Festivals
With over 160 festivals celebrated nationwide, encompassing a variety of cultural, religious, and thematic elements such as specific flora, fauna, lifestyles, and food items, there is a wide variety of festivals to choose from. Feel free to reach out with your preferred dates and we’ll assist you in finding festivals occurring around that time.
Note: Festival Dates are tentative and subject to change. Contact us to confirm the latest information.
Tshechu
Tshechu festivals are vibrant religious celebrations held annually across numerous districts in Bhutan. Dedicated to Guru Rinpoche, the spiritual figure who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan, it features sacred masked dances, traditional music and religious rituals believed to bless onlookers and bring good fortune. Locals dress in their finest traditional attire and gather in large numbers to celebrate, fostering a sense of community. Each Tshechu is unique to its region and includes a series of performances that narrate stories and teachings pertaining to the region’s spiritual heritage.
Punakha Tshechu
Date: 9th – 11th March 2025
Location: Punakha Dzong, Punakha.
Paro Tshechu
Date: 8th – 12th April 2025
Location: Rinpung Dzong, Paro.
Wangdue Tshechu
Date: 30th September – 2nd October 2025
Location: Wangdue Dzong, Wangduephodrang.
Thimphu Tshechu
Date: 2nd – 4th October 2025
Location: Tashi Chhodzong, Thimphu.
Royal Highland Festival
Set against the backdrop of the breathtaking Himalayan mountains at 4000 m above sea level, the festival offers a glimpse into the nomadic lifestyle through traditional dance, music, games, parades and competitions showcasing highland animals like yaks, horses and mastiff dogs. The festival also features stalls selling local products such as yak wool and dairy items and also medicinal herbs and plants. This event celebrates the unique culture of highland communities and provides a platform for promoting and preserving the life and culture of the highland people of Bhutan, supporting their economy and also exhibiting their beauty and resilience.
2024 Date: 23rd – 24th October 2024
2025 Date: 23rd – 24th October 2025
Location: Laya, Gasa.
Black Necked Crane Festival
The festival celebrates the annual arrival of the endangered Black-Necked cranes that migrate to Phobjikha Valley during the winter. The festival raises awareness of the conservation of the cranes and their habitat and consists of traditional performances, masked dances, folk songs and special crane dances by the local school children. By offering a cultural and educational experience for both locals and visitors, the festival promotes harmony between people and nature.
2024 Date: 11th November 2024
2025 Date: 11th November 2025
Location: Gangtey Gonpa, Phobjikha, Wangduephodrang.
Jambay Lhakhang Drup
Like other festivals, the Jambay Lhakhang Drup has numerous sacred and vibrant mask dances that depict ancient tales and legends. However a key highlight is the fire ritual celebrated at night under the full moon in one of Bhutan’s oldest temples where participants dance around a large bonfire believed to purify sins and bring blessings. Another significant ritual is the naked dance which is believed to empower viewers with the strength to overcome anxiety and fear.
2024 Date: 15th – 18th November 2024
2025 Date: 5th – 8th November 2025
Location: Jambay Lhakang, Bumthang.
Druk Wangyel Tshechu
This festival which was instituted in 2011 honours the victory of the Bhutanese forces over insurgents and pays tribute to his Majesty the Fourth King of Bhutan for his leadership and contributions to the country. It is the only festival conducted at mountain pass with breathtaking 360 degree views of the Himalayan range, and has army personnel perform dances that are quite distinct from the traditional festival dances. In addition to the cultural performances, the festival also features other activities like traditional Bhutanese games, food stalls serving locals delicacies, and arts and crafts exhibitions.
2024 Date: 13th December 2024
2025 Date: 13th December 2025
Location: Dochula Pass, Thimphu.