Bhutan travel guide · Festival dates
Bhutan Festival Calendar 2027: Tentative Dates & Locations
Planning to experience a Bhutanese tshechu or a highland celebration? Explore the tentative 2027 Bhutan festival dates, locations and highlights, from Paro and Thimphu Tshechus to Jomolhari Mountain Festival and the Black-Necked Crane Festival.
Major Bhutan Festivals in 2027 at a Glance
For the cultural background and a comparison of the best-known celebrations, see our Festivals of Bhutan guide. For a detailed programme and visitor tips, explore Paro Tshechu 2027.
Complete Bhutan Festival Dates 2027
Browse the calendar by month. The dates below are indicative, not confirmed daily performance schedules.
January Festivals
| Dates | Festival / Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 5–9 January | Trongsa Tshechu | Trongsa Dzong, Trongsa |
| 5–9 January | Lhuentse Tshechu | Lhuentse Dzong, Lhuentse |
| 10–12 January | Samdrup Jongkhar Tshechu | Samdrup Jongkhar |
| 12–14 January | Nabji Lhakhang Drup | Nabji Lhakhang, Trongsa |
February Festivals
| Dates | Festival / Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 11–13 February | Lhamoi Dromchhen | Trongsa Dzong, Trongsa |
| 13–15 February | Punakha Drubchen (Dromchoe) | Punakha Dzong, Punakha |
| 16–18 February | Punakha Tshechu | Punakha Dzong, Punakha |
| 20 February | Tharpaling Thongdrol | Tharpaling Lhakhang, Bumthang |
| 20 February & 8 March | Chhorten Kora | Chhorten Kora, Trashiyangtse |
| 22–24 February | Tangsibi Mani | Tangsibi Lhakhang, Bumthang |
March Festivals
| Dates | Festival / Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 16–18 March | Gomphukora | Gom Kora Lhakhang, Trashiyangtse |
| 16–18 March | Talo Tshechu | Talo Gonpa, Punakha |
| 16–18 March | Gasa Tshechu | Gasa Dzong, Gasa |
| 16–18 March | Zhemgang Tshechu | Zhemgang Dzong, Zhemgang |
| 18–22 March | Paro Tshechu | Rinpung Dzong, Paro |
April Festivals
| Dates | Festival / Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 3–9 April | Rhododendron Week | Shetemey, Merak, Trashigang |
| 16–18 April | Domkhar Tshechu | Domkhar, Bumthang |
| 18–22 April | Ura Yakchoe | Ura Lhakhang, Bumthang |
| 22–23 April | Rhododendron Festival | Lamperi Botanical Park, Thimphu |
June Festivals
| Dates | Festival / Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 12–14 June | Nimalung Tshechu | Nimalung Dratshang, Bumthang |
| 14 June | Kurjey Tshechu | Kurjey Lhakhang, Bumthang |
September Festivals
| Dates | Festival / Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 5 September | Tour of the Dragon (mountain bike race) | Bumthang to Thimphu |
October Festivals
| Dates | Festival / Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 5 October | Thimphu Drubchen | Tashichho Dzong, Thimphu |
| 8–10 October | Wangdue Tshechu | Wangdue Phodrang |
| 10–12 October | Tamshing Phala Chhoepa | Tamshing Lhakhang, Bumthang |
| 10–12 October | Thimphu Tshechu | Tashichho Dzong, Thimphu |
| 13–15 October | Gangtey Tshechu | Gangtey Gonpa, Wangdue Phodrang |
| 14–15 October | Jomolhari Mountain Festival | Dangochong, Thimphu |
| 15–16 October | Thangbi Mewang | Thangbi Lhakhang, Bumthang |
November Festivals
| Dates | Festival / Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 6–9 November | Pemagatshel Tshechu | Pemagatshel Dzong, Pemagatshel |
| 6–8 November | Chhukha Tshechu | Chhukha Dzong, Chhukha |
| 6–9 November | Jakar Tshechu | Jakar Dzong, Bumthang |
| 6–8 November | Haa Tshechu | Lhakhang Karpo, Haa |
| 8 November | Dechenphu Tshechu | Dechenphu Lhakhang, Thimphu |
| 11 November | Black-Necked Crane Festival | Gangtey Gonpa, Phobjikha |
| 14–17 November | Jambay Lhakhang Drup | Jambay Lhakhang, Bumthang |
| 15–17 November | Prakhar Duchhoed | Prakhar Lhakhang, Bumthang |
December Festivals
| Dates | Festival / Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 3–5 December | Goenpai Drubchen | Trongsa Dzong, Trongsa |
| 6–8 December | Mongar Tshechu | Mongar Dzong, Mongar |
| 7–9 December | Trashigang Tshechu | Trashigang Dzong, Trashigang |
| 6–8 December | Phuntsholing Tshechu | Phuntsholing, Chhukha |
| 13 December | Jambay Lhakhang Singye Cham | Jambay Lhakhang, Bumthang |
| 13–15 December | Nalakhar Tshechu | Ngaa Lhakhang, Bumthang |
| 13 December | Druk Wangyel Tshechu | Dochula, Thimphu |
Which Bhutan Festival Should You Visit in 2027?
