The most well-known festivals in Bhutan are called Tsechus. Tsechus offer the visitors the opportunity to see the colourful mask dances and religious art forms of Bhutan. The Tsechus are held in honor of Guru Padsambhava, the Indian saint who is associated with the introduction of Tantric Buddhism in the Himalayan regions of not only Bhutan but also Sikkim, Nepal, Ladakh as well as Tibet some 1200 years ago.
The Tsechus is also a time for people to gather together dressed in their finest clothes, to meet friends, celebrate and receive blessings. The most popular festival for tourists are those held in Paro during spring, Thimphu and Bumthang in autumn. We can design your tours around any festival listed, just email us your intended travel dates.
In spring Paro celebrates the Tsechu, a five day religious festival of mask dances and folk entertainment. On the last day of Paro festival, a large embroidered “Thangka” or “Thongdroel” (Buddhist religious scroll) is unfurled at dawn to bring enlightenment to all who view it. Read More
This is one of the most promoted and thus popular festivals in Bhutan in terms of tourist arrivals. Dances (chham), many of them choreographed by the Shabdrung (who unified Bhutan in 17th century). Read More
The festival take place in the first month of the lunar year and ends with ‘Serda’, a magnificent procession which re-enacts an episode of the war against the Tibetan invading troops in the 17th century. Read More
Prakhar Tsechu is very much a village festival. The dances are considered one of the best in Bhutan and are performed by the monks of Nimalung monastery. Villagers from Chumey valley gather to participate in the festival, giving an exceptional opportunity to interact with the local people. Read More
The Jambey Lhakhang festival or Drup, is held in Bumthang each year in autumn and carries on for five days. The festival begins in the evening with the dance of the Black Hats. Read More
Only handful of tourists make it to far eastern side of Bhutan, hence to see either or both of the festivals, in Mongar and Tashigang This tour goes through the less frequented areas of Bhutan, visiting remote eastern villages and towns, all in addition to covering the west and central Bhutan. Read More
Nimalung is the century old Nyingmapa monastery, secluded in a pine forest, which houses about a hundred of monks. Created in 1900 by Dori Trulku, a Tibetan lama. Read More
Tamshing is considered to be the most important Nyingmapa lineage temple in Bhutan. It is also the original home of sacred dances that are celebrated at traditional Tsechus (festivals) throughout Bhutan. Read More
The pristine secluded valley of Ura in Central Bhutan should not be missed. Villagers assemble in the temple and participate in the prayers while at the same time drinking strong alcoholic beverages. Atsaras, the clowns keep the spectators entertained. Read More
