Travel guide · Culture
Festivals of Bhutan
The tshechu calendar, famous festivals and how we plan journeys around dates that move every year.
Festivals are the heartbeat of Bhutanese social and religious life. Nearly every district holds a tshechu at least once a year.
The great festivals
- Paro Tshechu — a spring festival, famous for its dawn thongdrel.
- Thimphu Tshechu — the capital’s festival, held in autumn.
- Punakha Drubchen and Tshechu — held in late winter, with a dramatic re-enactment of a historic battle.
- Jambay Lhakhang Drup — in Bumthang, notable for its midnight fire dance.
- Black-necked Crane Festival — held at Gangtey Goemba on 11 November.
- Trongsa Tshechu — in the winter months.
Dates change every year
Festival dates follow the Bhutanese lunar calendar. We always confirm the dates for your year against official announcements. If you plan to attend a specific festival, tell us as early as possible.
Our festival journeys
See our festival journeys or tell us your dates and we will design an itinerary around them.
For an introduction to what you will see, read our journal article Bhutanese Festivals, Explained.
Official sources
Common questions
How far ahead should I book for a festival?
As early as you can — ideally six to twelve months for Paro and Thimphu festivals. Hotels and flights fill quickly.
Start the conversation
Questions? Ask us directly.
A real person from our Thimphu team will answer — usually within one working day.