BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Simply Bhutan - ECPv6.15.12.2//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-WR-CALNAME:Simply Bhutan
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://simplybhutan.com
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Simply Bhutan
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:UTC
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0000
TZOFFSETTO:+0000
TZNAME:UTC
DTSTART:20240101T000000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251002
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251005
DTSTAMP:20260404T073236
CREATED:20240504T193238Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240504T193238Z
UID:1250-1759363200-1759622399@simplybhutan.com
SUMMARY:Tamzhing Phala Choedpa
DESCRIPTION:Tamshing Phala Choepa: A Tribute to Pema Lingpa \nIn 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. \nThe 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.
URL:https://simplybhutan.com/event/tamzhing-phala-choedpa-2/
LOCATION:Tamzhing Lhundrup Choli\, Bumthang\, Bhutan
CATEGORIES:Buddhist Festival,Cultural
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251002
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251005
DTSTAMP:20260404T073236
CREATED:20240504T193351Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240504T193351Z
UID:1252-1759363200-1759622399@simplybhutan.com
SUMMARY:Thimphu Tshechu
DESCRIPTION: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. \nIt 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. \nThe 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 1950s\, under the patronage of the third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Some of the dances are similar to stage plays and depict the eight forms of Guru Rinpoche or the story of a hunter and a stag. The Atsaras\, or clowns\, are also an important part of the festival. They are not just entertainers\, but also protectors and teachers. They use humor and satire to mock evil forces and convey social messages. \nThe festival is also a break from the hard work of farming. It is a time to celebrate\, pray and wish for health and happiness.
URL:https://simplybhutan.com/event/thimphu-tshechu-2/
LOCATION:Trashichhoedzong\, Thimphu\, Bhutan
CATEGORIES:Buddhist Festival,Cultural
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251005
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251008
DTSTAMP:20260404T073236
CREATED:20240504T193837Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240504T193837Z
UID:1254-1759622400-1759881599@simplybhutan.com
SUMMARY:Gangtey Goenpa Tshechu
DESCRIPTION: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
URL:https://simplybhutan.com/event/gangtey-goenpa-tshechu-2/
LOCATION:Gangtey Goenpa\, Wangduephodrang\, Bhutan
CATEGORIES:Buddhist Festival,Cultural,Nature
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251007
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251009
DTSTAMP:20260404T073236
CREATED:20240504T194132Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240504T194132Z
UID:1256-1759795200-1759967999@simplybhutan.com
SUMMARY:Tangmi Mewang
DESCRIPTION: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.
URL:https://simplybhutan.com/event/tangmi-mewang-2/
LOCATION:Tangbi Lhundrup Choedey Lhakhang\, Bumthang\, Bhutan
CATEGORIES:Buddhist Festival,Cultural
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251014
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251016
DTSTAMP:20260404T073236
CREATED:20240504T194913Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240504T194913Z
UID:1262-1760400000-1760572799@simplybhutan.com
SUMMARY:Jomolhari Mountain Festival
DESCRIPTION:The Jomolhari Mountain Festival celebrates the symbiotic relationship between communities residing near the Jhomolhari mountain and their natural surroundings\, especially the graceful yet elusive snow leopard. Attendees can immerse themselves in snow leopard-themed folk performances by locals\, Jigme Dorji National Park personnel\, and schoolchildren\, alongside engaging in traditional sports like Khuru (darts)\, shot put\, as well as horse and yak riding. Gastronomic delights of local cuisine and exquisite handicrafts add to the festival’s charm. \nThis festival is an excellent addition to the popular Jhmolhari trek. Embark on the ultimate Jomolhari Mountain experience\, traversing awe-inspiring mountain landscapes while gaining profound insights into the extraordinary communities that call these breathtaking vistas home.
URL:https://simplybhutan.com/event/jomolhari-mountain-festival/
CATEGORIES:Cultural,Nature
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251029
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251101
DTSTAMP:20260404T073236
CREATED:20240504T195054Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240504T195054Z
UID:1265-1761696000-1761955199@simplybhutan.com
SUMMARY:Chhukha Tshechu
DESCRIPTION:The Chhukha Tshechu festival in Bhutan is held at the courtyard of Chhukha dzong in Chhukha. It is held annually for three days as an offering to Guru Rinpoche. Different kinds of mask dances\, traditional folk songs and dances are performed during the festival. On the third day\, a Throngdroel of Guru Rinpoche is unfurled which is the highlight of the festival.
URL:https://simplybhutan.com/event/chhukha-tshechu-2/
LOCATION:Chukha Dzong\, Chukha\, Bhutan
CATEGORIES:Buddhist Festival,Cultural
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251029
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251102
DTSTAMP:20260404T073236
CREATED:20240504T194420Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240504T194420Z
UID:1260-1761696000-1762041599@simplybhutan.com
SUMMARY:Pemagatshel Tshechu
DESCRIPTION:The three day festival features numerous Mask Dances\, known as Cham\, which are revered for bestowing blessings upon the audience and imparting the teachings of Buddhist dharma. Cham holds the belief of safeguarding against misfortune and purging malevolent forces\, offering a shield of protection to those who witness them. This is an excellent festival to visit if you are in Eastern Bhutan.
URL:https://simplybhutan.com/event/pemagatshel-tshechu-2/
LOCATION:Pemagatshel Dzong\, PemaGatshel\, Bhutan
CATEGORIES:Buddhist Festival,Cultural
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251029
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251102
DTSTAMP:20260404T073236
CREATED:20240504T195625Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240504T195625Z
UID:1273-1761696000-1762041599@simplybhutan.com
SUMMARY:Jakar Tshechu
DESCRIPTION:The Jakar Tshechu spanning four days annually between October and November unfolds against the backdrop of the awe-inspiring Jakar Dzong\, also known as the “Castle of the White Bird\,” majestically perched atop a hill overlooking the expansive Chamkhar Valley in Bumthang. The sheer beauty of this setting alone justifies the journey to this festival. \nOriginally constructed in 1549 by Tibetan Lam Nagi Wangchuk\, the Dzong served as a crucial defense fortress for the eastern districts of Bhutan. Its unique feature is the towering Utse\, or Central tower\, standing approximately fifty meters tall\, setting it apart from other Dzongs in the country. Legend has it that during the selection of the Dzong’s site\, a lone white bird continuously circled overhead before landing on the hilltop\, interpreted as an auspicious sign. Thus\, the hill was chosen\, and the Dzong adopted the name “White Bird” in its honor.
URL:https://simplybhutan.com/event/jakar-tshechu-2/
LOCATION:Jakar Dzong\, Bumthang\, Bhutan
CATEGORIES:Buddhist Festival,Cultural
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251031
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251101
DTSTAMP:20260404T073236
CREATED:20240504T195302Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240504T195302Z
UID:1270-1761868800-1761955199@simplybhutan.com
SUMMARY:Dechenphug Tshechu
DESCRIPTION:The tshechu venerates Gay Ngyen Jakpa Melen\, a formidable guardian deity of Bhutan. Among the sacred dances showcased are the Zhananga Cham\, Genyen Kunchaam\, Shazam Cham\, and Nga Cham\, alongside a myriad of traditional and classical performances. \nA unique aspect of the festival is its exclusivity\, as it is the sole day in the year when foreign visitors are granted access to Dechenphu Lhakhang.
URL:https://simplybhutan.com/event/dechenphug-tshechu-2/
LOCATION:Dechenphug\, Thimphu\, Bhutan
CATEGORIES:Buddhist Festival,Cultural
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR