BhutanBhutan Festival Calendar

Bhutan’s Festival

Bhutan’s festivals, known as Tshechus, are spiritual and social events that bring communities together in celebration, prayer, and joy. Held in monasteries, dzongs, and remote valleys, these festivals showcase sacred masked dances (Cham), traditional music, and rituals that date back centuries.

Whether you’re a cultural enthusiast, spiritual seeker, or curious traveler, aligning your visit with a Bhutanese festival offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. From the grandeur of Paro Tshechu to the mystical charm of smaller village celebrations, each event is a window into Bhutan’s soul.

What Makes Bhutanese Festivals Unique?

Spiritual Depth: Most festivals honor Guru Rinpoche, the saint who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, and are believed to bring blessings and cleanse sins.
Cham Dances: Monks and laymen perform sacred dances in elaborate masks and costumes, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
Scenic Settings: Festivals take place in stunning locations—from cliffside monasteries to lush valleys—offering breathtaking views and cultural immersion.
Traditional Attire: Locals dress in their finest gho and kira, adding color and authenticity to the celebrations.
Warm Hospitality: Visitors are welcomed with open arms, often invited to share meals and stories with local families.

Bhutan Festival Calendar 2025 & 2026

Here is a detailed table of Bhutan’s major and regional festivals in 2025 & 2026. It includes:

FESTIVALPLACEDATE
Punakha DrubchenPunakha Dzong, Punakha6th – 8th March
Punakha TshechuPunakha Dzong, Punakha9th – 11th March
Tharpaling ThongdrolTharpaling Lhakhang, Chumi, Bumthang14th March
Tangsibi ManiTangsibi Lhakhang, Ura Bumthang15th-17th March
Chhorten KoraChorten Kora, Trashiyangtshe14th March & 29th March
GomphukoraGom Kora Lhakhang, Trashigang5th- 7th April
Talo TshechuTalo Gonpa, Punakha5th- 7th April
Gasa TshechuGasa Dzong, Gasa5th- 7th April
Zhemgang TshechuZhemgang Dzong, Zhemgang5th- 7th April
Paro TshechuRinpung Dzong, Paro8th-12th April Thongdral on last day
Rhododendron FestivalLamperi Botanical Park, Thimphu22nd – 24th April
Domkhar TshechuDomkhar, Chumi, Bumthang.7th-9th May
Ura YakchoeUra Lhakhang, Bumthang9th-13th May
Nimalung TshechuNimalung Dratshang, Chumi, Bumthang3rd-5th July
Kurjey TshechuKurjey Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang5th July
Tour of the Dragon Mountain Bike RaceBumthang to Thimphu6th September
Thimphu DrubchenTashi Chhodzong, Thimphu28th September
Wangdue TshechuWangduephodrang30th September 1st-2nd October
Tamshing Phala Chhoepa29th-31st October 1st October2nd – 4th October
Thimphu TshechuTashi Chhodzong, Thimphu2nd – 4th October
Gangtey TshechuGangtey Gonpa, WangduephodrangDouchula, Thimphu
Thangbi MewangTangbi Lhakhang, Choekor, Bumthang7th-8th October
Jhomolhari Mountain FestivalDangochong, Thimphu14th-15th October
Chhukha TshechuChhukha Dzong, Chhukha29th to 31st October
Jakar TshechuJakar Dzong, Choekhor, Bumthang.29th-31st October 1st October Thongdrel on the last day
Pemagatshel TshechuPemagatshel Dzong, Pemagatshel.5th-7th October Thongdral on the last day
Dechenphu TshechuDechenphu Lhakhang, Thimphu31st October
Jambay Lhakhang DrupJambay Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang5th-8th November
Prakhar DuchhoedPrakar Khakhang, Chumni, Bumthang6th- 8th November
Black Necked Crane FestivalGangtey Gonpa, Phobjikha, Wangduephodrang.11th November
Mongar TshechuMongar Dzong, Mongar28th-30th November
Trashigang TshechuTrashigang Dzong, Trashigang.29th-30th November 1stDecember
Phuntsholing TsechuPhuntsholing, Chhukha28th-30th November
Jambay Lhakhang Singye ChamJambay Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang4th December
Nalakhar TshechuNgaa Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang4th – 6th December
Druk Wangyel Tshechu27th – 31st December Thongdral on the last day13th Dec
Trongsa TshechuTrongsa Dzong, Trongsa27th – 31st December Thongdral on last day
Lhuentse TshechuLhuentse Dzong, Lhuentse27th – 31st December Thongdral on the last day
Nabji Lhakhang DrupNabji Lhakhang, Nabji, Trongsa3rd-5th Jan 2026
Samdrupjongkhar TshechuSamdrupjongkhar1st-3rd Jan, 2026