Festivals Calender
Absolutely, Bhutan’s allure extends beyond its breathtaking landscapes, including panoramic valley views and vibrant rice fields adorned with prayer flags. One of the distinctive features that make Bhutan a compelling destination is its rich tapestry of festivals. With over 163 festivals held throughout the year, the country is renowned for its culturally thrilling celebrations.
Bhutanese festivals, known as Tsechus, are vibrant and joyous events that showcase the country’s deep-rooted traditions, religious rituals, and unique cultural expressions. During these festivals, masked dances, religious ceremonies, and traditional performances take center stage, attracting both locals and visitors alike. Each Tsechu holds special significance, often commemorating Guru Rinpoche’s deeds or other important events in Bhutanese history.
Attending a Tsechu provides a unique opportunity to witness the fusion of spirituality, art, and community celebration. The colorful costumes, intricate masks, and lively dances create an immersive experience that allows visitors to delve into the heart of Bhutanese culture. Additionally, the festivals often draw pilgrims and devotees from different parts of the country, contributing to a sense of unity and shared cultural identity.
Whether set against the backdrop of majestic dzongs (fortresses), monasteries, or scenic landscapes, Bhutan’s festivals are an integral part of the country’s cultural heritage and offer a glimpse into the vibrancy and uniqueness of Bhutanese traditions.
1 | Punakha Drubchen | Punakha Dzong, Punakha | 16th -18th Feb |
2 | Punakha Tshechu | Punakha Dzong, Punakha | 19th -21st Feb |
3 | Tharpaling Thongdrol | Tharpaling Lhakhang, Chumi, Bumthang | 24th Feb |
4 | Gomphukora | Fom Kora Lhakhang, Trashigang | 17th-19 March |
5 | Talo Tshechu | Talo Gonpa, Punakha | 17th-19 March |
6 | Gasa Tshechu | Gasa Dzong, Gasa | 17th-19 March |
7 | Zhemgang Tshechu | Zhemgang Dzong, Zhemgang | 17th-19 March |
8 | Paro Tshechu | Rinpung Dzong, Paro | 20th -24th March (Thongdral on last day) |
9 | Chhorten Kora | Chorten Kora, Trashiyangtshe | 25th March & 8th April |
1 | Domkhar Tshechu | Domkhar, Chumni, Bumthang. | 18th -20th April |
1 | Ura Yakchoe | Ura Lhakhang, Bumthang | 20th -24th April |
1 | Nimalung Tshechu | Nimalung Dratshang, Chumni, Bumthang | 14th -16th June |
1 | Kurjey Tshechu | Kurjey Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang | 16th June |
1 | Tour of the Dragon (Mountain Bike Race) | Bumthang to Thimphu | 2nd Sept |
1 | Thimphu Drubchen | Tashi Chhodzong, Thimphu | 8th Sept |
1 | Wangdue Tshechu | Tencholing Army Ground, Wangduephodrang. | 11th -13th Sept |
1 | Tamshing Phala Chhoepa | Tamshing lhakhang, Bumthang | 13th -15th Sept |
1 | Thimphu Tshechu | Tashi Chhodzong, Thimphu | 12th -14th Sept |
1 | Gangtey Tshechu | Gangtey Gonpa, Phobjikha, Wangduephodrang. | 16th -18th Sept (Thongdral on last day) |
2 | Thangbi Mani | Tangbi Lhakhang, Choekor, Bumthang | 17th -19th Sept |
21 | Jhomolhari Mountain Festival | Dangochong, Thimphu | 14th -15th Oct |
22 | Chhukha Tshechu | Chhukha Dzong, Chhukha | 10th -12th Oct |
23 | Jakar Tshechu | Jakar Dzong, Choekhor, Bumthang. | 10th -12th Oct |
24 | Jambay Lhakhang Drup | Jambay Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang | 17th -21st Oct |
25 | Prakhar Duchhoed | Prakar Khakhang, Chumig, Bumthang | 18th -20th Oct |
26 | Dechenphu Tshechu | Dechenphu Lhakhang, Thimphu | 3rd Nov |
27 | Black Necked Crane Festival | Gangtey Gonpa, Phobjikha, Wangduephodrang. | 11th Nov |
28 | Mongar Tshechu | Mongar Dzong, Mongar | 9th -11th Nov |
29 | Trashigang Tshechu | Trashigang Dzong, Trashigang. | 9th -11th Nov |
30 | Jambay Lhakhang Singye Cham | Jambay Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang | 15th Nov |
31 | Pemagatshel Tshechu | Pemagatshel Dzong, Pemagatshel. | 9th -11th Nov (Thongdral on last day) |
32 | Nalakhar Tshechu | Ngaa Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang | 15th -17th Nov |
33 | Druk Wangyel Tshechu | Douchula, Thimphu | 13th Dec |
34 | Trongsa Tshechu | Trongsa Dzong, Trongsa | 8th -10th Dec (Thongdral on last day) |
35 | Lhuentse Tshechu | Lhuentse Dzong, Lhuentse | 8th -10th Dec (Thongdral on last day) |
36 | Nabji Lhakhang Drup | Nabji Lhakhang, Nabji, Trongsa | 15th-16th Dec |
47 | Samdrupjongkhar Tshechu | Samdrjupjongkhar | 13th -15th De |