Bhutan is known for its vibrant and colorful festivals, which play a significant role in the country’s rich cultural heritage. Festivals in Bhutan are often religious and mark important events in the life of Guru Rinpoche, the saint who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan. One of the most famous and widely celebrated festivals is the Paro Tsechu, but there are many others throughout the year. Here are a few notable Bhutanese festivals.
Bhutan Festiva Date 2025 |
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Punakha Drubchen |
Punakha Dzong, Punakha |
6th-8th March 2025 |
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Punakha Tshechu |
Punakha Dzong, Punakha |
9th – 11th May 2025 |
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Tharpaling Thongdrol |
Tharpaling Lhakhang, Chumi, Bumthang |
14th March 2025 |
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Gomphukora |
Gom Kora Lhakhang, Trashigang |
5th -7th April 2025 |
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Thangbi Mani |
Tangbi Lhakhang, Choekor, Bumthang |
15th – 17th March 2025 |
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Talo Tshechu |
Talo Gonpa, Punakha |
5th – 7th April 2025 |
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Gasa Tshechu |
Gasa Dzong, Gasa |
5th – 7th April 2025 |
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Zhemgang Tshechu |
Zhemgang Dzong, Zhemgang |
5th -7th April 2025 |
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Paro Tshechu |
Rinpung Dzong, Paro |
8th -12 April(Thongdrel on the last day) |
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Chhorten Kora |
Chorten Kora, Trashiyangtshe |
14th – 29th March 2025 |
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Rhododendron Festival |
Lamperi Botanical Park, Thimphu |
22nd -24th April 2025 |
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Domkhar Tshechu |
Domkhar, Chumi, Bumthang. |
7th – 9th May 2025 |
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Ura Yakchoe |
Ura Lhakhang, Bumthang |
9th – 13th May 2025 |
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Nimalung Tshechu |
Nimalung Dratshang, Chumi, Bumthang |
3rd – 5th June 2025 |
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Kurjey Tshechu |
Kurjey Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang |
5th July 2025 |
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Tour of the Dragon (Mountain Bike Race) |
Bumthang to Thimphu |
6th September 2025 |
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Thimphu Drubchen |
Tashi Chhodzong, Thimphu |
28th September 2025 |
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Wangdue Tshechu |
Wangduephodrang |
30th September 1st – 2nd October 2025 |
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Pemagatshel Tshechu |
Pemagatshel Dzong, Pemagatshel. |
29th – 31st October 1st November(Thongdral on last day) 2025 |
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Tamshing Phala Chhoepa |
Tamshing lhakhang, Bumthang |
2nd-4th October 2025 |
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Thimphu Tshechu |
Tashi Chhodzong, Thimphu |
2nd-4th October 2025 |
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Gangtey Tshechu |
Gangtey Gonpa, Wangduephodrang |
24th -26th Sept 2026 (Thongdral on last day) 2026 |
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Jhomolhari Mountain Festival |
Dangochong, Thimphu |
14th -15th October 2026 |
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Chhukha Tshechu |
Chhukha Dzong, Chhukha |
19th – 21st October 2026 |
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Jakar Tshechu |
Jakar Dzong, Choekhor, Bumthang. |
18th -21st October2026 |
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Jambay Lhakhang Drup |
Jambay Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang |
26th-29th October 2026 |
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Prakhar Duchhoed |
Prakar Khakhang, Chumni, Bumthang |
27th-29th October 2026 |
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Dechenphu Tshechu |
Dechenphu Lhakhang, Thimphu |
21st October 2026 |
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Black Necked Crane Festival |
Gangtey Gonpa, Phobjikha, Wangduephodrang. |
11th November 2026 |
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Mongar Tshechu |
Mongar Dzong, Mongar |
19th -17th November 2026 |
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Trashigang Tshechu |
Trashigang Dzong, Trashigang. |
17th-19th November 2026 |
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Jambay Lhakhang Singye Cham |
Jambay Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang |
18th-20th November 2026 |
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Pemagatshel Tshechu |
Pemagatshel Dzong, Pemagatshel. |
18th -21st September (Thongdral on last day) 2026 |
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Phuntsholing Tshechu |
Phuntsholing, Chhukha |
17th-19th November 2026 |
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Druk Wangyel Tshechu |
Douchula , Thimphu |
13th November 2026 |
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Nalakhar Tshechu |
Ngaa Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang |
24th =26th November 2026 |
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Nabji Lhakhang Drup |
Nabji Lhakhang, Nabji, Trongsa |
24th – 26th December 2026 |
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Trongsa Tshechu |
Trongsa Dzong, Trongsa |
17th-21st December (Thongdral on last day) 2026 |
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Lhuentse Tshechu |
Lhuentse Dzong, Lhuentse |
17th – 21st December (Thongdral on last day) 2026 |
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Samdrupjongkhar Tshechu |
Samdrupjongkhar |
22nd -24th December 2026 |
The Thimphu Tshechu is a lively and vibrant annual festival held in the capital city of Bhutan, Thimphu. Celebrated in the courtyard of the Tashichho Dzong, this religious event typically takes place in September or October, depending on the Bhutanese lunar calendar. The festival is a colorful display of traditional mask dances (cham), showcasing Bhutanese culture and religious stories.
Bhutan is known for its vibrant and colorful festivals, which play a significant role in the country’s rich cultural heritage. Festivals in Bhutan are often religious and mark important events in the life of Guru Rinpoche, the saint who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan. One of the most famous and widely celebrated festivals is the Paro Tsechu, but there are many others throughout the year. Here are a few notable Bhutanese festivals:
Paro Tsechu:
Colorful Mask Dance at Paro Tsechu
Thimphu Tsechu:
Mask Dances During Thimphu Tsechu
1.Punakha Drubchen and Tsechu:
Traditional Religious Rituals
Jambay Lhakhang Drup:
Sacred rituals and fire dance at Jambay Lhakhang
1.Wangdue Phodrang Tsechu:
Features mask dances
1.Haa Summer Festival:
Showcasing traditional Bhutanese culture
1.Talo Tshechu:
Mask dances and cultural programs
1.Nimalung Tsechu:
A colorful celebration of Bhutanese culture and spirituality
These festivals are not only significant religious events but also offer an opportunity for locals and visitors to come together, celebrate, and experience Bhutanese culture. The dates of festivals can vary from year to year based on the Bhutanese lunar calendar, so it’s advisable to check the specific dates for the year of your visit.
One of the popular spring festivals in Paro is the Paro Tsechu. Tsechu means “day ten” in Bhutanese, and the festival is celebrated on the tenth day of a month in the Bhutanese lunar calendar, usually falling in March or April. The Paro Tsechu is one of the biggest and most significant religious festivals in Bhutan, drawing locals and tourists alike.
