Bhutan Festivals (Tsechu) and What to Drink

Tsechus are Bhutan's religious festivals, and the best place to try chang and ara alongside locals.

FestivalSeasonNotes
Paro TsechuSpringMost accessible for visitors; large local crowds.
Thimphu TsechuAutumnDraws huge local crowds in the capital.

Exact dates follow the Bhutanese lunar calendar and change every year. Confirm them with your tour operator or the Department of Tourism before booking flights.

Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) also have the best weather.

What you will drink

Quick answers

When are the Tsechu festivals?

Tsechus follow the Bhutanese lunar calendar, so the Gregorian dates change every year. The Paro Tsechu is in spring and the Thimphu Tsechu in autumn. Always confirm exact dates with your tour operator or the Department of Tourism before booking.

What do people drink at a Tsechu?

Chang and Ara are the traditional drinks of festivals and gatherings, offered by locals alongside commercial beers.

Planning a trip? Bhutan requires travel through a licensed tour operator. Start with the official tourism site.