Thimphu Tshechu
September or October (10th to 12th day of the 8th Bhutanese lunar month)
The festival is preceded by days of prayer inside Tashichho Dzong, and the public dances take place over three days in the Tendrelthang festival ground beside it. Monks and laymen perform the cham dances in carved masks and silk robes, including the Black Hat dance, the dance of the stags and hounds, and dances of the eight manifestations of Guru Rinpoche.
People from across the country come dressed in their finest clothes, and the event mixes devotion, family picnics and catching up with friends. A thongdrel is displayed at dawn on the final day. October is also the clearest month in the mountains, so the festival fits well with a trip to Punakha and Paro.
How to do it well
- Book Thimphu hotels at least three months ahead; prices rise in festival week.
- Go early on each day to get a seat on the steps around the festival ground.
- Carry a cushion, water, sunscreen and a warm layer for the evenings.
- Combine the festival with Dochula and Punakha, which are clear in October.
- Dates change each year with the lunar calendar. Check current status before you travel.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
When is Thimphu Tshechu?
The public festival runs for three days from the 10th day of the eighth Bhutanese lunar month, usually in late September or October. Prayers and preparations begin several days earlier inside Tashichho Dzong. Dates change every year; the Department of Tourism publishes them in advance. Check current status before you travel.
Where is Thimphu Tshechu held?
At the Tendrelthang festival ground beside Tashichho Dzong, on the northern side of the city. Spectators sit on steps around the ground. It is about 10 minutes by car from the city centre. Roads nearby are closed or busy during the festival, so allow extra time.
How long should I stay for Thimphu Tshechu?
One full day is enough to see a good range of dances. Two days lets you watch at a slower pace and see different dances. If you want the thongdrel, plan to be there before dawn on the final day. Fit the rest of your trip around it with Punakha and Paro.
Is Thimphu Tshechu suitable for families?
Yes. The festival is a family event for Bhutanese, and children enjoy the masks, music and clowns. Crowds are heavy, so keep children close and agree a meeting point. Bring snacks, water and sun protection, and be ready for long periods of sitting.