The right festival depends on when you can travel and what you most want to experience. Some celebrations fit easily into a first visit to Bhutan, while others reward travellers with extra time to explore remote valleys.
For a first visit
Paro Tshechu (18–22 March) and Thimphu Tshechu (10–12 October) fit naturally into western Bhutan itineraries combining Paro, Thimphu and Punakha. Read the Paro Tshechu guide.
For culture and history
Punakha Drubchen (13–15 February) is known for its historical reenactments, while Jambay Lhakhang Drup (14–17 November) introduces travellers to Bumthang's distinctive sacred traditions.
For mountains and wildlife
Jomolhari Mountain Festival (14–15 October) highlights highland livelihoods and conservation. The Black-Necked Crane Festival (11 November) celebrates community efforts to protect wintering cranes in Phobjikha.
When Is the Best Time to Attend a Festival in Bhutan?
Spring (February to April) offers major celebrations including Punakha Drubchen, Punakha Tshechu and Paro Tshechu. Days in lower valleys can be pleasant, but mornings and evenings remain cool, especially in March.
Autumn (September to November) brings Thimphu Tshechu, several Bumthang festivals, Jomolhari Mountain Festival and the Black-Necked Crane Festival. It is a popular season for combining cultural travel with hiking and landscape photography.
Winter (December to February) can be rewarding for visitors interested in regional festivals and quieter travel. Expect colder temperatures in higher valleys and check mountain-road conditions when planning longer journeys.
For an overview of the celebrations themselves, rather than dates alone, visit our Festivals of Bhutan guide.
Suggested Bhutan Festival Itineraries
| Trip idea | Suggested duration | What to combine |
|---|---|---|
| Paro Tshechu cultural journey | 6–8 days | Paro festival day, Tiger's Nest hike, Thimphu and Punakha |
| Thimphu Tshechu and western Bhutan | 6–8 days | Thimphu festival day, Paro and Punakha |
| Bumthang festival journey | 9–12 days | Central Bhutan, Bumthang temples and a festival such as Jambay Lhakhang Drup |
| Jomolhari highland experience | Duration depends on route | Festival visit with walking or trekking logistics tailored to the event venue |
| Phobjikha nature and culture | 7–9 days | Black-Necked Crane Festival, Phobjikha Valley, Punakha and western Bhutan |
These are illustrative trip lengths, not fixed tour packages. Travel times and festival access should be checked when planning.
What to Expect at a Bhutanese Tshechu
A tshechu is a religious festival associated with Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava). Many feature sacred masked dances, known as cham, performed by monks or trained lay dancers. Bhutanese families attend in traditional dress, and the festival is both a spiritual occasion and an important community gathering.
Some festivals include a thongdrel, a large sacred appliqué image displayed for a limited period, often early in the morning. Not every festival has the same ceremonies or daily programme, so visitors should not assume that a particular dance or unveiling takes place on a specific day unless the schedule has been confirmed.
