Festival by Popularity
Paro Tshechu and Thimphu Tshechu are by far the most popular festivals in Bhutan. There are two main reasons why they are so popular. Firstly, they are located in the Western part of Bhutan, an hour's drive away from Paro Airport. So you can do a four days visit just to attend the festival. If the festival takes place in Eastern Bhutan, you will have to visit Bhutan for a minimum of 10 days. Secondly, the Paro and Thimphu Festivals take place in spring and autumn respectively, two of the best times to visit Bhutan.
We usually recommend that travellers book at least six months before their travel dates. With the growing number of hotels in Bhutan, we can usually accommodate travellers on last-minute notice also however, the choices of hotels may be limited. On top of it most of the experienced guides will be in high demand during this period so we are afraid that we might have to make some adjustments. If you have some flexibility with your travel schedule, we would recommend going for less popular festivals or booking your tours as early as possible.
Bhutan Festivals We Highly Recommend
There are a few festivals that we enjoy immensely. They are typically much smaller in scale, might be a bit off the beaten track and lower in visitor attendance but definitely worth your time and provide the local intimacy that Paro Tshechu and Thimphu Tshechu being marque events do not.
Royal Highland Festival (Laya) - The Royal Highlander Festival is hosted at an elevation of 4000 meters above sea level. An initiative by His Majesty the King, the festival was first introduced on the 16th Of October in 2016 to mark the celebration of the birth of HRH the Gyalsey, it allows visitors to get first-hand experience of the life & culture of the highlanders from the surrounding villages.
The plateau where it is hosted allows for a panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges. Visitors stay in tents set up by the nomadic people of Lunana and Laya and roam the high plains while interacting with the highlanders. This is truly a unique experience with attendance at about 200 each year.