Bhutan festival calendar
Tshechus follow the lunar calendar, so dates move each year. Here are the 2027 dates we plan around, and how to time a trip to one.
Updated
Major festivals 2027
Feb132027
Punakha Dromchoe
Punakha Dzong, Punakha
13–15 February 2027 · 3 days
Western routePlan a private tripHighlights and tipsHide details
Commemorates victory over Tibetan invaders
- Unique war reenactment
- Most photogenic dzong setting
- Smaller, intimate atmosphere
- Ancient battle recreation
Tip: Cold weather, bring warm clothes, fewer tourists.
Getting around: Easy walking, smaller crowds.
Feb162027
Punakha Tshechu
Punakha Dzong, Punakha
16–18 February 2027 · 3 days
Western routePlan a private tripHighlights and tipsHide details
Follows Dromchoe, blessing ceremonies
- Follows the Dromchoe festival
- Beautiful riverside setting
- Traditional mask dances
- Local community gathering
Tip: Combine with Dromchoe for extended experience.
Getting around: Easy access, manageable crowds.
Highlights and tipsHide details
Most famous festival, Giant thangka unveiling on last day
- Giant silk thangka displayed at dawn
- Masked dances by monks
- Tiger's Nest blessing ceremony
- Thousands of pilgrims gather
Tip: Book accommodation early, arrive by 6 AM for thangka unveiling.
Getting around: Moderate walking, large crowds.
Paro Tshechu 2027: dates and when to book →Oct102027
Thimphu Tshechu
Tashichho Dzong, Thimphu
10–12 October 2027 · 3 days
Western routePlan a private tripHighlights and tipsHide details
Capital's biggest celebration, Royal family attends
- Royal family often attends
- Atsara (clown) performances
- Traditional mask dances
- Local handicraft exhibitions
Tip: Clear autumn weather, great for photography.
Getting around: Easy access, well-organized.
Thimphu Tshechu 2027: dates and what to budget →Nov142027
Jambay Lhakhang Drup
Jambay Lhakhang, Bumthang
14–17 November 2027 · 4 days
Central BhutanPlan a private tripHighlights and tipsHide details
Temple festival with the Mewang fire ritual and sacred Tercham dance
- Mewang fire blessing ritual
- Tercham, a separate sacred nighttime dance
- Masked dances at Jambay Lhakhang
- Time to explore Bumthang's villages and temples
Tip: Confirm ceremony times locally and choose accommodation with reliable heating.
Getting around: Allow time for the road journey to Bumthang and standing at performances.
Jambay Lhakhang Drup: rituals and 2027 dates →Nov112027
Black Necked Crane Festival
Gangtey Gonpa, Phobjikha Valley
11 November 2027 · 1 day
Central BhutanPlan a private tripHighlights and tipsHide details
Celebrates arrival of endangered cranes from Tibet
- Community performances and children's crane dance
- Traditional songs and dances
- Time for valley walks and separate birdwatching
- Conservation awareness
Tip: Arrive before festival day, dress warmly and check recent crane sightings.
Getting around: Choose short valley walks and allow for time standing at the festival.
Black-necked Crane Festival: Phobjikha and 2027 dates →
Half price until 31 August 2027
Bhutan's Sustainable Development Fee is $100 a night per adult instead of $200. The government has published this rate for travel up to 31 August 2027; what applies after that hasn't been announced. It's already in our prices.
In 2027 that covers Punakha Dromchoe, Punakha Tshechu and Paro Tshechu. Thimphu Tshechu, Jambay Lhakhang Drup and Black Necked Crane Festival fall after it.
How the SDF worksFestival weeks fill early, especially hotels in Paro and Thimphu. Book 4 to 6 months ahead, and ask us about dates before locking flights.
Two ways to see a festival
Festival etiquette
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
What you'll see
Cham dances
Sacred masked dances performed by monks to ward off evil spirits.
Why it matters: Each dance tells a story and has spiritual meaning.
Thangka display
Giant silk religious paintings unveiled at dawn.
Why it matters: Viewing brings blessings and merit, happens only once a year.
Atsara clowns
Jesters who entertain crowds between serious ceremonies.
Why it matters: Provide comic relief while maintaining sacred atmosphere.
Traditional music
Sacred horns, drums, and cymbals accompany all dances.
Why it matters: Music believed to invoke protective deities.
Complete 2027 festival calendar
Every festival and event across Bhutan in 2027. Dates follow the Bhutanese lunar calendar.
