Witness sacred mask dances, colourful traditions and blessings that have been passed down since the 8th century.
Tshechus are annual religious festivals held at temples, monasteries and dzongs. Each falls on the tenth day of a lunar month associated with the birth of Guru Padmasambhava, so dates move each year.
It is traditionally believed that everyone should attend a tshechu and watch the mask dances at least once to receive blessings and wash away their sins. Many dances recount stories from the 8th century — performed by monks in monasteries, and by monks and village men together in remote villages.
Dates are tentative and follow the Bhutanese lunar calendar. Please confirm with us before booking flights.
11 Nov 2026
Gangtey Goenpa courtyard, Phobjikha, Wangdue Phodrang
Held every 11 November to welcome the endangered black-necked cranes back to the Phobjikha valley, with crane dances by local schoolchildren, folk songs and masked dances.
13 Dec 2026
Druk Wangyel Lhakhang, Dochula pass, Dochula, Thimphu
A unique festival performed by the Royal Bhutan Army rather than monks, staged at 3,100 m against a backdrop of Himalayan peaks and the 108 chortens.
13 Feb – 15 Feb 2027
Punakha Dzong, Punakha
Re-enacts the 17th-century victory over Tibetan forces, with the famous pazap warriors marching through the Punakha Dzong.
16 Feb – 18 Feb 2027
Punakha Dzong, Punakha
Following the Dromchoe, the Punakha Tshechu brings masked dances and blessings to Bhutan’s most beautiful dzong.
16 Mar – 18 Mar 2027
Gom Kora Lhakhang, Trashi Yangtse
An eastern pilgrimage festival where devotees circumambulate the sacred Gom Kora temple through the night.
18 Mar – 22 Mar 2027
Rinpung Dzong, Paro
One of Bhutan’s most popular festivals, culminating at dawn on the final day with the unfurling of the giant Guru Rinpoche thongdroel.
18 Apr – 22 Apr 2027
Ura Lhakhang, Ura, Bumthang
A highland village festival in Bumthang’s Ura valley where a sacred relic is displayed and blessings are given to all.
14 Jun 2027
Kurjey Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang
A summer festival at the temple holding Guru Rinpoche’s body imprint, featuring the display of a large thongdroel.
8 Oct – 10 Oct 2027
Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, Wangdue Phodrang
An autumn tshechu famous for the Raksha Mangcham (Dance of the Ox) and the unveiling of the Guru Tshengye thongdroel.
10 Oct – 12 Oct 2027
Tashichho Dzong, Thimphu
The grandest of Bhutan’s festivals, established in 1670 and attracting the largest crowds, dressed in their finest ghos and kiras.
15 Oct – 16 Oct 2027
Thangbi Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang
Famous for the Mewang fire blessing, where villagers leap through flames to purify themselves for the year ahead.
6 Nov – 9 Nov 2027
Jakar Dzong, Choekhor, Bumthang
A colourful autumn tshechu at the “Fortress of the White Bird” above Bumthang’s Chamkhar town.
11 Nov 2027
Gangtey Goenpa courtyard, Phobjikha, Wangdue Phodrang
The annual celebration of the cranes’ return to Phobjikha, held every 11 November.
14 Nov – 17 Nov 2027
Jambay Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang
Held at one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, renowned for its midnight Mewang fire ritual and the sacred Tercham dance.
7 Dec – 9 Dec 2027
Trashigang Dzong, Trashigang
The great festival of the east, drawing Brokpa nomads from Merak and Sakteng in their distinctive yak-hair dress.
The Thimphu Festival (Tsechu) is one of the grandest of Bhutan’s festivals and attracts the largest audience. Featuring dances performed by trained monks and laymen in am...
Every November the glacial valley of Phobjikha celebrates the return of the endangered black-necked cranes from the Tibetan plateau. The Black Necked Crane Festival is he...
Paro Tsechu is one of the most popular festivals in Bhutan. Featuring dances performed by trained monks and laymen in amazing masks and costumes, Tsechus (festivals) are...
Thangbi Mani festival is one of the most popular festivals held in Chhoekhor Gewog in Bumthang. The highlight of the festival is the fire blessing (Mewang) ceremony, perf...
Long sleeves and trousers or long skirts; locals wear their finest gho and kira.
Never walk across the courtyard while dances are performed.
Ask before photographing people, and keep flash off during sacred dances.
The best spots fill quickly — and dawn thongdroels are unforgettable.
