Witness the spectacle of a Bhutanese Festival

The festivals (or Tsechu) of Bhutan are wonderfully fascinating affairs and famous the world over for their combination of riotous colour, exuberant atmosphere and ancient religious tradition.

Historically festivals were a means of gathering communities together to celebrate auspicious religious occasions and for monks to impart the relevant wisdom from religious texts, to a largely illiterate population, through the medium of song and dance. Festival dates were also an opportunity for an agricultural community to stop work for a few days, dress up, make merry and perhaps meet a future partner. In many ways today's festivals serve the same purpose but the most important now make allowances for the advent of tourism.

Festivals take place throughout the year but the biggest, and most colourful, take place in the Spring and Autumn which coincides with the best times to visit Bhutan. If you are able to combine your trip with one of the major festivals such as those that take place in Paro and Thimphu it would really add that extra bit of spice to your tour of Bhutan.

Please see below for a list of the most important festivals throughout the year and ask us how we can incorporate one into your itinerary. However please note that accommodation during festival times is at a premium and so it is important to book early. 

Festival dates for 2024

Punakha Dromchen (Punakha) from 16 to 18 February

Punakha Tsechu (Punakha) from 19 to 21 February

Chorten Kora (Tashi Yangtse) 7 and 21 March

Gom Kora (Tashigang) 17 to 19 March 

Paro Festival (Paro) from 21 to 25 March

Ura Festival (Bumthang) from 20 to 24 April

Nimalung Festival (Bumthang) from 14 to 16 June

Kurjey Festival (Bumthang) on 16 June

Thimphu Drupchen (Thimphu) on 9 September

Wangdi Festival (Wangdiphodrang) from 11 to 13 September

Thimphu Festival (Thimphu) from 13 to 15 September

Tamshingphala Choepa (Bumthang) from 13 to 15 September

Gangtey Festival (Gangtey) from 16 to 18 September

Tangbi Mani (Bumthang) from 17 (evening) to 19 September

Jakar (Bumthang) from 10 to 12 November

Jambay Lhakhang Drup (Bumthang) from 15 (evening) to 18 November

Paker Festival (Bumthang) from 16 to 18 November

Black-Necked Crane Festival (Gangtey) 11 November

Mongar Festival (Mongar) from 08 to 10 December

Tashigang Festival (Tashigang) from 09 to 10 December

Nalakhar Festival (Bumthang) from 15 to 17 December

Trongsa Festival (Trongsa) from 09 to 11 January 2025 

Lhuntse Festival (Lhuntse) from 08 to 10 January 2025