Festival
Dechenphu Tshechu
A day for the guardian deity of Thimphu
- 21 October 2026
- Dechenphu Lhakhang, Thimphu
The festival
What happens
Dechenphu Lhakhang stands in a side valley at the northern end of Thimphu, twenty minutes’ drive from the centre of the town and a short climb on foot from the road. It is the home of Geynyen Jagpa Melen, the guardian deity of the Thimphu valley and one of the chief protectors of the country. People of the capital come here before an examination, a journey or a new business, and no archery team would think of playing an important match without a visit.
The temple was founded in the 12th or 13th century by a son of Phajo Drugom Zhigpo, the lama who brought the Drukpa school to western Bhutan.
The festival
The tshechu is a young one. It was first held in 2003, on the 10th day of the ninth month of the Bhutanese calendar, and it keeps that day, which falls in October or November. For one day masked dances are performed in the courtyard in honour of the deity, among them the drum dance of the black hats and the dance of the four stags.
The inner shrine of the guardian is closed to visitors from abroad at all times. The courtyard, where the dances are held, is not.
Practical notes
- There is a walk of about twenty minutes uphill from where the road ends.
- Dress as you would for any temple, and take your guide’s word about where you may go.
- No photography inside the buildings.
- It is over by mid-afternoon, which leaves time for the rest of Thimphu.
See it for yourself
A trip planned around Dechenphu Tshechu
A private trip, with your own guide and driver, timed so that you are there for the festival. Every day of it can be changed.
- 6 days / 5 nights
- Starts and ends in Paro
From US$1,260 per person Enquire about this trip
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Day 1
Arrive in Paro and drive to Thimphu
Your guide meets you at the airport and we drive to Thimphu. In the afternoon we visit the National Memorial Chorten and the Buddha Dordenma.
- Travel
- 54 km, about 1 hour
- Altitude
- Thimphu, 2,334 m
- Overnight
- Thimphu
- Meals
- Lunch, dinner
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Day 2
Dechenphu Tshechu, and Thimphu
We drive to the head of the valley and walk up to Dechenphu for the morning's dances. In the afternoon we visit the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, where the thirteen traditional arts are taught, and Tashichho Dzong once its offices have closed.
- Altitude
- Thimphu, 2,334 m
- Overnight
- Thimphu
- Meals
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
-
Day 3
Over Dochu La to Punakha
We cross Dochu La, where 108 chortens stand on the pass and the Himalaya shows on a clear morning, and come down to Punakha. In the afternoon we walk through the fields to Chimi Lhakhang and visit Punakha Dzong.
- Travel
- 76 km, 2 to 3 hours
- Altitude
- Punakha, 1,242 m
- Overnight
- Punakha
- Meals
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
-
Day 4
Punakha to Paro
We visit Punakha Dzong when it opens, at the meeting of two rivers, then drive back over Dochu La and on to Paro.
- Travel
- About 130 km, 4 hours
- Altitude
- Paro, 2,200 m
- Overnight
- Paro
- Meals
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
-
Day 5
Hike to Tiger's Nest
We walk up to Taktsang in the morning, with a rest at the teahouse on the way, and visit Kyichu Lhakhang in the afternoon.
- Travel
- About 7 km on foot, 4 to 5 hours
- Altitude
- Tiger's Nest, 3,120 m
- Overnight
- Paro
- Meals
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
-
Day 6
Depart from Paro
Your guide and driver take you to the airport after breakfast.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Prices
What the trip costs
| Group size | Price in US dollars |
|---|---|
| Solo traveller | US$1,770 |
| 2 travellers | US$1,285 per person |
| 3 or more travellers | US$1,260 per person |
Prices are per person in US dollars and include the Sustainable Development Fee and the visa fee.
This trip runs privately, on the dates of the festival. Festival dates are tentative until the year itself, so confirm them with us before you book flights.
Included
- Sustainable Development Fee (US$100 per person per night)
- Bhutan visa fee (US$40) and visa processing
- 3-star hotels, in a twin or double room
- All meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Licensed English-speaking guide throughout
- Private vehicle and driver, including airport transfers
- Bottled water in the vehicle
Not included
- Entry fees for monuments and museums, about US$90 per person
- Flights to and from Paro
- Travel insurance
- Tips for your guide and driver
- Drinks, laundry and personal spending
- Single room supplement, US$35 per room per night
See it for yourself
Other trips that fit this festival
Any of these can be timed to the festival dates. Tell us which days you want to be there.
Cultural tour
Bhutan Signature Journey
Thimphu, Punakha, Paro
Six days with a night in each of the three western valleys: two in Thimphu, one in Punakha and two in Paro.
Cultural tour
Complete Western Bhutan
Thimphu, Punakha, Phobjikha and 1 more
A week through four valleys: Thimphu, Punakha, the high crane valley of Phobjikha, and Paro with Tiger's Nest.
Questions
Asked about this festival
Are festival dates fixed?
Most are not. Bhutan’s festivals follow the lunar calendar, so they fall on different dates each year. The Department of Tourism and the Association of Bhutanese Tour Operators publish a list for each year and label it tentative, because dates can still move.
Our festival calendar shows the official dates and the day we last checked them. Confirm with us before you book flights. The Black-Necked Crane Festival is the exception: it is held on 11 November every year. If you are deciding between festivals, read how to choose a Bhutan festival.
Can I take photographs at a festival?
Yes, in the courtyard or festival ground, from where you are sitting. Do not step into the dance area or block other people’s view, and ask before photographing anyone at close range. Photography is never allowed inside temples and shrines.
A few rituals may not be photographed at all, among them the midnight Tercham at Jambay Lhakhang. Your guide will tell you. Drones are not permitted.
What should I wear to a festival?
A festival is a religious occasion and Bhutanese come in their best clothes. Wear long sleeves and full-length trousers or a long skirt, and take off your hat inside a dzong. You will be sitting on stone for hours, often in strong sun, so bring a cushion, a sun hat for outside the dzong, water and a warm layer for the early morning.
Enquire
Plan a trip around Dechenphu Tshechu
Hotels near festival grounds fill early. Tell us your dates and we will check what is still available.