Bhutan Festival Calendar

Bhutan or the land of Thunder Dragon richly and happily celebrates its ancient Buddhist culture through colorful mask dances. Most of the festivals are held in honor of Guru Rinpoche, which falls on the 10th day of the Lunar Bhutan Festival Calendar. Your visit to Bhutan is incomplete if you cannot participate in one of the Bhutan Festivals. So check out the Bhutan Festival dates for 2026 and 2027 so you can add at least one of the festivals in your Bhutan Tour Itinerary.

Bhutan Festival or Tshechu, the festival of mask dances, is one of the most vibrant legacies of Bhutan’s intangible cultural gems that dates back to as far as the 8th century. An Indian saint, Guru Padmasambhava or Lotus-born, who is credited with having brought the Tantric form of Buddhism to the country, is the originator of these colorful mask dances.

The mask dance festivals are available throughout the year. So you can always check the Bhutan Festival Calendar below and try to add one to your Bhutan Tour Package.

These festivals celebrate the end of the harvest season—barns are full, skies are sunny—or herald the arrival of spring. Mask dance festivals are celebrated annually in all 20 districts of Bhutan, lasting 3 to 5 days, and often conclude with the unfurling of the Thongdrel, a giant Buddhist appliqué that is displayed only once a year and is believed to bring joy and fulfillment.

Things To Do During Bhutan Festivals

Bhutanese festivals are a big attraction for solo travelers as well as for families. During festivals, Bhutanese people wear their finest traditional clothes. You too can try the Bhutanese dress (Gho and Kira) and join the locals. You can also pack picnic lunches and stay the whole day at the festivals.

Detail View of Bhutan Festival Calendar 2026 and 2027

Below is a detailed view of the Bhutan Festival Calendar for the years 2026 and 2027. Try to include one of the festivals in your itinerary to enjoy Bhutan’s cultural extravaganza.