Tamshing Festival in Bhutan 2026
Among the many festivals held across Bhutan, the grandest is the Tamshing Phala Choepa Festival, celebrated annually at Tamshing Lhakhang in Bumthang. This vibrant three-day event features sacred mask dances, the unfurling of the revered Thongdrol, and blessings from sacred Nangtens (relics), which are displayed on the festival’s final day. Visitors can immerse themselves in Bhutanese religious traditions while experiencing the rich cultural heritage of Bumthang.
Festival Dates: 21st – 23rd September 2026
Venue: Tamshing Lhakhang, Bumthang
Tamshing Festival in Bhutan
Highlights of the trip:
- Witness the grandest Bhutanese festival.
- Meet local people.
- Scenic mountain flight.
- Beautiful landscapes.
- Ancient monasteries, temples & dzongs.
- Pristine villages and farmhouses.
- Witness archery matches.
Sketch itinerary:
- Day 01. Arrive Paro and sightseeing | Altitude: 2200 m.
- Day 02. Hike to the Tiger’s nest monastery | 7 km | Hike: 4 hours.
- Day 03. Paro – Bumthang sightseeing (By Flight) | Altitude: 2600 m.
- Day 04. Tamshing Phala Choepa festival | 7 km | Drive: 15 minutes.
- Day 05. Tamshing festival – Ogen Choling palace | 40 km | Drive: 1 hr 50 mins.
- Day 06. Bumthang – Gangtey sightseeing | 185 km | Drive: 5 hours | Altitude: 3000 m.
- Day 07. Gangtey – Punakha sightseeing | 75 km | Drive: 2 hours |Altitude: 1214 m.
- Day 08. Punakha sightseeing – Thimphu | 76 km | Drive: 3 hours | Altitude: 2334 m.
- Day 09. Thimphu sightseeing | Altitude: 2334 m.
- Day 10. Thimphu sightseeing – Paro | 54 km | Drive: 1 hour | Altitude: 2200 m.
- Day 11. Paro – Departure,
Tamshing 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 $ 3120 per person.
- 2 persons: US $ 2640 per person.
- 3 persons or more: US $ 2275 per person.
Nature of trip: Privately guided travel in Bhutan.
Tamshing Festival tour - Detail itinerary.
Day 01. Arrive Paro and sightseeing | Altitude: 2200 m.
Upon arrival in Paro, soak in the fresh Himalayan air and the picturesque valley surrounded by mountains.
After lunch, begin your exploration with a visit to Ta Dzong, Bhutan’s National Museum, housed in a historic watchtower. It offers fascinating exhibits of Bhutanese art, history, and culture. Next, visit the iconic Rinpung Dzong, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, which serves as the administrative center of Paro District.
In the evening, enjoy free time strolling through the charming Paro town, perfect for shopping and photography.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 02. Paro sightseeing – Hike to the Tiger’s nest monastery.
Begin the day with a hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang), Bhutan’s most iconic site, perched dramatically on a cliff at 3,120 meters. Built in 1684 by Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgay, it is believed that Guru Rinpoche meditated here in the 8th century. The 4-5 hour trek offers stunning views of the Paro Valley.
In the afternoon, visit Drukgyal Dzong, a fortress built in 1647 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to mark Bhutan’s victory over Tibetan invaders. Then, explore Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, built in 659 A.D. by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo to subdue an ogress blocking Buddhism’s spread.
Spend the evening strolling through Paro town, browsing handicrafts, or enjoying Bhutanese cuisine.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 03. Paro – Bumthang sightseeing (By Flight) | Altitude: 2600 m.
After breakfast, you’ll drive to Paro Airport for your domestic flight to Bumthang, located in central Bhutan. The flight offers scenic views of the surrounding mountains, making for a delightful journey.
Upon arrival in Bumthang, you’ll visit Jakar Dzong, which was built in 1667 by Lam Nagi Wangchuk. The dzong is perched on a hill overlooking the beautiful Chokhor Valley and is one of the most important landmarks in the region.
Next, head to Jambay Lhakhang, a sacred site built in 659 AD by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet. This historical temple is one of the oldest in Bhutan and holds immense religious significance.
Afterwards, visit Tamshing Lhakhang, which was established in 1501 by the revered saint Pema Lingpa. This monastery is famous for its religious murals and its role in preserving Bhutanese spiritual practices.
Finally, explore Kurjey Lhakhang, a monastery that is believed to house the body imprint of Guru Rinpoche. It’s a highly sacred site, and nearby you will also visit Kencho Sum Lhakhang, another important temple.
In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 04. Bumthang – Tamshing Phala Choepa festival.
Spend the entire day experiencing the Tamshing Phala Choepa Festival, where monks and local performers showcase traditional mask dances, religious rituals, and cultural performances. The festival’s highlight is the unfurling of the sacred Thongdrel, believed to cleanse the sins of all who see it. Locals and visitors gather to receive blessings and witness the vibrant celebrations.
