About Wangdue Phodrang Tshechu
A mid-sized regional festival at the newly rebuilt Wangdue Phodrang Dzong (destroyed by fire in 2012, reopened 2022). Three days of traditional cham dances with a fraction of the crowds of Thimphu.
Highlights
- Reopened Wangdue Dzong setting
- Raksha Mangcham (Dance of the Stag)
- Small, non-touristy crowd
Why attend
Great alternative if Thimphu Tshechu is sold out or too crowded. Most travelers pass through Wangdue en route to Punakha anyway.
Planning tips
- Easy day trip from Punakha
- Pairs well with a Punakha Dzong morning
Related festival experiences
🎭 Festival
Paro Tsechu — annual mask dance festival
Paro Dzong 5 days
5-day religious festival with masked cham dances and the unveiling of a giant silk thangka.
Mar, Apr≤40
Free
🎭 Festival
Thimphu Tshechu festival
Thimphu Dzong 3 days
3-day mask-dance festival in the capital — biggest in terms of audience.
Sep, Oct≤40
Free