Chhukha Festival in Bhutan 2026
The Chhukha Tshechu Festival is a three-day annual celebration held at the courtyard of Chhukha Dzong. The festival features a vibrant display of mask dances and traditional folk performances, presented by both monks and local villagers. These sacred dances serve as offerings to Guru Rinpoche, the revered patron saint of Bhutan.
The highlight of the festival occurs on the third day, when a grand Throngdroel (sacred tapestry) depicting Guru Rinpoche is unfurled. Devotees from all over Bhutan gather to receive blessings from this revered Throngdroel, believing that just witnessing it purifies sins and brings spiritual merit.
Festival Date: 19th – 21st October
Venue: Chukha Dzong
Mask Dance in Chhukha Festival.
Highlights of the trip:
- Witness the spectacular Chhukha tshechu festival.
- Meet local people.
- Experience unique culture and traditions.
- Visit ancient temples, monasteries and dzongs (Forts).
- Scenic landscapes.
- Visit the Bhutanese villages and farm houses.
- Museums and government institutions.
Sketch itinerary:
- Day 1. Arrive Paro – Thimphu sightseeing | 54 km | Drive: 1 hour | Altitude: 2334 m.
- Day 2. Thimphu sightseeing | Altitude: 2334 m.
- Day 3. Thimphu – Punakha sightseeing | 76 km | Drive: 3 hours | Altitude: 1214 m.
- Day 4. Punakha – Wangdue – Thimphu sightseeing | 90 km | Drive: 4 hours.
- Day 5. Thimphu – Chhukha tshechu festival – Paro | 144 km | Drive: 4 hours | Altitude: 2200 m.
- Day 6. Paro sightseeing | Altitude: 2200 m.
- Day 7. Hike to the Tiger’s nest monastery (Taktsang) – sightseeing | 7 km | Hike: 4 hours.
- Day 8. Paro – Departure.
Chhukha Festival tour cost:
The cost given below is inclusive of sustainable development fee (SDF) of US $ 100 per person per night and Bhutan visa fee US $ 40 per person.
Entrance fees for monuments and festivals visits to be paid separately.
- Solo travel: US $ 2335per person.
- 2 pax: US $ 1955 per person.
- 3 pax or more: US $ 1695 per person.
Nature of trip: Privately guided travel in Bhutan.
Chhukha Festival tour - Detail itinerary.
Day 1. Arrive Paro – Thimphu sightseeing | 54 Km | Drive: 1 hour | Altitude: 2334 m.
Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our guide and driver, who will accompany you on the scenic drive to Thimphu. Along the way, visit the historic Tamchog Monastery, built by the legendary iron bridge builder Thangtong Gyalpo.
In the afternoon, explore the Buddha Dordenma Statue, the tallest Buddha statue in the world at 51.5 meters, followed by visits to the sacred Changangkha Lhakhang and the Takin Preserve Center, home to Bhutan’s national animal.
In the evening, enjoy stunning views of Thimphu from the Sangaygang Viewpoint, visit the tranquil Dupthop Lhakhang Nunnery, and conclude with a tour of the majestic Tashichho Dzong, the royal secretariat and summer residence of the Je Khenpo. End your day with a delightful dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel.
Day 2. Thimphu sightseeing.
In the morning, start your day in Thimphu with a visit to the National Postal Museum, where you can learn about Bhutan’s unique philatelic history. Continue to the Painting School (Zorig Chusum Institute) to witness traditional Bhutanese art being taught and practiced. Explore the lively Craft Bazaar, showcasing authentic local handicrafts, and enjoy some free time strolling through the town, perfect for photography.
Afterward, drive to Paro and begin your afternoon with a visit to the Ta Dzong, Bhutan’s National Museum, followed by the impressive Rinpung Dzong, a historic fortress and monastery. End the afternoon with a visit to a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse, offering a glimpse into the rural lifestyle and culture. In the evening, enjoy free time exploring Paro town, ideal for shopping and photography. Conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel.
Day 3. Thimphu - Punakha sightseeing | 76 Km | Drive: 3 hours.
This day’s journey takes you from Thimphu to Punakha, offering a mix of breathtaking scenery and cultural highlights. Along the way, stop at Dochu La Pass (3140 m), where 108 stupas stand against a backdrop of the stunning Himalayan peaks.
Visit Chimi Lhakhang, built in 1499 by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, famously known as the “Divine Madman.” This temple, also called the Temple of Fertility, is a sacred site for couples seeking blessings for children.
In the afternoon, explore Punakha Dzong, a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture built in 1637. Once the capital of Bhutan, it remains the winter residence of the Je Khenpo (chief abbot).
