10 things to do in Thimphu Tshechu Trashi Yangtse Bhutan
Thimphu Tshechu is the biggest festival in Bhutan and it is celebrated every year in the capital city of Thimphu. It is a three-day event that is filled with cultural performances, traditional dances, and religious ceremonies. The festival is a time for people to come together and celebrate the Bhutanese culture and traditions. Here are 10 things you can do during Thimphu Tshechu:
1. Attend the Masked Dance Performances: The masked dance performances are one of the highlights of the festival. The masked dancers, called Tsholims, wear traditional costumes and perform traditional dances to the accompaniment of drums and cymbals. The dances tell stories of Bhutanese mythology and the audience is mesmerized by the colorful costumes and the intricate movements of the dancers.
2. Visit the Memorial Chorten: The Memorial Chorten is a stupa located in the center of Thimphu city. It was built in memory of the third King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, and is a popular pilgrimage site for Buddhists. During Thimphu Tshechu, the chorten is decorated with colorful prayer flags and devotees circumambulate it, praying for peace and prosperity.
3. See the Thangka Unveiling Ceremony: The Thangka Unveiling Ceremony is one of the most important parts of the festival. A large thangka (a Buddhist painting) is unveiled in the courtyard of the Tashichho Dzong, the main fortress of Thimphu. The thangka is covered with a white cloth and the unveiling is accompanied by traditional music and dancing.
4. Participate in the Archery Competition: Archery is the national sport of Bhutan and it is a popular event during Thimphu Tshechu. Teams of archers compete against each other and the winner is determined by the highest score. The competition is accompanied by traditional music and the audience cheers for their favorite teams.
5. Enjoy the Folk Music and Dance Performances: Traditional folk music and dances are an important part of the festival. Local musicians and dancers perform traditional songs and dances, which tell stories of Bhutanese culture and history. The audience is often asked to join in the dancing and singing, making the performances even more enjoyable.
6. Visit the National Textile Museum: The National Textile Museum in Thimphu is a great place to learn about the traditional textiles of Bhutan. The museum showcases a variety of textiles from different regions of the country, and it is a great place to see the intricate designs and patterns of Bhutanese fabric.
7. Try the Local Cuisine: Thimphu is home to some of the best restaurants in Bhutan, and during Thimphu Tshechu, you can sample the local cuisine. The city has a wide variety of restaurants, serving dishes such as momos (dumplings), ema datshi (a dish of chili and cheese), and phaksha paa (a pork dish).
8. Shop for Handicrafts: Thimphu is a great place to shop for traditional Bhutanese handicrafts. During Thimphu Tshechu, you can find a variety of items such as hand-woven textiles, jewelry, and woodcarvings. You can also find souvenirs such as prayer flags and incense.
9. Visit the Trashi Yangtse Monastery: The Trashi Yangtse Monastery is a Buddhist monastery located in the district of Trashi Yangtse, about 20 km from Thimphu. The monastery is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists, and it is home to a number of ancient artifacts. During Thimphu Tshechu, the monastery is open to visitors.
10. Go on a Trek: Thimphu is surrounded by some of the most beautiful mountains in the world, and during Thimphu Tshechu, you can go on a trek and explore the stunning landscape. You can trek along trails that take you through lush forests, past waterfalls, and to the top of the mountains.
Thimphu Tshechu is a wonderful event that celebrates Bhutanese culture and traditions. Whether you want to attend the masked dance performances, visit the Memorial Chorten, or go on a trek, there are plenty of things to do during Thimphu Tshechu. So, don't miss out on this amazing festival and plan your trip to Thimphu today!