Complete Guide To Attending a Festival in Bhutan

The vibrant cultural heritage of Bhutan can be experienced by attending its renowned festivals. At the Paro Tsechu, you can witness the traditional mask dance performances and ancient rituals. Immerse yourself in the rich and deep-rooted culture of Bhutan's past and religious practices, along with the vibrant celebrations.

Why Attend Bhutanese Festivals?

Popular Bhutanese Festivals:

Bhutan Festivals 2025 & 2026

Bhutan's rich cultural heritage can be experienced by the many vibrant festivals that the country celebrates across the year. Steeped in tradition, these celebrations showcase the cultural and spiritual significance of the destination.

The list of the most iconic festivals for the coming two years are listed below:

PUNAKHA TSHECHU

Where: Punakha Dzong

The historic battle of the Bhutanese and Tibetan armies is recreated through this unique festival. This took place in the 17th Century, with Bhutan's victory. A new era of peace and stability was marked by this win.

Goes best with:Any Experienced Bhutan tour or Walking Holiday

Dates:

• 9-11 March 2025
• 27-28 February & 1 March 2026

CHHORTEN KORA FESTIVAL

Where: Chorten Kora, Trashiyangtshe

This festival is a deeply spiritual celebration that is vibrant. Taking place in the Chorten Kora stupa in eastern Bhutan, this gathering is a powerful display of community, faith, and culture, marked by ritualistic walks, prayers, and traditional dances.

Goes best with: Any Eastern Bhutan tour

Dates:

• 14 & 29 March 2025
• 3 & 19 March 2026

TANGSIBI MANI FESTIVAL

Where: Tangsibi Lhakhang, Ura, Bumthang

The villages of Tangbi, Goling, and Kharsath are united for this three-day celebration through vibrant music, religious rites, and devotion. This united celebration symbolizes happiness and prosperity.

Goes best with: Any Experience with Central & Western Bhutan or Central & Western Bhutan Walking Holiday

Dates:

• 15-17 March 2025
• 4-6 March 2026

GOMPHU KORA FESTIVAL

Where: Gom Kora Lhakhang, Trashigang

Gomphu Kora is a unique festival that is attended by locals and tribals from Merak and Sakten alike. They walk around in a ritualistic manner around the gonpa throughout the night. This is an intimate experience with very few outsiders in attendance.

Goes best with: Any Experienced Bhutan tour or Walking Holiday

Dates:

• 5-7 April 2025
• 26-28 March 2026

TALO TSHECHU

Where:Talo Monastery, above Punakha

This is a lively celebration with graceful local dance performances by the women of the community. The festival is also marked by traditional mask dances, vivid religious rituals, and folk songs.

Goes best with: Any Experienced Bhutan tour or Walking Holiday

Dates:

• 5-7 April 2025
• 26-28 March 2026

PARO TSHECHU

Where: Rinpung Dzong, Paro

The Paro Tshechu is a mesmerizing celebration, considered one of the largest annual festivals of Bhutan. The monks perform symbolic dances sling with the commoners. This festival continues for five days in the springtime.

Goes best with: Paro Festival Journey and any Bhutan itinerary

Dates:

• 8-12 April 2025
• 29 March - 2 April 2026

RHODODENDRON FESTIVAL

Where:Lamperi Botanical Park, Thimphu

Awareness about Bhutan’s biodiversity is raised through this festival. The arrival of spring is celebrated with fresh rhododendron blooms. The promotion of conservation and honoring the cultural heritage is preached here.

Goes best with: Any Experienced Bhutan tour or Walking Holiday

Dates:

• April 2025
• April 2026

DOMKHAR TSHECHU

Where:Chumey, Bumthang

Get a glimpse of the authentic local experience of Bhutanese life, held in the cozy little village of Chumey. The festival showcases traditional rituals and dances.

Goes best with: Any Experience with Central & Western Bhutan or Central & Western Bhutan Walking Holiday

Dates:

• 22-24 April 2025
• 13-14 April 2026
• 7-9 May 2025
• 26-28 April 2026

URA YAKCHOE FESTIVAL

Where:Ura Lhakhang, Bumthang

This festival is special as a Buddhist statue is passed down through generations making it one of the key cultural festivals of Bhutan. The locals also celebrate with vibrant dancing and merrymaking.

Goes best with: Any Experience with Central & Western Bhutan or Central & Western Bhutan Walking Holiday

Dates:

• 8-10 May 2025
• 7-9 May 2026

WANGDUE TSHECHU

Where:Wangdue Phodrang

This festival showcases Buddhist traditions with bright colors and sounds. A giant thangka is also shown once a year in this particular festival.

