Nepal Trailblazer Trekking

Thimphu Tsechu:

Thimphu Tsechu last for four days during which mask and historical folk dances are performed in the courtyard of the Tashichhodzong. All the offices and institutes in Thimphu will remain closed for four days to mark the Tsechu. It last for four days during which mask and historical folk dances are performed in the courtyard of the Tashichhodzong.

During Tsechus, the dances are performed by monks as well as by laymen. The Tsechu is a religious festival and by attending it, it is believed one gains merits. It is also a yearly social gathering where the people come together to rejoice dressed in all their finery.

According to the tradition of Lama Gongdue, the annual Thimphu Tsechu introduced in 1670 on the eighth month of the Bhutanese calendar during the reign of the fourth Desi ruler, Tenzin Rabgye (1638-1696).

It will take place over four days in autumn towards end of September to commemorate the birth anniversary of Guru Rimpoche. From the time of Gyalsey Tenzin Rabgye, based on various relevant biographies and autobiographies of saints and rulers of the past, compassionate mask dances in the form of peaceful and wrathful figures of most Ter-chams (sacred dances) have been composed and are being presented for the well being of those present on the occasion, according to the Royal Academy of Performing Arts (RAPA).

Jambay Lhakhang Drub Festival:

Bumthang’s tsechus are well-known and even its small local festivals are a privilege to attend to catch an insight of the culture and spirit of Bhutan. Jambay lhakhang Festival is one of the most popular among all the festivals in Bhutan.The festival is held for duel reasons; to commemorate an establishment of Jambay Lhakhang Monastery in the 7th century and to honor Guru Rimpoche, a saint who introduced Tantric form of Buddhism in Bhutan. A variety of traditional and mask dances are performed and each dance bear significant meaning and importance.

This festival is one of the most important in Bhutan and its high light is the 'Mewang" - the fire ceremony and the " Tercham" - a religious dance. A fire dance is held in the evening to bless infertile women so that they may bear children. The festival dances were composed mostly by Terton Pema Lingpa, the great treasure discoverer of the 15th century.

Trongsa Festival:

This festival normally is falls between late November to mid December.

The local people in this valley celebrate their annual five-day festival after the harvest during the winter. This festival is held in the courtyard of the fortress is one of the popular festivals in Bhutan. The festival begins with mask dances and ends with unfurling of huge ancient old Thangkha (Buddhist Religious Scroll) that is hung from a 3-story building.

One can truly appreciate the beauty of Bhutan in winter. There aren’t many tourist in the main areas, the crops are in village rooftops are bright red with the colors of drying chillis, and the pace of life in the villages is slow as villagers spend most of their time basking in the winter sun. The sky is crystal clear and bright sunny weather; the snowcapped mountains forms a backdrop of brilliant white against the azure skies.

Mongar & Trashigang Tsechu:

These festivals usually falls between November and mid-December. Its annual performance also marks respect for the great saint Guru Rimpoche. Besides, these are occassion of socializing, feasting and enjoyment among the local people.

TENTATIVE FESTIVAL DATES FOR 2010