Bhutan Festival Calendar 2025
Witnessing a festival (Tshechu) is unforgettable. Colorful dances, spiritual significance, and community gatherings. We can arrange trips around these dates.
Important Note
Festival dates are tentative and can shift based on the Buddhist lunar calendar. Always confirm with Karma Tshering before booking a festival tour.
For exact festival dates and the complete schedule, please visit the official Bhutan Tourism Festival Calendar.
| Festival | District | Typical Month | What It Is |
|---|---|---|---|
| Punakha Drubchen | Punakha | February–March | Military-themed religious festival at Punakha Dzong that reenacts 17th-century battles against Tibetan invasions, with mask dances and mock warfare to honor Bhutan's historic victory. |
| Punakha Tshechu | Punakha | February–March | Major tshechu at Punakha Dzong held in honor of Guru Rinpoche, featuring sacred masked dances, folk songs and the unfurling of a giant thongdrel scroll for blessings. |
| Paro Tshechu | Paro | March–April | One of Bhutan's most popular tshechus, a multi-day religious festival honoring Guru Rinpoche with elaborate cham (mask) dances, rituals and a huge thongdrel displayed at dawn on the final day. |
| Thimphu Tshechu | Thimphu | September–October | Largest tshechu in the capital at Tashichho Dzong, with days of sacred masked dances, blessings and social gathering to celebrate Guru Rinpoche and renew community bonds. |
| Gangtey Tshechu | Wangduephodrang (Gangtey/Phobjikha) | September–October | Three-day autumn tshechu at Gangtey Goenpa in Phobjikha Valley, mixing sacred mask dances and blessings with a close-knit rural gathering in a landscape known for black-necked cranes. |
| Jakar Tshechu | Bumthang (Jakar) | October–November | District tshechu in Jakar (Bumthang) held in and around Jakar Dzong, with traditional mask dances and rituals that draw local communities from the Bumthang valley. |
| Jambay Lhakhang Drup | Bumthang (Jambay) | October–November | Famous festival at Jambay Lhakhang featuring night-time fire rituals, sacred naked dance and other cham dances linked to Guru Rinpoche and the founding of one of Bhutan's oldest temples. |
| Black-Necked Crane Festival | Gangtey (Phobjikha) | November | One-day cultural and conservation festival at Gangtey Monastery that welcomes the endangered black-necked cranes with dances, crane-themed performances and awareness programs about protecting the birds. |
Festival Etiquette
- Dress respectfully (covered shoulders, knees)
- Photography inside sacred areas: ask permission first
- Don't eat, drink, or smoke near religious ceremonies
- Arrive early for best viewing
Plan Your Trip
Most festival tours last 10-14 days to include sightseeing and travel. Crowds are larger during Paro and Thimphu festivals. For a quieter experience, consider Gangtey or Bumthang festivals.
Inquire About Festivals