Dochula Pass in Bhutan(3150 above sea level)

Fortress of Bhutan

Flora of Bhutan

Mask Dance of Bhutan

Black Naked crane in Bhutan

 

Festival Tour

Bhutan Festival Tour

Festivals in the land of the Thunder Dragon are rich and happy expressions of its ancient Buddhist culture. These festivals are held in all the districts in the honor of Guru Rimpoche, the master who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century. Tshechu are held in the monasteries, dzongs, or temples of a particular community on the auspicious days and months in the Bhutanese calendar, last up to four days in which series of highly stylized masked dance rituals are performed.
Festivals are also a big family and social occasion, people dress up in their finest clothes and most resplendent jewelry of coral and turquoise. They pack picnic lunches in their traditional bamboo baskets and stay there all day long.In Bhutan, it is understood that the tshechu is an ideal mechanism to promote happiness and harmony, and strengthen the community and social bonds. These representations of traditional culture are given high and great priority and great respect from the every level of Bhutanese society and function as a manifestation of Gross National Happiness (GHN) policy.

Festival Etiquette

Festival (Tshechu) is religious ceremonies held on consecrated ground. Therefore it would be appreciated that respectful conduct is adhered to during these festival times.
The dancers are in a state of meditation. They are assuming the personas of the deities, which they are representing. The dances bless the witnesses and also instruct them. With this in mind, it would be appreciated if the onlookers would adhere to respect behaviors. The dance ground is not a place to drink or smoke, talk too loudly or laugh at inappropriate time. While photography is permitted care should be taken not to intrude upon the dances space as well as respect local sentiment.

Festivals are not entertainment held as tourist attraction. They are a religious tradition, which outsiders are at present allowed to attend. An unruly behavior has in the past lead to dismay from the local population as well as criticism. In order to maintain the policy of tourists being allowed to view the festivals proper behavior would be appreciated.

Dress Code

Since this is one occasion where all Bhutanese dress in their finest clothes so the dress code for visitors would be formal. Inside Dzongs and monasteries hats are not permitted as a rule. Full sleeved shirts and full trouser would suffice for men, the same or dress for women. Ties are not necessary, jackets optional.

Click here to see Bhutan 2017 Festival Schedule