The Tshechu is a festival honouring Guru Padmasambhava, "one who was born from a lotus flower." This Indian saint contributed enormously to the diffusion of Tantric Buddhism in the Himalayan regions of Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan etc. around 800 AD. He is the founder of the Nyingmapa, the "old school" of Lamaism which still has numerous followers. The biography of Guru is highlighted by 12 episodes of the model of the Buddha Shakyamuni’s life. Each episode is commemorated around the year on the 10th day of the month by "the Tschechu". The dates and the duration of the festivals vary from one district to another but they always take place on or around the 10th day of the month according to the Bhutanese calendar. During Tshechus, the dances are performed by monks as well as by laymen. The Tshechu is a religious festival and by attending it, it is believed one gains merits. It is also a yearly social gathering where the people, dressed in all their finery, come together to rejoice. The Thimphu Tshechu for 1999 scheduled TBA.

Festival Dance schedule:

Day 1
Dance 1) Shacham Dance of the 4 stags (Costume: the stags wear knee-length skirts and masks of stags) The stag dance portrays the subjugation of the evil Wind King by Guru Rimpoche.

2) Peling Ging Sum: Dance of the Three Kings of Ging (Costume: The Gings wear knee-length skirts. The first part of this dance is performed with sticks and animal masks; the second with swords and fierce masks) This mask dance symbolises victory of good over evil. The great "Treasure Discoverer" Pemalingpa in Zandopelri, is believed to have seen the dance of the Three Kings of Ging - all emanations of Guru Rimpoche.

3) Pacham: Dance of the Heroes (Costume: Knee-length yellow skirts and golden crowns. No mask. They hold small bells and drums. This dance portrays the act of leading believers of the human world into the presence of Guru Rimpoche.

4) Shawo Shachi: Dance of the Stag and the Hounds (Costume: dog mask, stag mask and knee-length yellow skirts). The dance portrays compassion over all sentient beings as the great sage, Jetseon Milarepa, brings harmony between the stag, (the prey) and a dog, (the predator).

5) Dramyan Cham: Dance of the Guitar (Costume: Elaborate and heavy woollen clothes with traditional felt boots, long black skirt, yellow shirt, brown coat, sword and a circular head dress. One dancer is holding a traditional guitar called Dramyen.

Day 2
Dance 1) Zshana: Dance of the 21 Black Hats. (Costume: large black hat, felt boots, colourful brocade long dress. No masks The Black Hat Dancers represent yogis who have the power to take and recreate life.

2) Zshana Nga Cham: Dance of the 21 Black Hats with drums This is a victory dance following the destruction of the evil.

3) Kyecham: Dance of the Attendants (Costume: Knee-length yellow skirts, animal masks, sword in the right hand) The dance portrays King Norzang and his armed companions during a holy war.

4) Phole Mole: Dance of the Noblemen and the Ladies This drama is based on the folktale of King Norzang.

5) Dramitse Ngacham: Dance of the 16 Drum-Beaters from Dramitse. (Costume: Knee-length yellow skirts, different animal masks and drums) This illustrates a vision seen by 15th by nun Chorten Zangmo in the 15th century in which she saw the attendants of Guru Rimpoche performing a dance.

6) Shao Shachi: Dance of the Stag and the Hound (see day one, No.4)

Day 3
Dance 1) Durdag: Dance of the Lords of the Cremation Grounds (Costume: white short skirts, white boots, white skull masks. This dance portrays how the lords (protectors) of the cremation grounds subjugated the assembly of demonic powers who have violated their oath of not harming the tantric doctrine.

2) Tungam: Dance of the Terrifying Deities (Costume: Beautiful brocade dresses, boots and terrifying masks.) The dance demonstrates the passage of men and the demi-gods who become enemies of Buddhism. To overcome these evil powers, Guru Rimpoche takes the form of "Fierce Thunderbolt". He then wages war against the evil forces and liberates men into a superior sphere of bliss.

3) Raksha Mangcham: Dance of the Rakshas and the Judgement of the Dead. It’s a dance of the Rakshas who are the helpers of the Lord of Death "Shinje." The dance dramatises souls of beings led to judgement before "Shinje".

Day 4
Dance 1) Bumthang Ter Cham: A folk dance of Bumthang Tamshing (Costume: white masks, knee-length yellow skirts, a little bell and drum in hand.)

2) Durdag: Dance of the Lords of Cremation Grounds

3) Ging Dang Tsholing: The Dance of Ging and Tsholing (Costume: The Tsholing wear long colourful dresses and terrifying masks. The Ging wear a replica of a tiger skins, attractive animal masks with a flag on top and carry drums. This dance depicts the paradise of Ugyen Rimpoche, i.e. the Zangtoepelri from where all the incarnations of Ugyen Rimpoche, essence of all the Buddhas, are sent to the Three Worlds.

4) Guru Tshen Gye: Dance of the Eight Manifestations of Guru. It is believed that during the performance of this particular dance, Ugyen Rimpoche manifests Himself, and the onlookers at the dance receive the blessings of Ugyen Rimpoche’s mind, speech and body.

