Chorten Kora Festival in Bhutan 2026
The Chorten Kora Tshechu Festival is one of the most important religious events in eastern Bhutan, attracting both Bhutanese and devotees from the neighboring Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. The word “Kora” means circumambulation, and the festival’s highlight is the sacred walk around Chorten Kora Temple, built in 1740 to subdue a demon. The festival is deeply rooted in Bhutanese tradition, featuring mask dances, spiritual blessings, and a display of vibrant textiles and brocades worn by locals.
The atmosphere is filled with devotion and festivity, making it an unforgettable experience. This festival is a significant time for pilgrims and locals to engage in religious activities, prayers, and community gatherings. The Chorten Kora Tshechu Festival will take place on 3rd – 19th March 2026 at Chorten Kora Lhakhang in Trashi Yangtse District. It remains an essential part of Bhutan’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.
Chorten Kora in Trashiyantshe, Bhutan
Highlights of the trip:
- Unique culture and tradition of eastern Bhutan.
- Ancient temples, monasteries and Dzongs.
- Meet local people.
- Panoramic landscapes.
- Archery matches.
- Pristine Bhutanese villages and farm houses.
- Scenic mountain flight.
Sketch itinerary:
- Day 01. Arrive Paro and sightseeing | Altitude: 2200 m.
- Day 02. Paro – Bumthang sightseeing (By Flight) | Altitude: 2600 m.
- Day 03. Bumthang sightseeing | Altitude: 2600 m.
- Day 04. Bumthang – Mongar | 214 Km | Drive: 9 hours | Altitude: 1600 m.
- Day 05. Mongar – Trashigang sightseeing | 90 km | Drive: 4 hours | Altitude: 1126 m.
- Day 06. Trashigang – Chorten Kora tshechu festival | 54 km | Drive: 1 hour 50 minutes.
- Day 07. Trashigang – Local sightseeing | Altitude: 1126 m.
Day 08. Trashigang – Mongar | 90 km | Drive: 3 hours | Altitude: 1600 m.
- Day 09. Mongar – Bumthang | 214 km | Drive: 9 hours | Altitude: 2600 m.
- Day 10. Bumthang – Trongsa – Gangtey |146 km | Drive: 5 hour | Altitude: 3000 m.
- Day 11. Gangtey – Punakha sightseeing | 75 km | Drive: 2 hour | Altitude: 1242 m.
- Day 12. Punakha – Thimphu sightseeing | 76 km | Drive: 3 hours | Altitude: 2334 m.
- Day 13. Thimphu sightseeing | Altitude: 2334 m.
- Day 14. Thimphu – Paro sightseeing | 54 km | Drive: 1 hour | Altitude: 2200 m.
- Day 15. Paro – Departure.
Chorten Kora 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 $ 4400 per person.
- 2 persons: US $ 3670 per person.
- 3 persons or more: US $ 3215 per person.
Nature of trip: Privately guided travel in Bhutan.
Chorten Kora Festival tour - Detail itinerary.
Day 01. Arrive Paro and sightseeing | Altitude: 2200 m.
Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, your guide will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. After lunch, visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum of Bhutan, showcasing historical artifacts and religious relics. Then, explore Rinpung Dzong, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, an architectural masterpiece with stunning valley views.
In the evening, enjoy a leisurely stroll through Paro town, where you can shop for local handicrafts and capture beautiful photographs. Conclude the day with a delicious dinner at your hotel and rest well for the exciting journey ahead in Bhutan.
Day 02. Paro – Bumthang sightseeing (By Flight) | Altitude: 2600 m.
In the morning, transfer to Paro Airport for your flight to Bumthang, a region rich in history and spirituality. After lunch, visit Jakar Dzong, built in 1667 by Nagi Wangchuk, offering panoramic valley views. Explore Jambay Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, built in 659 AD by Tibetan King Srongtsen Gampo. Continue to Tamshing Lhakhang, founded in 1501 by Pema Lingpa, known for its ancient murals. Finally, visit Kurjey Lhakhang, where Guru Rinpoche’s body imprint remains preserved. End the day with dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel, preparing for more cultural experiences ahead.