| Festival | Dates | Location |
|---|---|---|
| February | ||
| Lhamoi DromchhenTrongsa Dzong, Trongsa | 11–13 February | Trongsa Dzong, Trongsa |
| Punakha DromchoePunakha Dzong, Punakha | 13–15 February | Punakha Dzong, Punakha |
| Punakha TshechuPunakha Dzong, Punakha | 16–18 February | Punakha Dzong, Punakha |
| Tharpaling ThongdrolTharpaling Lhakhang, Bumthang | 20 February | Tharpaling Lhakhang, Bumthang |
| Chhorten KoraChorten Kora, Trashiyangtse | 20 February & 8 March | Chorten Kora, Trashiyangtse |
| Tangsibi ManiTangsibi Lhakhang, Bumthang | 22–24 February | Tangsibi Lhakhang, Bumthang |
| March | ||
| GomphukoraGom Kora Lhakhang, Trashiyangtse | 16–18 March | Gom Kora Lhakhang, Trashiyangtse |
| Talo TshechuTalo Gonpa, Punakha | 16–18 March | Talo Gonpa, Punakha |
| Gasa TshechuGasa Dzong, Gasa | 16–18 March | Gasa Dzong, Gasa |
| Zhemgang TshechuZhemgang Dzong, Zhemgang | 16–18 March | Zhemgang Dzong, Zhemgang |
| Paro TshechuRinpung Dzong, Paro | 18–22 March | Rinpung Dzong, Paro |
| April | ||
| Rhododendron WeekShetemey, Merak, Trashigang | 3–9 April | Shetemey, Merak, Trashigang |
| Domkhar TshechuDomkhar, Bumthang | 16–18 April | Domkhar, Bumthang |
| Ura YakchoeUra Lhakhang, Bumthang | 18–22 April | Ura Lhakhang, Bumthang |
| Rhododendron FestivalLamperi Botanical Park, Thimphu | 22–23 April | Lamperi Botanical Park, Thimphu |
| June | ||
| Nimalung TshechuNimalung Dratshang, Bumthang | 12–14 June | Nimalung Dratshang, Bumthang |
| Kurjey TshechuKurjey Lhakhang, Bumthang | 14 June | Kurjey Lhakhang, Bumthang |
| September | ||
| Tour of the DragonBumthang to Thimphu | 5 September | Bumthang to Thimphu |
| October | ||
| Thimphu DrubchenTashichho Dzong, Thimphu | 5 October | Tashichho Dzong, Thimphu |
| Wangdue TshechuWangduephodrang | 8–10 October | Wangduephodrang |
| Tamshing Phala ChhoepaTamshing Lhakhang, Bumthang | 10–12 October | Tamshing Lhakhang, Bumthang |
| Thimphu TshechuTashichho Dzong, Thimphu | 10–12 October | Tashichho Dzong, Thimphu |
| Gangtey TshechuGangtey Gonpa, Wangduephodrang | 13–15 October | Gangtey Gonpa, Wangduephodrang |
| Jhomolhari Mountain FestivalDangochong, Thimphu | 14–15 October | Dangochong, Thimphu |
| Thangbi MewangThangbi Lhakhang, Bumthang | 15–16 October | Thangbi Lhakhang, Bumthang |
| November | ||
| Pemagatshel TshechuPemagatshel Dzong | 6–9 November | Pemagatshel Dzong |
| Chhukha TshechuChhukha Dzong, Chhukha | 6–8 November | Chhukha Dzong, Chhukha |
| Jakar TshechuJakar Dzong, Bumthang | 6–9 November | Jakar Dzong, Bumthang |
| Haa TshechuLhakhang Karpo, Haa | 6–8 November | Lhakhang Karpo, Haa |
| Dechenphu TshechuDechenphu Lhakhang, Thimphu | 8 November | Dechenphu Lhakhang, Thimphu |
| Black Necked Crane FestivalGangtey Gonpa, Phobjikha | 11 November | Gangtey Gonpa, Phobjikha |
| Jambay Lhakhang DrupJambay Lhakhang, Bumthang | 14–17 November | Jambay Lhakhang, Bumthang |
| Prakhar DuchhoedPrakhar Lhakhang, Bumthang | 15–17 November | Prakhar Lhakhang, Bumthang |
| December | ||
| Goenpai DrupchenTrongsa Dzong, Trongsa | 3–5 December | Trongsa Dzong, Trongsa |
| Mongar TshechuMongar Dzong, Mongar | 6–8 December | Mongar Dzong, Mongar |
| Phuntsholing TshechuPhuntsholing, Chhukha | 6–8 December | Phuntsholing, Chhukha |
| Trashigang TshechuTrashigang Dzong, Trashigang | 7–9 December | Trashigang Dzong, Trashigang |
| Jambay Lhakhang Singye ChamJambay Lhakhang, Bumthang | 13 December | Jambay Lhakhang, Bumthang |
| Nalakhar TshechuNgaa Lhakhang, Bumthang | 13–15 December | Ngaa Lhakhang, Bumthang |
| Druk Wangyel TshechuDochula, Thimphu | 13 December | Dochula, Thimphu |
| January 2028 | ||
| Trongsa TshechuTrongsa Dzong, Trongsa | 5–9 January 2028 | Trongsa Dzong, Trongsa |
| Lhuentse TshechuLhuentse Dzong, Lhuentse | 5–9 January 2028 | Lhuentse Dzong, Lhuentse |
| Samdrupjongkhar TshechuSamdrupjongkhar | 10–12 January 2028 | Samdrupjongkhar |
| Nabji Lhakhang DrupNabji Lhakhang, Trongsa | 12–14 January 2028 | Nabji Lhakhang, Trongsa |
Dates follow the Bhutanese lunar calendar and match the Department of Tourism's published 2027 festival calendar, checked on 17 October 2026. Starred festivals are the major ones above.
Build your trip around a tshechu
Our small-group festival trip bundles the dates, permits and hotels. Or tell us which festival pulls you and we'll send a free quote for a private trip.