Bhutan Festivals Calendar
Festivals in Bhutan are renowned for their exuberance and spiritual significance. Dedicated to Guru Rimpochhe, Tshechus last between three to five days depending on the location, featuring classical religious dances and the revered Thongdreol. In some major Dzongs, two grand festivals, Dromchheos, pay homage to protective deities Yeshey Geonpo and Palden Lhamo, also known as the Drukpas.
Among the most sought-after Tshechus for tourists are those in Thimphu, Punakha, Paro, and Bumthang, attracting crowds and enlivening the tourism industry. Dzongs burst with vibrant displays of culture, music, and dance as communities gather to ward off evil spirits and celebrate harvests. Rare masked sword dances and ancient rituals unfold, each dance carrying profound spiritual significance. While tourists can witness these festivities, access to inner sanctuaries is restricted, and discreet photography is advised. Meanwhile, smaller villages across Bhutan host their own local festivals, all following the lunar Buddhist calendar, ensuring a rich tapestry of celebrations throughout the year.
Name | Town | Start Date | End Date |
Punakha Drubchen | Punakha | Feb 16, 2024 | Feb 18, 2024 |
Punakha Tshechu | Punakha | Feb 19, 2024 | Feb 21, 2024 |
Tharpaling Thongdrol | Bumthang | Feb 24, 2024 | |
Thangbi Mani | Bumthang | Feb 25, 2024 | Feb 27, 2024 |
Zhemgang Tshechu | Zhemgang | Mar 17, 2024 | Mar 19, 2024 |
Gasa Tshechu | Gasa | Mar 17, 2024 | Mar 19, 2024 |
Talo Tshechu | Punakha | Mar 17, 2024 | Mar 19, 2024 |
Gomphukora | Trashigang | Mar 17, 2024 | Mar 19, 2024 |
Paro Tshechu | Paro | Mar 21, 2024 | Mar 25, 2024 |
Chhorten Kora | Trashigang | Mar 25, 2024 | Apr 08, 2024 |
Rhododendron Festival | Thimphu | Apr 13, 2024 | Apr 14, 2024 |
Domkhar Tshechu | Bumthang | Apr 18, 2024 | Apr 20, 2024 |
Ura Yakchoe | Bumthang | Apr 20, 2024 | Apr 24, 2024 |
Nimalung Tshechu | Bumthang | Jun 14, 2024 | Jun 16, 2024 |
Kurjey Tshechu | Bumthang | Jun 16, 2024 | |
Tour of the Dragon (Mountain Bike Race) | Thimphu | Sep 02, 2024 | |
Thimphu Drubchen | Thimphu | Sep 09, 2024 | |
Wangdue Tshechu | Wangdue Phodrang | Sep 11, 2024 | Sep 13, 2024 |
Tamshing Phala Chhoepa | Bumthang | Sep 13, 2024 | Sep 15, 2024 |
Thimphu Tshechu | Thimphu | Sep 13, 2024 | Sep 15, 2024 |
Gangtey Tshechu | Wangdue Phodrang | Sep 16, 2024 | Sep 18, 2024 |
Thangbi Mani | Bumthang | Sep 17, 2024 | Sep 19, 2024 |
Thangbi Mewang | Bumthang | Sep 18, 2024 | Sep 19, 2024 |
Jakar Tshechu | Bumthang | Oct 10, 2024 | Oct 12, 2024 |
Chhukha Tshechu | Chukha | Oct 10, 2024 | Oct 12, 2024 |
Jhomolhari Mountain Festival | Thimphu | Oct 14, 2024 | Oct 15, 2024 |
Prakhar Duchhoed | Bumthang | Oct 18, 2024 | Oct 20, 2024 |
Royal Highland festival (Laya) | Laya | Oct 23, 2024 | Oct 24, 2024 |
Dechenphu Tshechu | Thimphu | Nov 03, 2024 | |
Mongar Tshechu | Mongar | Nov 09, 2024 | Nov 11, 2024 |
Trashigang Tshechu | Trashigang | Nov 09, 2024 | Nov 11, 2024 |
Pemagatshel Tshechu | Pemagatshel | Nov 09, 2024 | Nov 11, 2024 |
Black Necked Crane Festival | Wangdue Phodrang | Nov 11, 2024 | |
Nalakhar Tshechu | Bumthang | Nov 15, 2024 | Nov 17, 2024 |
Jambay Lhakhang Drup | Bumthang | Nov 15, 2024 | Nov 18, 2024 |
Jambay Lhakhang Singye Cham | Bumthang | Nov 15, 2024 | |
Lhuentse Tshechu | Lhuentse | Dec 08, 2024 | Dec 10, 2024 |
Trongsa Tshechu | Trongsa | Dec 08, 2024 | Dec 10, 2024 |
Druk Wangyel Tshechu | Thimphu | Dec 13, 2024 | |
Samdrupjongkhar Tshechu | Samdrup Jongkhar | Dec 13, 2024 | Dec 15, 2024 |
Nabji Lhakhang Drup | Trongsa | Dec 15, 2024 | Dec 16, 2024 |