throws a handful of oranges symbolizing the Rangjung Kharsapani into the river. This is a recreation of the Zhabdrung’s trick and also an offering to the local serpent, the spirits in the river.