Practical Tips for Visiting Bhutan During a Festival
- Build flexibility into your dates. The dates in this calendar are tentative. Avoid arranging an entire trip around one ceremony without reconfirming it.
- Reserve accommodation early. Hotels in Paro, Thimphu and other festival destinations can be in demand during major events.
- Arrive ahead of the festival. A buffer day helps accommodate flight changes, road travel and early-morning ceremonies.
- Dress respectfully. Wear modest clothing suitable for religious sites. Layers, comfortable walking shoes and sun protection are useful.
- Ask before photographing rituals. Rules can differ between outdoor festival grounds, temples and particular ceremonies. Avoid blocking spectators or performers.
- Plan your Bhutan travel formalities. Check visa requirements and the applicable Sustainable Development Fee before booking. Read our Bhutan SDF guide.
How to Plan a Bhutan Festival Trip
Choose your festival first. Paro and Thimphu Tshechus are well suited to travellers on a classic western Bhutan itinerary. Bumthang festivals offer opportunities to explore central Bhutan, while Jomolhari Mountain Festival involves highland travel and additional logistical planning.
Allow time for travel. Bhutan’s mountain roads mean that journeys between valleys can take longer than expected. Try to arrive at least a day before your chosen festival and allow time to enjoy the surrounding region.
Respect the occasion. Many tshechus are sacred religious gatherings rather than performances staged for tourists. Dress modestly, follow guidance on photography and avoid disrupting ceremonies.
Confirm arrangements. Festival dates and the detailed sequence of mask dances can change. Accommodation in popular festival destinations can also fill quickly. See our guides to Bhutan SDF and fees and planning your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bhutan Festival Dates
Are Bhutan festival dates for 2027 confirmed?
No. The dates on this page are tentative and should be reconfirmed with the organisers or your tour operator before finalising travel.
When is Paro Tshechu in 2027?
Paro Tshechu is tentatively scheduled for 18–22 March 2027. The thongdrel is traditionally displayed on the final day.
When is Thimphu Tshechu in 2027?
Thimphu Tshechu is tentatively scheduled for 10–12 October 2027.
When is the Jomolhari Mountain Festival in 2027?
The published tentative calendar lists 14–15 October 2027 at Dangochong, Thimphu.
When is the Black-Necked Crane Festival in 2027?
The published tentative calendar lists 11 November 2027 at Gangtey Gonpa in the Phobjikha area.
Do visitors need tickets for Bhutan festivals?
Entry arrangements vary by festival and venue. Your local guide can advise on any restrictions, permitted areas and appropriate etiquette.
Can I photograph Bhutanese mask dances?
Photography is generally possible at many public outdoor celebrations, but restrictions may apply during particular rituals or inside religious buildings. Always follow local instructions.
Which Bhutan festival is best for first-time visitors?
Paro Tshechu and Thimphu Tshechu are practical choices for a first visit because they can be combined with popular western Bhutan destinations. The best choice depends on your travel dates and interests.
How many days should I allow for a Bhutan festival tour?
For a western Bhutan itinerary, six to eight days can allow time for a festival and other highlights. Trips to Bumthang or remote highland venues usually require more time. These are planning examples rather than minimum requirements.
Are festivals held on the same dates every year?
Not necessarily. Many religious festival dates follow the Bhutanese lunar calendar, so the corresponding Gregorian dates change from year to year. Always check the relevant year's calendar.
Is the Royal Highland Festival listed in this 2027 calendar?
The Royal Highland Festival in Laya is an important highland celebration, but it is not assigned a date in the tentative event list reproduced here. Ask us to check its 2027 schedule before planning travel around it.
Plan Your Bhutan Festival Journey
Tell Bhutan Lhayul Tours & Travels which festival interests you and your preferred travel dates. We can help design a personalised itinerary and reconfirm the festival schedule before you book.
Enquire About a Festival TourCalendar note: Festival names and place-name spellings may vary across publications. All dates shown are tentative and subject to change.