Fiercely proud of the traditions and culture which are deeply ingrained in the Bhutanese way of life, spirited festivals to celebrate everything from legendary Buddhist Gurus to the arrival of rare migrating birds dominate the yearly calendar in Bhutan. Just another reason on top of many to visit this wonderful Himalayan Kingdom, attending a festival is something which will make your visit even more special, whether it's part of a cultural journey of discovery or a feather in the cap of an epic trek through the Bhutanese Himalaya. Here's our guide to 8 of the best festivals, and which adventure you'll get to attend them on. 

PARO FESTIVAL 

When: April

Among the biggest of the Bhutan festivals, the highlight of this celebration is on the last day: the unfurling of the Giant Silk Thangka depicting Guru Rinpoche. The Thangka is unfurled at dawn and rolled away again just hours later. In the meantime, mask dances are held in the courtyard of the dzong and festival goers can throng from performance to performance. Everyone is dressed in their best finery, so it's worth mentioning that travellers should ensure they pack something they look smart in. 

Go to this festival: The Druk Path Trek
East Bhutan - Merak and Sakteng Trek

CHOMOLHARI MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL

When: October

The local mountain communities come together to celebrate one of the region’s most elusive visitors, the Snow Leopard. It takes place at the foot of the sacred mountain, at Chomolhari Basecamp. The festival includes snow leopard themed dances performed by the local people, and is a celbration of the communities that live in harmony in the spectacular rural areas of Bhutan.

Go to this festival:
Chomolhari Basecamp and the Bonte La
The Laya Trek

LAYA ROYAL HIGHLANDER FESTIVAL 

When: October

Bhutan’s traditions are always evolving, and this is the newest of the Bhutan festivals and joined the yearly calendar just a few years ago. Developed in reaction to the fact that the rest of the country's festivals are in the more "accessible" regions, the Laya Royal Highlander festival takes place in the mountainous northern area of Bhutan and is a now an annual celebration of nomadic highlander traditions. There's dancing, wrestling, horse racing and mountain running, a brilliant show to reward the two days of trekking it will take you to reach this remote location. 

Go to this festival:
The Laya Trek

THANGBI MANI FESTIVAL 

When: October

Watch the Mewang Ceremony (fire blessing) where people jump over flames to purify themselves from their evil deeds. Jump three times and you will be blessed for an entire year, which the Bhutanese attempt to ensure a better harvest for the entire community. There will also be the chance to witness sacred dances and rituals performed by monks 

Go to this festival:
Spirit of the Dragon

THIMPHU FESTIVAL 

When: October

Taking place in Bhutan’s capital city, this is ‘Bhutan’s Ascot’. Expect to see the crowd wearing their most colourful and elaborate decorated Gho and Kira. This festival is especially important to the Bhutanese to ensure prosperity for the coming year; it will be preceded by days and nights of dedicated prayer to gain merit, and deities are invoked to provide protection. 

Go to this festival:
The Druk Path Trek

BLACK-NECKED CRANES FESTIVAL 

When: November

Celebrate the arrival from Tibet of the endangered black-necked cranes. These rare migrating birds make the Phobjikha Valley their home from November to February each year, and this festival is a show of solidarity which aims to raise awareness and educate as much as it is to entertain. The usual masked dancers perform, and then children dressed in black and white crane costumes perform a dance choreographed to mimic the behaviour of the crane.

Go to this festival:
Black Necked Cranes and Royal Orchid Trek

TRASHIGANG FESTIVAL 

When: December

People from all around East Bhutan gather at this festival, including the nomadic Brokpa, who stand out from the crowd in their unique dress. As in the West, a giant throngdel is unfurled and there are traditional folk songs and dances. As East Bhutan has just been made more accessible this year with the arrival of new flghts from Paro to Yonphula and a waiver on visas, this is the chance to experience a significant cultural event seen by very few outside travellers.

Go to this festival:
East Bhutan - Merak and Sakteng Trek

DRUK WANGYEL FESTIVAL

When: December

The Druk Wangyel Tshechu is a unique festival - it's actualy performed by the Royal Bhutan Army rather than monks or lay people. It is a tribute to the wise leadership of the Fourth King of Bhutan and takes place on top of the Dochu La (between Punakha and Thimphu), one of the highest road passes in Bhutan.

Go to this festival:
Black Necked Cranes and Royal Orchid Trek

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