Bhutan festival calendar 2026
Bhutan's tshechus and drubchens by month — masked dances, ancient rituals, and ceremonies that bring entire valleys together. Plan your trip around one for a richer experience.
Festival tours book fast
Festival weeks have limited accommodation and require permits booked well in advance. Our festival tours bundle the dates, permits, and cultural context your guide will share on the ground.Reserve your spot.
Major festivals 2026
Punakha Dromchoe
Commemorates victory over Tibetan invaders
Highlights
- Unique war reenactment
- Most photogenic dzong setting
- Smaller, intimate atmosphere
- Ancient battle recreation
Tips
Cold weather, bring warm clothes, fewer tourists
Join this festival
Confirmed dates, prime viewing, cultural context from your guide
Book festival tourPunakha Tshechu
Follows Dromchoe, blessing ceremonies
Highlights
- Follows the Dromchoe festival
- Beautiful riverside setting
- Traditional mask dances
- Local community gathering
Tips
Combine with Dromchoe for extended experience
Join this festival
Confirmed dates, prime viewing, cultural context from your guide
Book festival tourParo Tshechu
Most famous festival, Giant thangka unveiling on last day
Highlights
- Giant silk thangka displayed at dawn
- Masked dances by monks
- Tiger's Nest blessing ceremony
- Thousands of pilgrims gather
Tips
Book accommodation early, arrive by 6 AM for thangka unveiling
Join this festival
Confirmed dates, prime viewing, cultural context from your guide
Book festival tourThimphu Tshechu
Capital's biggest celebration, Royal family attends
Highlights
- Royal family often attends
- Atsara (clown) performances
- Traditional mask dances
- Local handicraft exhibitions
Tips
Perfect weather in September, great for photography
Join this festival
Confirmed dates, prime viewing, cultural context from your guide
Book festival tourJambay Lhakhang Drup
Ancient temple, fire ceremonies at midnight
Highlights
- Midnight naked fire ceremony
- Ancient 7th-century temple
- Remote valley setting
- Fertility blessing rituals
Tips
Remote location, limited accommodations, advance booking essential
Join this festival
Confirmed dates, prime viewing, cultural context from your guide
Book festival tourBlack Necked Crane Festival
Celebrates arrival of endangered cranes from Tibet
Highlights
- Watch black-necked cranes in wild
- Traditional performances
- Stunning valley scenery
- Conservation awareness
Tips
Combine with Gangtey Tshechu, dress warmly
Join this festival
Confirmed dates, prime viewing, cultural context from your guide
Book festival tourComplete 2026 festival calendar
All festivals and events across Bhutan in 2026. Dates follow the Bhutanese lunar calendar.
| Festival | Dates | Location |
|---|---|---|
Lhamoi Dromchhen | February 22-24 | Trongsa Dzong, Trongsa |
Punakha Dromchoe | February 24-26 | Punakha Dzong, Punakha |
Punakha Tshechu | February 27 - March 1 | Punakha Dzong, Punakha |
Tharpaling Thongdrol | March 3 | Tharpaling Lhakhang, Bumthang |
Chhorten Kora | March 3 & March 19 | Chorten Kora, Trashiyangtse |
Tangsibi Mani | March 4-6 | Tangsibi Lhakhang, Bumthang |
Gomphukora | March 26-28 | Gom Kora Lhakhang, Trashiyangtse |
Talo Tshechu | March 26-28 | Talo Gonpa, Punakha |
Gasa Tshechu | March 26-28 | Gasa Dzong, Gasa |
Zhemgang Tshechu | March 26-28 | Zhemgang Dzong, Zhemgang |
Paro Tshechu | March 29 - April 2 | Rinpung Dzong, Paro |
Rhododendron Festival | April 13-14 | Lamperi Botanical Park, Thimphu |
Domkhar Tshechu | April 26-28 | Domkhar, Bumthang |
Ura Yakchoe | April 28 - May 2 | Ura Lhakhang, Bumthang |
Nimalung Tshechu | June 22-24 | Nimalung Dratshang, Bumthang |
