Festivals in Bhutan
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Discover Bhutan Through Its Sacred Festivals & Events
Bhutan is a destination like no other — a Himalayan kingdom where ancient traditions, spirituality, and colorful pageantry come to life in its many vibrant festivals. For travelers seeking more than scenic landscapes, Bhutan’s festivals offer a unique window into the soul of its people.
Participating in these sacred events is an unforgettable highlight of Bhutan tourism, and many of our custom tours to Bhutan are built around them.
From the famous Paro Tshechu to lesser-known regional celebrations, each festival is a dazzling display of masked dances, sacred rituals, and heartfelt devotion. Attending one isn’t just sightseeing — it’s stepping into a centuries-old tradition still pulsing with life today.
Let us help you plan a journey that aligns with the country’s most spectacular events.
Bhutan Festival Calendar (Annual Overview)
| Month | Festivals & Events |
|---|---|
| January | Nyilo (Winter Solstice), Ngenpa Gudzom, Traditional Day of Offering |
| February – March | Punakha Drubchen, Punakha Tshechu |
| March – April | Paro Tshechu, Haa Spring Festival |
| April – May | Ura Yakchoe |
| June – July | Kurjey Tshechu, Nimalung Tshechu |
| September | Tour of the Dragon (Bike Race), Thimphu Drubchen, Blessed Rainy Day |
| September – October | Gangtey Festival, Thimphu Tshechu, Wangdue Tshechu |
| October | Royal Highlander Festival, Bhutan Film Festival (dates vary) |
| October – November | Jambay Lhakhang Drup, Jakar Festival |
| November | Trashigang Festival, Black-Necked Crane Festival |
| December | Trongsa Tshechu, Lhuentse Tshechu |
| Various (Lunar) | Drametse Ngacham (5th & 10th lunar months) |
Exact dates vary each year according to the lunar calendar. Contact us to plan your trip around the best Bhutanese festivals.
Major Bhutanese Festivals
Paro Tshechu
Held each spring in the majestic Paro Rinpung Dzong, Paro Tshechu is one of Bhutan’s most iconic festivals.
Monks and laypeople perform sacred Cham dances in elaborate masks and robes to honor Guru Rinpoche and purify negative karma.
A powerful highlight is the early-morning unveiling of the giant Thongdrel, a sacred silk scroll that is displayed only once a year and believed to grant instant liberation.
Locals dress in their finest attire, families picnic under the sun, and the entire valley comes alive with color and devotion.
Time: March or April (Spring, dates vary annually)
Duration: 5 days
Location: Paro Rinpung Dzong
Thimphu Tsechu
In the heart of the capital, this vibrant festival draws crowds from across the country and offers visitors a vivid immersion into Bhutanese spiritual culture.
First introduced by the Fourth Desi in the 17th century, it features dramatic Cham dances, including the Black Hat and Eight Manifestations of Guru Rinpoche.
The festival blends deep religious meaning with a joyous social atmosphere, as thousands gather at the grand Tashichho Dzong in traditional dress to receive blessings and celebrate their shared heritage.
Time: Late September or early October
Duration: 3 days
Location: Tashichho Dzong, Thimphu
Punakha Drubchen & Tshechu
Set in the historic Punakha Dzong, these back-to-back festivals tell a rich story of Bhutan’s military and spiritual legacy.
The Drubchen features a striking theatrical reenactment of a 17th-century victory against Tibetan forces, with costumed warriors performing a mock battle.
It is followed by the more traditional Tshechu, filled with mask dances, blessings, and communal prayer. Together, they offer a rare combination of historical drama and sacred ritual.
- Time: February or March
- Duration: Drubchen – 3 days; Tshechu – 3 days
- Location: Punakha Dzong
Jambay Lhakhang Drup
Held in Bumthang at one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, this festival is known for its mystical and rare rituals, including the dramatic fire blessing (Mewang) and the famous midnight naked dance (Tercham), which is believed to aid fertility and protect against misfortune. Deeply rooted in tantric Buddhism, this festival offers an intimate, sometimes intense insight into Bhutanese spirituality, and is especially captivating for those seeking lesser-known cultural experiences.
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Time: October or November
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Duration: 5 days
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Location: Jambay Lhakhang, Bumthang
Kurjey Tshechu
Set in the sacred Kurjey Lhakhang in Bumthang, this festival marks the site where Guru Rinpoche meditated and left his body imprint.
Less touristic and more contemplative, the festival is an opportunity to witness spiritual devotion in its purest form, with masked dances, butter lamp offerings, and prayer ceremonies.
Surrounded by pine forests and serene mountain air, Kurjey Tshechu feels like a retreat into Bhutan’s sacred roots.
Time: June or July
Duration: 1 day
Location: Kurjey Lhakhang, Bumthang
Featured Regional Festivals
Ura Yakchoe Festival
Held in the picturesque Ura Valley in Bumthang, the ancient festival of Ura Yakchoe is centered around the veneration of a sacred relic passed down through generations.
Locals gather to receive blessings and witness masked dances that recount stories of deities and spiritual protectors. The peaceful setting of Ura, surrounded by traditional stone houses and sweeping hills, makes it a magical backdrop for this sacred event.
