A tshechu (Dzongkha: ཚེས་བཅུ།, literally "day ten") is any of the annual religious Bhutanese festivals held in each district or dzongkhag of Bhutan on the tenth day of a month of the lunar Tibetan calendar.

Steeped in tradition, reverence, and vibrant cultural heritage, the Tshechu festivals of Bhutan stand as timeless celebrations that captivate the soul and ignite the spirit. As the beating heart of Bhutanese religious and cultural life, these festivals offer a mesmerizing glimpse into the kingdom's rich tapestry of beliefs, rituals, and artistic expression.

Rooted in the teachings of Buddhism and honoring revered figures such as Guru Rinpoche, Tshechus are sacred rites of passage, where the past meets the present in a dazzling display of devotion.

With their colourful dances, intricate costumes, and age-old traditions, Tshechu festivals transport participants and onlookers alike to a realm where time seems to stand still, and the divine presence is palpable in every beat of the drum and sway of the dancer.

Immersing yourself in a Tshechu festival is not only a memorable experience but also the best way to truly understand and embrace the essence of Bhutanese culture.

Upcoming Tshechu

Gangtey Tshechu

When: Oct 05, 2025 - Oct 07, 2025

Tucked away in the pristine Phobjikha Valley, Gangtey Tshechu is one of Bhutan’s most enchanting festivals. Held at the 17th-century Gangtey Goenpa Monastery, this annual celebration blends deep spiritual symbolism with vibrant community spirit. With mist-covered mountains, golden pastures, and the call of black-necked cranes overhead, Gangtey Tshechu offers a truly atmospheric setting for one of Bhutan’s most soul-stirring religious gatherings.

Royal Highland Festival

When: Oct 23, 2025 - Oct 24, 2025

The Royal Highland Festival is a unique cultural celebration that showcases the rich traditions, heritage, and resilience of the country’s highland communities. Held annually in Laya, one of Bhutan’s highest settlements, this festival brings together nomadic highlanders, travellers, and cultural enthusiasts from around the world. If you’re planning to visit Bhutan, the Royal Highland Festival is an unmissable experience that offers insight into Bhutan’s age-old traditions, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality. Here’s everything you need to know about this spectacular event.

Jakar Tshechu

When: Oct 29, 2025 - Nov 01, 2025

Jakar Tshechu is one of Bhutan’s most spiritually significant and culturally vibrant festivals, held annually in the picturesque Bumthang Valley. Taking place at Jakar Dzong—also known as the "Fortress of the White Bird"—this three-day festival brings locals and travellers together to celebrate faith, tradition, and community through sacred dances and religious rituals. Whether you’re drawn by its rich spiritual atmosphere or the captivating masked dances, Jakar Tshechu offers a rare glimpse into the living heritage of the Himalayan kingdom.

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Popular Tshechu

Haa Spring Festival

The Haa Spring Festival is a lively and uplifting celebration of traditional living-culture, nomadic lifestyles, unique Bhutanese cuisine, traditional sports and religious performances. It provides unparalleled insight into the lives and traditions of Bhutan’s nomadic herders.

Druk Wangyel Tshechu

When: Dec 13, 2025 - Dec 13, 2025

Druk Wangyel Tshechu is held in honour of his majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck and the Royal Bhutan Army for a successful military operation in which Indian militants hiding in the southern regions of Bhutan were successfully flushed out in December 2003.

Nimalung Tshechu

When: Jun 22, 2026 - Jun 24, 2026

Nimalung Tshechu is a 3-days festival, and it is started with the usual chams and dances performed in other dzongkhags but on the final day, people are blessed with the display of Guru Tshengye Thongdrol in the morning.