In almost every Dzong (monastic fortress) and monastery there is an annual traditional festival (in Bhutan these are called tshechus). Tshechus usually take place on or around the 10th day of the month according to the lunar calendar. The normal duration for a tshechu is three days. Tourists are welcomed to tshechus under the provision that they act in an accordingly respectful manner. Due to the nature of the lunar calendar exact dates for tshechus vary from year to year.

The following table provides an annual overview for the most prominent festivals. Your Tour Operator will know the exact dates and may even be able to recommend some of the lesser known festivals in smaller monasteries that will better fit to your itinerary.

F E S T I V A L TOWN DURATION MONTH Trongsa Tshechu Trongsa Dzong 3 Days January Lhuntshe Tshechu Lhuntshe Dzong 3 Days January Punakha Dromche Punakha Dzong 5 Days February Chorten Kora Trashi Yangtse 1 Days February and March Paro Tshechu Paro Dzong 5 Days March Nimalung Tshechu Bumthang Dzong 3 Days June Haa Tshechu Lhakhang Karpo 3 Days September Kurjey Tshechu Bumthang, Kurjey Monastery 1 Days June Thimphu Drubchen Thimphu Dzong 4 Days September Thimphu Tshechu Thimphu Dzong 3 Days September Wangdi Tshechu Wangdue Dzong 3 Days September Tangbi Mani Bumthang, Tangbi Monastery 3 Days September Jambay Lakhang Drup Bumthang, Jambay Monastery 4 Days October Prakhar Duchoe Bumthang 3 Days October Mongar Tshechu Mongar Dzong 3 Days December Trashigang Tshechu Trashigang Dzong 3 Days December

Precise dates and detailed information for the main festivals of the current year can be found under tsechus.