Government Holidays and Special Events

Government Holidays and Special Events

Winter Solstice	02 Jan
Traditional Day of Offering	09 Jan
Losar, Bhutanese New Year	08, 09 Feb
Birth Anniversary of His Majesty, the fifth King	21, 22 & 23 Feb
Zhabdrung Kuchoe, Birth Anniversary of the Shabdrung	15 April
Birthday of the Third King	02 May
Lord Buddha’s Parnirvana	19 May
Birthday of Guru Rimpoche, Trindha Tshechu	12 July
First Sermon of Lord Buddha	05 August
Dashain	09 Oct
Descending Day of Lord Buddha	19 Nov
Birth Anniversary of His Majesty the fourth King	11 Nov
National Day of Bhutan	17 Dec

List of Dzongs, Monasteries, Festivals, open for visitors

Not all religious institutions are open for visitors but still they get good insight into Kingdom’s unique cultural heritage. The closure of religious establishments is to ensure that monastic life can continue unhindered and works of art can be protected and sanctity of such places can be preserved.

Western Bhutan

Paro : Ta Dzong (National Museum), Drukgyel Dzong, Bitekha Dzong (en route to Haa valley), Taktsang Monastery (view from Tourist cafeteria), Paro Tshechu

Thimphu : Trashichhoedzong, Memorial Chorten, Changlimethang Lhakhang and Jigmeling Lhakhang, Thimphu Tshechu

Punakha : Punakha Dzong (open in summer months when monks are in Thimphu), Punakha Dromche

Wangduephodrang : Wangduephodrang Tsechu, Wangduephodrang Dzong

Central Bhutan

Bumthang : Jakar Dzong, Wangduechholing Dzong, Member Tsho,Peling Sermon Chorten, Ura new Lhakhang, Kurje Tsechu, Nemalung Tsechu, Tamshing Phala Choepa, Tangbi Mani, Jambey Lhakhang Drup, Prakar Tsechu

Trongsa : Chendbji Chorten, Ta Dzong, Trongsa Tsechu

Eastern Bhutan

Mongar : Mongar Dzong, Mongar Tsechu

Trashigang : Trashigang Tsechu, Zangtho Pelri, Kanglung Lhakhang, Khaling Lhakhang, Radhi Lhakhang, Trashiyangtse Dzong

Samdrup Jongkhar : Zangtho Pelri Lhakhang

Phuentsholing : Kharbandi Goemba, Kamji Monastery, Zangtho Pelri Lhakhang