The Talo Tshechu Festival 2027 runs for three days, from 16 to 18 March, at Talo Monastery (Talo Goenpa) in Punakha District. Founded in 1767 by Chogtul Jigme Singye, the monastery stands at about 2,800 meters (9,186 feet) above the Punakha Valley and is the seat of the successive mind incarnations of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the founder of Bhutan. Over the three days, monks perform sacred Cham mask dances, traditional music fills the courtyard, and the Atsara, the festival clowns, keep the crowd laughing.
Two days at the Punakha Talo Tshechu 2027: Watch the sacred Cham mask dances, the Atsara clowns, and the traditional songs at Talo Monastery, 16 to 18 March 2027. Reach the monastery on a pleasant 20 to 30 minute walk.
Hike to Tiger’s Nest: Climb to Paro Taktsang, Bhutan’s best-known monastery, set on a cliff above the Paro Valley.
Punakha Dzong, Buddha Dordenma and more: Visit some of Bhutan’s most important landmarks on the way.
Sopsokha Village and a farmhouse night: Spend time in a Punakha village, then stay one night in a traditional farmhouse.
3-star accommodation: Comfortable 3-star hotels for the rest of the trip.
Day 01. Arrival at Paro – Thimphu: Sightseeing (Elevation 2320m | 50km | 1hr.)
Day 02. Thimphu: Sightseeing (Elevation 2320m)
Day 03. Thimphu – Punakha: Sightseeing (Elevation 1200m | 76km | 3hrs.)
Day 04. Punakha: Witness Talo Tshechu Festival (Elevation 1200m)
Day 05. Punakha: Witness Talo Tshechu Festival (Elevation 1200m)
Day 06. Punakha – Paro: Sightseeing (Elevation 2280m | 124km | 25mins.)
Day 07. Paro: Hike to Tiger’s Nest (Elevation 2280m)
Day 08. Paro Departure (Elevation 2280m)
Touch down in Paro! Representative from Bhutan Mystical Tours will receive you in the airport. Drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan.
On the way see Tamchog Monastery built by Thangthong Gyalpo, the iron bridge builder who came to Bhutan in 1433 looking for Iron Ore. He built 108 bridges across Tibet and Bhutan, out of which 8 were built in Bhutan.
On reaching Thimphu, drive uphill to Kuensel Phodrang where sits a massive sized Statue of Buddha Dordenma. It is made of bronze and is 169 ft. tall. You can get a spectacular view of Thimphu valley from this point.
Next, visit to the National Memorial Chorten, a monument dedicated to the Third King of Bhutan, His Majesty King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Later, head to Tashichho Dzong (Fortress), which houses the throne room of the king and the offices of the government.
Overnight in Thimphu
Dive deeper into the Thimphu city.
The day begins with a visit to National Zoo which where the Takins, Bhutan’s national animal is preserved. While returning, you may visit Dupthop Lhakhang which is known to be one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan.
Next, visit National Library to see a vast collection of ancient texts and scriptures. The library is a treasure trove for those interested in Bhutanese history and culture.
Later visit National institute for Zorig Choesum (13 traditional arts) the painting School is on your next list. Bhutanese tradition has been preserved through painting and sculptures. Thangkas, the sacred Buddhist religious scrolls are either painted or embroidered on high-quality fabrics.
Walk for a minute to Folk Heritage Museum where you can explore the Bhutanese folk heritage and craftsmanship of Bhutan’s rural past.
Driving down to the city, visit National Postal Museum, which is worth a visit for you can get your own picture on Bhutanese stamp right then and there. Get a photo clicked then and there or give a photo of your dear ones and you will get personalized stamps in 5 minutes.
Explore the popular Centenary Farmers Market if you’re there on a weekend, this bustling market is a great place to experience local life and try fresh produce.
Overnight in Thimphu
Take a scenic drive to Punakha, En route, stop at the Dochula Pass (3116m) for panoramic views of the magnificent range of the Higher Himalayas.
Visit the Royal Botanical Garden, also known as the Rhododendron Garden at Lamperi, located half hour drive towards Punakha.
On reaching Punakha, take a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang, which was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley also known as “The Divine Madman”, in the year 1499. The Temple is also known as “the Temple of Fertility”.
