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Bhutan is a land of vibrant and colorful festivals. There's a celebration each month in Bhutan where locals worship the Buddhist deities or the passing of a season. Bhutan Festival Tours offer you a unique opportunity to observe and participate in these flamboyant celebrations.

One of the most unique festivals celebrated in Bhutan is Tshechhu. (correct this – Festival and Tshechu is the same. For Festival we say Tshechu in our national language Dzongkha) Every city in Bhutan has its own Tshechhu. Tshechhus or monastic festivals are held in all the monasteries in Bhutan throughout the year. Some of the important Tshechhus are the Punakha Tshechhu, Paro Tshechhu, Thimphu Tshechhu, and Wangdue Phodrang Tshechhu.

Monks and commoners gather together to celebrate these annual events. People dress in their finery and head to the monasteries or Dzongs where most of the celebrations are held. The monks perform lively dances (chams), skits to seek blessings from the gods and entertain the people gathered at the venue. The festival ends with the unfurling of a huge thangka (religious scroll painting depicting the life of Lord Buddha or Padmasambhava.

Jambay Lakhang Drup observed in the Jambay Lakhang Temple is one of the oldest festivals celebrated in Bhutan. The 'Fire Ceremony' where locals walk under a burning grass arch and the 'Dance of Treasure' where monks dance naked at midnight and bless infertile women are the highlights of this festival.

The Black-Necked Crane Festival celebrates the unique wildlife found in Bhutan. Haa Summer Festival and Nomad Festival acquaint you with the lifestyle of the nomadic yak herders and horsemen. You get to meet the reclusive Bhutanese nomads who spend most of their time roaming in the highlands and forests with their herd.

Jomolhari Mountain Festival, held at the foot of Mount Jomolhari, introduces you to the colorful and extraordinary lifestyle of the locals as well as the wildlife found in the area. The Snow Leopard Show is one of the highlights of this festival.

The Sakteng Festival highlights the culture of the Brokpas, a semi-nomadic tribe living in eastern Bhutan. Not many tourists venture to this part of Bhutan. Visiting eastern Bhutan during this festival will give you a glimpse of Bhutan's extraordinary culture.

Bhutan is home to some of the rare mushrooms found on our planet. To celebrate the harvesting of these delicious fungi, the people of the Ura Valley celebrate the Matsutake Festival. During the festival, the mushrooms are picked and feasts are prepared. You can taste some of the mouth-watering local mushroom dishes during this festival. The locals hold a cultural program to entertain the guests.

Ura Yakchoe and Nimalung Festival are some of the other joyous Bhutanese festivals that you should not miss out on.

If you are traveling to Bhutan, timing your holiday around a particular festival will enrich your holiday experience.

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Travellers Reviews

Travel experiences of our clients who recently returned from their trips.
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As a Belgian traveler, the Gomkora Tshechu Festival Tour by Third Rock Adventures exceeded my expectations. The festival was a vibrant cultural spectacle, and the 13-day journey was expertly guided by a super-friendly local guide who added rich insights into Bhutanese traditions. Despite the comprehensive itinerary, the cost was surprisingly affordable. Accommodations were comfortable, and logistics were well-managed. Highly recommend this tour f...
flags Andreas Deloof  
As a Belgian traveler, the Gomkora Tshechu Festival Tour by Third Rock Adventures exceeded my expectations. The festival was a vibrant cultural spectacle, and the 13-day journey was expertly guided by a super-friendly local guide who added rich insights into Bhutanese traditions. Despite the comprehensive itinerary, the cost was surprisingly affordable. Accommodations were comfortable, and logistics were well-managed. Highly recommend this tour f...
flags Andreas Deloof  
I recently had the pleasure of embarking on the Gomkora Tshechu Festival Tour organized by Third Rock Adventures, and it was nothing short of a remarkable experience. From the vibrant cultural festivities to the breathtaking landscapes, every moment of the 13-day journey was truly unforgettable. One of the highlights of the trip was the Gomkora Tshechu Festival itself—a mesmerizing celebration of Bhutanese culture and spirituality. Witnessi...
flags Brooke Williamson  

Guinness World Record holder Gives Third Rock Adventures a Review!

werner berger

Werner Berger is the Guinness Book of World Records holder for being the oldest person in the World to have climbed the highest mountain on each of the seven (7) continents (incl. Mt. Everest).

I am Werner Berger and my "claim to fame" is probably best defined as being in the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest person in the world to have climbed the highest mountain on each of the seven continents, including Mt. Everest.

Little did I know my life was to change forever on my first trek into the Himalaya in 1992 at age 55. It was the beginning and just a matter time before I realized I could combine my leadership and climbing skills to create a program in which people could explore their own possibilities.

So, in 2010, I began leading Transformational Life Experiences, treks to Mt. Everest Base Camp and other high places.

One of the earliest keys to success is to find a company with the right mix of professionalism, support, and, of course, experience. I have used Naba Amgai and his teams on all my Nepal trekking adventures.

Naba's caring and climber support, is second to none. In my estimation, Third Rock Adventures is one of the very best in the business, in or outside of Nepal. They know the mountains. So you can relax, enjoy and transform.

- Werner Berger

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