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Bhutan Festivals Tours

Bhutan Festivals Tours

Festivals in the Kingdom of Bhutan are rich and happy expressions of its ancient Buddhist culture. These religious festivals are locally known as Tsechu which means tenth day of a month in Bhutanese lunar calendar corresponding to the birthday of Guru Rinphoche. Tsechus are held throughout Bhutan in honour of Guru Rinpoche, the saint who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th Century. Festivals are held from 10th day of auspicious Bhutanese months at the dzongs (fortresses) or at monasteries and usually last for 3 to 5 days. During Tsechus religious mask dances and folk dances are performed with occasional entertainment by Astara (clowns).

Festivals are also a time for a big family and social gathering occasions for Bhutanese people. People from all walks of life come to witness the festivals in their finest cloths and most resplendent jewelry of corals and turquoise. They pack their picnic lunches in their traditional colorful containers made out of bamboo and stay all day at the festivals.

Tsechus are a rich form of the oral history and traditions where Bhutanese pass on values, mythology and spiritual beliefs through the dance dramas. Many of the Tsechus conclude with unfurling of  Thongdroel , a giant silk Thangkha ( painting)  depicting Guru Rinpoche or some other important Buddhist deity. The thongdroel is unveiled at dawn to bring blessings to all who view it. 

Thimphu Tsechu Festivals

The Tshechu is a festival in honour of Padmasambhava-"one who was born from a lotus flower ", popularly known under the name of " Guru Rimpoche " the Precious Teacher. 

 

Paro Tsechu Festival 

Paro Tshechu (festival) is one of the biggest religious celebrations of the Bhutanese year. It has been held annually since the 17th century when Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel

 

Punakha Tsechu Festival

Punakha festival consists of typical masked dances which are very colourful and interesting, the events and enactments are different on each day. Punakha Dromchoe is a five day long festival dedicated to the goddess Mahakala. 

 

Bumthang Festival Tours

Jampa lhakhang is located in Bumthang.Jampa Lhakhang is one of the oldest temples in the kingdom. It was founded by, Songtsen Gampo, a Tibetan King in the 7th century AD.  

Dochula Druk Wangyel Festival Tours

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.  

Trongsa Festival Tours

Trongsa Tsechu is held annually at the courtyard of Trongsa Dzong (fortress). Trongsa,ancestral home of the Royal Family, is about 199 km or 7 hours travel time from Thimphu and it is situated in central Bhutan.  

Haa Summer Festival

Set among pristine lakes and high alpine valleys, the Haa summer festival is a lively and uplifting celebration of traditional living-culture, nomadic lifestyles, unique Bhutanese cuisine, traditional sports and religious performances. 

Bumthang Ura Festival (Ura Yakchoe)

Ura valley in Bumthang is known for the famous dance known as the Ura Yakchoe. The mask and folk dances are performed during and also sacred relic is put on display so that the people can receive blessings from it.

Thimphu Drupchen Festival Tours

Besides the Thimphu Tsechu,Thimphu also celebrates a one day festival known as the Thimphu Drubchen which is also commonly known as Thimphu Dromchoe . 

Nomad Festival in Bumthang

This annual gathering of Bhutan’s nomadic highlanders brings together the herders of the northeastern and northwestern Himalayan frontiers in an unforgettable celebration of their unique culture and traditions. 

11 Night 12 Day Gomphu Kora Festival 

Gomphu Kora is situated 23 kilometres from Trashigang Dzong, the headquarters of Bhutan’s most populous district.