Bhutan Festivals

When: Oct 02, 2025 - Oct 04, 2025

Thimphu Tshechu is a major annual religious festival held in Bhutan’s capital to honour Guru Rinpoche, who introduced Tantric Buddhism to the country. Celebrated over three days in late September or early October, it showcases Bhutan’s spiritual traditions, culture, and community spirit.

When: Feb 27, 2026 - Feb 28, 2026

Punakha Tshechu is one of Bhutan’s most significant and visually stunning religious festivals, celebrated annually in the courtyard of the historic Punakha Dzong. A tshechu, meaning "tenth day" in Dzongkha, is held on the 10th day of a lunar month and honours the birth anniversary of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava)—the revered saint who introduced Tantric Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century. The festival features colourful masked dances, spiritual rituals, and the unveiling of a sacred thongdrel, all set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of the Punakha Valley.

The Haa Spring Festival is a lively and uplifting celebration of traditional living-culture, nomadic lifestyles, unique Bhutanese cuisine, traditional sports and religious performances. It provides unparalleled insight into the lives and traditions of Bhutan’s nomadic herders.

When: Oct 05, 2025 - Oct 07, 2025

Tucked away in the pristine Phobjikha Valley, Gangtey Tshechu is one of Bhutan’s most enchanting festivals. Held at the 17th-century Gangtey Goenpa Monastery, this annual celebration blends deep spiritual symbolism with vibrant community spirit. With mist-covered mountains, golden pastures, and the call of black-necked cranes overhead, Gangtey Tshechu offers a truly atmospheric setting for one of Bhutan’s most soul-stirring religious gatherings.

When: Sep 28, 2025 - Sep 28, 2025

Every autumn, the heart of Bhutan's capital comes alive with an ancient spiritual tradition that predates its more widely celebrated festival—the Thimphu Tshechu. Known as the Thimphu Drubchen, this sacred event sets the stage for days of religious devotion, masked dances, and cultural celebration.

When: Nov 05, 2025 - Nov 08, 2025

Situated in the serene Bumthang Valley, Jambay Lhakhang is among Bhutan's oldest temples. Constructed in the 7th century, this ancient site stands as a testament to the nation's deep-rooted Buddhist heritage and serves as the focal point for one of Bhutan's most cherished religious celebrations – Jambay Lhakhang Drup.

When: Mar 26, 2026 - Mar 28, 2026

Talo Tshechu is a three-day annual Buddhist festival held at Talo Monastery (Talo Goenpa), perched at an elevation of around 2,800 metres above the Punakha valley. Talo Tshechu is usually held in March or April, following the Bhutanese lunar calendar.

When: Oct 23, 2025 - Oct 24, 2025

The Royal Highland Festival is a unique cultural celebration that showcases the rich traditions, heritage, and resilience of the country’s highland communities. Held annually in Laya, one of Bhutan’s highest settlements, this festival brings together nomadic highlanders, travellers, and cultural enthusiasts from around the world. If you’re planning to visit Bhutan, the Royal Highland Festival is an unmissable experience that offers insight into Bhutan’s age-old traditions, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality. Here’s everything you need to know about this spectacular event.

When: Dec 13, 2025 - Dec 13, 2025

Druk Wangyel Tshechu is held in honour of his majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck and the Royal Bhutan Army for a successful military operation in which Indian militants hiding in the southern regions of Bhutan were successfully flushed out in December 2003.

When: Feb 24, 2026 - Feb 26, 2026

Holding a historical significance, Punakha Drubchen Festival is celebrated to commemorate the victory of Bhutanese over the invading Tibetan armies. Upon attending the festival, tourists will not only learn about the rich culture of Bhutan but can also relive the era dating back to the 17th-century.

When: Jun 22, 2026 - Jun 24, 2026

Nimalung Tshechu is a 3-days festival, and it is started with the usual chams and dances performed in other dzongkhags but on the final day, people are blessed with the display of Guru Tshengye Thongdrol in the morning.

When: Sep 30, 2025 - Oct 02, 2025

Wangdue Tshechu, held annually in the serene district of Wangdue Phodrang, is one of Bhutan’s most spiritually significant and visually captivating festivals. Drawing devotees and visitors from across the country, this three-day celebration is a kaleidoscope of sacred dances, ancient rituals, and communal joy. If you're planning a cultural trip to Bhutan, Wangdue Tshechu offers an unmissable window into the country's deeply rooted traditions and timeless values.

When: Apr 13, 2026 - Apr 14, 2026

Nestled within the pristine valleys of Bhutan, the Rhododendron Festival is a unique celebration of the country’s vibrant biodiversity and rich natural heritage. Held annually in spring, this festival brings together locals, travellers, and nature lovers to admire the spectacular blooming of rhododendrons—Bhutan’s national flower.

When: Nov 11, 2025 - Nov 11, 2025

Every November, the remote and pristine Phobjikha Valley in central Bhutan becomes the stage for a unique and deeply meaningful event—the Black-Necked Crane Festival. This annual celebration, held at the courtyard of Gangtey Goenpa (monastery), honours the arrival of the endangered black-necked cranes—graceful birds that migrate from the Tibetan Plateau to Bhutan’s warmer valleys during winter.

When: Mar 29, 2026 - Apr 02, 2026

Every year on the 10th date of the second month of the Bhutanese calendar, a festival is held in the charming valley of Paro to celebrate the birth of Guru Rinpoche, a highly revered saint who spread Vajrayana Buddhism in Bhutan.

When: Oct 29, 2025 - Nov 01, 2025

Jakar Tshechu is one of Bhutan’s most spiritually significant and culturally vibrant festivals, held annually in the picturesque Bumthang Valley. Taking place at Jakar Dzong—also known as the "Fortress of the White Bird"—this three-day festival brings locals and travellers together to celebrate faith, tradition, and community through sacred dances and religious rituals. Whether you’re drawn by its rich spiritual atmosphere or the captivating masked dances, Jakar Tshechu offers a rare glimpse into the living heritage of the Himalayan kingdom.

When: Mar 26, 2026 - Mar 28, 2026

If you're looking for a truly immersive cultural and spiritual experience in Bhutan, the Gomphu Kora Tshechu is something you won’t want to miss! It is the most popular festival in Eastern Bhutan. Held every year at the sacred site of Gomphu Kora in Trashigang District, this festival is a lively and meaningful event where locals and travellers alike come together to celebrate, pray, and enjoy incredible performances.

When: Jun 24, 2026 - Jun 24, 2026

Kurjey Tsechu is celebrated in the popular Kurjey Lakhang in Bumthang. People of Jakar and Kurjey villages attend the Tshechu to pay obeisance to Guru Rinpoche who brought Buddhism to Bhutan.

When: Oct 14, 2025 - Oct 15, 2025

The Jomolhari Mountain Festival is a two-day event celebrated at the base of Mt. Jomolhari (7326 m) by the local communities that live along what could be one of the most scenic trekking routes in Bhutan.