21/04/2024
𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞: Department of Tourism, Bhutan
𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧: 𝐟𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐧
As Bhutan marks the 50th anniversary of opening its doors to
foreign tourists this year, there is no better way to experience the culture and soul of Bhutan than through its calendar of over 150 festivals per year. Festivals are a key part of Bhutanese culture, and
the Kingdom has a comprehensive festival calendar full of colour and atmosphere. From mystical dances that give life to Bhutan's ancient myths to the rhythms that have echoed through the Kingdom's mountains for centuries, Bhutan’s variety of festivals will prepare travelers to immerse themselves in the unique cultural experience of the Land of the Thunder Dragon.
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐤𝐡𝐚 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐬𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥
15-16 August 2024
The festival aims to promote sustainable harvesting of mushrooms, create local awareness about wild edible mushrooms, and showcase the local cuisines. The festival offers a variety of activities, such as displays of indigenous sports and stalls showcasing local products like wild mushrooms, non-wood products, and high breed agricultural seeds. Festival-goers can also relish traditional dishes like mushroom soup and curry. The festival also features traditional performances showcasing the region's unique heritage, such as mask and folk dances, along with exhibitions and displays.
𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐡𝐮 𝐓𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐮
13-15 September 2024
The Thimphu Tshechu is an awe-inspiring event in the Bhutanese capital that brings locals and tourists worldwide together. Thimphu Tshechu is a grand celebration dedicated to spreading the teachings of Guru Rinpoche, the second Buddha, and commemorating his legacy. During three days of lively festivities, the festival is full of colourful dances and ritual ceremonies that depict the eight manifestations of Guru Rinpoche. Said to be one of the most popular events for locals and tourists alike, Thimphu Tshechu leaves a lasting impression on all of its visitors.
𝐑𝐨𝐲𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥
23-24 October 2024
The Royal Highland Festival, which celebrates the ancient traditions of Bhutan’s highland communities, is scheduled from October 23rd to 24th, 2024. The festival will be held in the beautiful district of Laya, in the highlands of Bhutan. It will showcase the authentic, simple lives of the highlanders through a range of activities, including highland animal competitions, folk dances, and
age-old traditional offerings. One of the festival's highlights is the scenic 25 km Laya Run, which begins at Ponjothang, the point where the drivable road ends. Visitors will travel along the banks of
the mighty Mochu River until they reach the festival ground. This year, the festival will also mark the start of the Snowman Race, considered as one of the hardest ultramarathons in the world.
𝐙𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐝 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥
13-15 November 2024
The annual Zhemgang Bird Festival is another popular festival that takes place in November. Located in the eco-tourism capital of Zhemgang, the festival is a scenic 6-hour drive away from Thimphu.
Visitors from both local and foreign lands flock to this festival to witness over 500 bird species living in the Zhemgang region. The three-day festival promotes eco-tourism and will feature cultural and entertaining performances by local bands, dancers, singers, and traditional Bhutanese musicians. Visitors can sample the local Bhutanese cuisine at the food stalls, participate in competitions and
games, and enjoy a hike along the beautiful bird-watching trails. It promises to be a traditional Bhutanese festival that will be remembered for a long time.
𝐏𝐮𝐧𝐚𝐤𝐡𝐚 𝐃𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐜𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥
24-28 February 2025
Punakha Dromche celebrates Bhutan's rich history and cultural heritage. It's a unique festival that reenacts a significant battle fought centuries ago with great valor by the people of Bhutan. The
festival features the dazzling display of local militia dressed in traditional battle regalia, reminding visitors of the brave actions of their ancestors. During the festival, sacred relics are blessed in the MoChhu River and an alcohol-filled copper bowl brings spiritual upliftment to guests. Punakha Dromche represents the resilience, unity, and triumph of the Bhutanese people and their unwavering
commitment to preserving their cultural identity.
Life is a journey ,so travel and complete your journey!
