The festival season in the Kingdom of Bhutan has just begun
If you’d read our guide to a nirvana-like experience in Bhutan, and were (understandably) intrigued, you may be clearing your schedule for a visit to the kingdom. If that’s the case (and it really should be), then you’ve picked the right time. The mountainous country’s festive season has just begun, and with it, comes a host of festivals that will introduce you to the traditions of the culturally rich kingdom. From witnessing the return of black-necked cranes to celebrating the vibrant highland communities, here are four upcoming festivals in Bhutan you won’t want to miss.
Black Mountain festival | 5 – 6 October 2024
Trongsa, one of Bhutan’s most culturally significant districts, serves as the backdrop for the Black Mountain festival. Set within the courtyard of Trongsa Dzong, the festival offers an intimate look into the cultural and economic life of the region. Highlights include indigenous sports, traditional Monpa brewing practices, and a chance to mill stone while adorned in traditional garb. Designed to showcase local products and treasures of the region, the festival promotes local economies while preserving its artisanal heritage.
Royal Highland festival | 23 – 24 October 2024
Perched high in the mountains, the village of Laya is a bastion of Bhutan’s ancient highland traditions. During the Royal Highland festival, held over two days, visitors of Laya are welcomed into a celebration of highland traditions and communities through a series of animal contests and folk dances. As you revel with the highlanders dressed in their traditional Layap attire, you’ll be immersed in a culture that continues to thrive in one of the world’s most remote regions.
Black-Necked Crane festival | 11 November 2024
Gangtey Valley, with its rolling green hills and serene ambience is the idyllic setting for the annual return of the black-necked cranes. These majestic birds, migrating from Tibet and Arunachal Pradesh, are the protagonists of this festival, captivating those who travel to witness their arrival. Beyond the cranes, visitors can also look forward to cultural performances and mask dances.
Bhutan Bird festival | 13 – 15 November 2024
For those seeking a deeper connection to Bhutan’s natural world, the Bhutan Bird festival may be right up your alley. Situated in the Zhemgang district that’s renowned for its biodiversity, this three-day festival is a confluence of eco-tourism, local culture, and conservation. With over 500 bird species calling this region home—from the endangered White-bellied Heron to the elegant Pallas’s Fish Eagle—the event is a rare opportunity for avid birders and casual visitors alike to witness Bhutan’s commitment to preserving its ecosystems. Beyond the avian spectacle, the festival offers white-water rafting, healing hot-spring baths, and a curated selection of cultural performances.
