Thimphu Festival in Bhutan 2026
The Thimphu Tshechu Festival is one of Bhutan’s grandest and most popular festivals, taking place in the courtyard of Tashichho Dzong. Held annually on the 10th day of the 8th lunar month, the festival begins with prayers and rituals inside the dzong to invoke divine blessings.
Monks perform colorful mask dances depicting the eight manifestations of Guru Rinpoche, an essential part of Bhutanese Buddhist culture. Thousands of locals and tourists gather to witness these sacred dances, which are believed to bring spiritual merit and protection from misfortune. The festival is also a time for Bhutanese people to dress in their finest attire, enjoy local delicacies, and celebrate with friends and family.
The Thimphu Tshechu Festival 2026 will be held from 21st – 23rd September at Tashi choe Dzong, Thimphu, offering an unforgettable cultural experience.
Mask Dance in Thimphu festival.
Highlights of the trip:
- Witness the spectacular Bhutan Thimphu festival.
- Discover an ancient traditions and culture.
- Meet local people.
- Visit ancient dzongs, temples and monasteries.
- Scenic landscapes.
- Pristine villages and farm houses.
- Witness archery matches.
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: 2 ½ hours | Altitude: 1242 m.
- Day 4. Punakha – Gangtey sightseeing | 75 km | Drive: 2 hours | Altitude: 3000 m.
- Day 5. Gangtey – Thimphu festival | 128 km | Drive: 4 hours | Altitude: 2334 m.
- Day 6. Thimphu – Thimphu festival Bhutan | Altitude: 2334 m.
- Day 7. Thimphu – Bhutan Thimphu Tshechu festival – Paro sightseeing | Altitude: 2334 m.
- Day 8. Paro – Hike to the Tiger’s nest monastery | 7 km | Hike: 4 hours.
- Day 9. Paro – Departure.
Thimphu 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 $ 2530 per person.
- 2 people: US $ 2150 per person.
- 3 people or more: US $ 1855 per person.
Nature of trip: Privately guided travel in Bhutan.
Thimphu 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, drive towards the fort to witness festival. This is the special festival as it marks the arrival of Buddhism in Bhutan and to honour Guru Rimpoche. It is performed annually for 3 days showcasing some mask dances performed by monks and culture dances performed by the dancers from Royal Acadamy of Performing Arts and local villagers of Thimphu district. And there will be thousands of local people wearing their expensive and bright colour dresses.
Day 3. Thimphu – Punakha sightseeing | 76 Km | Drive: 2 ½ hours | Altitude: 1242 m.
In the morning, drive to Punakha. On the way, visit:
- Dochula Pass (3140 m), home to 108 stupas. If the weather permits, enjoy a stunning view of the Himalayan mountain ranges. The Druk Wangyel Festival is held here every 13th December.
- Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the Temple of Fertility, built in 1499 by Lama Drukpa Kuenley (The Divine Madman). This temple, famous for its association with fertility, attracts childless couples seeking blessings. It is a key stop for those visiting Bhutan for honeymoon tours.
In the afternoon, visit:
- Punakha Dzong, a grand structure built in 1637 by Shabdrung Rinpoche, which serves as the winter residence for the Je Khenpo and the monk body.
- Take a walk across the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan, spanning the Pho Chu River.
Dinner and overnight in a hotel.
Day 4. Punakha – Gangtey sightseeing | 75 km | Drive: 2 hours | Altitude: 3000 m.
In the morning, hike to the Khamsum Yulley Monastery, a beautiful structure built by Her Majesty Queen Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck. Afterward, drive to Gangtey, and on the way, stop to view the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, a majestic fortress built in 1638 by Shabdrung Rinpoche, which was tragically destroyed by fire in 2012.
In the afternoon, visit:
- Gangtey Gompa Monastery, built in 1613 by Gyaltse Pema Thinley, the grandson and mind reincarnation of Pema Lingpa.
- The Crane Information Center, where you can learn about the rare black-necked cranes that migrate to the area.
In the evening, explore the scenic Phobjikha Valley, which serves as the roosting ground for these magnificent cranes during winter.
Dinner and overnight in a hotel.
Day 5. Gangtey – Thimphu festival | 128 km | Drive: 4 hours | Altitude: 2334 m.
In the morning, drive to Thimphu, with occasional stops along the way to take pictures of the stunning landscapes.
In the afternoon, witness the Thimphu Festival (Half day), a vibrant celebration of Bhutanese culture, featuring colorful mask dances and rituals.
In the evening, enjoy a thrilling archery match at Changlimithang Stadium, where you can observe Bhutan’s national sport in action.
Dinner and overnight in a hotel.
Day 6. Thimphu – Thimphu festival Bhutan| Altitude: 2334 m.
After breakfast, drive to Tashichho Dzong and witness the Thimphu Festival (Full day), where you’ll experience traditional mask dances, vibrant performances, and religious rituals.
In the evening, visit the Memorial Chorten (1974), built in honor of the third King of Bhutan, the late His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Then head to Kuensel Phodrang to marvel at the tallest statue of Buddha in the world, standing at 51.5 meters.
Afterward, enjoy some free time to stroll around the town, soaking in the local atmosphere.
Dinner and overnight in your hotel.
Day 7. Thimphu – Bhutan Thimphu Tshechu festival – Paro sightseeing | Altitude: 2334 m.
In the morning, witness the Thimphu Festival 2025 (Half day), where you’ll experience vibrant cultural performances and traditional mask dances.
Afterward, drive to Paro. In the afternoon, visit:
- Ta Dzong, an ancient watch tower built in 1649, which now houses the National Museum of Bhutan.
- Rinpung Dzong, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The name “Rinpung” translates to “The heap of jewels.” This dzong now serves as the administrative center for Paro district.
In the evening, enjoy some free time to stroll around Paro town for shopping and photography.
Dinner and overnight in your hotel.
Day 8. 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 9. 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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