BHUTAN FESTIVAL TOURS
Protected by the mighty Himalaya, the isolated kingdom of Bhutan is an unforgettable place to visit. The landscape is stunning, with steep forested hills and misty mountains rising from fast flowing rivers. However it's the fascinating culture that makes this country unique, boasting several colourful annual festivals.
At these festivals hundreds gather to see the monks, dressed in brightly coloured robes, perform ritual dances. For several days there are masked dances and prayer meetings, and a general carnival atmosphere prevails. Bhutanese people celebrate different festivals like the Bhutanese New Year and other seasonal festivals like the summer solstice etc. But the most common festival is known as Tshechu. It is in fact a religious festival, and is celebrated all over Bhutan, usually after the end of the harvest season. The Thimphu Tshechu in the capital of Bhutan is held in September.
The main highlight of the Tshechu is the performance of the masked dances by the monks. There are many kinds of maksed dances all involving different moves, masks and costumes. All of them special religious significances.
According to legend, all these dances appeared in the past Buddhist master's vision during their meditation. The steps and moves are strictly followed as it was performed in the past. Alteration of the steps is seen as sacrilegious and would not be attempted by any masked dance teacher.
| Sl. No | FESTIVAL | PLACE | DATES |
| 1 | Punakha Drubchen | Punakha | Feb 18th – feb 22nd |
| 2 | Punakha Tshechu | Punakha | Feb 23rd – feb 25th |
| 3 | Chorten Kora | Trashiyangtse | Feb 28th – mar 15th |
| 4 | Gomkora | Trashigang | MAR 23rd – MAR 25TH |
| 5 | Paro Tshechu | Paro | Mar 26th – mar 30th |
| 6 | Chukha Tshechu | Chukha | Mar 28th – mar 30th |
| 7 | Ura Tshechu | Bumthang | April 24th – april 28th |
| 8 | Nimalung Tshechu | Bumthang | June 19th –june 21st |
| 9 | Kurjey Tshechu | Bumthang | June 21st |
| 10 | Thimphu Drubchen | Thimphu | Sept 12th – sept 16th |
| 11 | Wangdi Tshechu | Wangdue Phodrang | Sept 15th – sept 17th |
| 12 | Tamshingphala Choepa | Bumthang | Sept 16th – sept 18th |
| 13 | Thimphu Tshechu | Thimphu | Sept 17th – sept 19th |
| 14 | Tangbi Mani | Bumthang | Sept 22nd – sept 24th |
| 15 | Jambay Lhakhang Drup | Bumthang | Oct 22nd – oct 26th |
| 16 | Prakhar Tshechu | Bumthang | Oct 23rd – oct 25th |
| 17 | Mongar Tshechu | Mongar | Nov 13th – nov 16th |
| 18 | Pemagatshel Tshechu | Pemagatshel | Nov 13th – nov 16th |
| 19 | Trashigang Tshechu | Trashigang | Nov 14th – nov 17th |
| 20 | Nalakhang Tshechu | Bumthang | Nov 21st – nov 23rd |
| 21 | Trongsa Tshechu | Trongsa | Dec 15th – dec 17th |
| 22 | Lhuntse Tshechu | Lhuntse | Dec 15th – dec 17th |
Please contact us for the detailed itinerary for the above festivals that suits your interest.
