Below are the Bhutan festivals dates for 2027, along with tips to help you plan your festival tour. Bhutan’s festivals are among the most colourful cultural events in the Himalayas. The most famous are the tshechus, held every year in temples and dzongs across the country to honour Guru Rinpoche. Monks and villagers perform sacred masked dances, families gather in their finest traditional dress, and many festivals end with the unveiling of a giant thangka (religious painting) at dawn. Planning your trip around a festival is one of the best ways to experience Bhutan’s living culture.
Bhutan Festival Dates for 2027
The table below lists the main festivals for 2027, based on the tentative schedule published by the Association of Bhutanese Tour Operators (ABTO).
| Festival | Location | 2027 Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Punakha Drubchen | Punakha | 13–15 February |
| Punakha Tshechu | Punakha | 16–18 February |
| Tharpaling Thongdrol | Bumthang | 20 February |
| Talo Tshechu | Punakha | 16–18 March |
| Paro Tshechu | Paro | 18–22 March |
| Domkhar Tshechu | Bumthang | 16–18 April |
| Ura Yakchoe | Bumthang | 18–22 April |
| Rhododendron Festival | Thimphu | 22–23 April |
| Nimalung Tshechu | Bumthang | 12–14 June |
| Kurjey Tshechu | Bumthang | 14 June |
| Thimphu Drubchen | Thimphu | 5 October |
| Wangdue Tshechu | Wangdue Phodrang | 8–10 October |
| Thimphu Tshechu | Thimphu | 10–12 October |
| Gangtey Tshechu | Phobjikha Valley | 13–15 October |
| Jhomolhari Mountain Festival | Thimphu District | 14–15 October |
| Thangbi Mewang | Bumthang | 15–16 October |
| Jakar Tshechu | Bumthang | 6–9 November |
| Haa Tshechu | Haa Valley | 6–8 November |
| Black-Necked Crane Festival | Phobjikha Valley | 11 November |
| Jambay Lhakhang Drup | Bumthang | 14–17 November |
| Prakhar Duchhoed | Bumthang | 15–17 November |
| Mongar Tshechu | Mongar | 6–8 December |
| Trashigang Tshechu | Trashigang | 7–9 December |
| Druk Wangyel Tshechu | Dochula Pass, Thimphu | 13 December |
Please note: Festival dates follow the Bhutanese lunar calendar and are confirmed closer to the event, so they may change slightly. We will confirm the exact dates when you book.
The Most Popular Festivals
Paro Tshechu (Spring)
Held in March, Paro Tshechu is one of Bhutan’s largest and most popular festivals. On the final morning, a giant thangka known as a thongdrel is unveiled before sunrise, and many Bhutanese believe that seeing it brings blessings.
Thimphu Tshechu (Autumn)
Thimphu Tshechu takes place in the courtyard of Tashichho Dzong in the capital. It draws large crowds from across the country, and the clear autumn weather makes it an excellent time to combine the festival with sightseeing or a trek.
Punakha Drubchen and Tshechu (Late Winter)
Held at the magnificent Punakha Dzong, the Punakha Drubchen features a dramatic re-enactment of a historic battle, followed by the Punakha Tshechu. The mild weather in the Punakha Valley makes February a pleasant time to visit.
Black-Necked Crane Festival (Autumn)
This festival in the Phobjikha Valley celebrates the arrival of the endangered black-necked cranes, which spend the winter in the valley. Local schoolchildren perform songs and dances, making it a charming festival for nature lovers.
Tips for Attending a Festival in Bhutan
- Book early: Hotels and flights fill up quickly during major festivals, so we recommend booking at least three to six months in advance.
- Dress respectfully: Wear long sleeves and long trousers or skirts, and avoid hats inside the temple grounds.
- Be mindful when taking photos: Photography is usually allowed in the courtyard, but please do not use flash, block the dancers or step into the dance area.
- Arrive early: The best viewing spots fill up quickly, especially for the dawn thongdrel unveiling.
Plan Your Bhutan Festival Tour
We create tailor-made festival tours that combine the celebrations with sightseeing, hiking and cultural experiences. Our licensed guides explain the meaning of each dance, so you can fully appreciate the festival. Contact us for a free itinerary, or browse our Bhutan tour packages.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bhutan Festivals
What is a tshechu?
A tshechu is a religious festival held in honour of Guru Rinpoche, who brought Buddhism to Bhutan. It features sacred masked dances performed by monks and laypeople, and attending is believed to bring blessings.
Are the festival dates fixed?
No. Festival dates follow the Bhutanese lunar calendar, so they change from year to year and may be adjusted slightly. We always confirm the dates before finalising your itinerary.
Can tourists attend festivals in Bhutan?
Yes. Visitors are welcome at most festivals, as long as they dress modestly and behave respectfully. Your guide will explain the customs and help you find a good place to watch.
Which festival is best for first-time visitors?
Paro Tshechu in spring and Thimphu Tshechu in autumn are the most popular choices. Both are easy to combine with visits to Tiger’s Nest Monastery and other highlights of western Bhutan.