Paro Tshechu, the Paro Festival, is a renowned event in Bhutan that attracts attendees from nearby regions. On the festival's final day, monks unveil a grand embroidered painting, known as a Thangkha or Thongdrol. It is believed that merely gazing upon a Thongdrol can purify the sins of the observer. This is one of the most popular festivals for visitors into Bhutan.
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.
The Thimphu Tshechu is a major festival in Bhutan’s capital city. It lasts for three days in the 8th lunar month and celebrates the birth of Guru Rinpoche, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. The festival was started by Tenzing Rabgye, the 4th ruler of Bhutan, in 1670. It takes place in the Tashichhodzong, a fortress and monastery that serves as the seat of government and religion. Thousands of people from different regions come to watch the festival, which is a religious and social event. By attending the festival, people believe they can earn merit and blessings. They also enjoy the colorful and lively performances of masked dances and comedy skits. The dances are based on the Tantric teachings and invoke the power of the deities to dispel evil and bring peace and happiness. The festival has evolved over time, with the addition of more dances by lay monks in the…
The 2025 Gangtey Tshechu festival in Bhutan will take place over three days in the serene courtyard of Gangtey Monastery. Nestled in a quaint spur, the monastery offers a breathtaking view of the picturesque Phobjikha Valley, known as the winter sanctuary for rare black-necked cranes. The festival showcases traditional mask dances rooted in the rich Peling tradition, alongside vibrant folk performances by local residents. Culminating in "Needup Langwa," a spiritual ritual for bestowing wisdom and strength, the festival embodies Bhutan's cultural heritage and spiritual essence. The last day will witness the unfurling of the Thongdroel
Thangbi Mewang, a two-day festival, illuminates the cultural tapestry of the ancient Thangbi Lhakhang, celebrating its rich heritage. The focal point of the event is the Mewang ceremony, conducted in an open space. Gomchens lead purification rituals while attendees, including guests, leap over the flames seeking absolution from past wrongs. Legend has it that successfully jumping over the fire thrice shields one from misfortune for the entire year, drawing participants from diverse backgrounds eager for blessings. Following the ceremony, mask dances and folk performances grace the temple's enclosed courtyard according to the festival's schedule.
