Punakha Drubchen and Tshechu
A dramatic festival period at Punakha Dzong combining a historical military reenactment (Drubchen) with the traditional Tshechu.
Location
Punakha Dzong
Duration
5 days
Month (AD)
February/March
Highlights
Military reenactment during Drubchen, masked cham dances during Tshechu, spectacular dzong setting at the river confluence.
Tips for Visitors
Combine festival attendance with the warmer Punakha Valley climate. Expect heavier visitor demand during main festival days — book ahead.
Punakha's festival season is unique in Bhutan because it combines two distinct events: the Punakha Drubchen and the Punakha Tshechu, held back-to-back at Punakha Dzong. The Drubchen reenacts a 17th-century battle against Tibetan invaders, with hundreds of costumed participants storming the dzong in a vivid military pageant — the only festival in Bhutan with this martial character. The Tshechu follows with the more familiar masked sacred dances. Together they make Punakha's festival period one of the most varied and visually striking in the country, all set against the backdrop of Bhutan's most beautiful dzong.
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