Bhutan's Sacred
Festival Calendar
Experience the magic of Tshechu festivals with sacred mask dances, colorful ceremonies, and ancient Buddhist traditions that have been celebrated for centuries.
February 2026
3 festivals
Lhamoi Dromchhen
Three-day religious ceremony featuring sacred mask dances at Trongsa Dzong.
Punakha Dromchoe
Commemorates Bhutan's victory over Tibetan invaders with dramatic reenactments and mask dances.
Punakha Tshechu
One of the oldest festivals held at the stunning Punakha Dzong with sacred mask dances.
March 2026
8 festivals
Tharpaling Thongdrol
Unfurling of the giant sacred thongdrol (religious scroll) at Tharpaling Monastery.
Chhorten Kora
Two-week festival where pilgrims circumambulate the large white stupa modeled after Boudhanath.
Tangsibi Mani
Religious festival featuring prayers and ceremonies at Tangsibi village.
Gasa Tshechu
Festival at the remote northern Gasa Dzong, featuring unique highland culture.
Gomphukora
Pilgrimage festival at Gom Kora temple with overnight rituals and celebrations.
Talo Tshechu
Village festival at Talo Monastery, birthplace of the Queen Grandmother.
Zhemgang Tshechu
Traditional Tshechu celebrations in the remote Zhemgang district.
Paro Tshechu
Bhutan's most famous festival featuring five days of sacred mask dances and the unveiling of a giant thongdrol at dawn.
April 2026
3 festivals
Rhododendron Festival
Celebration of Bhutan's national flower with exhibitions, hikes, and cultural performances.
Domkhar Tshechu
Village festival in the picturesque Chumey Valley of Bumthang.
Ura Yakchoe Festival
Unique festival in Ura Valley celebrating the arrival of a sacred relic, with nomadic traditions.
June 2026
2 festivals
September 2026
8 festivals
Tour of the Dragon
World's toughest single-day mountain bike race covering 268km from Bumthang to Thimphu.
Thimphu Drubchen
Elaborate religious ceremony preceding Thimphu Tshechu with sacred rituals.
Haa Tshechu
Festival in the pristine Haa Valley showcasing unique local traditions.
Wangdue Tshechu
Festival held after the reconstruction of Wangdue Dzong, featuring traditional dances.
Tamshing Phala Chhoepa
Unique "naked dance" festival at Tamshing Monastery in Bumthang.
Thimphu Tshechu
The capital's biggest festival with three days of mask dances at Tashichho Dzong.
Gangtey Tshechu
Festival in the beautiful Phobjikha Valley at Gangtey Goenpa monastery.
Thangbi Mewang
Fire blessing festival at Thangbi Lhakhang with unique fire rituals.
October 2026
8 festivals
Jhomolhari Mountain Festival
Celebration of mountain culture with yak shows, traditional sports, and highland performances.
Jakar Tshechu
Major festival at Jakar Dzong with traditional mask dances and cultural performances.
Pemagatshel Tshechu
Festival in the eastern district known for its bamboo crafts and unique traditions.
Dechenphu Tshechu
One-day festival honoring the protective deity at Dechenphu temple near Thimphu.
Royal Highland Festival
Celebration of nomadic highland culture with yak pageants, traditional sports, and hot springs.
Jambay Lhakhang Drup
Famous fire festival with naked fire dance (Mewang) and Tercham at midnight.
November 2026
7 festivals
Black-Necked Crane Festival
Celebration of the endangered black-necked cranes' arrival in Phobjikha Valley.
Trashigang Tshechu
Largest festival in eastern Bhutan at Trashigang Dzong.
Jambay Lhakhang Singye Cham
Lion dance performance at the ancient Jambay Lhakhang temple.
December 2026
5 festivals
Druk Wangyel Tshechu
Festival at Dochula Pass honoring the King, with spectacular mountain backdrop.
Lhuentse Tshechu
Festival in Lhuentse, known for its royal heritage and textile weaving.
Trongsa Tshechu
Five-day festival at the historic Trongsa Dzong, seat of the Wangchuck dynasty.
Nabji Lhakhang Drup
Festival at the historic Nabji Lhakhang in the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park.
Major Festivals in 2026
These flagship festivals offer the most spectacular celebrations and are highly recommended for first-time visitors.
Punakha Dromchoe
Commemorates Bhutan's victory over Tibetan invaders with dramatic reenactments and mask dances.
Punakha Tshechu
One of the oldest festivals held at the stunning Punakha Dzong with sacred mask dances.
Chhorten Kora
Two-week festival where pilgrims circumambulate the large white stupa modeled after Boudhanath.
Paro Tshechu
Bhutan's most famous festival featuring five days of sacred mask dances and the unveiling of a giant thongdrol at dawn.
Ura Yakchoe Festival
Unique festival in Ura Valley celebrating the arrival of a sacred relic, with nomadic traditions.
Kurjey Tshechu
Sacred festival at Kurjey Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's most important pilgrimage sites.
What is a Tshechu?
A Tshechu is a Buddhist festival held annually in various temples, monasteries, and dzongs throughout Bhutan. These festivals honor Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century.
The highlight of every Tshechu is the sacred mask dances (Cham) performed by monks and laymen dressed in colorful costumes and masks. Each dance has religious significance and tells stories of Buddhist teachings.
Attending a Tshechu is one of the best ways to experience authentic Bhutanese culture, as locals dress in their finest traditional attire and gather to receive blessings.
Mask Dances
Sacred Cham dances depicting Buddhist teachings and legends
Blessings
Receive spiritual blessings from sacred relics and thangkas
Community
Locals gather in traditional dress for celebration
Multi-Day
Most festivals span 3-5 days of continuous celebration
Festival Attendance Tips
Book Early
Popular festivals fill up 4-6 months in advance.
Dress Respectfully
Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees.
Arrive Early
Arrive by 8am to secure a good viewing spot.
Photography
Ask permission before photographing monks.
Plan Your Festival Experience
Our experts will help you plan the perfect trip around Bhutan's spectacular festivals.