Conclude your day with a hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Choling Monastery, built by Queen Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck. Set atop a hill, this monastery offers stunning views of the valley below.
Dinner and overnight in Punakha.
Day 4. Punakha –Wangdue Phodrang – Thimphu (97 km, 4 hours drive)
Start your morning with an exhilarating walk across Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge (160 meters), spanning the Pho Chu River. This scenic bridge offers stunning views of the valley, river, and nearby temples while providing an exciting experience for visitors and locals alike.
Next, drive to Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, originally built in 1638 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Though it was tragically destroyed by fire in 2012, its reconstruction preserves the grandeur of this historic fortress.
Enjoy lunch at Dochu La Pass, where you can admire panoramic views of the Himalayas before continuing your journey to Thimphu.
In the afternoon, witness an archery match at Changlimithang Stadium, where Bhutan’s national sport comes to life with incredible skill and enthusiasm.
Dinner and overnight in Thimphu.
Day 5. Thimphu – Chhukha Festival – Paro (70 km, 1 hour 40 minutes drive)
Start your day with a drive to Chhukha, stopping en route to admire Dobji Dzong, an ancient fortress with a rich history. This dzong, perched on a ridge, offers spectacular views of the valley below.
Continue the journey to Chhukha to witness the Chhukha Tshechu Festival 2025—a vibrant cultural event filled with mesmerizing mask dances, traditional performances, and religious rituals. This festival offers a unique insight into Bhutanese spirituality and heritage.
After a full day of festivities, drive back to Paro in the evening.
Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel in Paro.
Day 06. Paro sightseeing – Excursion to Cheli la Pass
Begin the morning with a visit to Ta Dzong, built in 1649 as a watchtower and now home to Bhutan’s National Museum. This unique, conch-shaped structure with 2.5-meter-thick walls displays artifacts showcasing Bhutan’s rich heritage.
Next, explore Rinpung Dzong, a fortress-monastery constructed in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. This majestic dzong, with its towering white walls and intricate woodwork, serves as the administrative and religious center of Paro.
In the afternoon, embark on an excursion to Chele La Pass (3,988m), the highest motorable road in Bhutan, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas and Mount Jomolhari.
Return to Paro in the evening.
Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 7. Paro sightseeing – Hike to the Tiger’s nest monastery
In the morning, drive to Paro, stopping en route at the Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the Temple of Fertility. Built in 1499 by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, famously called “The Divine Madman,” the temple reflects his unique teaching style using songs and humor to convey spiritual lessons.
In the afternoon, visit the Ta Dzong, originally built in 1649, now serving as Bhutan’s National Museum, showcasing rich artifacts and cultural treasures. Continue to the nearby Rinpung Dzong, constructed in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, renowned for its traditional architecture and historical significance.
In the evening, enjoy a leisurely stroll in Paro town.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 7. Paro sightseeing – Hike to the Tiger’s nest monastery | Walk: 2 hours | Altitude: 2200 m.
In the morning, embark on a memorable hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang), perched dramatically on a cliff at 3,120 meters. The hike, a two-hour ascent, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, making it one of Bhutan’s most cherished experiences.
In the afternoon, visit Drugyel Dzong, also known as the “Fortress of Victory,” which holds significant historical importance, and the sacred Kichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples.
In the evening, enjoy free time exploring Paro town, perfect for shopping and photography. Conclude the day with a delicious dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel.
Day 8. Paro – Departure.
After breakfast, bid farewell to the enchanting kingdom of Bhutan as you drive to Paro International Airport. Your guide and driver will assist you with departure formalities, ensuring a smooth and memorable end to your journey. Safe travels!
Tour cost includes
- All meals [breakfast / lunch / dinner].
- Accommodation [twin / double sharing basis]. Single room supplement is extra.
- All transportation within the country including airport transfers.
- Sustainable development fee (SDF).
- Bhutan visa fee.
- English speaking local guide.
- Sightseeing.
- Bottled water.
Tour Cost Excludes
- Entrance fees for museums and monuments.
- Domestic/International flight (Drukair / Bhutan Airlines fares).
- Insurance premiums.
- Payments for service provided on a personal basis.
- Cost incurred due to mishaps, strikes, political unrest etc.
- Cost for any services not mentioned in the “Cost Include head”.
- Personal expenses such as laundry, soft drinks, etc...
- Tips for guide driver.
Contact Us:
- Mobile: +975- 17939874
- whatsapp: +975- 17939874
- Mail: bhutanwanderlust7@gmail.com
- Mail: info@bhutanwanderlust.com