BHUTAN FESTIVAL TOURS
The Tsechu
“Tsechus feature a series of dances (cham) performed by spectacularly masked and elaborately robed dancers in honour of Guru Rinpoche.
The dates and duration of the tsechus vary from one district to another but usually take place on or around the 10th day of the Bhutanese calendar, which is dedicated to Guru Rinpoche. Usually the tsechus are performed in the dzong courtyards, which can become crowded as onlookers vie for a view. The tsechu is a grand event, drawing people from the surrounding districts. They are not solemn occasions, but are marked by a holiday atmosphere as people put on their finest clothing and jewellery, share their food and exchange news. A small fair is often set up just outside the dzong or goemba. The festival is an opportunity to catch up with far-flung friends and relatives, and to be immersed in Buddhist teachings. The Bhutanese believe that they will create merit by attending the tsechus and watching the performances of the ritualised dances.
The highlight of many tsechus is the unfurling of a giant thangka (religious picture) from a building overlooking the dance arena before sunrise. “Such thangkas are called thondrols. The word means ‘liberation on sight’, and it is believed that one’s sins are washed away upon viewing one of these impressive relics.”
There are various Tshechus held all year around at temples, Dzongs and monasteries throughout Bhutan.
For a list of tentative Bhutan festival dates for 2025, please click here.
If you do not see the festival you would like to attend in this list, please contact us.
Always Bhutan Travel can easily tailor your tour of Bhutan to incorporate one of these striking celebrations of Bhutanese culture. In our festival tours section we have featured a range of suggested itineraries featuring various popular Bhutanese Tsechus such as the Thimphu Tsechu, Paro Tsechu and Punakha Tsechu. We also have suggested itineraries for a number festivals held in Bhutan’s spiritual heartland, Bumthang, including the popular Jambay Lhakhang Drup and Bumthang Ura Tsechu.
For something a little different, we also have an intinerary featuring the Black-Necked Crane Festival, held in honour of this remarkable bird that roosts in the Phobjikha Valley during the months of Nov-Mar. All of these tours also include visits to Dzongs, temples, palaces, monasteries, markets, farmhouses, schools & museums. All our tour programs are flexible and can be easily tailored to suit.
Guests have the option of staying in either our range of carefully selected, government approved tourist class hotels and lodges, or upgrade (additional costs) to superior, luxury hotels and resorts. Further upgrade options including specialised transport can be utilised as part of our range of luxury tours. Visit Uma Retreats, and Aman Kora luxury escapes view sample itineraries of luxury tours that we can customise.
To enhance your Bhutan cultural tour why not consider a specialised activity including cycling, photography, camping or walking as featured on our Speciality Tours page, or one of our many Value-Added Options to provide an more in-depth experience of Bhutanese culture.
Consider getting a gho or kira to wear to the tsechu. During the tsechu dances atsara (clowns) mimic the dances and perform comic routines wearing masks with long red noses. While entertaining the onlookers, they also help to keep order and have developed the habit of harassing tourists for money. Take it as a good-natured game. If you contribute, you may even receive a blessing from the wooden phallus they carry.
Wherever there is dancing you should be willing to take part. Traditionally, everybody, including visitors, enthusiastically takes part in the final dance (Tashi Lebey), which concludes all festivities or dance performances. Don’t feel shy, just follow the person in front of you and smile for the cameras!
During festivals you can photograph from the dzong courtyard where the dances take place. Remember, however, that this is a religious observance and that you should behave accordingly – use a telephoto lens without a flash. Don’t intrude on the dance ground or on the space occupied by local people seated at the edge of the dance area, and if you do end up in the front row, please remain seated. Don’t photograph a member of the royal family, even if you happen to be at a festival or gathering where they are present.