Some of the best months to visit Bhutan are the fall season—September through November. This period features festivals such as the Thimphu Tshechu, Bhutan’s most coveted cultural festival, and the Royal Highland Festival, which honors and showcases Bhutan’s nomadic culture. It is also ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking and trekking.
Matsutake Mushroom Festival
Genekha (15th–16th August) near Thimphu and Ura, Bumthang (23rd–24th August) host the Matsutake Mushroom Festival annually. It showcases the highly prized Matsutake mushroom, famous in Japanese cuisines. These mushrooms, native to Bhutan, cannot be lab-grown. They grow in wild pine forests, often under the trees and have a pine-like aroma to them. Bhutanese either stir fry them, or make a soupy dish with cheese and butter.
Thimphu Tshechu (2nd-4th October)
Thimphu Tshechu is held to honor the patron saint of Bhutan– Guru Rinpoche. The three-day religious festival showcases various mask dances, which include the jester– Atsara, often carrying phallus to induce full crowd attention to the performances.
Bhutanese are encouraged to attend tshechus, as watching mask dances of the afterlife can help them understand the concept of death.
Tshechus are also events of grand celebrations, where locals wear their most expensive silk Kira, or Gho.
Druk Path Trek
A perfect way to spend the fall season in Bhutan is by trekking. Crisp Himalayan air with favourable conditions make this particular (moderate level) trek perfect for the fall season in Bhutan.
The Druk Path Trek runs on an ancient mule road from Thimphu to Paro. One of my first trekking experiences, walking the Druk Path taught me the simple power of getting to know Bhutan on foot.
Royal Highland Festival
The Royal Highland Festival was introduced in 2016 to honor and showcase Bhutan’s nomadic culture. The festival takes place in Laya, at about 4000 meters above sea level. In order to get to the festival location, attendees hike for about 10 kms. Read our festival diaries from last year.
As the fall season for travel in Bhutan arrives, it is crucial to inquire early. Hotels and flights tend to fill up during the fall season in Bhutan. And remember that you can enjoy other festivals and itineraries in Bhutan that are not included here. Just Contact us at [email protected] or call +975 1711-2338 any time, anywhere!