Bhutan, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and spiritual vibrancy, offers visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the country's diverse festivals. These vibrant celebrations, known as Tshechus, are an integral part of Bhutanese life, where locals gather to honor their history, traditions, and spiritual practices. Planning your trip to coincide with one of Bhutan’s festivals will provide you with an unforgettable cultural experience.
Top Festivals in Bhutan for 2025
No. | Festival | Place | Date |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Trongsa Tshechu | Trongsa Dzong, Trongsa | 9th - 11th Jan 2025 (Thongdral on last day) |
2 | Lhuentse Tshechu | Lhuentse Dzong, Lhuentse | 8th - 10th Jan 2025 (Thongdral on last day) |
3 | Samdrupjongkhar Tshechu | Samdrupjongkhar | 11th - 13th Jan 2025 |
4 | Punakha Drubchen | Punakha Dzong, Punakha | 6th – 8th March |
5 | Punakha Tshechu | Punakha Dzong, Punakha | 9th – 11th March |
6 | Tharpaling Thongdrol | Tharpaling Lhakhang, Chumi, Bumthang | 14th March |
7 | Tangsibi Mani | Tangsibi Lhakhang, Ura Bumthang | 15th – 17th March |
8 | Chhorten Kora | Chorten Kora, Trashiyangtshe | 14th March & 29th March |
9 | Rhododendron Week | Merak and Sakteng Region, Trashigang | 3rd – 9th April |
10 | Gomphukora | Gom Kora Lhakhang, Trashigang | 5th – 7th April |
11 | Talo Tshechu | Talo Gonpa, Punakha | 5th – 7th April |
12 | Gasa Tshechu | Gasa Dzong, Gasa | 5th – 7th April |
13 | Zhemgang Tshechu | Zhemgang Dzong, Zhemgang | 5th – 7th April |
14 | Paro Tshechu | Rinpung Dzong, Paro | 8th – 12th April (Thongdral on last day) |
15 | Rhododendron Festival | Lamperi Botanical Park, Thimphu | 22nd - 24th April |
16 | Domkhar Tshechu | Domkhar, Chumi, Bumthang | 7th – 9th May |
17 | Ura Yakchoe | Ura Lhakhang, Bumthang | 9th – 13th May |
18 | Nimalung Tshechu | Nimalung Dratshang, Chumi, Bumthang | 3rd – 5th July |
19 | Kurjey Tshechu | Kurjey Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang | 5th July |
20 | Mushroom Festival | Genekha, Geneyzam, Thimphu | 15th – 16th August |
21 | Tour of the Dragon (Mountain Bike Race) | Bumthang to Thimphu | 6th September |
22 | Thimphu Drubchen | Tashi Chhodzong, Thimphu | 28th September |
23 | Wangdue Tshechu | Wangduephodrang | 30th September - 2nd October |
24 | Haa Annual Tshechu | Haa | 30th September - 2nd October |
25 | Tamshing Phala Chhoepa | Tamshing Lhakhang, Bumthang | 2nd – 4th October |
26 | Thimphu Tshechu | Tashi Chhodzong, Thimphu | 2nd – 4th October |
27 | Gangtey Tshechu | Gangtey Gonpa, Wangduephodrang | 5th – 7th October (Thongdral on last day) |
28 | Thangbi Mewang | Thangbi Lhakhang, Choekor, Bumthang | 7th - 8th October |
29 | Pemagatshel Tshechu | Pemagatshel Dzong, Pemagatshel | 29th October - 1st November (Thongdral on last day) |
30 | Jhomolhari Mountain Festival | Dangochong, Thimphu | 14th - 15th October |
31 | Royal Highland Festival | Laya, Gasa | 23rd – 24th October |
32 | Chhukha Tshechu | Chhukha Dzong, Chhukha | 29th – 31st October |
33 | Dechenphu Tshechu | Dechenphu Lhakhang, Thimphu | 31st October |
34 | Jakar Tshechu | Jakar Dzong, Choekhor, Bumthang | 29th - 31st October – 1st November |
35 | Jambay Lhakhang Drup | Jambay Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang | 5th – 8th November |
36 | Prakhar Duchhoed | Prakar Khakhang, Chumni, Bumthang | 6th – 8th November |
37 | Black Necked Crane Festival | Gangtey Gonpa, Phobjikha, Wangduephodrang | 11th November |
38 | Mongar Tshechu | Mongar Dzong, Mongar | 28th – 30th November |
39 | Trashigang Tshechu | Trashigang Dzong, Trashigang | 29th November - 1st December |
40 | Phuntsholing Tshechu | Phuntsholing, Chhukha | 28th - 30th November |
41 | Jambay Lhakhang Singye Cham | Jambay Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang | 4th December |
42 | Nalakhar Tshechu | Ngaa Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang | 4th – 6th December |
43 | Druk Wangyel Tshechu | Douchula, Thimphu | 13th December |
44 | Trongsa Tshechu | Trongsa Dzong, Trongsa | 27th – 31st December (Thongdral on last day) |
45 | Lhuentse Tshechu | Lhuentse Dzong, Lhuentse | 27th – 31st December (Thongdral on last day) |
46 | Samdrupjongkhar Tshechu | Samdrupjongkhar | 1st – 3rd January 2026 |
47 | Nabji Lhakhang Drup | Nabji Lhakhang, Nabji, Trongsa | 3rd - 5th January 2026 |
Why Visit Bhutan During Festivals?
- Witness Cultural Heritage: Experience mesmerizing traditional dances, prayers, and rituals performed by monks in colorful attire.
- Engage with Locals: Festivals provide a unique opportunity to interact with Bhutanese people and understand their way of life.
- Savor Traditional Delicacies: Sample Bhutanese food served during festivals, adding a flavorful dimension to your cultural experience.
- Capture Stunning Views: Bhutan’s festivals often take place in some of the most scenic locations, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountains and peaceful valleys.