Festivals in Bhutan are called Tshechus. The term ‘Tshechu’ literally translates to the 10th day of the Bhutanese calendar, which is considered auspicious. During Tshechus, monks and laymen alike perform religious masked dances. Besides the religious songs and dances, there are atsaras (clowns) who usually wear masks with big red noses. To most, atsaras are the soul of the Tshechus. They are the ones who maintain order by injecting humor into the festival. So these festivals are therefore cultural and religious festivals.

Tshechus all across the country are colorful events where people dressed in their best attires, donning exquisite jewelry, socialize, and make merry. More importantly, people go to Tshechus to receive blessings and gain merits. Traditionally, festivals in Bhutan were a place for locals from different village come together and socialize. For visitors, Tshechus offer the opportunity to witness and take pictures of the mystical mask dances and people dressed in their finest attires and jewelries.

For detailed list of all festivals in Bhutan in 2024 and 2025, follow these document:

The PDF copy of festival dates in 2024: Bhutan Festival Dates For 2024
The PDF copy of festival dates in 2025: Bhutan Festival Dates For 2025

Bhutan Festival by Popularity

Paro Tshechu and Thimphu Tshechu are by far the most popular festivals in Bhutan. There are two main reasons why they are so popular. Firstly, they are located in the Western part of Bhutan, an hour drive away from Paro Airport. So it is possible for you to do a four days visit just to attend the festival. If the festival is taking place in Eastern Bhutan, you would have to visit Bhutan for a minimum of 10 days. Secondly, Paro and Thimphu Festivals take place in spring and autumn respectively, 2 of the best seasons to visit Bhutan.

Bhutan Festivals We Highly Recommend

They are typically much smaller in scale, might be a bit off the beaten track and lower in visitors attendance but definitely worth your time and provides the local intimacy that Paro Tshechu and Thimphu Tshechu does not offer.

Royal Highland Festival (Laya, Gasa) – The Royal Highlander Festival is hosted at an elevation of 4000 meters above sea-level. An initiative by His Majesty the King, the festival was first introduced on 16th Of October in 2016 to mark the celebration of the birth of HRH the Gyalsey, it allows visitors to get first hand experience of life & culture of the highlanders from the surrounding villages.

Punakha Drubchen and Punakha Tshechu (Punakha Dzong, Punakha) – A much less attended festival, that usually happens in February is one of our favorites. Punakha Festival retells the story of how the Bhutanese outsmart and repel the Tibetans invaders during Zhadrung’s time. Participants dress up as ancient soldiers and horsemen and reenact the various battles at the majestic Punakha Dzong towards the end of winter which is really a very pleasant weather in the valley of Punakha. The festival will also have various mask and other cultural dances.

Gasa Tshechu (Gasa Dzong, Gasa) – Perhaps it is the remoteness of Gasa which contributes to the lack of visitors to the Festival. There are scores of similar events held throughout Bhutan, but the Gasa Tshechu is one of the largest, and not to be overlooked if one wants to really experiences the local Bhutanese culture. Visiting this Festival will give you the opportunity to visit Laya, the highest settlement in Bhutan.

Talo Tshechu (Talo, Punakha) – The Talo Tshechu is a small and intimate festival attended by the villagers of Talo and surrounding villages in the Punakha valley. It is highly accessible, only a 2 hours drive from Thimphu. And we love it for its intimacy and local feel.