Bhutan Local Events
The Kingdom of Bhutan, witnesses a unique festival, at various times of the year in the form of Annual Tshechus. The Tshechu are celebrated to commemorate ‘good triumphs over evil' or to depict significant historical events especially surrounding the life of Bhutan's patron saint, Guru Padmasambhava (also known as Guru Rinpoche).
The colorful event draws as much as 30000 people and there is inevitably a great deal of socializing. It is an opportunity for people to relax and forget daily routine, to dress in their finest clothes and jewelry but, more importantly, it is an occasion for prayer and blessings. Bhutan's artistic culture is also at its best during these events, where religious prayers, satire, etc are depicted via the famous mask dances. Almost all the towns have their own Tshechu, however the most important Tshechu are Paro and Thimphu Tshechu and it is undeniably the most important event in a year, where Bhutan's colorful and in-depth culture is manifested.
The Tshechu are held in a solemn atmosphere and there is much merriment, however visitors are reminded that it is still a religious festival that is of great importance to Bhutanese people hence appropriate behavior and proper dress code is required.
Please reconfirm on local events on this day.
The Kurje festival, held annually durin July, takes place in Kurje Lhakhang, located in Chokhor Valley in Bumthang, comprising of three temples. The Kurje area remains one of the most sacred sites in Bhutan.
Dubbed the “Tour de France of Bhutan”; The Tour of the Dragon is an annual event inBhutanencompassing some of the best laid Himalayan cycling trails. The race starts in Bumthang, centralBhutan(2610m), and takes you toThimphuacross four mountain passes. The one day event is one of the most grueling cycling races in world; however the breathtaking view and pristine natural surrounding remains the icing on the cake.
Black-necked crane festival, organized and managed by the local community every year on 11th November in PHobjikha, was initiated by the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) in 1998 as part of the community based-sustainable tourism.
The word Gomphu Kora stands for mediation cave (Gomphu) and Circumambulation (Kora). Located in eastern Bhutan, the monastery is approximately 24km away from Trashigang Town and is undeniably one of the most revered monasteries in Bhutan.
