Location: Bhutan, Asia
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.
Butan Tour(The Kingdom Of Bhutan)
Where is Bhutan? Bhutan lies in the eastern Himalayas, between Tibet to the north, the Indian territories of Assam and West Bengal, to the south and east, and Sikkim to the west. Bhutan is a tiny country has a total area of about 47,00 square KM. Bhutan is located in the heart of the high Himalayan mountain range, Bhutan is a land-locked country like Nepal surrounded by mountains. The sparsely populated Greater Himalayas bounded to the north by the Tibetan plateau, reach heights of over 7,300 meters (23,950ft.), and extend southward losing height, to form the fertile valleys of the Lesser Himalayas divided by the Wang, Sunkosh, Trongsa and Manas Rivers. Monsoon influences promote dense forestation in this region and alpine growth at higher altitudes. The cultivated central uplands and Himalayan foothills support the majority of the population. In the south, the Duars (the gates or doors, the traditional 18 points of access into Bhutan from the Indian plain.) drop sharply away from the Himalayas into the large tracts of semi-tropical forest, savannah grassland and bamboo jungles. Bhutan has remained a hidden Kingdom by choice for many years. Today, it has opened its door to visitors, and a small number of people are welcome to explore the Kingdom.
Bhutan Visa Information
Visa Information Nationals from India and Maldives do not need a visa.
All others will need a visa before arriving.
To obtain a Bhutanese visa, you need the following:
- Bhutan visa application form x 3 copies duly filled
- 2 passport-size photographs
- Photocopy of the passport
- For private visitors, a sponsorship certificate form must be filled in by the sponsor.
- A fee of US $70 a day should be paid directly to the Department of Tourism for private visitors, except for family members.
- Visa processing time: 1 month.
- When entering Bhutan, you receive a visa for only 2 weeks from Paro airport.
- Visa extensions can be granted if you stay longer. Except for SNV employees, the visa extension fee of Nu. 510/- for each passport should be paid.
Bhutan Entry Procedure
Tourists visiting Bhutan must travel through an authorized local tour operator on a pre-planned, pre-paid, guided package tour. Independent travel is not permitted. The government stipulates an all-inclusive entry fee per day. A concerned local tour operator is responsible for all logistical arrangements during your stay in Bhutan.
Arriving / Departure by Land
The only land entry point for tourists is through the town of Phuentsholing, on the southwestern border with India. If prior arrangements are made it will be possible to exit through the town of Samdrup Jongkhar in the southeast region, which makes an easy entry point to northeastern India.
Getting Around the Country: There are two ways to travel within Bhutan, by car or on foot, if trekking. There is a basic, but usually well maintained, network of motorable roads across the country. Your tour operator is responsible for arranging all necessary modes of transportation. Tour vehicles are comfortable buses, vans and cars.