Festival
Phuentsholing Tshechu
A festival at the gate of the country
- 17–19 November 2026
- Phuentsholing, Chhukha
The festival
What happens
Phuentsholing is where Bhutan begins for anyone who comes by road. On one side of a painted gate is the Indian town of Jaigaon, loud and crowded; on the other the streets are suddenly quiet, and the hills rise straight from the edge of the town. It lies only a few hundred metres above sea level and is warm all year.
Its tshechu is a recent one, begun after a body of monks was established in the town. It is held for three days in the tenth month of the Bhutanese calendar, in November or December.
What you see
The town’s monks perform the masked dances and its schoolchildren the songs and dances between them. Schools and offices close, the whole town comes, and so do many people from the Indian side of the border.
It is not a reason to come to Bhutan by itself. But if you are entering by road in late November, it turns a night at the border into the first day of the trip.
Practical notes
- Bagdogra, in West Bengal, is the nearest airport. It is about 165 km away, four and a half hours by road.
- Immigration at the gate is done on arrival. We meet you there.
- It is warm even in December. Carry a layer for the drive up to Thimphu, 2,000 m higher.
- Mongar Tshechu and Trashigang Tshechu, in the far east, fall on the same days.
See it for yourself
A trip planned around Phuentsholing 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.
- 7 days / 6 nights
- Phuentsholing to Paro
From US$1,595 per person Enquire about this trip
-
Day 1
Arrive at Phuentsholing
Your guide meets you at the gate. After the formalities we walk to Zangto Pelri Lhakhang, the small temple in the middle of the town, and along the river.
- Altitude
- Phuentsholing
- Overnight
- Phuentsholing
- Meals
- Dinner
-
Day 2
Phuentsholing Tshechu
A day at the festival. In the late afternoon we drive up to Kharbandi Goenpa, on the first ridge above the town, for the view across the plains of Bengal.
- Altitude
- Phuentsholing
- Overnight
- Phuentsholing
- Meals
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
-
Day 3
Phuentsholing to Thimphu
The road climbs from the plains to the mountains in a few hours, through forest that changes with every thousand metres. We pass Chhukha Dzong on the way and reach Thimphu in the afternoon.
- Travel
- About 175 km, about 6 hours
- Altitude
- Thimphu, 2,334 m
- Overnight
- Thimphu
- Meals
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
-
Day 4
Thimphu
We visit the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, where the thirteen traditional arts are taught, then the Textile Museum and Changangkha Lhakhang. Tashichho Dzong opens once the offices close.
- Altitude
- Thimphu, 2,334 m
- Overnight
- Thimphu
- Meals
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
-
Day 5
Thimphu, then Paro
We spend the morning in Thimphu and drive to Paro after lunch. The National Museum and Rinpung Dzong fill the afternoon.
- Travel
- 54 km, about 1 hour
- Altitude
- Paro, 2,200 m
- Overnight
- Paro
- Meals
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
-
Day 6
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 7
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$2,125 |
| 2 travellers | US$1,715 per person |
| 3 or more travellers | US$1,595 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
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.
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.
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 Phuentsholing Tshechu
Hotels near festival grounds fill early. Tell us your dates and we will check what is still available.