Festival · Paro, Bhutan
Paro Tshechu
Paro's five-day spring festival of masked cham dances at Rinpung Dzong, one of the two biggest tshechus in Bhutan. It ends before dawn on the last day with the unrolling of a giant thongdrel of Guru Rinpoche, taken down before sunlight touches it.
Photo: Nimlham · CC BY-SA 4.0 · CommonsA tshechu, 'tenth day', is a festival honouring Guru Rinpoche, held in each district on dates set by the lunar calendar. Paro's runs from the 11th to the 15th day of the second Bhutanese month, usually in March or April. It begins with rites inside Rinpung Dzong and moves to the Deyangkha ground beside it, where monks and laymen perform masked dances: the Black Hat dance, the dance of the stags and hounds, the dance of the lords of the cremation grounds and more.
The climax comes before dawn on the last day, when a giant thongdrel, about 20 m wide, showing Guru Rinpoche's eight manifestations is unrolled on the dzong wall. Bhutanese believe that seeing it cleanses sin. It goes up around 3–4 am and comes down early in the morning so that sunlight never falls on it. Families arrive in the dark with flasks of tea.
Between dances, atsaras, masked clowns, joke with the crowd and bless people with wooden phalluses. The festival is a social event as much as a religious one: Bhutanese wear their finest gho and kira, and stalls sell food and toys. Paro's hotels and flights sell out months ahead, so book three to four months in advance. Dates for 2026 were 29 March to 2 April; tentative 2027 dates are 18–22 March. Check current status before you travel.
Tips for the day
- Reach the ground by 3.30 am on the last day for the thongdrel.
- Bring a cushion or mat, a flask and warm layers; mornings are cold in March.
- Do not walk across the dance ground or use flash in dancers' faces.
Where it happens
Paro
Paro is the broad valley at 2,250 m that holds Bhutan's only international airport, the Rinpung Dzong and, 10 km up the valley, the Tiger's Nest on its cliff. Most trips start or end here. Give it two to three nights: one full day for Taktsang, one for the dzong, museum and Kyichu Lhakhang.
Stay nearby
Photo: Xiaojun Deng · CC BY 2.0 · Commons
Mid
Zhiwa Ling Heritage, Paro
A hand-built Bhutanese hotel at Satsam Chorten in the Paro valley, opened in 2005 after five years of work by Bhut…
Photo: xiquinhosilva · CC BY 4.0 · Commons
Luxury
COMO Uma Paro
A 29-key resort on a pine-covered hill above Paro town, on a 37-acre estate a short drive from the airport. Rooms,…
Questions
About Paro Tshechu
When is Paro Tshechu 2027?
The tentative 2027 dates are 18–22 March, with the thongdrel on the last morning. In 2026 it ran 29 March to 2 April. Dates follow the lunar calendar and are confirmed closer to the time. Check current status before you travel.
Can tourists attend Paro Tshechu?
Yes. Entry to the festival ground is free, though you must be with your licensed guide and follow dress and photography rules. Hotels in Paro and Thimphu fill early, so book months ahead.
What is a thongdrel?
A giant appliqué thangka, here about 20 m wide, showing Guru Rinpoche and his eight manifestations. It is displayed before dawn on the last day and rolled up before sunlight touches it. Seeing it is believed to cleanse sins.
What should I wear to Paro Tshechu?
Smart, modest clothes: long sleeves and long trousers or a long skirt, closed shoes and warm layers for the cold pre-dawn. Some visitors rent a gho or kira in Paro, which locals appreciate.