5) Rigma Chudrug: Dance of the Sixteen Fairies The sixteen fairies are emanations of the same person. They are Goddesses of offerings who are divided into four categories. Each category is again divided into four, totalling 16. The dance is performed to bring total happiness for the people who believe in the manifestations of Ugyen Rimpoche.

6) Religious and folks dances

Thimphu Tshechu (Festival) Tour Schedule

Day 1 Arrive Paro International Airport

During the journey, one will experience breath taking view of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks including the sacred Chomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by your tour operator. who will take you to Thimphu, the Capital, 60 Kms. from Paro Airport and about 2 hours drive. The drive to Thimphu takes you along the Paro Chu (Chu means water or river) down stream to the confluence with the Wang Chu, then turn upstream and travel along the Wang Chu to Thimphu. Check in at the hotel.

Evening: Reception by tour operator representatives.

Day 2 Thimphu - Sightseeing

Visit the Memorial Chorten (a huge stupa) built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned the Kingdom from 1952-1972.

Visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved Visit the Wood Craft and Painting School where traditional arts and crafts are still kept alive.

Visit the handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts and crafts are displayed and can be purchased.

Visit Simtokha Dzong. This is one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan. It was built in 1629 A.D. It houses the largest monastic schools in the country.

Evening: Relax in Thimphu's modern health club, Sakten Health Club and Salon, where sauna, steam, gymnasium facilities are available as well as full beauty treatment, including hair dressing, skin care (with pure herbal products) and body massage services. For our guests, the Health Club facilities (steam, sauna and gymnasium) are free and beauty services are available for a concessional rates.

NOTE: The Thimphu Tshechu is usually fixed for four days as indicated in the attached programme. But the official programme for tourists is for three interesting days only to make the best use of their time. Therefore, day four is optional.

Day 3 Thimphu Tshechu  
After an early breakfast attend the first day of the Tshechu which is held in the courtyard of Tashichho Dzong. This is the main Secretariat Building, where the government ministries, the office of His Majesty the King, the Throne Room, the offices and living quarters of the monk body and its Chief Abbot are housed.

Lunch at the hotel

Thimphu Tshechu

Evening: relax at the hotel or stroll through Thimphu Town.

Day 4 Morning - attend Tshechu

After lunch: two optional programmes are

1) Attend the Tshechu

2) Visit Dechen Chholing, (about 30 minutes drive from Thimphu to view the palace of the Queen Mother from a hill -top. Visitors are not allowed to enter the palace complex, especially when the Queen Mother is in residence. This is also the Headquarters of the Royal Body Guard.

Dechen Chholing is a quiet place where the hermits find it ideal for meditation. One can see a number of small huts scattered right across the hill just above the Palace.

Have picnic lunch in Dechen Chholing just above the palace.

Evening: If the day falls on a Saturday, visit the most popular night club in Thimphu known as "Club X". This is optional. Guests can either relax in the hotel or visit the Company Health Club.

Day 05 Morning: the following are two optional programmes:

1) Attend Thimphu Tshechu

2) Take a day excursion to Phajoding which lies on the west of Thimphu at an Alt. of 3,700m. It is about three hours walk from Thimphu and this is considered one of the most enjoyable short hikes. From Phajoding, you nave a beautiful view of the Thimphu valley and the surrounding mountains. There are several monasteries and a state monastic school in Phajoding. It is also a place of meditation for many devout Buddhists.

Picnic lunch will be served at Phajoding. Afternoon, hike back to Thimphu.

Evening: Relax at the Sakten Health Club or at the hotel.

(Fourth Day of Tshechu - optional group choice)

Day 6 Thimphu Tshechu

Morning: Attend Thimphu Tshechu

Afternoon: The following two options may be selected:
1) Attend Tshechu
2) Visit the Tibetan settlement in Hontsho (about 25 minutes drive from Thimphu) or the Indigenous Medicine Hospital in Thimphu.

Evening: Free to take a stroll or do shopping

Day 7 Thimphu - Punakha/Wangdiphodrang

A full day excursion to Punakha, the former Capital of Bhutan (77 Km) from Thimphu. Wangdi is 16 Km from Punakha. Visit the Dzongs in both Punakha and Wangdi.

Lunch at Wangdi Guest House.

Day 8 Thimphu - Paro In Paro, visit the following places of interest:

The National Museum (Ta-Dzong). This was actually the Watch Tower of the Paro Rinchen Pong Dzong. It was converted to the National Museum in l968.

Visit the Rinchen Pong Dzong. This massive fortress is located on a hill top above the Pachu (Paro River) in the Paro Valley. It houses the District Administration Office and the District Monk Body. It was built in 1645 AD.

Lunch at the hotel

Visit the Drugyel Dzong which is located 16 Km away from the Paro Town. The name Drugyel means "Victorious". Although in ruins, this Dzong is of great historical importance. It was here that the Bhutanese finally defeated the invading Tibetans and drove them back. From here, the peak of Chomolhari "Mountain of the Goddess" can be seen on a clear day (Alt. 7329m/24,029ft.) On the way back, visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse.

Evening: Take a stroll through Paro town.

Day 9 Paro - International Airport

Seen off by your tour guide or tour operator

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