Bhutan’s festivals are vibrant and joyous celebrations that bring the country’s rich culture, history, and spirituality to life. These events unite communities through mesmerizing dances, colourful costumes, and sacred rituals, offering a unique glimpse into Bhutanese traditions. Many festivals honour Guru Rinpoche, the revered saint who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan in the eighth century, and feature mystical dances, fire ceremonies, and historical reenactments that beautifully highlight the country’s cultural heritage. To truly experience the essence of Bhutan, attending these festivals is a must.
Here, we highlight some of the key festivals that will enrich your journey. For more details, please check our festivals calendar.
Punakha Dromchoe and Tshechu
This is a unique festival known for reenacting the 17th-century battle against the Tibetan army, Punakha Dromchoe features local militia dressed in traditional battle gear, recreating historical scenes with swords and armour. These events are a tribute to the villagers who defended their country and played a crucial role in preserving Bhutan’s independence. It takes place at Punakha Dzong fortress, as the jacaranda flowers begin to bloom.
The Punakha Tshechu which follows immediately, celebrates Guru Rinpoche, the tantric Buddhist Vajra master and features various mask dances or ‘cham’ and traditional Bhutanese folk dances.
2025 Dates: Dromchoe: 6th -8th March, Tshechu: 9th –11th March
Chorten Kora Festival
This vibrant religious festival celebrates the sacred Chorten Kora stupa built in memory of a Bhutanese princess. The festival is marked by traditional mask dances, religious rituals, and fervent prayers, creating a spiritually charged atmosphere. It is an opportunity for devotees to connect with their faith and seek blessings in a setting steeped in history and reverence. The event is held at Chorten Kora stupa in Trashiyangtse in eastern Bhutan.
2025 Dates: 14th & 29th March
Paro Tshechu
One of Bhutan’s most celebrated festivals, Paro Tshechu is a vibrant event featuring mask dances and songs that depict ancient legends and spiritual tales. Monks and lay people dressed in multi-coloured brocade costumes bring the festivities to life. The highlight of the festival is the unveiling of the giant Thangka, a 350-year-old sacred scroll that depicts the life of Guru Rinpoche. It is believed that witnessing this Thangka can cleanse sins and bring blessings, making this event a deeply spiritual experience.
The festival is held over four days, with the first day beginning in the courtyard of the Dzong and the last day ending with the unveiling of the sacred 350 years old Thangka (silk painting).
Check our Bhutan Uncovered tour which includes this popular festival.
2025 Dates: 8th – 12th April
Rhododendron Festival
Marking the arrival of spring, the Rhododendron festival celebrates Bhutan’s 48 species of rhododendrons with traditional music, dance, and outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy hikes through blooming landscapes, boat rides on the pond, and camping under the stars. The festival displays the vibrant natural beauty of Bhutan and the country’s commitment to preserving its unique biodiversity. The festival is held at the Lamperi Botanical Park , halfway between Thimphu and Punakha.
2025 Dates: 22nd – 24th April
Thimphu Tshechu
As the largest festival in Bhutan, Thimphu Tshechu is a lively celebration that attracts thousands of locals and visitors. Held in the capital city, the festival includes colourful mask dances and traditional folk performances that reflect Bhutanese mythology, values, and spiritual beliefs. It is a grand social gathering where people dress in their finest traditional attire, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere that celebrates Bhutan’s cultural heritage.
The festival is held at Tendrel Thang next to the Dzong and the mask dances (cham or folk dances) are performed to bless onlookers and teach them the Buddhist dharma. It is believed that one can attain good fortune by attending these festivals.
Check our tours – To the Far East and Festival Delights which incorporate the Thimphu Tshechu/
2025 Dates: 2nd – 4th Oct
Jhomolhari Mountain Festival
Celebrated at the base of one of Bhutan’s most iconic mountains, this festival highlights the country’s commitment to wildlife conservation, particularly the endangered snow leopard. The two-day event includes cultural performances, traditional dances, and a “Snow Leopard Show” to raise awareness about the declining population of these majestic animals. It is a perfect blend of nature, culture, and adventure set against a stunning mountainous backdrop.
2025 Dates: 14th – 15th Oct
Jambay Lhakhang Drup
The beautiful sprawling valley of Bumthang in central Bhutan is host to this wonderful festival, renowned for its unique rituals, including the “Dance of Treasure” or “Tercham” where masked performers dance nude under the cover of night to bless infertile women.
The Mewang fire ceremony, where locals dance under a flaming structure made of dry grass, adds a dramatic flair to the event. Celebrating the foundation of the Jambay Lhakhang Monastery, this festival combines spirituality, culture, and a touch of the mystical.
2025 Dates: 5th – 8th Nov
Black-Necked Crane Festival
Held to honour the endangered, black-necked cranes that migrate to Bhutan every winter, this festival is both a celebration of nature and a call for conservation. Bhutan is one of the major winter habitats for the black-necked cranes, who fly from Central Asia every winter.
The event features dances and performances by school children and local villagers dressed as cranes, highlighting the cultural and ecological significance of these birds. Visitors can also explore the valley’s many nature trails and learn more about the cranes at the Black-Necked Crane Information Centre.
The festival is celebrated at the Gangtey Gompa courtyard, which sits on the ridge overlooking the vast Phobjikha Valley.
2025 Dates: 11th Nov
Mongar Tshechu
Mongar Tshechu is a lively celebration that honours Guru Rinpoche through traditional mask dances, colourful processions, and cultural performances. The festival provides a unique glimpse into the local traditions of eastern Bhutan, attracting visitors with its vibrant displays of community spirit and devotion. Visitors can expect to witness colourful processions, intricate costumes, and mesmerizing dance performances, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.
2025 Dates: 28th – 30th Nov
Trashigang Tshechu
Known for its colourful and diverse attendees, Trashigang Tshechu brings together people from across eastern Bhutan, including nomadic herders dressed in traditional attire. The festival’s vibrant dances and rituals highlight the cultural richness of this remote region. The Tshechu is held at the Trashigang Dzong.
2025 Dates: 29th Nov – 01st Dec
—
These festivals provide a rich, immersive experience into the country’s cultural and spiritual heart. From dramatic historical reenactments to vibrant dances and intimate spiritual ceremonies, each festival is a vivid expression of Bhutan’s unique heritage. Attending these events allows travellers to connect deeply with Bhutanese culture, making their journey truly unforgettable. All our tours incorporate festivals, and we also design tours to align to specific festival date. Please see our 2024/25 tours here.
Images: Department of Tourism, Royal Government of Bhutan.
