Festivals

If you’ve seen photos of colourfully-clad dancers wearing masks or large black hats under the bright blue skies of Bhutan, then you know that the nation hosts a number of religious festivals throughout the year. These ‘tsechus’ are an important part of Bhutanese culture and if you can time your visit to witness one of these, we highly recommend doing so. Not only are these experiences a photographer’s dream, they offer an unparalleled glimpse into the life and religion of this mountain kingdom.

While we don’t pretend to be experts on tsechus (best to find those in Bhutan!), we’ve compiled a few bits of information on what the festivals entail and signify, etiquette for attending, and where to find the dates for each festival as they change each year. When you attend a festival as part of a Fleewinter holiday, your local guide will help you understand the meaning behind the dances and costumes and help you find a prime spot to watch or take photos.

Whether you attend one of the big, multi-day festivals in Paro or Thimphu, or a local village festival in the countryside that only lasts a few hours, you’re sure to make memories that will last a lifetime.

Background

Many festivals tell stories of the Guru Rinpoche, a name you’ll come to know well as you explore Bhutan. Considered by some to be the second Buddha and also known as Padmasambhava, Guru Rinpoche arrived in Bhutan in the 8th century and is the founder of Nyingma Buddhism. This tantric sect of Buddhism is one of the Tibetan schools that includes rituals as a means to promote freedom from suffering and the cycle of death. There are countless tales of Guru Rinpoche’s good deeds, the many evil spirits he subdued, and the wisdom he taught and shared.

Tsechus tell some of these stories and the dances are often performed by monks. Keep an eye out for atsaras or clowns who have the unique freedom to mock and ridicule during these otherwise solemn performances. Between dances performed by monks, women often take the “stage” to sing traditional songs and perform dance steps to calm and keep at bay a number of evil spirits. Some festivals include other dances such as the Black Hat Dance or a more contemporary one that commemorates a king or recent event. Your guide will be your best source of information as to what you see.

Etiquette

The most important thing to know is that these are important religious events that merit respect and courtesy. Follow your guide’s advice, be quiet and unobtrusive with cameras, and remember that these are sacred rituals, not entertainment or spectacles.

If you’re curious about wearing a kira or goh – the traditional dress of Bhutanese women and men, respectively – the best time to do so is when attending a festival. It’s not required yet as you’ll see, the Bhutanese dress in their best for these occasions and it can be nice to show your respect in this way. If you let us know in advance, we can help with the loan of clothes or your guide can help you with shopping if you’d like your own. If you’re more comfortable in your own garb, be sure to have long trousers or a full length dress or skirt and your shoulders and arms completely covered.

As a foreigner, you may be invited to sit in one of the tents where water, tea, or small traditional snacks are given as blessings. If you accept this invitation, be courteous and respectful. Photographers may prefer to walk behind the seated outdoor crowd for unobstructed views.

Locations & Dates

Likely dates for a year’s festivals are announced in the first half of the preceding year. However, with a few exceptions, the dates are subject to change, right up until the day before a festival is set to occur. The Black Necked Crane festival happens every year on the 11th of November and the large festivals in Paro and Thimphu usually stick to their announced dates. If attending a particular festival is important to you, then planning well in advance is crucial. This is especially so for the the Black Necked Crane festival as there are limited places to stay in the Phobjika Valley/ Gangtey area. As some festivals last for three or more days, we may be able to plan your holiday so that you’re likely to be present for at least one day, even if there’s a last-minute shift in the schedule. This of course depends on where in the country you’re going and which festival(s) you wish to attend. The Bhutan Tourism website is the best place to check the dates.

Nearly every major town and even small villages hold festivals and with the likely exceptions of January, July, and August, they are held year-round. Some villages in the east may hold festivals in January so if you’re keen for an off-the-beaten path adventure to see one of these, we’d love to help you experience this. While the details change annually, there’s a good chance of festivals in March in Paro and Punakha, in April and June in Bumthang, in September in Thimphu, Gangtey, and Bumthang, in October in Bumthang and Thimphu, in November in the Phobjika Valley (Gangtey area) when the black necked cranes come through and Bumthang, and in December in Trongsa and Thimphu.

If you’d like to read about our experts’ experience attending festivals in Bhutan, please click here. And if you’d like our help with planning a holiday in Bhutan, give us a ring on (UK) 020 7112 0019 or drop us an email.

Paro

Home to the country's only international airport and the well-known cliffside Paro Taktsang or Tiger's Nest monastery, your holiday will almost certainly start and end here.

Thimphu

This capital city is the largest in the nation and although it's becoming more modern, it maintains its historic character and charm. Home to many museums and other sights that provide insight into Bhutanese culture, Thimphu is worth at least two nights on your holiday.

Punakha

Generally considered the most beautiful fortress in a country full of stunning buildings, Punakha Dzong alone makes it worth visiting this small city in a subtropical valley. The drive over mountain passes is memorable and on a clear day, the views are spectacular.

Gangtey

If you're hoping to see black-necked cranes, the Gangtey region will be on your itinerary. Late October is typically the best month to see these rare birds coming through although you may see them all the way into February.

Bumthang

Many call this the cultural heart of the country, and if time allows for a visit to Bumthang, you'll be well rewarded. Bring good walking shoes as some of the best sights are seen on foot.