Bhutan or the Land of Thunder Dragons is one of the most tranquil countries in South Asia that can enable you to rejuvenate your mind and body with some fresh mountain air. Along with a rich history and natural beauty, Bhutan is also known for its diverse culture and heritage. Tshechus or Festivals is an integral part of Bhutanese culture which is celebrated with huge grandeur by the local people. If you have decided to explore the hidden gems of this Himalayan kingdom with your family then don’t forget to book one of the Bhutan family tour packages during a local Tshechu.
These festivals are the perfect reflection of authentic Bhutanese traditions and spiritual beliefs. Starting from local performances and age-old cuisines to various religious practices and masked dances, attending a Tshechu during your Bhutan trip can be an unforgettable experience. You must know that these vibrant festivals are also a great way to mingle with the local people and understand their lifestyle.
Bhutanese Tshechus You Must Witness With Your Family
1. Thimphu Tshechu
While thinking of Bhutanese Tshechu, the first one that may pop into your mind is Thimphu Tshechu. This is the national festival of the country which is a grand 3-day celebration enjoyed by the local people in the beautifully architected Thimphu Dzong.
The main highlight of Thimphu Tshechu is the authentic dance performances arranged by the monks such as the Dance of the Stags and Dance of the Lords of the cremation grounds. Herein, you can also witness the unfurling of a holy Thongdrel which is believed to hold immense power.
2. Punakha Drubchen
If you’re traveling to Bhutan during February then don’t forget to visit Punakha and witness Punakha Drubchen. This vibrant festival is celebrated in the spectacular Punakha Dzong in the spring season when the Dzong is surrounded by colorful purple flowers of jacaranda trees.
The local people mainly arrange this festival to commemorate the contribution and victory of the country over the Tibetan forces. The unfurling of a Thongdrel of Guru Rinpoche and various dance performances depicting precious historical moments are the key attractions of this Drubchen.
3. Paro Tshechu
Another festival that you can add to your itinerary while curating a tour package with the assistance of a tour operator in Bhutan is Paro Tshechu. To celebrate this festival, you can board a plane during the 3rd or 4th week of March and then reach the Paro International Airport.
From there you can hire a cab and reach Paro Dzong to take part in this 5-day long Tshechu. You must know that this is an important festival for the local people as it celebrates the construction of Paro Dzong. Just like other festivals, masked dance and a showcase of a thangka painting are the key activities of Paro Tshechu.
4. Haa Summer Festival
Bhutan holds a unique charm and aura in every season. Herein, if you want to witness the magical beauty of summer then don’t forget to attend the mesmeric Haa Summer Festival celebrated in the Haa Valley. Attending this 2-day festival can be a great way to explore the offbeat trails of Haa Valley and its pristine natural beauty.
In this 2-day celebration, the local people gather together to enjoy the masked dance performances. Apart from cultural and religious functions, local Ara brewing and showcases of colourful alpine flowers are the main highlights of this festival.
5. Black-Necked Crane Festival
Black-Necked Crane Festival is one of the most popular festivals of Bhutan which is celebrated during the 2nd or 3rd weeks of November. To attend this celebration, you can plan a tour of the Phobjikha or Gangtey Valley which is known for the picturesque view of the Black Mountains.
The courtyard of the spectacular Gangtey monastery is the location for this festival where the local people celebrate the arrival of the endangered black-necked cranes. Herein, adopting conservative measures to save these endangered birds from extinction is the main aim of the festival.
6. Jomolhari Mountain Festival
If you and your family members have adventurous spirits and love to indulge in trekking to connect with nature then Jomolhari Trek in Bhutan is a must. To spice up your trekking expedition, you can plan the trek during the Jomolhari Mountain Festival.
This unique festival is celebrated on the base of Mount Jomolhari where the local people take part in a small hike to gather and perform snow leopard dance and other themed dances. The view of the snow-capped mountains and witnessing the Bhutanese people dancing in colorful costumes is truly a surreal experience.
7. Wangdue Phodrang Tshechu
To have an in-depth insight into the cultural heritage of Bhutan, you can also consider attending the colorful Wangdue Phodrang Tshechu. This 3-day Tshechu takes place in the breathtaking Wangdue Phodrang Dzong which celebrates the construction of this religious site.
Some of the traditional dance performances that you can enjoy during the festival are Raksha Mangcham, Shaw Shachi, and Lozeys. It is always advised to check the date for this festival as it varies every year based on the lunar cycle.
8. Nomad Festival
If you have an interest in viewing the nomadic way of living then don’t miss the Nomad Festival of Bhutan. This is a spring festival that is celebrated in the Tang Valley of Bumthang by the nomadic communities of the Himalayas.
You must know that this Tshechu is a great opportunity to witness the unique dance forms, traditions, art, and music of the age-old nomadic groups. Some of the highlights of this festival are the royal procession and traditional games, where you can also taste some indigenous food items.
9. Matsutake Mushroom Festival
All the foodie tourists visiting Bhutan must attend the unique Matsutake Mushroom Festival. This festival is celebrated in various regions of Bhutan including Genekha in Thimphu and Ura Valley in Bumthang.
During every mushroom season, the local people arrange this festival to promote sustainable harvesting techniques for mushrooms. The main attraction of this festival is the delicious soups and curries made with locally grown Matsutake mushrooms which have a pungent, meaty, and spicy taste.
10. Dochula Druk Wangyel Festival
Your Bhutan trip will be incomplete if you don’t indulge in a refreshing drive to the captivating Dochula Pass. This sightseeing attraction of Bhutan is known for its 108 chortens which commemorates the contribution of the Royal Bhutanese army.
Apart from the natural beauty, you can also witness the Dochula Druk Wangyel Festival on this site during the last week of February or 1st week of March. The cultural performances and masked dances are the main highlights of this vibrant festival.
You can check the dates of these festivals in the Bhutanese calendar and book one of the best Bhutan family tour packages with bhuan packages accordingly. While attending any of these festivals, you must dress appropriately and always respect the traditions and beliefs followed by the local people here.
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