Bhutan Festival Calendar
Experience the vibrant colors, sacred dances, and spiritual energy of Bhutan's most spectacular tshechus and cultural festivals
What are Tshechus?
Tshechus are annual religious Bhutanese festivals held in each district on the tenth day of a month of the lunar Tibetan calendar. They honor Guru Rinpoche, the saint who brought Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century.
Featured Festivals
Experience the most celebrated festivals in Bhutan
Most PopularParo Tshechu
The most famous festival in Bhutan, featuring spectacular masked dances, the unfurling of the giant thongdrel, and thousands of pilgrims from across the kingdom.
Highlights
Most PopularThimphu Tshechu
Bhutan's largest festival held in the capital, attracting massive crowds to witness sacred dances and receive blessings in the presence of the royal family.
Highlights
Punakha Drubchen & Tshechu
Unique festival featuring dramatic reenactments of historic battles, followed by traditional tshechu dances in one of Bhutan's most beautiful dzongs.
Highlights
Jambay Lhakhang Drup
One of the most unique festivals featuring the sacred fire ceremony and midnight naked dance, performed to bless infertile women.
Highlights
Black-Necked Crane Festival
Celebrates the arrival of endangered black-necked cranes to Phobjikha Valley with cultural performances, conservation awareness, and nature walks.
Highlights
Wangdue Phodrang Tshechu
Traditional festival featuring the famous Raksha Mangcham (Ox Dance) and other sacred mask dances unique to this region.
Highlights
Haa Summer Festival
Celebrates the nomadic herders of Haa Valley with yak rides, traditional games, local cuisine, and stunning alpine scenery.
Highlights
Royal Highlander Festival
Remote highland festival celebrating the unique culture of the highland communities, featuring yak shows and traditional customs.
Highlights
Bhutanese Festival Schedule 2026
Complete list of festivals happening throughout the year
| Festival | Location | Date |
|---|---|---|
Lhamoi Dromche | Trongsa | Feb 23-25 |
Punakha Drupchen | Punakha | Feb 22-25 |
Punakha Tshechu | Punakha | Feb 26-28 |
Tharpaling Thongdrol | Chumi, Bumthang | Mar 3 |
Tangsibi Mani | Ura, Bumthang | Mar 4-6 |
Bhutan International Marathon | Annual Event | Mar 5 |
Gomphukora | Trashigang | Mar 26-28 |
Talo Tshechu | Talo, Punakha | Mar 26-28 |
Gasa Tshechu | Gasa | Mar 26-28 |
Zhemgang Tshechu | Zhemgang | Mar 26-28 |
Paro TshechuPopular | Paro | Mar 28-April 1 |
Chhorten Kora | Trashiyangtse | Mar 28 |
Haa Spring Festival | Haa Valley | April 7-9 |
Rhododendron Festival | Lampelri Botanical Garden, Dochula | April 17-19 |
Domkhar Tshechu | Chumi, Bumthang | April 18-20 |
Ura Yakchoe | Ura, Bumthang | April 20-24 |
Nimalung Tshechu | Chumi, Bumthang | June 14-16 |
Kurjey Tshechu | Choekor, Bumthang | June 16 |
Mushroom Festival | Genekha, Thimphu | Aug 15-16 |
Matsutaki Mushroom Festival | Ura, Bumthang | Aug 23-24 |
Tour of the Dragon - Bicycle Race | Bumthang-Thimphu | Sept 5 |
Thimphu Drupchen | Thimphu | Sep 9 |
Paro Dromche | Paro | Sep 11 |
Wangdue Tshechu | Wangduephodrang | Sep 11-13 |
Thimphu TshechuPopular | Thimphu | Sep 13-15 |
Tamshing Phala Choepa | Tamshing, Bumthang | Sep 13-15 |
Gangtey Tshechu | Gangtey, Phobjikha Valley | Sep 16-18 |
Thangbi Mani | Choekor, Bumthang | Sep 17-19 |
Jhomolhari Mountain Festival | Dangochang (Jhomolhari Base Camp) | Oct 14-15 |
Royal Highlander Festival | TBA | Oct 23-24 |
Chukha Tshechu | Chukha | Nov 11-13 |
Jakar Tshechu | Choekor, Bumthang | Nov 8-12 |
Jambay Lhakhang DrupPopular | Choekor, Bumthang | Nov 15-18 |
Prakhar Duchhoed | Chumi, Bumthang | Nov 16-18 |
Dechenphu Tshechu | Thimphu | Nov 11 |
Black Necked Crane FestivalPopular | Phobjikha Valley | Nov 11 |
Goenpi Dromche | Trongsa | Nov 6-8 |
Mongar Tshechu | Mongar | Nov 9-11 |
Trashigang Tshechu | Trashigang | Nov 9-11 |
Jambay Lhakhang Singye Cham | Bumthang | Nov 15 |
Pemagatshel Tshechu | Pema Gatshel | Nov 9-11 |
Nalakhar Tshechu | Bumthang | Nov 15-17 |
Druk Wangyel Tshechu | Dochula | Dec 13 |
Trongsa Tshechu | Trongsa | Dec 9-12 (Dec 8 Chamjur) |
Lhuentse Tshechu | Lhuentse | Dec 8-10 |
Note:Choose the festival of your interest from the list above and contact us — we’ll provide more detailed information and help plan your trip around it.
Important Notes
Festival Dates Vary
Tshechu dates follow the Bhutanese lunar calendar and change each year. We recommend booking 6-12 months in advance to secure your preferred dates.
Book Early
Festivals are the peak tourist season in Bhutan. Hotels and guides fill up quickly, so advance booking is essential for the best experience.
What to Wear
Respectful attire is required. We recommend long pants or skirts and covered shoulders. For special viewing areas, traditional Bhutanese dress is preferred.
Photography Etiquette
Photography is generally allowed, but flash is prohibited inside temples and during sacred dances. Always ask permission before photographing monks or locals.
Want to Experience a Festival?
Contact us to plan your festival tour. We'll handle all arrangements including festival tickets, best viewing spots, and cultural insights.