Goes best with: AAny Experience with Central & Western Bhutan or Central & Western Bhutan Walking Holiday

Dates:

• 9-13 May 2025
• 28 April - 2 May 2026
• 30 September - 2 October 2025
• 19-21 September 2026

THIMPHU TSHECHU

Where: Thimphu

This is considered one of the biggest festivals in Bhutan, attracting thousands of attendees. Among the amazing features are elaborate costumes, sacred religious dances, and vibrant masks.

Goes best with: Any Experienced Bhutan tour or Walking Holiday

Dates:

• 2-4 October 2025
• 21-23 September 2026

THANGBI MANI

Where: Chokhor, Bumthang

Held at an ancient monastery, this vibrant village festival highlights the popular fire blessing ceremony. Locals believe that leaping over the flames purifies them.

Goes best with: Any Experience with Central & Western Bhutan or Central & Western Bhutan Walking Holiday

Dates:

• 7-8 October 2025
• 26-27 September 2026

GANGTEY TSHECHU

Where: Gangtey Gonpa, Phobjikha

Featuring sacred traditional masked dances, this three-day festival is a major attraction at the beautiful Gangtey Gonpa courtyard. The stunning Phobjikha Valley can be seen from here.

Goes best with: Any Experience with Central & Western Bhutan or Central & Western Bhutan Walking Holiday

Dates:

• 5-7 October 2025
• 24-26 September 2026

ROYAL HIGHLAND FESTIVAL

Where: Laya

The Laya Highland people showcase their unique culture in the remote mountains, celebrating the lifestyle of the highlanders. This festival focuses on Bhutan’s ancient traditions and is only accessible by foot.

Goes best with: Laya Ghasa Trek or a tailor-made festival tour

Dates:

• 23-24 October 2025
• 23-24 October 2026

JAKAR TSHECHU

Where: Jakar Dzong, Bumthang

This three-day festival in Bhutan's cultural heartland is a grand celebration filled with music, colors, and traditional dance performances.

Goes best with: Any Experience with Central & Western Bhutan or Central & Western Bhutan Walking Holiday

Dates:

• 29 October - 1 November 2025
• 18-21 October 2026

JAMBAY LHAKANG DRUP

Where: Jambay Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang

Famous for its naked and fire dances, this festival attracts both locals and tourists for an unforgettable experience.

Goes best with: Any Experience with Central & Western Bhutan or Central & Western Bhutan Walking Holiday

Dates:

• 5-8 November 2025
• 26-29 October 2026

PRAKHAR DUCHHOED

Where: Prakar Lhakhang, Chumni, Bumthang

This sacred event primarily focuses on spiritual cleansing. The festival includes elaborate ceremonies, mask dances, and vibrant rituals.

Goes best with: Any Experience with Central & Western Bhutan or Central & Western Bhutan Walking Holiday

Dates:

• 6-8 November 2025
• 27-29 October 2026

BLACK-NECKED CRANE FESTIVAL

Where: Gangtey Gonpa, Phobjikha

This festival celebrates the migration of the magnificent Black-necked Crane. It is a one-day event honoring the bird through dance and folk performances.

Goes best with: Any Experience with Central & Western Bhutan, Central & Western Bhutan Walking Holiday, or Bhutan Explorer

Dates:

• 11 November 2025
• 11 November 2026

MONGAR TSHECHU

Where: Mongar Dzong, Mongar

This festival is dedicated to Guru Rinpoche, featuring sacred Cham dances that symbolize the victory of good over evil.

Goes best with: Any Eastern Bhutan tour

Dates:

• 28-30 November 2025
• 17-19 November 2026

Festival Highlights:

• Mask Dances: Performance of traditional dances by monks featuring vibrant costumes and masks to represent deities.
• Sacred Rituals: Religious ceremonies aimed at bringing prosperity, good fortune, and blessings.
• Local Cuisine and Crafts: Shop for unique handmade local products and get a taste of authentic Bhutanese delicacies.

When to Visit:

The best times for an immersive experience would be the times around Paro Tsechu (March/April) and Thimphu Tsechu (September/October), which fall during the spring and autumn months.

Plan Your Festival Trip:

The local knowledge that our expert guides have can help you choose the best times to visit according to your preferences. Plan your visit to make the most of these cultural festivals with proper insights.