In this guide
Kurjey Tshechu was listed for 24 June 2026 at Kurjey Lhakhang in Bumthang. This edition has passed, but the guide below can help you decide whether to include the festival on a future central Bhutan trip. Confirm the next dates before booking.
Bumthang takes more travel time than the western circuit. Build the visit around its temples and valley walks as well as the festival, so you have time to stay after the road journey.
What is Kurjey Tshechu?
Kurjey Tshechu is held to honour Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), the 8th-century Buddhist master who brought tantric Buddhism from Tibet to Bhutan.
The Sacred Imprint
The festival's name comes from the cave at Kurjey Lhakhang. "Kur" means body and "jey" means imprint. Bhutanese tradition holds that Guru Rinpoche meditated in this cave and left an imprint of his body in the rock. The imprint is kept inside the original temple and is counted among Bhutan's most sacred relics.
A Trio of Temples
Kurjey Lhakhang is a complex of three temples, built across four centuries:
- Guru Lhakhang (1652), the original temple, which holds the body-imprint cave
- Sampa Lhundrupling Lhakhang (1900), built by Penlop Ugyen Wangchuck, who would soon become Bhutan's first king
- The newest temple, commissioned by the Royal Grandmother in more recent decades
A Quieter Tshechu
Kurjey draws pilgrims because the temple complex matters so much in the Guru Rinpoche tradition. Ask about the programme and expected visitor access for the edition you plan to attend.
2026 Dates
Kurjey Tshechu 2026: 24 June
Festival dates follow the Bhutanese lunar calendar, usually the 10th day of the 5th month. The schedule and exact timings change from year to year, so your guide will confirm the cham programme when you arrive.
What to Expect at the Festival
Cham (Sacred Masked Dances)
The main part of any tshechu is the cham, masked dances performed by monks in brocade costumes. Each dance has a religious meaning, such as subduing demons, blessing the audience or telling the lives of saints. You can enjoy watching without knowing the symbolism.
Sacred Music
Long ceremonial trumpets (dungchen), drums, cymbals, and chanted prayers accompany the ceremonies.
The Atmosphere
Bumthang locals wear their best traditional clothes, gho for men and kira for women. Families spread blankets in the courtyard, share home-cooked food and catch up with relatives they may only see at festival time. As a visitor you're welcome to sit nearby and watch, as long as you're respectful.
Photography
You can usually photograph the dances outdoors, but without flash. Ask before you photograph anyone. Bumthang people are usually happy to say yes, they just appreciate being asked. Photography inside the temples is not allowed.
Small-group trip · 12 days
Cranes and Fire Festival Group Trip
Want festivals in Bumthang? Our central Bhutan trip goes in autumn for the Black Necked Crane Festival and Jambay Lhakhang Drup.
See all festival datesGetting to Bumthang
Kurjey Lhakhang is in Bumthang Valley in central Bhutan, about 270 km from Paro by road. You can fly or drive.
By Domestic Flight (recommended)
Bhutan's domestic airline flies from Paro to Bathpalathang Airport in Bumthang in around 30 minutes. Book early, because there aren't many flights and seats go quickly in festival season.
By Road
The drive from Paro takes 8-10 hours, through Thimphu, Punakha and Trongsa before you reach Bumthang. Most itineraries split it over two days, with a night in Punakha or Trongsa. The road is winding, and you get good views over the Black Mountains and through Yotongla Pass at over 3,400 m.
Building Kurjey Tshechu Into Your Bhutan Trip
It makes sense to combine the festival with time in central and western Bhutan, especially if you're going to Bumthang by road. A typical 8-10 day itinerary looks like this:
- Days 1-2: Paro, arrive, acclimatise, visit Paro Dzong, hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery
- Day 3: Drive to Punakha, visit Punakha Dzong, one of the loveliest dzongs in Bhutan
- Days 4-5: Drive to Bumthang via Trongsa, with an overnight stop
- Day 6: Kurjey Tshechu (24 June), full day at the festival
- Days 7-8: Bumthang exploration, Jambay Lhakhang, Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake), local farmhouses
- Day 9: Return to Paro by domestic flight or scenic drive
- Day 10: Departure
Our Tshechu Festival Group Trip works along these lines: set departures timed to particular festivals, with transport and accommodation arranged.
What to Bring
- Layers: Bumthang in late June is usually 12-22 °C, warm in the afternoon and cool in the morning
- A light rain jacket: late June is the start of the monsoon, so short afternoon showers can happen
- Comfortable shoes, as you'll be on your feet at the festival and on uneven temple grounds
- Sun protection, because the sun at altitude is strong even when it feels mild
- Modest clothes that cover shoulders and knees (and take hats off inside temples)
Festival Etiquette
- Move clockwise around religious structures and prayer wheels
- Don't point your feet toward altars or seated monks
- Ask permission before photographing locals
- Silence your phone during ceremonies
- Don't walk directly in front of seated viewers during dances
Bhutan Tourism Rules: A Reminder
Foreign visitors need a licensed Bhutanese guide for cultural sites and trekking, plus permits, SDF, and a visa. We arrange:
- Tourist visa
- Sustainable Development Fee ($100 per adult per night)
- Permits for monastery and dzong access
- Licensed English-speaking guide
- Accommodation, meals, and transport
You can book services yourself, but on a Bumthang trip the transport, rooms and guiding have to fit together. We can sort those out and check whether domestic flights are available for your dates.
Why Choose Kurjey Tshechu Over a Bigger Festival?
Paro and Thimphu Tshechus are lovely, but they get crowded. Kurjey is a pilgrimage, and you can learn why it matters so much to the people who come. Kurjey Lhakhang is one of the most important spiritual sites in Bhutan, and you can leave time for walks around the valley. Bumthang also has temples, hikes and farmhouse stays that the usual western circuit misses.
If you've already been to Bhutan and seen Paro Tshechu, Kurjey is a good reason to come back. On a first trip, it works well as the centre of an itinerary that goes further than the usual Paro-Thimphu-Punakha loop.
Ready to Plan?
For a future Kurjey visit, confirm the festival date and accommodation first. Allow enough days for central Bhutan before choosing your flights.
Our small-group Tshechu Festival Group Trip runs on set dates around festivals like this one. If you'd rather have your own itinerary built around Kurjey Tshechu, your interests and your dates, request a custom journey and we'll plan it with you.
Festival dates follow the Bhutanese lunar calendar. Dates and exact schedule are confirmed with our local team closer to the event. View full 2026 festival calendar
Ready to see it for yourself?
Cranes and Fire Festival Group Trip
Small-group trip · 12 days
Want festivals in Bumthang? Our central Bhutan trip goes in autumn for the Black Necked Crane Festival and Jambay Lhakhang Drup.
See all festival dates
