Bhutan lingers long in your memory after you have gone. And one of the experiences that lingers longest is finding yourself at a tsechu festival. You’ll likely be one of only a handful of tourists among families of local Bhutanese dressed in their finest traditional dress watching monks in colourful costumes performing time-honoured dances. One of the most atmospheric and authentic experiences on offer. Plan your Bhutan journey to coincide with a festival, like the upcoming Punakha Tsechu Festival in February.

Overflowing with colour, culture and atmosphere, Bhutan’s tsechu festivals typically take place in ancient dzongs. Dotted throughout this Buddhist kingdom and often found teetering on mountains or perched by mountain rivers, these imposing fortress-style buildings with their towering white-washed walls, inner stone courtyards and hand-painted motifs are Bhutan’s cultural and administrative heart.

There are many different tsechu festivals held throughout Bhutan at different times of the year and they are a real highlight of any visit here. Each tsechu festival has something unique to offer, from the naked midnight fire dances that take place in the intimate Jambay Lhakhang festival to the vivid, grand and much-anticipated Paro Tsechu Festival.

While the Punakha Tsechu Festival is not as big as some of the others, its more intimate feel will make for a memorable experience. Set in an inner courtyard of one of Bhutan’s most majestic structures, the 16th century Punakha Dzong, and with a striking bodhi tree for shade, find your spot in the courtyard and soak up the rich cultural atmosphere.

The next Punakha Tsechu Festival will take place on 20-22 February 2013. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for other festival dates to help with planning your Seven Skies Bhutan experience!