The Chhorten Kora festival takes place in Trashi Yangste, the easternmost district of Bhutan. Chorten Kora, a stupa modeled after Nepal's Boudhanath, is located a two-hour drive away from Trashigang. In February or March, this stupa becomes a focal point for both local residents and the Dakpa people from Arunachal Pradesh, India. They assemble for a festival centered around circumambulating the chorten.
Gomphu Kora Tshechu, nestled in eastern Bhutan, is a sacred site 23 kilometers from Trashigang Dzong. Its name, "Gomphu Kora," signifies a "Meditation Cave" and "Circumambulation," referencing a cave and temple complex. The central practice here is circumambulation, as encouraged by a local song that urges people to seize the moment. Once a year, the narrow valley springs to life as devotees from eastern Bhutan gather, donning their finest attire, to celebrate, worship, and strengthen their ties to their cultural heritage. The festival's significance extends beyond borders, attracting the Dakpa tribe from neighboring Arunachal Pradesh in India, who undertake arduous journeys on foot with their families to participate.
Gasa Tshechu stands as the largest festival in the compact Gasa district in the northwest of Bhutan. Gasa is inhabited by highlander communities, and amidst the numerous mask dances, the local folk performances hold a distinct and remarkable character that contributes to the lively atmosphere of the celebration.
Colorful Celebration in Bhutan. Welcome to the enchanting Talo Tshechu Festival! Here’s what makes it special: For three vibrant days, Talo comes alive with masked dances and lively atsara performances. Imagine swirling colors, intricate masks, and rhythmic movements—it’s a feast for the senses! As the sun sets, the Mani Sum songs take center stage. Each day, a different song: Samyi Sala, Drukpa Dungey, and Thowachi Gangi Tselay. These soulful tunes resonate with the pride of the Talo community. Be part of this cultural tapestry—immerse yourself in Bhutanese traditions. Let the music, dance, and community spirit sweep you away.
The Rhododendron festival promotes biodiversity awareness within local communities. Bhutan boasts 46 rhododendron species, with 29 found in Lampelri Botanical Park, 35km from Thimphu. This festival, celebrating the profusion of rhododendron blooms in spring, features garden walks, exhibitions, cultural presentations, arts, crafts, traditional games, guided nature walks, and more. It showcases various rhododendron species in their natural habitat. Tourists can also enjoy Bhutanese culture, folk dances, exhibitions, traditional cuisine, and purchase souvenirs. Plan your trip around the Rhododendron Festival for a memorable Bhutan experience.
Domkhar Tshechu is conducted at Domkar Lhundrup Choling Monastery, situated in Chumey Valley within the Bumthang district. Founded by Lama Kuenkhen Longchen Rabjam in the 16th century, this festival is an annual event and features sacred dances such as the black hat dance, the Three Ging, and the Drummers of Drametse. The special Peling Chams dance, a composition of Terton Pema Lingpa, is also performed. On the festival's final day, a large Thongdrol is displayed to bestow blessings upon the people of Domkhar village.
Ura Valley, situated in Bumthang, is renowned for its distinctive Ura Yakcho dance. This traditional mask and folk dance are showcased annually in Apr/May during a festival. Additionally, a sacred relic is exhibited for people to receive blessings. The festival is a local celebration in the Ura Valley, dedicated to fostering joy, bountiful harvests, and prosperity for both the villages and the entire nation. Ura Yakchoe is popular with our guests.
The Nimalung Festival is conducted at Nimalung Lhakhang, situated in Chumey within the Bumthang region. This Tshechu is an annual event, taking place in the 5th month of the Bhutanese calendar. A remarkable highlight is the display of a colossal 9-meter-wide Thongdrol of Guru Rimpoche, which not only evokes awe but is also believed to purify the sins of all who gaze upon it. Throughout the Tshechu, a series of vibrant and mesmerizing mask dances are performed.
Kurjey Tshechu, also known as the Kurjey Festival, is celebrated in Bumthang at Kurjey Lhakhang, which consists of three temples located in Chokhor Valley. This annual festival occurs in July. The oldest temple, established by Lama Minjur Tempa, dates back to 1652, while the second temple was constructed by Gongsa Ugyen Wangchuk in 1900. The third temple, built by Queen Mother Ashi Kezang Choden Wangchuk, was completed in 1990.
Tour of the Dragon: An ultra-marathon mountain bike race exclusive to the Kingdom of Bhutan, the Tour of the Dragon spans a grueling 255 kilometers. Renowned as one of the most demanding one-day mountain bike races globally, it presents an exhilarating challenge for participants. The race commences in Bumthang, navigating through four formidable mountain passes: Kiki La (elevation: 2870 meters) Yotong La (elevation: 3434 meters) Pele La (elevation: 3430 meters) Dochu La (elevation: 3150 meters) Cyclists conquer these treacherous heights, their determination unwavering, until they reach the Thimphu town square—a triumphant finale to this extraordinarily challenging and adrenaline-fueled bike race. The Dragon's Fury Race will be from Lobeysa to Thimphu
In the vibrant capital of Bhutan, Thimphu, a unique religious festival known as Thimphu Drubchen takes center stage, preceding the grand spectacle of Thimphu Tshechu. This is held over three days before Tshechu and is a deeply rooted tradition that has captivated both locals and visitors for centuries. However, the 2nd day is considered the most important. The origins of Thimphu Drubchen can be traced back to the early 18th century, when Kuenga Gyeltshen, the first reincarnation of Jampel Dorji and son of Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyel, introduced it. According to legend, Kuenga Gyeltshen witnessed the deity Palden Lhamo performing sacred dances while he was in meditation. Inspired by this divine vision, he initiated the Drubchen ceremony. The heart of Thimphu Drubchen lies in its mesmerizing mask dances, performed by monks and dedicated to Palden Lhamo, the protector deity of Bhutan. These dances, believed to possess the power to ward off…
Tamshing Phala Choepa: A Tribute to Pema Lingpa In the tranquil landscapes of Bumthang, Bhutan, lies the venerated Tamshing Monastery, a spiritual sanctuary renowned for its profound connection to Pema Lingpa, one of the five Terton Kings in Mahayana Buddhism. Each year, the monastery transforms into a vibrant stage for the Tamshing Phala Choepa festival, a three-day celebration honoring Pema Lingpa's extraordinary legacy. The festival's captivating centerpiece is a series of mask dances, each infused with symbolic meaning and embodying the teachings of Buddhism. Dancers adorned in elaborate costumes and masks perform with captivating grace, their movements echoing the stories and teachings passed down through generations.
