Theme-Based Festivals & their Tentative Schedule
Bhutan International Marathon – 1st week of March
This is an annual event which is a combination of marathon and an adventurous journey through stunning rural countryside and villages, crossing over hillocks, valleys, streams and bridges. It is 26.2 miles (42 km) for full marathon and 13.1 miles (21 km) for half marathon. The race starts from Gasa district (2800 m) and finishes at Punakha district (1200 m).
Rhododendron Festival, Lam Pelri – 3rd week of April
The festival features the rhododendron walk and exhibition, local cultures and cuisines, arts and crafts, traditional games, cultural programs and guided walks. Different species of rhododendron flowers are displayed. The festival is hosted at Lamperi Botanical Garden (3050 m), under Thimphu District, on the way to Punakha district.
Rhododendron Festival, Sheytemi – 1st week of April
Sheytemi is located at an altitude of 2900 meters under Merak Gewog (Block), Trashigang District in eastern Bhutan. Out of 46 species of rhododendron, 41 are found in Sheytemi and surrounding highland areas. During one week program, traditional dances, unique local dances, singing and games are performed. Local products unique to the highlander of the area are also displayed.
Coronation Marathon, Paro – 1st week of June
Coronation Marathon is organized to commemorate the Coronation of His Majesty the Third King of Bhutan who is known as the “Father of Modern Bhutan”. Both local and foreigners participate in the marathon.
Haa Summer Festival – 2nd week of July
Haa Summer Festival is a lively celebration of traditional living-culture, nomadic lifestyle, unique Bhutanese cuisine, traditional sports and religious performance. It depicts traditions and lifestyles of Bhutan’s nomadic herders. Tourists can experience home stays and enjoy the hospitality of the local people.
Matsutake Mushroom Festival, Genekha (3rd week of August)
Matsutake is known to be a rare species of mushroom that is grown in few areas of Bhutan. The objective of the festival is to create awareness on the sustainable harvesting of the mushroom and its conservation. Mushroom hunting and cultural programs are showcased during the two-days program held in Genekha, (2700 m) Thimphu district.
Matsutake Mushroom Festival, Ura (4th week of August)
Similar festival is held in Ura valley (about 3100 m) in Bumthang district to showcase the Mutsutake and mushroom products. During the two-days program, matsutake recipes are served and cultural programs are performed.
Tour of the Dragon - Mountain Bike Race (1st week of September)
It is not a normal kind of mountain bike race but extremely challenging in terms of distance, topography of route and facilities enroute. The race starts in Bumthang (2600 m) and travels 268 km over 4 mountain passes and finishes in Thimphu. It’s one of the toughest one-day mountain bike races in the world.
Jomolhari Mountain Festival, Jangothang (1st week of October)
This two-day festival is celebrated at the base of Mt. Jokolhari (7326 m) called Jangothang (4080 m). The festival showcases the culture of communities located along one of the most scenic trekking routes in Bhutan, depicting harmonious existence of human and the natural flora and fauna like elusive and elegant snow leopard. Local people and tourists join the celebration.
Bhutan Birds Festival, Tingtibi (2nd week of October)
Tingtibi, under Zhemgang District in central Bhutan, is known for presence of various kind of birds which offers easy opportunities for bird watching both for local people and tourists. During the 3 days festival, apart from showcasing different artworks of local people, guided birding tours and photography tours are organized.
Royal Highlander Festival, Laya (4th week of October)
The festival is organized at Laya (3800 m) with an aim of making highlands a vibrant and thriving economy and to promote sustainable livelihood of highlanders. The highlanders from other parts of Bhutan join two-day celebration to exchange values, knowledge, skills and best practices related to highlands and yak farming.
Black Necked Crane Festival, Gangtey Goenpa (2nd week of November)
The festival is celebrated at the courtyard of Gangtey Goenpa (Monastery) in stunning Phobjikha Valley in Wangduephodrang district. The annual festival is organized to generate awareness and understanding on the importance of conserving the endangered Black-Necked Crane. The program includes folk dances and songs, crane dances, etc.