COMO Guide to Bhutan Festivals

BHUTAN, HIDDEN IN THE MOUNTAIN BETWEEN CHINA AND INDIA, IS A HIMALAYAN COUNTRY FULL OF ALPINE GREATNESS AND A RICH, WORTHY BUDDHIST HISTORY. THIS TINY KINGDOM ONLY OPENED ITS BORDERS TO THE OUTSIDE WORLD IN 1974 AND REMAINS DIFFICULT TO ACCESS. AS A RESULT, THEIR CENTURY-OLD TRADITIONS AND CULTURE CONTINUE, UNAFFECTED BY EXTERNAL INFLUENCES, REMAINING UNIQUE AND UNAVAILABLE ANYWHERE ELSE ON EARTH.

Each year, the Kingdom's vibrant cultural heritage is evident in the unique, colorful festivals that take place across the country, celebrating the spring harvest, local ingredients and religious events, marking the passage of time with shared events.

Here we present Bhutan's seven festivals: how they started, what they're about and key dates for your diary so you can start planning your trip to the Kingdom.

April 17-19, 2023 | Lamperi Botanical Garden, Thimphu

What it is: A three-day event that marks the beginning of spring in all its lush green glory.There are about 46 species of rhododendrons in Bhutan, and most of them are found in the Lamperi Botanical Garden .

What to expect: Performances and lots of fun outdoor activities, including locals performing traditional songs and dances to celebrate the abundance of flowers, and food stalls will be open with with simple and delicious snacks and drinks.You can also take a boat ride on Lampery Pond, stroll along the trails of the botanical park, or even camp under the stars among the flowers at night.

July 8–9, 2023 | Haa Valley

What it is: A lively two-day summer festival that provides an unrivaled insight into Bhutan's vibrant culture.Celebrated in the summer sun in one of Bhutan's most beautiful valleys, the Haa Summer Festival showcases Bhutanese sports, crafts, cuisine, music and nomadic pastoral culture.

What to expect: A fun mix of socializing and observing the warm people of the Haa Valley.Watch how they expertly create traditional decorative arts and crafts, cook classic dishes, enjoy folklore performances and take part in friendly sports competitions.The Haa Valley is also full of rice fields and alpine flowers where you can walk and explore.

from 20 to 21 August 2023 | Cheers, Bumthang

What it is: A three-day event where you can learn about, celebrate and taste one of the most valuable mushrooms in the world.Matsutake mushrooms grow only in rare pine forests and cannot be grown artificially They are highly prized in Japanese, Korean and Chinese cuisine for their distinctive spicy, aromatic taste.

What to expect: Watch, taste and participate in matsutake mushroom harvesting and also engage in a variety of sports, songs and dances with the locals.Explore pristine forests on mushroom picking excursions, then try making your own matsutake recipes with the ones you've collected. Watch or join in the local song and dance before soothing your tired feet in the open-air mineral bath.

September 24–26, 2023 | Tashi Chhodzong, Thimphu

What is it: Bhutan's biggest festival, Thimphu Tsechu has been held in the capital for three days since 1670 and attracts thousands of people, including locals and travelers. and lucky events in Bhutan, and “Tsechu”, which means “tenth day”, is always celebrated on the tenth day of the month according to the lunar calendar.It is a historical tradition through which mythology, values ​​and spiritual beliefs are passed on – one of the best ways to experience Bhutanese Buddhist culture.

What to expect: Monks share stories from the life of Guru Rinpoche - a significant historical figure in Bhutan - through stylized dance, after weeks of meditation and prayer preparation. Locals dress in their best traditional Ghosa and Kiras attire, creating an unforgettable, energetic carnival atmosphere high in the Himalayas.

From October 28 to October 31, 2023 | Bumthang

What is it: A major annual celebration of the founding of Jambai Lhakhang Monastery held in honor of Guru Rinpoche, the monastery is said to be one of the 108 temples built by Tibetan King Songtsen Goenpo in one day, to bind the spirit of the demon that threatened the earth.

What to expect: The Mewang fire ceremony, which involves dancing under a flaming structure of dry grass, the highlight of which is the "Treasure Dance" ", where masked performers, including monks, are completely naked.

November 11, 2023 | Gangtey Gonpa, Phobjikha

What is it: A reason for locals to celebrate the arrival of the Black-necked Crane, a beautiful endangered bird that is a common sight during the winter months.Bhutan is the largest winter habitat of the Black-necked Crane, attracting approximately 300 birds per year, the festival was organized to raise awareness and understanding of the conservation of these birds.

What to expect: a cultural program performed by local residents and monks, the highlight of which is a choreographed crane dance performed by schoolchildren.There is also a Black-necked Crane Information Center that can be visited to learn more about the birds and their habitat, as well as many nature trails throughout the valley.

December 13, 2023 | Dochu La Pass

What is it:A festival held by the Royal Bhutan Army instead of monks or townspeople as a tribute to the king.This festival also celebrates the military efforts of the army to protect the peace of the country.

What to expect: Carefully choreographed performances by soldiers amidst 108 stupas - mound-like Buddhist reliquaries - and against a backdrop of breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountains.