Festivals in Bhutan

Masked dances, sacred thangkas and whole communities in their finest clothes — the festivals are Bhutan at its most joyful.

What is a tshechu?

Dances that bless those who watch

A tshechu — literally “tenth day” — is a religious festival held in honour of Guru Rinpoche, usually in a dzong or temple courtyard. Monks and laymen perform cham, masked dances that tell stories of good and evil, and watching them is believed to bring blessings.

Families arrive early with picnics, friends meet, and atsaras — masked jesters — keep the crowd laughing between the dances. Many festivals end with the unrolling of a great thongdrel, a huge religious painting.

Dates follow the lunar calendar

Festivals by season

Some of Bhutan's best-loved festivals

Dates change every year. We confirm them for your travel year when we plan your trip.

Usually March or April

Paro Tshechu

Rinpung Dzong, Paro

One of the best-known festivals in the country. On the last morning, before dawn, a great thangka called a thongdrel is unrolled over the dzong wall for a few hours.

Usually September or October

Thimphu Tshechu

Tashichho Dzong, Thimphu

The capital’s festival draws families from across the region in their finest kira and gho. Dances run for three days in the dzong courtyard.

Usually February or March

Punakha Drubchen and Tshechu

Punakha Dzong

The Drubchen re-enacts a seventeenth-century battle, with local men dressed as pazap militia; the tshechu follows straight after.

Usually November

Black-Necked Crane Festival

Gangtey Goenpa, Phobjikha

A small, joyful community festival celebrating the cranes’ return, with school children performing crane dances.

Usually October or November

Jambay Lhakhang Drup

Jambay Lhakhang, Bumthang

A night-time fire blessing opens this festival, held at one of the oldest temples in the country.

Usually April or May

Ura Yakchoe

Ura village, Bumthang

A village festival in the high Ura valley, centred on a sacred relic that is carried out and displayed to the community.

Festival etiquette

How to enjoy a tshechu

Dress respectfully: long sleeves and long trousers or skirts
Never walk across the dance ground
No flash photography, and ask before photographing people
There is no reserved seating — arrive early, as local families do
Follow your guide's lead at the most sacred moments

Ready when you are

Want to see a festival?

Any of our holidays can be timed with a festival when the dates allow. Tell us when you can travel.

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