FESTIVAL TOURS

Tour in Brief

Duration: 5-10 days (as per festival venue)
Entry & exit: Paro, Bhutan
Seasons: as per festival schedule
Places of visit: Festival venues all over Bhutan

Tour Description

Festivals are the biggest tourist attractions. Religious in nature, for Bhutanese, they are very sacred and thus mandatory to attend and receive blessings. They portray Bhutanese culture in its finest forms – folk songs and dances, masked dances, religious costumes, people from various ethnic backgrounds, food, mannerism, etiquette, etc. Its is colourful, joyous and high-spirited, the only time of they year Bhutanese take respite from work and get together.

Attractions

• Punakha Tshechu (festival), 17th -19th February, is held in the impressive Punakha Dzong and re-enacts an episode from a 17th century Tibetan invasion.
• Gomphu Kora, Trashigang, 16th -18th March, celebrates centuries-old tradition of courtship and religious supplication. Its the only one of its kind in Bhutan.

• Paro Tshechu, 19th-23rd March, is a showcase of mainstream Bhutanese culture.
• Thimphu Tshechu, 11th -13th october, held in the palatial Tashi Chodzong is the biggest festiaval in Bhutan.
• Jambay Lhakhang Drup, Bumthang, 14th-17th Nov. is known for its naked dance at midnight.
• Trashigang Tshechu, 8th-10th Dec., the biggest in east Bhutan, and known for its opulent display of ethnic diversity.
• Druk Wangyel Tshechu, 13th Dec., reenacts Bhutan’s recent military triump and pays homage to its great 4th King.
• Nimalung tshechu, Bumthang, 13th -15th June.
• Ura Yakchoe, Bumthang, 18th -20th April, displays some of the most unique dances and ancient masks in Bhutan.
• For other festivals, see Bhutan Festival Calendar 2016.

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