Festival Calendar

13–14 April · Lamperi Botanical Park, Thimphu

Held among the rhododendron forests of Lamperi Botanical Park outside Thimphu, this festival celebrates Bhutan's spectacular spring bloom. More than 40 species flower simultaneously across the hillsides — a vivid, fragrant spectacle unique to the Himalayan spring. Folk dances, traditional performances and local craft displays make this a joyful and distinctly Bhutanese occasion.

26–28 April · Chumi Valley, Bumthang

One of the more intimate tshechus on the calendar — held at Domkhar in Bumthang's Chumi valley, away from the main tourist circuit and deeply rooted in local tradition. Three days of sacred Cham mask dances performed by monks, with Bumthang's wide valley as a backdrop. A quieter, more personal festival experience.

28 April – 2 May · Ura Village, Bumthang

One of Bhutan's most distinctive and visually extraordinary festivals, held in the beautiful high-altitude village of Ura. A sacred statue is carried through the village in a rare yak procession, accompanied by traditional songs, archery and community celebrations. Intimate, unlike anything else in the kingdom, and increasingly sought after by those who know Bhutan well.

24 June · Kurjey Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang

Held at Kurjey Lhakhang — one of Bhutan's most sacred sites, where the body imprint of Guru Rinpoche is said to be enshrined — the Kurjey Tshechu draws large numbers of Bhutanese pilgrims. A single intense day of mask dances, prayers and blessings in a temple complex surrounded by ancient cypress trees. Deeply atmospheric and spiritually significant.

17 September · Tashi Chhodzong, Thimphu

The Thimphu Drubchen marks the opening of the capital's festival season, held at Tashi Chhodzong — the seat of the Bhutanese government and home of the Je Khenpo. This preparatory event features elaborate rituals and ceremonial performances ahead of the main Thimphu Tshechu. A chance to see the dzong at its most animated before the larger crowds arrive.

19–21 September · Lhakhang Karpo, Haa Valley

Held at Lhakhang Karpo — the White Temple — in the rarely-visited Haa Valley, this festival offers an exceptional opportunity to experience Bhutanese culture away from the crowds. Haa is one of Bhutan's least-touristed districts, and its tshechu retains an intimacy and authenticity that larger festivals can no longer offer.

19–21 September · Wangdue Phodrang Dzong

Held at the dzong overlooking the Wangdue Phodrang valley, this festival brings together communities from across one of Bhutan's most scenic districts. Three days of sacred Cham dances and religious performances in a dramatic setting above the confluence of the Punatsangchhu and Dangchhu rivers.

21–23 September · Tashi Chhodzong, Thimphu

The largest and most celebrated festival in the capital, the Thimphu Tshechu draws tens of thousands of Bhutanese from across the country. Three days of sacred Cham dances performed by monks at Tashi Chhodzong, culminating in the unfurling of a giant Thongdrol — a sacred appliqué scroll — on the final morning. One of the great spectacles of Bhutanese cultural life.

24–26 September · Gangtey Gonpa, Phobjikha Valley

Held at Gangtey Gonpa — an ancient Nyingma monastery perched above the Phobjikha valley — this festival takes place in one of Bhutan's most beautiful landscapes. The valley is at its most golden in late September. The tshechu draws local communities from across the valley and offers an unusually serene and unhurried festival atmosphere.

14–15 October · Dangochong, Thimphu

Held at the foot of the trail leading towards Jomolhari base camp, this festival celebrates Bhutan's extraordinary mountain culture. Adventure enthusiasts, trekkers and cultural travellers gather for archery, folk performances and highland celebrations with the high Himalaya as a backdrop. A distinctive event that bridges culture and adventure.

18–21 October · Jakar Dzong, Bumthang

Held at Jakar Dzong — the fortress of the white bird — in the heart of Bumthang's Choekhor valley, the Jakar Tshechu is one of central Bhutan's finest festivals. Four days of Cham dances, monastic rituals and community celebration in a valley many consider the spiritual heartland of the kingdom. Bumthang in autumn is at its most beautiful.

26–29 October · Jambay Lhakhang, Bumthang

One of Bhutan's most sacred and visually extraordinary festivals, held at Jambay Lhakhang — a temple founded in the 7th century by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. The highlight is the Mewang fire ceremony, in which participants run through blazing flames to receive blessings and purification. Considered by many Bhutanese and travellers alike to be among the most powerful spiritual experiences the kingdom offers.

11 November · Gangtey Gonpa, Phobjikha Valley

Held on the day the black-necked cranes arrive from the Tibetan plateau to winter in the Phobjikha valley, this festival celebrates one of Bhutan's most beloved wildlife spectacles. Children perform crane dances, local communities gather, and the valley comes alive with colour and ceremony just as the cranes descend. An exceptional confluence of nature, culture and conservation.

17–19 November · Mongar Dzong, Eastern Bhutan

Deep in eastern Bhutan, the Mongar Tshechu is one of the more remote festivals on the calendar — and all the more rewarding for it. Eastern Bhutan has a distinct character, dialect and cultural identity, and Mongar's tshechu offers a window into a part of the country that very few international visitors reach. A journey here is an adventure in itself.

13 December · Dochula Pass, Thimphu

Held at Dochula Pass — 3,100 metres above sea level, among 108 memorial chortens — the Druk Wangyel Tshechu is one of Bhutan's most visually spectacular festivals. On a clear winter's day, the Himalayan panorama stretches behind the dancers. Established to honour the fourth and fifth Druk Gyalpos, it is a relatively young festival but one of extraordinary beauty and setting.

17–21 December · Trongsa Dzong, Trongsa

Held at Trongsa Dzong — the ancestral seat of Bhutan's royal family, perched dramatically above the Mangde Chu gorge — the Trongsa Tshechu takes place as winter settles across the high passes. Remote, atmospheric and deeply significant. Trongsa is Bhutan's geographical and historical heart, and its tshechu is among the most authentic on the entire calendar.