Bhutan Festival Tours

Experience the Ancient Living Culture of Bhutan

A Tsechu is a Buddhist festival in honour of Buddhist Saint Padmasambhava, popularly known as ‘Guru Rimpoche’, the saint who was responsible for introducing Buddhism to Bhutan. The Tsechu draws hundreds of Bhutanese people in a spirit of reverence, blessing, festivity and celebration, and is one of the best ways to discover the rich cultural heritage of Bhutan. The Tsechu comes to life with colour, music, dance and drama as villagers and townspeople gather to witness the masked dances, sword dances and other sacred rituals. These events, most of which are performed by monks in colourful and elaborate costumes bring blessings to the onlookers, as well as instructing them about the Buddhist Dharma.

There are various Tsechus held all year around at temples, Dzongs and monasteries throughout Bhutan.

For a list of tentative Bhutan festival dates for 2024, please click here.

For a list of tentative Bhutan festival dates for 2025, please click here.

If you do not see the festival you would like to attend in this list, please contact us.

Bhutan Travel Bureau can easily tailor your tour of Bhutan to incorporate one of these striking celebrations of Bhutanese culture. In our festival tours section we have featured a range of suggested itineraries featuring various popular Bhutanese Tsechus such as the Thimphu Tsechu, Paro Tsechu and Punakha Tsechu. We also have suggested itineraries for a number festivals held in Bhutan’s spiritual heartland, Bumthang, including the popular Jambay Lhakhang Drup and Bumthang Ura Tsechu.

For something a little different, we also have an intinerary featuring the Black-Necked Crane Festival, held in honour of this remarkable bird that roosts in the Phobjikha Valley during the months of Nov-Mar. All of these tours also include visits to Dzongs, temples, palaces, monasteries, markets, farmhouses, schools & museums. All our tour programs are flexible and can be easily tailored to suit.

Guests have the option of staying in either our range of carefully selected, government approved tourist class hotels and lodges, or upgrade (additional costs) to superior, luxury hotels and resorts. Further upgrade options including specialised transport can be utilised as part of our range of luxury tours. Visit Ultimate Bhutan, The Cloud Kingdom and The Last Shangri-La to view sample itineraries of luxury tours that we can customise.

To enhance your Bhutan cultural tour why not consider a specialised activity including cycling, photography, camping or walking as featured on our Speciality Tours page, or one of our many Value-Added Options to provide an more in-depth experience of Bhutanese culture.

BTB – The Difference

Itineraries designed to maximise your festival experience
All guests receive personal VIP service
Tours tailored to suit personal interests
Experience ensures a seamless journey
Excellent, contemporary vehicle fleet

BTB – Guest Comments

“We chose BTB because they have one of the most informative web sites on travel in Bhutan and responded immediately to our quite specific itinerary requirements. When we requested changes both before and during our trip BTB were completely flexible and able to accommodate these with the minimum fuss. The guiding and trekking staff were always polite and very attentive…”

Steve and Pauline, UK

“Travelling to Bhutan was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. The country is absolutely unique, and so are it’s people. BTB made everything easy, from planning the trip through to booking the airlines tickets and all accommodations. They are so professional, friendly and knowledgeable. I have travelled with them twice, and I can’t recommend them highly enough…”

Favel Parrett, Australia

“When we departed from Paro, some of us said bye-bye to your country with tears dropping. Actually, all of us were moved by your country and the people there including you and your colleagues, our guide Mr. Tshultrim Dorji, our drivers Mr. Tenzin and Mr. Tshering Dorji. The arrangement for this trip is really an excellent experience for me. From your welcome at the airport…”

Yang Zhisong, China

“The consensus of our recent trip was “IT WAS FABULOUS”! An outstanding cultural experience. We came away feeling we had had a privileged experience in Bhutan that most other travelers may never have known. The Festivals, particularly the last one in Chuhume was great. Without all the tourists and a more natural setting, we were able to appreciate the whole experience…”

Norma Sears, USA