Day 03. Bumthang sightseeing | Altitude: 2600 m.
In the morning, drive to Tang Valley, a picturesque and culturally rich region of Bumthang. On the way, visit Mebar Tsho, or “The Burning Lake,” a sacred site where Terton Pema Lingpa discovered hidden treasures of Guru Rinpoche in the 14th century. This site holds deep religious significance for Bhutanese Buddhists.
While in Tang Valley, explore the Ogyen Choling Palace Museum, which offers insights into Bhutan’s aristocratic history and lifestyle.
In the evening, drive back to Bumthang, where you can relax after an enriching day.
Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 04. Bumthang – Mongar | 214 Km | Drive: 9 hours | Altitude: 1600 m.
In the morning, embark on a scenic drive to Mongar, passing through diverse landscapes and picturesque valleys. Enjoy a lunch break along the way while soaking in the stunning views.
Take a short stop at Thrumsing La Pass (3,780 m), one of Bhutan’s highest mountain passes, offering breathtaking views of the eastern Himalayas.
On the way, visit the Jarung Khashor Chorten in Lingmethang, located beside the Kuri Chu River. This chorten is believed to be modeled after the famous Boudhanath Stupa in Nepal.
Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel in Bumthang.
Day 05. Mongar – Trashigang sightseeing | 90 km | Drive: 4 hours | Altitude: 1126 m.
After breakfast, visit Mongar Dzong, a modern architectural marvel built in traditional Bhutanese style without nails. Unlike other dzongs, it has a unique structure and serves as the administrative center of Mongar District.
Then, embark on a scenic drive to Trashigang, passing through winding mountain roads and lush valleys. Along the way, take a short break at Korila Pass, a picturesque spot offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Arrive in Trashigang by evening and check into the hotel.
Enjoy a delicious dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 06. Trashigang – Chorten Kora tshechu festival 2025 | 54 km | Drive: 1 hour 50 minutes.
After an early breakfast, embark on a scenic drive towards Trashi Yangtse to witness the vibrant Chorten Kora Festival 2025. This annual festival is a significant religious event where devotees gather to circumambulate the Chorten Kora, seeking blessings and spiritual merit. The festival showcases colorful mask dances, traditional Bhutanese attire, and a lively atmosphere filled with prayers and celebrations.
A packed lunch will be served during the excursion.
In the evening, drive back to Trashigang and relax at the hotel.
Enjoy a delicious dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 07. Trashigang – Local sightseeing | Altitude: 1126 m.
After breakfast, visit the sacred Gomphu Kora Chorten in Trashi Yangtse. This revered site is associated with Guru Rinpoche, who meditated here to subdue a demon. Pilgrims from across Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh gather here for blessings, making it an important spiritual destination.
In the afternoon, drive back to Trashigang.
In the evening, explore Trashigang town, a lively trade hub where you can experience local culture, visit markets, and interact with friendly locals.
Enjoy a delicious dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 08. Trashigang – Mongar | 90 km | Drive: 3 hours | Altitude: 1600 m.
In the morning, drive to Mongar, a scenic journey through the mountains. On the way, stop at the Buddhist college in Kilikhar village, located 5 km from Mongar town. This college is an important center of Buddhist learning and offers insight into Bhutan’s spiritual education.
After lunch, explore the local market in Mongar town, where you can shop for handicrafts, textiles, and other local products, and interact with the friendly vendors.
Enjoy a delicious dinner and have an overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 09. Mongar – Bumthang | 214 km | Drive: 9 hours | Altitude: 2600 m.
After breakfast, drive to Bumthang, a picturesque destination known for its monasteries and scenic landscapes. Enjoy a delicious lunch on the way.
Take a short stop at Thrumsing La Pass (3780 m), a high-altitude pass with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. This is a great spot for some fresh air and scenic photography.