Visit the beautiful Punakha Dzong built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and is situated at the confluence of the Pho Chu (Male River) and the Mo Chu (Female River). War materials captured during the various battles with Tibetans are preserved here. Punakha served as a capital of Bhutan till the year of 1955.
In the evening, take a walk across the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan (160 m). The bridge is the longest of its kind and connects the two sides of the Pho chu river. You will get a great view of the river, valley, temple, and a good boost of adrenaline as well.
Overnight in Punakha
Drive to Talo monastery to witness the spectacular Talo Tshechu Festival. The event showcases vibrant dances and intricate mask performances.
In the afternoon, a short excursion to Khamsung Yulley Namgyal Choling Monastery in Punakha. The hike offers not just a spiritual retreat but also an exhilarating hiking experience. The trail is approximately 30-45 minutes, winding through serene rice fields and pine forests. As you ascend, the picturesque views of the Punakha valley unfold, providing ample photo opportunities. The hike is moderate, making it suitable for families and casual trekkers.
Overnight in Punakha
After breakfast, drive back to the Talo Goenpa.
In the evening, drive to Wangdue Phodrang and visit the Dzong.
Overnight in Wangdue Phodrang
Drive to Paro.
On reaching, visit to Rimpung Dzong (fortress) also known as “Heap of Jewel” built in the year of 1646 as the Centre of administrative and religious authority in this valley.
Visit Ta Dzong built in 1656 and renovated in 1968, an ancient watchtower, which now has been converted as the National Museum.
Later, a visit to the Drukgyel Dzong which was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1644 to commemorate the victory over the Tibetan invaders.
In the evening, free to stroll in the town for leisure and photography.
Overnight in Paro
Dedicate your final day to a delightful excursion to the Tiger’s Nest, locally known as Taktsang Monastery. Reaching Takshang Monastery is as much an adventure as the destination itself.
On returning to the base, a Bhutanese cuisine experience in the woods is a celebration of both food and nature. It offers a unique way to engage with Bhutan’s rich culinary traditions while
surrounded by the tranquility and beauty of the natural world.
At the end of the day, we recommend you have a Traditional hot stone bath to get relaxed after a tiring day. It is not only practiced as a comforting leisure but also to treat various diseases.
You can stroll down the Paro town where you can always find Bhutanese authentic handicrafts which can be good souvenirs and remembrances of this exotic and serene Himalayan Kingdom ‘Bhutan’.
Overnight in Paro
Our guide will drop you at Paro international airport as per your flight schedule. Farewell for your onwards journey.
The cost listed below includes the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of US $100 per person per night and the Bhutan visa fee of US $40 per person. Please note that entrance fees for museums & monuments festival visits are not included and must be paid directly at the respective sites.
US $ 2,000 per person
The Talo Tshechu Festival will take place from March 16 to March 18, 2027, at Talo Monastery in Punakha, Bhutan. Situated approximately 20 kilometers from Punakha at an elevation of 2,800 meters, the monastery offers panoramic views of the Punakha Valley.
The festival is renowned for its vibrant mask dances (Cham), atsara (clown) performances, and Zungdra, a classical dance unique to Talo. A standout feature is the Talo Zungki, a beauty contest where local women showcase traditional attire and cultural knowledge.
Talo Monastery is approximately a one-hour drive from Punakha. The journey offers scenic views of terraced fields and dense forests, providing a picturesque backdrop as you approach the monastery.
While Bhutanese locals wear traditional attire—Kira for women and Gho for men—visitors are encouraged to dress modestly. Opting for long sleeves and pants or skirts is advisable to respect the cultural norms of the festival.
We apply for your visa for you. After you book, send us a clear copy of your passport and a few personal details. We submit the application online and send you the visa clearance letter before you travel. The visa is stamped in your passport when you arrive in Bhutan.
Bhutan Mystical will book and ticket your flights to and from Paro with Drukair (Royal Bhutan Airlines) or Bhutan Airlines. As your tour operator, we will manage all aspects of your Paro flights, including notifying you of any changes to flight schedules. Since flight timings can change at short notice, we will keep you informed.
Drukair
Drukair Official Website
Bhutan Airlines
Bhutan Airlines Official Website
It’s best to book your trip at least 6 months or early in advance.
Yes, the Talo Tshechu features the unveiling of a thongdrel, a large appliqué thangka depicting Padmasambhava. The mere viewing of this sacred tapestry is believed to cleanse viewers of sin .
