FESTIVALS / “TSHECHU” (10th Day) – are the time of the year where people of all walks of life from near and far are seen gathered together to be a part of the occasion and is celebrated with families and friends dressed in their most expensive and treasured traditional attires and jewellery.
The festivals in Bhutan are ancient religious traditions very much alive and adept even to this day (a fine example of a well preserved bhutanese culture). These religious festivals are very sacred and deeply revered by the locals that some of them travel on foot from the furthest hamlets of that area just to witness it. Being a part of it is an opportunity to get blessed, cleanse oneself of sins and enrich ones spirituality.
These religious festivals are held annually on the tenth day of the month of the lunar calendar in temples, monasteries and dzongs throughout the Kingdom. The religious stories and happenings are enacted and expressed through the mask dances performed by the monks, each different from the other. It also includes the unfurling of the holy Thongdrel (the giant ancient tapestry), folk dances and much more.
The valley comes alive with beautiful colours and the celebration continues in the evening by visiting the stalls and stands set up for fun and entertainment by the locals.
Being in the country at the time of a celebration is yet another unforgettable experience. Join us and be a part of the festivity, dress like a bhutanese and witness it first-hand with the locals.
Contact us for itinerary that includes such festivals. However, please be informed that most of the festivals months fall during the popular seasons and we recommend you to plan your travel at the earliest possible.
EVENTS – From the host of events that takes place in Bhutan, following are the ones that are making the rounds and gaining fast popularity.
TOUR OF THE DRAGON – One of the toughest one day Mountain Bike Race on the extremely challenging roads of Bhutan that only few manages to complete. Race on the meandering national highway that cuts through the mountainous terrain dense with natural forest, along the low river valleys, across high mountains and through stunning countryside villages.
Distance: 268 Kilometers
Begin: Bumthang, Central Bhutan.
Finish: Capital city Thimphu, Western Bhutan.
Awards: Cash prizes, certificate of participation and medals.
Course characteristics: involves few plain stretches, multiple steep uphill climbs & downhill rides, blind bends and crossing of four high mountain passes with altitudes ranging from 1200 meters to 3340 meters.
*International Registration fee of USD 250 applies and the event takes place in september every year.
DRAGON FURY – Also a one day Mountain Bike Race on the same stretch of the treacherous himalayan road. The distance to be covered is, however, much shorter than Tour of the Dragon Race but that doesn’t make it an easy race. Dragon fury race is also open to the young bikers who falls in their junior category (14-18 Years). The race is an uphill ride until Dochula Pass and then all downhill until the finish point through the pristine forest and beautiful villages.
Distance: 60 Kilometers
Begin: Messina, Wangdue Phodrang, Western Bhutan.
Finish: Capital city Thimphu, Western Bhutan.
Awards: Cash prizes, certificate of participation and medals.
Course characteristics: involves a stretch of uphill climbs and then downhill rides until finish, blind bends, crossing one mountain pass with altitudes ranging from 1410 meters to 3150 meters.
*International Registration fee of USD 100 applies and the event takes place in september every year.
BHUTAN INTERNATIONAL MARATHON – Starting off at Gasa, the marathon is rather an up-close exploration journey through the beautiful valley of Punakha. The route leads you through rural villages, along the Mo Chhu ( The Female River) with stunning views of the landmarks of Punakha, crossing the exhilarating long suspension bridge across Pho Chhu (The Male River) and finishes at the majestic Punakha Dzong.
Type: Full and Half Marathon race.
Distance: 42 Kms / 21 Kms
Star line: Gasa, Western Bhutan.
Event Venue: Punakha, Western Bhutan.
Awards: Special awards, medals and cash prizes.
Route Description: On the rural route with approx. 50% hard pack dirt with rocky & uneven surfaces and 50% pavement.
International Registration fee: US$ 160 for full marathon & US$ 120 for half marathon.
Event Date: 3 March 2018.
BHUTAN CORONATION MARATHON – Another annual mega event inviting athletes to run a marathon in the beautiful himalayan kingdom and this time to be a part of the scenic valley of Paro. This marathon takes the runners through the valley covered in pretty rice fields and stunning scenery. Paro is home to Bhutan’s most iconic landmark Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery.
Type: Full and Half Marathon race.
Distance: 42 Kms / 21 Kms
Event Venue: Paro, Western Bhutan.
Star & Finish: Paro Town.
Awards: Special awards, medals and cash prizes.
International Registration fee: US$ 100 for full marathon & US$ 80 for half marathon.
Event Date: June every year.
A unique racing experience awaits you. Plan your holiday in advance, not only to join in on the hype, but also to immerse yourself in the magical surroundings of the mysterious kingdom.