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Tshechus & celebrations
Festivals of Bhutan
Masked dances, sacred fire and giant thongdrels — when and where Bhutan comes together to celebrate.
Dances that are prayers
What is a tshechu?
“Tshechu” means “tenth day”. Most festivals honour Guru Rinpoche and are held around the tenth day of a month in the Bhutanese lunar calendar, which is why the dates change every year.
For the valley, attending is an act of faith that brings merit. For visitors, it is the most joyful way to see Bhutanese culture: monks and laymen dancing stories of compassion and protection, families in their finest clothes, and the masked clowns keeping everyone laughing.
About dates
Because the calendar is lunar, we list each festival by season. Send us your travel window and we will confirm which festivals fall inside it.
Festival calendar
Eight celebrations through the year
Late winter
often February or March
Punakha Drubchen & Tshechu
A re-enactment of a 17th-century victory, performed by local militia in the courtyards of Punakha Dzong, before the masked dances begin.
Spring
usually March or April
Paro Tshechu
Days of masked dances at Rinpung Dzong, ending at dawn with the unveiling of a giant thongdrel.
Spring
usually March or April
Gomphu Kora
A pilgrimage festival in the far east, where families from both sides of the border circle a sacred rock through the night.
Summer
usually June or July
Kurjey Tshechu
A summer festival at Kurje Lhakhang in Bumthang, where Guru Rinpoche is said to have meditated.
Autumn
usually September or October
Thimphu Tshechu
The largest festival in the country, filling the courtyard of Tashichho Dzong with dancers and spectators.
Autumn
usually October or November
Jambay Lhakhang Drup
Masked dances at one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, with a fire blessing late at night.
Late autumn
usually November
Black-necked Crane Festival
A community celebration in Phobjikha welcoming the cranes back, with songs and dances by local schoolchildren.
Winter
usually December or January
Trongsa Tshechu
Masked dances in the great dzong of Trongsa, in the crisp, clear days of early winter.
Etiquette for visitors
- Dress modestly — long sleeves and trousers or long skirts; a gho or kira is welcomed
- Seating is open, not reserved: arrive early and bring a cushion
- No flash photography during the dances, and ask before photographing people
- Never step into the dance ground or in front of a procession
- If the masked clowns tease you, laugh along — it is part of the blessing
Festival journeys
Travel with the festivals
Festival · 9 days
Thimphu · Punakha · Bumthang · Paro
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