In the evening, drive back to Bumthang and visit Kenchosum Lhakhang, a historic temple built in the 6th century and renovated in 1995. According to legend, the temple once had a large bell, whose sound could be heard as far as Lhasa, Tibet. The bell is now displayed at the National Museum in Paro.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 05. Tamshing Phala Choepa festival – Ogen Choling Palace | 40 Km | Drive: 1 hour.
Spend the morning witnessing the final day of the Tamshing Phala Choepa Festival. The festival concludes with sacred rituals, traditional mask dances, and blessings from relics (Nangtens), which are displayed for the devotees. This is a rare and spiritually significant moment for both locals and visitors.
In the afternoon, drive to the picturesque Tang Valley. On the way, visit Mebar Tsho, also known as the Burning Lake. According to legend, Terton Pema Lingpa discovered sacred treasures hidden in the lake by Guru Rinpoche, solidifying its importance as a religious site.
While in Tang Valley, visit the Ogen Choling Palace Museum, a beautifully preserved noble estate turned into a museum. The exhibits offer deep insights into the traditional lifestyle of Bhutanese nobility, religious studies, and historical artifacts.
In the evening, return to Bumthang.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 06. Bumthang – Trongsa – Gangtey | 185 Km | Drive: 5 hours.
In the morning, witness the Domkhar Tshechu Festival 2025, a vibrant celebration featuring sacred mask dances, traditional performances, and religious rituals. This festival is an important cultural event in Bumthang, drawing both locals and visitors.
In the afternoon, visit Mebar Tsho, also known as “The Burning Lake.” This sacred site is where Terton Pema Lingpa discovered hidden treasures of Guru Rinpoche in the 14th century. The lake holds great spiritual significance and is a popular pilgrimage destination.
In the evening, enjoy free time to stroll around Bumthang town, explore local markets, and capture beautiful photographs.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 07. Gangtey – Punakha sightseeing | 75 km | Drive: 2 hours | Altitude: 1242 m.
After breakfast, drive to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan. En route, visit Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, built in 1638 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Though destroyed by fire in 2012, the dzong has been restored to its former glory and remains an important cultural landmark.
Next, visit Chimi Lhakhang, the renowned “Temple of Fertility”, built in 1499 by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, also known as the Divine Madman. Famous for his unconventional teachings using humor and songs, he is revered for blessing childless couples who seek fertility prayers at the temple.
After lunch, explore Punakha Dzong, an architectural masterpiece built in 1637. Situated at the confluence of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, it serves as the winter residence of the Je Khenpo and hosted Bhutan’s first national assembly in 1952.
In the evening, enjoy a scenic hike to Khamsum Yulley Monastery, offering panoramic views of the valley.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 08. Punakha – Thimphu sightseeing | 76 km | Drive: 2 hours | Altitude: 2334 m.
In the morning, drive to Thimphu, with a stop at Dochula Pass to admire the 108 stupas and the stunning view of the higher Himalayas. This pass is also the venue for the Druk Wangyel Festival, held annually on 13th December.
After lunch, explore the Weekend Vegetable Market, where you can see fresh produce from around the country. Then, witness an exciting archery match at Changlimithang Stadium, a popular sport in Bhutan.
Overnight in the hotel.
Day 09. Thimphu sightseeing | Altitude: 2334 m.
Begin the morning with a visit to the Memorial Chorten, built in 1974 in honor of His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, Bhutan’s Third King. Next, visit Buddha Dordenma, the world’s tallest sitting Buddha statue at 51.5 meters, offering stunning views of Thimphu Valley. Continue to Changangkha Lhakhang, the oldest temple in Thimphu, and the Takin Preserve Center, home to Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin. Stop at Sangaygang Viewpoint for a scenic overlook before visiting Dupthop Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s last surviving nunneries.
Enjoy a cultural lunch at Simply Bhutan, where you can savor local dishes, taste traditional wine, and experience Bhutanese folk performances.
In the afternoon, explore the Painting School, where students practice Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts. Conclude the day with a visit to Tashichho Dzong, the seat of Bhutan’s government and monastic body.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 10. Thimphu sightseeing – Paro | 56 Km | Drive: 1 hour.
In the morning, visit to:
Postal museum where you can print your photos on the official Bhutanese stamps.
In the afternoon, witness archery match at Changlimithang stadium.
In the evening, drive to Paro.
On the way, visit to:
Tamchog monastery built in the 15th century by Thang Tong Gyalpo, popularly known as “The iron bridge builder”. He built 108 bridges across Tibet and Bhutan, out of which 8 were built in Bhutan.
Dinner and overnight in Hotel.
Day 11. 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 and driver.
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