Continue the drive to Bumthang and check in to your hotel for the evening. Enjoy a hearty dinner before retiring for the night at the hotel.
Day 10. Bumthang – Trongsa – Gangtey |146 km | Drive: 5 hour | Altitude: 3000 m.
After breakfast, drive towards Gangtey, a beautiful valley in Bhutan. On the way, visit Ta Dzong, the Royal Heritage Museum, to learn about Bhutan’s rich history. Then, visit Trongsa Dzong, an ancient seat of power for the Wangchuck dynasty, offering stunning views of the surrounding valley.
Enjoy lunch before continuing your journey to Gangtey.
In the afternoon, visit the Crane Information Center to learn more about the rare black-necked cranes, which migrate to the valley during winter.
In the evening, explore the Phobjikha Valley, a serene and beautiful place, particularly known for its role as a roosting ground for these endangered cranes.
End your day with a delicious dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 11. Gangtey – Punakha sightseeing | 75 km | Drive: 2 hour | Altitude: 1242 m.
In the morning, drive to the beautiful Punakha valley. On the way, visit Gangtey Gompa Monastery, founded in 1613 by Gyaltse Pema Thinley. This peaceful monastery offers stunning views of the surrounding valley.
Next, visit Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, built in 1638 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, which sits strategically at the confluence of two rivers.
Continue your journey to Chimi Lhakhang, known as the “Temple of Fertility,” built in 1499. The temple honors Drukpa Kuenley, the Divine Madman, who spread his teachings of salvation through humor and songs.
After lunch, head to Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. This dzong serves as the winter residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot). It also hosted Bhutan’s first national assembly in 1952.
In the evening, take a short 45-minute hike to the Khamsum Yulley Monastery, known for its scenic beauty.
End the day with a delicious dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 12. Punakha – Thimphu sightseeing | 76 km | Drive: 3 hours | Altitude: 2334 m.
After breakfast, drive to Thimphu. On the way, stop at Dochula Pass, known for its 108 stupas and panoramic views of the higher Himalayas. This is a beautiful spot to capture stunning photos and take in the serene surroundings.
After enjoying the views, have lunch at Dochula, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.
In the afternoon, visit the weekend vegetable market in Thimphu, a lively place where locals sell fresh produce. Then, head to Changlimithang Stadium to witness a traditional archery match, a sport that is a source of national pride for Bhutanese people.
End the day with a delicious dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel in Thimphu.
Day 13. Thimphu sightseeing | Altitude: 2334 m.
Next, visit Changangkha Lhakhang, an ancient temple, followed by the Takin Preserve Center to see Bhutan’s national animal. Continue to Sangay Gang Viewpoint for a panoramic view of Thimphu, and visit Dupthop Nunnery, one of the few remaining nunneries in Bhutan.
After lunch, visit the Folk Heritage Museum to learn about Bhutan’s rural life, and the Painting School, where students train in Bhutan’s traditional 13 arts and crafts.
In the evening, you’ll have free time to stroll in town, shop, and take photos.
Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel.
Day 14. Thimphu – Hike to the Tiger’s nest monastery | Walk: 2 hours | Altitude: 2200 m.
In the morning, drive to Paro, and on the way, stop at Tamchog Monastery, built by Thang Tong Gyalpo in 1420. He is famous for building 108 bridges across Tibet and Bhutan, and his only surviving bridge in Bhutan is located in Duksum (Tashi Yangtse in eastern Bhutan).
Next, embark on a hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang), a key highlight of your 11-day Bhutan tour. The Taktsang trail is part of the Bumdra Trek, offering breathtaking views as you ascend to the monastery perched on a cliffside.
After lunch, visit Drugyal Dzong, built in 1647 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, followed by Kichu Lhakhang, built in 659 A.D. by the Tibetan King Srongtsen Gampo, who constructed 108 temples in one day to pin an ogress to the earth.
In the evening, enjoy free time to stroll in town, shop, and capture photographs.
End your day with dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel.
Day 15. Paro – Departure (End of tour).
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 and driver.
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