Kurjey Tshechu | June 24 | Kurjey Lhakhang, Bumthang |
Tour of the Dragon | September 5 | Bumthang to Thimphu |
Thimphu Drubchen | September 17-19 | Tashichho Dzong, Thimphu |
Haa Tshechu | September 19-21 | Lhakhang Karpo, Haa |
Wangdue Tshechu | September 19-21 | Wangduephodrang |
Tamshing Phala Chhoepa | September 21-23 | Tamshing Lhakhang, Bumthang |
Thimphu Tshechu | September 21-23 | Tashichho Dzong, Thimphu |
Gangtey Tshechu | September 24-26 | Gangtey Gonpa, Wangduephodrang |
Thangbi Mewang | September 26-27 | Thangbi Lhakhang, Bumthang |
Jhomolhari Mountain Festival | October 14-15 | Dangochong, Thimphu |
Jakar Tshechu | October 18-21 | Jakar Dzong, Bumthang |
Pemagatshel Tshechu | October 18-21 | Pemagatshel Dzong |
Chhukha Tshechu | October 19-21 | Chhukha Dzong, Chhukha |
Dechenphu Tshechu | October 21 | Dechenphu Lhakhang, Thimphu |
Jambay Lhakhang Drup | October 26-29 | Jambay Lhakhang, Bumthang |
Traakar Duchhoed | October 27-29 | Traakar Lhakhang, Bumthang |
Black Necked Crane Festival | November 11 | Gangtey Gonpa, Phobjikha |
Goenpai Drupchen | November 14-16 | Trongsa Dzong, Trongsa |
Mongar Tshechu | November 17-19 | Mongar Dzong, Mongar |
Phuntsholing Tshechu | November 17-19 | Phuntsholing, Chhukha |
Trashigang Tshechu | November 18-20 | Trashigang Dzong, Trashigang |
Jambay Lhakhang Singye Cham | November 24 | Jambay Lhakhang, Bumthang |
Nalakhar Tshechu | November 24-26 | Ngaa Lhakhang, Bumthang |
Druk Wangyel Tshechu | December 13 | Dochula, Thimphu |
Trongsa Tshechu | December 17-21 | Trongsa Dzong, Trongsa |
Lhuentse Tshechu | December 17-21 | Lhuentse Dzong, Lhuentse |
Samdrupjongkhar Tshechu | December 22-24 | Samdrupjongkhar |
Nabji Lhakhang Drup | December 24-26 | Nabji Lhakhang, Trongsa |
* Dates are tentative and follow the Bhutanese lunar calendar. Confirm with us before locking flights.
Understanding Bhutan festivals
Cham dances
Sacred masked dances performed by monks to ward off evil spirits
Each dance tells a story and has spiritual meaning
Thangka display
Giant silk religious paintings unveiled at dawn
Viewing brings blessings and merit, happens only once a year
Atsara clowns
Jesters who entertain crowds between serious ceremonies
Provide comic relief while maintaining sacred atmosphere
Traditional music
Sacred horns, drums, and cymbals accompany all dances
Music believed to invoke protective deities
Festival etiquette & tips
Photography
- •Arrive early for best positions
- •Respect no-flash rules inside temples
- •Ask permission for close-up portraits
- •Bring telephoto lens for distant shots
- •Golden hour lighting enhances colorful costumes
Crowd management
- •Major festivals can have thousands of attendees
- •Stay with your guide at all times
- •Wear comfortable shoes for standing
- •Bring snacks and water
- •Be patient and respectful of local customs
Cultural respect
- •Dress modestly — long pants and covered shoulders
- •Don't point feet toward dancers or altars
- •Turn off phone sounds during ceremonies
- •Don't interrupt prayers or rituals
- •Follow your guide's instructions
Quick reference 2026
Punakha Dromchoe
February 24-26, 2026
Punakha Dzong, Punakha
Punakha Tshechu
February 27 - March 1, 2026
Punakha Dzong, Punakha
Paro Tshechu
March 29 - April 2, 2026
Rinpung Dzong, Paro
Thimphu Tshechu
September 21-23, 2026
Tashichho Dzong, Thimphu
Jambay Lhakhang Drup
October 26-29, 2026
Jambay Lhakhang, Bumthang
Black Necked Crane Festival
November 11, 2026
Gangtey Gonpa, Phobjikha Valley
Festival dates are based on lunar calendar and may vary slightly. Our tour packages include confirmed dates and guaranteed access.
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