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Bhutan Festival Calendar 2027: Which Tshechu Should You See?

Festivals · · By Bhutan Voyages Team
Bhutan Festival Calendar 2027: Which Tshechu Should You See?

A tshechu, meaning “tenth day” in Dzongkha, is held on the 10th day of a lunar month and honours the birth anniversary of Guru Rinpoche, the saint who introduced Tantric Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century. Festivals feature colourful masked dances (cham), spiritual rituals and, at some dzongs, the unveiling of a giant thongdrel.

For Bhutanese farmers a tshechu is also an annual social gathering, a time to dress in their finest clothes and jewellery, receive blessings and pray for health and happiness. It is believed that merit is gained simply by attending.

2027 festival dates

DatesFestival tourDuration
16–18 Feb 2027Punakha Festival Tour7 Days
18–22 Mar 2027Paro Festival Tour7 Days
16–18 Apr 2027Domkar Festival Tour (Bumthang)10 Days
12–14 Jun 2027Nimalung Festival Tour (Bumthang)10 Days
10–12 Oct 2027Thimphu Festival Tour7 Days
6–8 Nov 2027Haa Summer Festival Tour7 Days
6–9 Nov 2027Jakar Festival Tour (Bumthang)10 Days
11 Nov 2027Black Neck Crane Festival Tour8 Days
27–31 Dec 2027Trongsa Festival Tour9 Days
Festival dates follow the lunar calendar and are confirmed by the local authorities each year.

Which one is right for you?

Paro and Thimphu are the largest and best known, ideal for a first visit. Punakha takes place in the courtyard of one of Bhutan’s most beautiful dzongs. In Bumthang, the Jakar, Domkar and Nimalung festivals are more intimate and pair well with a longer journey into central Bhutan. The Black Neck Crane Festival in Gangtey celebrates the arrival of the rare cranes each winter.