Simply Bhutan

Tshogoenpa Tshechu
2024-10-16 - 2024-10-18 | Tshogonpa Lhakhang, Trashigang, Bhutan

Dassain
2024-10-12 | Country-wide, Bhutan

Black Mountain Festival
2024-10-01 - 2024-10-02 | Trongsa, Trongsa, Bhutan

Blessed Rainy Day
2024-09-23 | Country-wide, Bhutan

Phongmey Tshechu
2024-09-17 - 2024-09-19 | Wogmin Ugyen Choling Lhakhang, Trashigang, Bhutan

Dungsingma Tshechu
2024-09-16 - 2024-09-18 | Dugsingma Lhakhang, PemaGatshel, Bhutan

Pemagatshel Nangkor Tshechu
2024-09-16 - 2024-09-18 | Nangkhor Lhakhag, PemaGatshel, Bhutan

Wangdue Tshechu
2024-09-11 - 2024-09-13 | WangduePhodrang Dzong, Wangduephodrang, Bhutan
Nestled amidst the majestic peaks of Bhutan’s central region lies the picturesque district of Wangdue Phodrang. Every year, this tranquil haven comes alive with the vibrant hues and soulful melodies of the Wangdue Phodrang Tsechu, an annual religious and cultural festival that holds deep significance for the local community and visitors alike. The tshechu is performed at the dzong which has been rebuilt following a devastating fire over ten years ago.
At the heart of the Wangdue Phodrang Tsechu lies a deep reverence for Bhutan’s rich spiritual heritage. This three-day spectacle, held on the 10th day of the lunar month, is dedicated to celebrating the life of Guru Padmasambhava, a revered Buddhist teacher who played a pivotal role in introducing Buddhism to Bhutan. The festival’s courtyard transforms into a mesmerizing stage for a series of captivating mask dances, each carrying symbolic meaning and embodying the teachings of Buddhism. The Shazam Cham, a powerful performance by male dancers adorned in elaborate masks, represents the wrathful aspect of compassion, protecting the faithful from evil spirits and bestowing blessings.
The festival’s crowning moment is the unfurling of the Guru Rinpoche Thongdrol, a large tapestry depicting the life of Guru Padmasambhava. This sacred relic, unveiled with great reverence, is believed to possess the power to bestow blessings upon all who gaze upon it. The Wangdue Phodrang Tsechu serves as a powerful unifying force, drawing people from all corners of the district and beyond. The festival’s vibrant atmosphere is a testament to the deep-rooted traditions that continue to shape Bhutanese culture, fostering a sense of community and shared spiritual heritage.
For visitors seeking an authentic glimpse into the heart of Bhutanese culture, the Wangdue Phodrang Tsechu offers an unforgettable experience. The festival’s mesmerizing dances, the sacred tapestry, and the palpable sense of community spirit provide a profound immersion into the rich traditions that continue to shape Bhutan’s identity.

Dromche
2024-09-10 | Rinpung Dzong, Paro, Bhutan

Mushroom festival
2024-08-15 - 2024-08-16 | Genekha, Thimphu, Bhutan
Genekha, a secluded village in Thimphu hosts an annual two day mushroom festival in August. During the festival the villagers promote the popular Tricholoma Matsutake. This coveted mushroom is known for its aromatic and succulent flavor. Locally known as “Sangay Shamu”, the wild produce can only be harvested seasonally from the forest and cannot be cultivated thus making it a prized produce.
For the community members, harvesting the wild mushroom is a major source of their income. Over the years, these mushrooms have been imported to Japan and other countries increasing the demand for the wild fungus. The festival includes cultural performances to entertain the visitors while other stalls promote sustainable agriculture and ecotourism. Info graphic on different types of mushrooms can also be found to educate the visitors. The highlight of the festival includes engaging in mushroom picking activity and trying out the matsutake mushroom soup.
(Photo by Ella Olsson: https://www.pexels.com/photo/vegetable-salad-3026808/)

Azhey Lhamo
2024-08-12 - 2024-08-13 | Ura / Shingkhar, Bumthang, Bhutan
In the heart of Bhutan’s Bumthang District, a remarkable tradition unfolds exclusively among the women of Ura village.
Embarking on a three-day spiritual journey, these women ascend the mountain overlooking Ura, their dance steps echoing through the dawn. Their purpose: to invite the local deities to a grand celebration, seeking blessings for bountiful harvests and favorable weather.
This unique ritual, deeply rooted in Ura’s cultural tapestry, stands as a testament to the enduring power of female empowerment and spiritual devotion.

Lhamoi Doey Phang
2024-08-03 | Rinpung Dzong, Paro, Bhutan

Dorlung Mani Tshechu
2024-08-02 - 2024-08-05 | Dorlung Goenpa, Wangduephodrang, Bhutan

Haa Summer Festival
2024-07-14 - 2024-07-16 | Dzongkhag Archery Ground or Gongzim Ugyen Dorji Central School ground, Haa, Bhutan
The Haa Summer Festival features the Annual Alpine Festival, a vibrant celebration of Yak herders and their nomadic way of life. Visitors have the opportunity to learn and observe Yak shearing and wool making, as well as witness local craftsmen demonstrate the art of weaving Yak hair into traditional tents. This tourism festival provides unparalleled insight into the customs and traditions of the Bhutanese people.
The Haa Summer Festival exudes a sense of contentment, allowing tourists to partake in the joyous celebration of traditional culture, engage in traditional sports, savor unique Bhutanese cuisine, and enjoy lively folk songs and religious mask dances performed by the people of Haa Valley.

Bartsham TreldaTshechu
2024-06-16 | Chador Lhakhang, Bartsham, Trashigang, Bhutan

Dolay Drupchen
2024-05-18 - 2024-05-27 | Taktshang Pelphu, Paro, Bhutan

Yonphula Tshechu
2024-04-15 - 2024-04-18 | Ugyen Dongag Chokhorling Lhakhang, Ypnphula, Trashigang, Bhutan

NyinzergangDromchoe
2024-03-21 - 2024-03-25 | Nyinzergang, Wangduephodrang, Bhutan

Tala Chodpa
2024-03-19 - 2024-03-20 | Chumey, Bumthang, Bhutan

Takila Tshechu
2024-03-18 - 2024-03-19 | Takila Guru Lhakhang, Meambi, Lhuentse, Bhutan

Tsirang Tshechu
2024-03-17 - 2024-03-19 | Tsirang Namgaycholing Dratshang, Tsirang, Bhutan

Buli Mani
2024-02-25 - 2024-02-27 | Buli Gonpa-Yoesel Lhendrup CholingBumthang, Bumthang, Bhutan

Trashiyangtse Annual Tshechu
2024-02-17 - 2024-02-19 | Trashiyangtse Dzong, Trashiyangtse, Bhutan

Festival of Mahakali
2024-02-15 - 2024-02-17 | Trongsa Dzong, Trongsa, Bhutan

Thartonglung Tshechu
2024-01-20 - 2024-01-25 | Thartonglungchu Thaytsho Gewog, Wangduephodrang, Bhutan

Tsatse Zongling Goenpa
2024-01-19 - 2024-01-21 | Tsatse ZonglingGoenpa, Nanong, PemaGatshel, Bhutan

ChuzanggangTshechu
2024-01-18 - 2024-01-20 | Chuzanggang, Sarpang, Bhutan

Nga Lhakhang Zhi
2023-11-27 - 2023-11-29 | Bumthang, Bhutan
