6 Popular Festivals in Bhutan

Thimphu Festival in September

One of the biggest festivals in the country is the Thimphu Tshechu. This festival is held in the capital city for three days beginning on 10th day of the 8th month of lunar calendar. This Tshechu is witnessed by thousands of people many of which travel from neighboring Dzongkhags (districts) to attend the festivities. The actual Tshechu is preceded by days and nights of prayer and rituals to invoke the gods.

Dochula Pass: Druk Wangyel Festival in December

The Dochula Druk Wangyel Festival was established in 2011 in commemoration of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo and the Armed Forces’ victory over Indian insurgent forces residing in southern Bhutan in 2003.

Punakha Tshechu and Drubchen

Punakha is located in the western part of Bhutan is the winter home of the Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot of Bhutan. Punakha has been of critical importance since the time of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 17th century. Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal is known as the unifier of Bhutan as a nation state and he was the one who gave Bhutan and its people the distinct cultural identity that identified Bhutan from the rest of the world.

The Annual Black-Necked Crane Festival -11th November

The Annual Black-necked Crane festival is celebrated in the courtyard of Gangtey Gonpa, in Phobjikha valley. The festival is an occasion for the locals to rejoice and celebrate the arrival of this endangered and majestic bird which becomes an inseparable part their daily lives during the winter months.

The annual black-necked crane festival is organized to generate awareness and understanding on the importance of conserving the endangered Black‐necked cranes; to strengthen the linkages between conservation, economic welfare and sustainable livelihoods of the community;  provide an avenue for the local community to renew their commitment to conservation of the black-necked cranes, and to showcase their cultural heritage and skills.

Bhutan International Marathon

Event Information:

Full Marathon: Saturday, March 2, 2019, 8:00 AM

  • Finish line and parking at Punakha Dzong
  • Start line in the Gasa Dzongkhag
  • National Registration Fee: Nu. 1,200/-
  • International Registration Fee: US$ 175/-
  • Runners must report at the Kuruthang Taxi Parking (In front of the Punakha Multi Sports Complex): 5:30 am
  • Race starts at 8:00 AM

Half Marathon: Saturday, March 2, 2019, 8:00 AM

  • Finish line and parking at Punakha Dzong
  • The Half Marathon course is the second half of the marathon course.
  • National Registration Fee: Nu. 1,000/-
  • International Registration Fee: US$ 125/-
  • Runners must report at the Khuruthang Taxi Parking (In front of the Punakha Multi Sports Complex): 6:00 am
  • Race starts at 8:00 AM

Source from: BIM

Paro Festival

The Paro Tshechu is one of the biggest festivals in the country. On the first day, all mask dances are held inside the courtyard of the Dzong. In the subsequent days, the courtyard outside the dzong hosts the festival. It is one of the most historic valleys in Bhutan. Both trade goods and invading Tibetan came over the pass at the head of the valley, giving Paro the closest cultural connection with Tibet of any Bhutanese district. The dominant language in Paro is Dzongkha, the national language.