| Festival Name | Festival Venue | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Punakha Drubchen | Punakha | Feb 24, 2023 | Feb 28, 2023 |
| Punakha Tshechu | Punakha | Mar 01, 2023 | Mar 03, 2023 |
| Chhorten Kora | Trashi Yangtse | Mar 07, 2023 | Mar 21, 2023 |
| Tharpaling Thongdrol | Bumthang | Mar 07, 2023 | |
| Zhemgang Tshechu | Zhemgang | Mar 28, 2023 | Mar 31, 2023 |
| Gomphu Kora | Trashigang | Mar 29, 2023 | Mar 31, 2023 |
| Gasa Tshechu | Gasa | Mar 29, 2023 | Mar 31, 2023 |
| Talo Tshechu | Punakha | Mar 29, 2023 | Mar 31, 2023 |
| Paro Tshechu | Paro | Apr 02, 2023 | Apr 06, 2023 |
| Domkhar Tshechu | Bumthang | Apr 30, 2023 | May 02, 2023 |
| Ura Yakchoe | Bumthang | May 02, 2023 | May 06, 2023 |
| Nimalung Tshechu | Bumthang | Jun 26, 2023 | Jun 28, 2023 |
| Kurjey Tshechu | Bumthang | Jun 28, 2023 | |
| Tour of the Dragon (Mountain Bike Race) | Bumthang | Sep 07, 2023 | |
| Thimphu Drubchen | Thimphu | Sep 20, 2023 | |
| Wangdue Tshechu | Wangdue Phodrang | Sep 22, 2023 | Sep 24, 2023 |
| Tamshing Phala Chhoepa | Bumthang | Sep 24, 2023 | Sep 26, 2023 |
| Thimphu Tshechu | Thimphu | Sep 24, 2023 | Sep 26, 2023 |
| Gangtey Tshechu | Wangdue Phodrang | Sep 27, 2023 | Sep 29, 2023 |
| Thangbi Mani | Bumthang | Sep 29, 2023 | Sep 30, 2023 |
| Jhomolhari Mountain Festival | Thimphu | Oct 14, 2023 | Oct 15, 2023 |
| Jakar Tshechu | Bumthang | Oct 21, 2023 | Oct 25, 2023 |
| Chhukha Tshechu | Chukha | Oct 23, 2023 | Oct 24, 2023 |
| Royal Highland festival (Laya) | Laya | Oct 23, 2023 | Oct 24, 2023 |
| Dechenphu Tshechu | Thimphu | Oct 24, 2023 | |
| Pemagatshel Tshechu | Pemagatshel | Oct 26, 2023 | Oct 28, 2023 |
| Jambay Lhakhang Singye Cham | Bumthang | Oct 28, 2023 | Oct 31, 2023 |
| Jambay Lhakhang Drup | Bumthang | Oct 28, 2023 | Oct 31, 2023 |
| Prakhar Duchhoed | Bumthang | Oct 29, 2023 | Oct 31, 2023 |
| Black Necked Crane Festival | Wangdue Phodrang | Nov 11, 2023 | |
| Mongar Tshechu | Mongar | Nov 19, 2023 | Nov 22, 2023 |
| Druk Wangyel Tshechu | Thimphu | Dec 13, 2023 | |
| Lhuentse Tshechu | Lhuentse | Dec 19, 2023 | Dec 23, 2023 |
| Trongsa Tshechu | Trongsa | Dec 20, 2023 | Dec 23, 2023 |
| Samdrup Jongkhar Tshechu | Samdrup Jongkhar | Dec 24, 2023 | Dec 26, 2023 |
Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon, is renowned for its vibrant and rich cultural heritage. One of the most significant aspects of this heritage is the numerous festivals celebrated throughout the year. These festivals, known as ‘Tshechus’, are a blend of religious ceremonies, cultural expressions, and social gatherings. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the Bhutan Festival dates in 2023.
Bhutanese festivals are deeply rooted in Buddhism, introduced to Bhutan in the 8th century by Guru Rinpoche. These festivals are held on auspicious days and months in the Bhutanese calendar, and they can last up to four days. The Bhutan festivals feature a series of highly stylised masked dance rituals, believed to confer blessings upon the spectators and teach them about their religious history.
Paro Tshechu and Thimphu Tshechu are the most popular festivals in Bhutan. They are held in the western part of Bhutan, an hour’s drive from Paro Airport, making them easily accessible for tourists. These festivals take place in spring and autumn, the best seasons to visit Bhutan.
It is recommended to book your travel at least six months before your intended Festival dates. This is due to the high demand for experienced guides during the festival period. However, with the growing number of hotels in Bhutan, last-minute accommodations can usually be arranged.
Bhutanese festivals offer a unique blend of religious, cultural, and social experiences. They provide a window into the rich history and vibrant culture of Bhutan. Whether you are a spiritual seeker, a cultural enthusiast, or a casual tourist, the Bhutan Festivals in 2023 offer an experience like no other. Plan your visit today and immerse yourself in the unique cultural heritage of Bhutan.