Thimphu Drubchen and Thimphu Tshechu, 2009

Thimphu Drubchen and Thimphu Tshechu are just around the corner.  Thimphu Drubchen is on 24 September, and Thimphu Tshechu on 28, 29 and 30 September. These festivals which take place in the Thimphu Tashichhodzong, is a major tourist attraction in the fall.

Thimphu Drubchen

• Date: 24 September, 2009
• Venue: Tashichhodzong
• Tourists are strictly prohibited to take photographs during the Drubchen

The central tower temple at the Thimphu Tashichhodzong.

The courtyard at the Thimphu Tashichhodzong. The Thimphu Drupchen is performed at this courtyard.

Thimphu Tshechu

• Date: 28, 29 and 30 September, 2009
• Venue: Tendrel Thang, Tashichhodzong
• Tourists are allowed to take photographs and sitting arrangements are made together with the public. However, they will need to have special permits for filming
• Toilets are available for pay and use (nominal)
• Tourists should be not to disturb the spectators and distract the performers while taking photographs

The sacred Thongdrol of Guru Rimpoche is displayed early in the morning on the last day of the Thimphu Tshechu.

Drubchen and Tsechu dress code

• No hats
• No umbrella
• No smoking
• No slippers
• No short skirts
• No shorts

Inside Information

• Autumn days in Bhutan are bright and sunny. The temperature during the day can get as high as 26 degree celsius. Use lots of sunblock, and have one handy in your backpack. Your sunblock should be atleast SPF 30. Bear in mind that due to traditional ethics, no matter how sunny, you will not be permitted to wear a hat, or use an umbrella at the tshechu.
• Carry a bottle of water in your backpack. There are no drinking water facilities at the tshechu. The Bhutanese will drink straight out of any tap, but its not advisable for the visitor.
• Carry some snack in your backpack – a power bar and an apple, incase you have difficulty to rendezvous with your guide for lunch.
• Carry a rain poncho. Again, you will not be permitted to use an umbrella, so a poncho is advisable, in case of a sudden shower.
• Carry lots of loose change to save embarrassment when asked by clowns for donations.
• Keep your valuables at the hotel. Dont bring your passport, credit cards, flight tickets, etc, to the tshechu. In the past, there has been incidences of tourists loosing their backpacks.