Time: April or May
Duration: 3 days
Location: Ura Lhakhang, Bumthang
Trashigang Festival
Eastern Bhutan’s largest Tshechu, Trashigang festival brings together nomadic highlanders and villagers from remote regions.
Held at the impressive Trashigang Dzong, the event features spiritual dances, music, and the revered display of the Thongdrel. It’s an excellent opportunity to explore Bhutan’s less-visited east and immerse yourself in a truly authentic community celebration.
Time: November
Duration: 3–4 days
Location: Trashigang Dzong, Trashigang
Jakar Festival
Taking place in the spiritual heartland of Bumthang, the Jakar Festival is smaller in scale but rich in spiritual ambiance.
Set against the backdrop of the serene Jakar Dzong, this Tshechu features masked dances and prayer rituals meant to bring protection and good fortune.
With fewer tourists, it offers a more intimate and contemplative experience.
Time: October or November
Duration: 3 days
Location: Jakar Dzong, Bumthang
Gangtey Festival
Celebrated in the tranquil Phobjikha Valley, home of the black-necked cranes, the Gangtey Tshechu combines spiritual tradition with environmental reverence.
Dancers don vibrant masks to invoke blessings and ward off evil spirits. The setting – amidst misty mountains and the Gangtey Monastery – makes it one of the most scenic and spiritually moving festivals in Bhutan.
Time: September or October
Duration: 3 days
Location: Gangtey Monastery, Phobjikha Valley
Royal Highlander Festival
Set in the breathtaking village of Laya, nestled at 3,800 meters in the Gasa district, this festival is a rare opportunity to engage with Bhutan’s highland communities.
Locals from nomadic tribes gather in traditional attire, showcasing yak parades, horse races, and highlander dances. It’s more than a cultural event – it’s a celebration of resilience, mountain life, and heritage.
Created as a royal initiative to empower remote communities, the festival offers visitors an unforgettable experience off the tourist trail.
Time: October
Duration: 2 days
Location: Laya, Gasa District
Black-Necked Crane Festival
Each November, the Phobjikha Valley welcomes the return of the endangered black-necked cranes from Tibet. This festival, held in the courtyard of Gangtey Monastery, is a heartfelt tribute to these majestic birds.
Schoolchildren perform crane-inspired dances, while villagers share local food and crafts. Blending conservation awareness with joyful cultural celebration, it’s a unique chance to witness Bhutan’s harmony with nature.
- Time: November (around the 11th)
- Duration: 1 day
- Location: Gangtey Monastery, Phobjikha Valley
Haa Spring Festival
Hidden away in western Bhutan, the Haa Valley reveals its secrets during this vibrant celebration.
From archery contests and yak riding to traditional songs, dances, and home-cooked meals, the Haa Spring Festival gives travelers an authentic taste of village life.
With far fewer tourists than other regions, it’s a welcoming and intimate cultural immersion into Bhutan’s rugged highlands.
Time: March-April
Duration: 2 days
Location: Haa Valley
Other Noteworthy Events in Bhutan
Tour of the Dragon (Mountain Bike Race)
Not for the faint-hearted, this grueling one-day race covers 268 kilometers from Bumthang to Thimphu, crossing four high-mountain passes and climbing over 4,000 meters.
Regarded as one of the toughest mountain bike races in the world, it attracts elite riders and amateur adventurers alike. The event also highlights Bhutan’s dramatic landscapes and growing interest in adventure tourism.
Time: September
Duration: 1 day
Location: From Bumthang to Thimphu
Bhutan Film Festival
The Bhutan Film Festival shines a spotlight on the country’s emerging cinema industry and its unique storytelling voice.
Hosted in Thimphu, this event showcases a curated selection of Bhutanese films – from traditional folklore to contemporary dramas – alongside discussions with local filmmakers and actors.
It provides valuable insight into Bhutan’s evolving cultural landscape and modern artistic expression, making it a must-attend for cinema lovers and curious travelers alike.
Time: Varies (usually late in the year)
Duration: 3-5 days
Location: Thimphu
Tips for Attending a Bhutanese Festival
Dress Modestly and Respectfully
Bhutanese people take great pride in their national dress. Visitors are not expected to wear traditional attire but should dress conservatively — long pants, covered shoulders, and respectful colors.
Observe in Silence and Reverence
Festivals are religious ceremonies first and foremost. Avoid speaking loudly during dances or rituals, and follow the lead of locals. Never point your feet toward monks or altars, and always move clockwise around temples and sacred spaces.
Photography Do’s and Don’ts
You’re welcome to take photos, but flash photography and filming sacred scrolls or during certain rituals is discouraged. Ask your guide or a local if you’re unsure.
Donations Welcome
It’s common for locals to offer butter lamps, rice, or small donations at festivals. You may join them with a small financial gift or symbolic gesture — it’s a meaningful way to participate.
Arrive Early for the Best Experience
Many Tshechus begin at sunrise. Arriving early not only gives you a better view but also shows respect for the ceremony. Seating is usually on the ground, so consider bringing a light cushion.
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About Across Bhutan
Across Bhutan travel agency offers Organized Tours & Custom Tours through Bhutan’s tranquil landscapes.
