Simply Bhutan

Mongar Tshechu
2026-11-17 08:00 - 2026-11-19 17:00 UTC | Mongar, Bhutan
Mongar, situated in eastern Bhutan, earns its moniker as the “Bastion of the Zhongarps,” paying homage to the influential Dzongpons of Zhongar who left an indelible mark on the nation’s history. Evidence of Zhongar’s legacy endures in the form of ruins adjacent to the Lingmethang highway, a precursor to reaching Mongar.
The predominant inhabitants of this locale are the Tshanglas and the Kurtoeps, distinguished by their respective languages, Tshanglakha and Kurtoepaikha. Renowned for its masterful wood carvings, the region boasts a rich artistic tradition.
Initiated by the visionary third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in 1953, the construction of the new Dzong in Mongar now serves as the epicenter of administration, housing pivotal decision-making processes.
An eagerly anticipated local affair is the annual three-day Tshechu, held every November, attracting attendees from far-flung regions like Trashigang and Lhuentse. Additionally, the region hosts various Tshechus throughout the year, each with its own distinctive dances and customs, promising visitors a vibrant and captivating local festival experience whenever they choose to visit.

Phuntsholing Tshechu
2026-11-17 08:00 - 2026-11-19 17:00 | Phuntsholing, Bhutan
Though one of Bhutan’s newer celebrations, the Phuentsholing Tshechu has quickly become a vibrant cultural fixture in the southern town. Launched after the establishment of the Dratsang (central monastic body), this annual festival brings together monks, students, and the broader community for three days of sacred mask dances and traditional folk performances.
Held every December, the Tshechu is not just a religious event – it’s also a social highlight. Schools and government offices in Phuentsholing close for the festivities, and the celebration draws large crowds, including many visitors from across the border in India. The energy is electric, as students from local schools join monks in performing age-old dances that reflect Bhutan’s deep spiritual heritage.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the Phuentsholing Tshechu offers a powerful glimpse into Bhutanese culture in one of its most accessible towns.

Trashigang Tshechu
2026-11-18 08:00 - 2026-11-20 17:30 | Trashigang Dzong, Trashigang, Bhutan
Trashigang Tshechu is a vibrant three-day annual festival held at Trashigang Dzong each December (10th Bhutanese month). It draws large crowds from across eastern Bhutan, including the semi-nomadic Brokpas of Merak and Sakteng, known for their distinctive attire. Celebrated for its deep spiritual significance, the Tshechu features sacred masked dances, folk songs, and the dramatic unfurling of two revered Thongdrols—one of Guru Rinpoche’s eight manifestations and another of the Sixteen Arhats. Rich in color and culture, it stands as a major cultural and religious event in eastern Bhutan.
