Thimphu Tshechu
The capital's grand autumn festival in the courtyard of Tashichho Dzong, paired with the golden harvest valleys of the west.
Dates follow the Department of Tourism's tentative 2027 festival calendar and may shift with the lunar calendar — we confirm them when you book. See all 2027 festival dates
Thimphu Tshechu is the capital's biggest celebration. Families come from across the country, dressed in their best, to watch days of masked dances in front of the seat of government.
Autumn also brings clear skies and golden rice terraces to Punakha, making this one of the most rewarding times of year to travel.
Highlights
- Two days of masked dances at Tashichho Dzong
- The atsara jesters and festival crowds
- Harvest-season Punakha valley
- Dochula pass
- The Tiger's Nest
Day by day
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Day 1Fri 8 Oct
Arrive in Paro
Meet your guide and visit Rinpung Dzong.
Rinpung Dzong · Photo: Gerd Eichmann, CC BY-SA 4.0 -
Day 2Sat 9 Oct
Paro to Thimphu
Kyichu Lhakhang, then settle into the capital as the festival mood builds.
Kyichu Lhakhang · Photo: David Broad, CC BY 3.0 -
Day 3Sun 10 Oct
Thimphu Tshechu
A full day in the festival courtyard, with your guide decoding the stories behind each dance.
Thimphu Tshechu · Photo: Cfynn, CC BY-SA 3.0 -
Day 4Mon 11 Oct
Festival & markets
A second morning of dances, then the busy weekend market and the Memorial Chorten.
Centenary Farmers' Market · Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 4.0 -
Day 5Tue 12 Oct
Thimphu to Punakha
Over Dochula to the Punakha valley, golden with ripening rice.
Dochula · Photo: David Broad, CC BY 3.0 -
Day 6Wed 13 Oct
Punakha to Paro
Punakha Dzong and the suspension bridge, then back to Paro.
Punakha Dzong · Photo: Richard Mortel from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, CC BY 2.0 -
Day 7Thu 14 Oct
The Tiger's Nest
Hike to Paro Taktsang; farewell dinner.
Paro Taktsang · Photo: Gerd Eichmann, CC BY-SA 4.0 -
Day 8Fri 15 Oct
Depart
Transfer to Paro airport for your onward flight.
Paro International Airport · Photo: Vinayaraj, CC BY-SA 4.0
Included on this journey
More journeys
Paro Tshechu
Masked dances in the courtyard of Rinpung Dzong and the dawn unveiling of a giant thongdrel, one of Bhutan's most celebrated festivals.
Black-Necked Crane Festival
Celebrate the return of the endangered black-necked cranes to the Phobjikha valley, with dances by local children at Gangtey Goenpa.
Jambay Lhakhang Drup
Bumthang's most revered festival at one of Bhutan's oldest temples, including the night-time Mewang fire blessing.
Make it yours.
Tell us your dates and wishes, and we'll tailor this journey around you.
- Private & tailor-made
- Licensed by Bhutan’s Department of Tourism
- Every enquiry answered personally