Festivals in Bhutan 2024.
Below are the tentative Bhutan festival tour dates 2024. The festival dates are subject to change. Please contact us to confirm the final dates and schedules.
| Festival Name | Place | Date | Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Punakha Tshechu | Punakha | 19th – 21st February 2024 | The Punakha tshechu festival in Bhutan 2024 is held for three days at the courtyard of majestic Punakha Dzong to honor Guru Rinpoche. This is one of the three biggest festivals held in western Bhutan. The other two being the festivals in Paro and Thimphu which are equally spectacular. The people come from far and near to witness the festival and get blessed. It is also time for prayer and family get together. The local folks sing and dance dressed in colorful costumes. The festival ends with a throngdroel ceremony. |
| Tharpaling Tshechu | Bumthang | 24th February 2024. | This festival coincides with the death anniversary of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. It is held at the courtyard of Tharpaling monastery and is for just a day. The mask dances such as Black hat dance, three gings and others are performed by the monks. A Throngdroel representing the Maitreya Buddha is unfurled for the public (Highlight of the festival). It is a community based festival in Bhutan. |
| Talo Tshechu | Paro | 7th – 19th March 2024 | This spectacular festival is famous for its mask dances and the Atsara (Clown) dances. A popular attraction, Zhungdra is performed by the local dance troupe and has a deep religious and historical significance. It is the Bhutanese version of classical songs and music. The three songs of Muni Sum (Zhungdra) are performed as the closing item on each day of festival. Samyi Sala (first day), Drukpa Dungey (second day) and Thowachi Gangi Tselay (3rd day) are pride of the Talo community. This is a classic community based annual mask dance festival. |
| Paro Tshechu | Paro | 21st – 25th March 2024 | The five day Paro tshechu festival 2024 in Bhutan will be held at Rinpung dzong in Paro during the spring season. It is one of the most spectacular festivals in Bhutan and a major tourist attraction from around the world. On the first day, all mask dances are held inside the courtyard of Rinpung dzong. In subsequent days, the courtyard outside the dzong hosts the festival. You can witness the most prominent display of the world’s greatest Thanka on Bhutan Paro festival tour. |
| Chorten Kora Tshechu | Trashi Yangtse | 25th March & 8th April 2024 | The Chorten kora tshechu festival is the most popular annual event in eastern Bhutan. ‘Kora’ means circumambulation. The biggest activity of the festival is circumambulating the Chorten Kora temple. It also attracts people from the neighboring Indian state of Arunachal culture and nearby districts. The festival highlights are such as mask dances, the rich textiles and brocades worn by the locals and the triumphant atmosphere of the festival itself. |
| Rhododendron Festival | Punakha | 13 – 14th April 2024 | This festival is for three days and marks the blooming of this beautiful flower across Bhutan. The festival features walk through Rhododendron garden, arts and crafts exhibition. The traditional games and cultural program are also on the list of events. 46 species of Rhododendrons have been recorded in the country so far. And 29 of the species of Rhododendrons and some rare orchids are found here in the park. The park has numerous view points, a lake and a canteen and one can indulge amongst these rich biodiversity. |
| Domkhar Tshechu | Bumthang | 18th – 20th April 2024 | The Domkhar tshechu festival 2024 is for three days and is held at Chumey valley in Bumthang. It is one of the most popular festivals among the locals in Bumthang and tourists alike. Domkhar was established by Lama Kuenkhen Longchen Rabjam in the 16th century. It marks the birthday anniversary of Guru Rinpoche, the Indian Buddhist saint who visited Bhutan in the 8th century. |
| Ura Yakchoe Tshechu | Bumthang | 20 – 24 April 2024 | This annual festival is known for its famous dance, Ura Yakchoe. A sacred relic is displayed for people to receive blessings. According to legend, an old woman was visited by a lama asking for a glass of water. When she came out to offer water, the lama had vanished leaving behind only a sack. As she checked the sack, she found a revered statue that is now displayed annually at the Ura festival. This relic has been passed on from generation to generations and owned by the descendants of the woman till today. It is a unique community based festival in Bumthang. |
| Nimalung & Kurjey Tshechu | Bumthang | 14 – 16th June 2024 | The three day Nimalung & Kurjey tshechu festivals take place at Nimalung and Kurjey monastery respectively in Bumthang. Kurjey festival is for one day and is on the 16th June. The temple houses around 100 monks who are known for their talent in music. This festival is held mostly in the fifth lunar month (mostly july). The highlight of the festival is the unfurling of a nine meter high and twelve meters wide Guru Rinpoche’s Throngdroel. The masked dances are performed by the monks and are attended by the local people and tourists alike. |
| Haa Summer Festival | Haa | 14th & 15th July 2024 | The Haa summer festival is a lively event with religious performances, unique Bhutanese cuisine, local ara, traditional sports. It gives insight into the lives and traditions of Bhutan’s nomadic herders. One can witness songs, folk dances, artifacts, religious performances and see natural alpine flowers. You can enjoy the hospitality of the local people of Haa Valley. |
