Sacred Festivals
Witness the spiritual heart of the Kingdom through vibrant mask dances and ancient festivals.
Royal Highland Festival
A spectacular festival held at 4,000m above sea level, showcasing the unique lifestyle of Bhutan’s highlanders. Expect to see colorful yak competitions, traditional dances, and displays of nomadic heritage. The event is a rare chance to experience Bhutan’s remote cultures up close.
- Laya, Gasa District
Thimphu Tshechu
The largest and most attended festival in Bhutan, held in the capital city. For three days, monks and laymen perform sacred mask dances (Cham) while locals gather in their finest traditional attire. It’s both a religious ceremony and a social gathering filled with music, color, and devotion.
- Tendrel Thang, Thimphu
Black-Necked Crane Festival
A beautiful festival dedicated to the endangered Black-necked cranes, which migrate to Bhutan every winter. The festival features cultural performances, crane dances by local school children, and awareness programs about conservation. Set in the serene Phobjikha Valley, it’s a moving blend of culture, spirituality, and environmental awareness.
- Gangtey Monastery, Phobjikha Valley
Sakteng Tsechu
A rare festival celebrated by the semi-nomadic Brokpa community in eastern Bhutan. Visitors can witness the unique yak dances, colorful traditional costumes, and rituals that reflect the distinct culture of the Brokpas, believed to be guardians of the mythical Yeti.
- Sakteng, Trashigang
Haa Summer Festival
A vibrant summer celebration of nomadic culture, traditional sports, and local cuisine. Visitors can enjoy yak riding, archery, folk songs, and authentic Bhutanese hospitality in the picturesque Haa Valley.
- Haa Valley
Lomba Festival
A unique New Year festival celebrated mainly in Paro and Haa. Families prepare hoentay (buckwheat dumplings), exchange gifts, and light traditional butter lamps. It is one of Bhutan’s most intimate and family-centered festivals, offering a warm cultural experience for travelers.
- Paro and Haa Dzongkhag