2026 Festival Calendar
Bhutan’s festival calendar is a vibrant expression of its spiritual and cultural heritage. Throughout the year, communities across Bhutan come alive with tshechus – colorful religious festivals held in monasteries and dzongs, featuring masked dances, traditional music, and communal celebrations. These festivals are not only sacred rites but also important social gatherings that bring families and villages together. In addition, Bhutan also celebrates nature through festivals such as the Black Necked Crane or the Rhododendron festivals. From the grand Paro Tshechu in spring to the intimate Haa Summer Festival and the unique nomadic festivals of the north, Bhutan’s festivals offers visitors wide ranging options to experience and get insights into living traditions and timeless values that define Bhutan. You can download the festival calendar for 2026 here. Visit some of our tours here and let us know if you would like to plan your holidays around a specific festival.
Unlock Bhutan’s Secrets: Inspired by Ed, Guided by Us!!!
It has been almost six months since Ed Sheeran made history in Bhutan, and the echoes of his groundbreaking concert still resonate. On January 24, 2025, Thimphu’s Changlimithang Stadium, typically a hub for archery and football, transformed into a vibrant concert arena as Ed Sheeran became the first international artist to perform in Bhutan as a part of his Mathematics tour. The landmark event set a precedent, proving Bhutan’s unique approach to global engagement. Reflecting Bhutan’s “Gross National Happiness” philosophy, tickets were exceptionally affordable, starting at approximately $10 (Nu 860), which sold out within hours. While the stadium’s usual capacity is around 15,000, organisers successfully expanded the venue with temporary stands to accommodate an astounding 23,000 fans. This drew a diverse crowd, not only from across Bhutan but also from neighbouring India, Nepal, and beyond, all eager to witness this historic occasion. The energy was palpable even before Sheeran took…
Top Eight Places to Visit in Bhutan
Bhutan, a Himalayan kingdom, often shrouded in mystery and magic, offers a blend of traditional Buddhist culture and modern developments. Its diverse landscape ranges from subtropical plains to high Himalayan peaks. Amidst its awe-inspiring natural beauty, Bhutan offers a plethora of experiences that enchant every traveller. Here’s an introduction to some of the best places to visit in Bhutan. Paro Valley and the enchanting Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) The serene Paro Valley is dotted with traditional farmhouses and monasteries. Rinpung Dzong and the National Museum of Bhutan offer deep insights into Bhutanese culture and history. There is, however, no argument whatsoever when it comes to Taktsang Monastery being everyone’s top favourite places to see/visit while in Bhutan. Perched precariously on a cliff 900 meters (3,000 feet) above the Paro Valley, the Tiger’s Nest Monastery is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark. It is believed that, Guru Padmasambhava or Guru Rinpoche, who spread Buddhism…
Books to read for your trip to Bhutan
If Bhutan has fascinated you or you are planning a holiday in Bhutan, you will likely find immersing yourself in reading about Bhutan an enriching experience. We are delighted to share a curated selection of books that offer insights and inspirations for those intrigued by the wonders of Bhutan. Bhutan’s literary scene is still in its infancy. Bhutan has a few established writers with many emerging on the horizon. Further many books, as you will note below, are written by individuals who have visited, or lived and worked in Bhutan. The annual Mountain Echoes festival of Literature, Art and Culture has also generated interest in literature and writing in Bhutan. Bold Bhutan Beckons by Late Tim Fisher and Tshering Tashi presents an insightful account of the mysteries of Bhutan and the co-existence of the old traditions and modern trends. The writers beautifully chronicle the progress of the Bhutanese society in…
5 popular activities to do in Bhutan
Bhutan received over 63,000 tourists (excluding those from the region) in 2018. A survey of a sample of over 1,700 tourists conducted by the Tourism Council of Bhutan found that most were very satisfied with their trip to Bhutan and the services of the tourism industry. Over 96% indicated that they would recommend Bhutan as a holiday destination, and over 60% indicated their intention to revisit Bhutan. This is testament to Bhutan’s approach to tourism over the last three decades and what Bhutan has to offer. Here are the top five things visitors do in Bhutan. Sightseeing – Given Bhutan’s pristine environment, rich culture and beautiful villages, many tourists visit Bhutan to soak in the beauty and get to know the country up close. Sightseeing is the easiest way to get a good idea and feel of the country and the Bhutanese. One can combine this with some trekking and…