| Wangdue Tshechu | Wangdue Phordang | 11-13 September 2024 | The Wangdue tshechu festival is held in Wangdue Phodrang and is observed for three days in the autumn season. The tshechu is well known for the Raksha Mangchum or the dance of the Ox. Many different kinds of mask dances are performed during the festival. It concludes with the unfurling of the Guru Tshengye Thongdrel. |
| Tamshing Tshechu | Bumthang | 13 – 15th September 2024 | Of the many festivals held in various parts of Bhutan, the grandest is the annual Tamshing Phala Choepa festival. In addition to traditional mask dances, visitors can witness the unfurling of the sacred Thongdrol and receive blessings. The people also receive blessing from the sacred Nangtens (relics) that is opened during the last day of the festival. |
| Thimphu Tshechu | Thimphu | 13th – 15th September 2024 | Thimphu festival dates corresponds to 10th day of the 8th month of the Bhutanese Lunar calendar. The festival is preceded by prayer and ritual ceremony performed inside the dzong to invoke the deities. The mask dances depicting eight manifestations of Guru Rinpoche are performed by the monks. These colorful dances are an integral part of Buddhist culture in Bhutan and are performed to honor Guru Rinpoche. It is also a time for the Bhutanese folks to wear new clothes, drink and enjoy. Bhutan Thimphu festival is one of the most favorite of tourists and is witnessed by thousands of people, both local and tourists. |
| The Gangtey Tshechu | Wangdue Phordang | 16 – 18th September 2024 | Gangtey tshechu festival 2024 is held at Gangtey goenpa in the Phobjikha valley. The monks and local people perform various kinds of mask dances and folk dances during this festival. The festival concludes with receiving of blessings for the spiritual wisdom and power – Ngedup Langwa. |
| Thangbi Mani Tshechu | Bumthang | 18 – 19th September 2024 | Thangbi Mani tshechu festival 2024 is one of the most popular festivals held in Choekhor gewog in Bumthang. The highlight of the festival is the fire blessing (Mewang) ceremony, performed in an open ground. The lay monks perform purification rituals while people jump over flames to purify themselves. Several mask dances and folk dances are also performed by the monks and local people. It is believed that the festival would bring peace and prosperity and ensure better harvest for the entire community. |
| Chhukha Tshechu | Chhukha | 9th – 11th November 2024 | The annual Chhukha tshechu festival 2024 is for 3 days and is held at the courtyard of Chhukha dzong. Different mask dances and traditional folk dances are performed during the festival by the monks and local people. These dances are performed as an offering to the Bhutanese patron saint, Guru Rinpoche. On the third day, a large Throngdroel (Tapestry) of Guru Rinpoche is unfurled which is the highlight of the festival. The people come from far and near to get blessed with this Throngdroel. |
| Jakar Tshechu | Bumthanng | 10th – 12th November 2024 | The annual three day Jakar tshechu festival 2024 in Bhutan will be held at the Jakar dzong. It is one of the famous festivals in Bumthang and showcases several sacred mask dances. Besides, many different folk songs and dances that are performed by the local people. The people witness the festival dressed in their finest clothes and is one of the most popular festivals among tourists. It is held in mostly in the end of october or beginning of november. |
| Black Necked Crane Festival | Gangtey Gompa monastery | 11th November 2024 | The festival is an occasion for the locals to rejoice and celebrate the arrival of these endangered and majestic birds. It is organized to generate awareness and understanding on the importance of conserving the endangered cranes. The Black necked crane festival in Bhutan 2024 includes cultural programs such as folk songs and dances. The mask dances performed by the local people, cranes dances and environmental conservation themed dramas and songs by school children. |
| Jambay Lhakhang Drup | Bumthang | 15 – 18 November 2024 | Jambay lhakhang Drup festival 2024 in Bhutan is a very famous event in Bhutan and is held at the 7th century old Jambay lhakhang. This temple is one of the 108 temples built in one day by Srongtsen Gampo of Tibet. The “Ter Cham” or “The fire ritual” popularly known as the naked dance is performed at midnight. The local people and tourists alike gather to witness the ritual. |
| Druk Wangyel Tshechu | Punakha | 13th December 2024. | The Druk Wangyel tshechu festival 2024 in Bhutan is a very unique festival in Bhutan and will be performed by the Royal Bhutanese army. This event is a tribute to the wise leadership of His Majesty the King Jigme Singye Wangchuck. It is also to celebrate efforts of the Royal Bhutan Army in protecting the sovereignty and stability of the country. This festival is performed at the beautiful Dochu la pass with well arranged 108 stupas. You can also enjoy the stunning view of the Himalayan mountains in the north. |
| Jambay Lhakhang Singye Cham Festival | Bumthang | 15th December, 2024 | This festival is held at the Jambay lhakhang in Bumthang. The Jambay lhakhang Singye Cham is performed once a year and is just for a day. The festival is held to honor the mystic saint, Guru Rinpoche who brought Buddhism to Bhutan. |
| Nalakhar Tshechu | Bumthang | 15th – 17th December 2024 | This festival is held at Ngaa lhakhang in Nalakhar village and is for three (3) days. The local people come to attend the festival dressed in finest clothes. The festival is celebrated to bring happiness and prosperity to the village and the country as a whole. It is also a symbolic prayer for good harvest and for the well being of everyone. This festival is one of the best community based festivals in Bhutan. |