There are many religious festivals in Bhutan. The best known festivals are the Tsechus which are held at different times of the year in different locations. Tsechus are celebrated for three to five days with both monks and laymen taking part in the ritual mask dances. 

The Thimphu Tsechu held every year in the capital city, this is one of the most attended Tsechus by the Bhutanese themselves. Tsechus are held annually district to district and are a great time of rejoicing for Bhutanese. Family members travel great distances to be reunited at this time of year.

The Paro Tsechu is held each year in early to mid April with dates set by the lunar calendar as is Chinese new year. The Tsechu is a commemoration of arrival of the Mahayana Buddhist saint Guru "Rimpoche" Padmasambhava (747 CE) and his influence on Bhutan. Different from the original form of Buddhism begun by the Indian Guyatama Buddha about 500 BCE, The Guru Rimpoche established a Buddhism simular to Tibetan Lamanism with the synchronitation of the indigenous "Bon" religions of the Himalayas and their magical powers. The Guru Rimpoche used his own powers and authority to convert local demons to Buddhism. This year's Paro Tsechu promises to one of the best ever. Here you will get a glimpse of the Bhutan that has been kept a secret for so long. See the "Shinje Yab Yum" (Dance of the Lord of Death and his consort) as well as the unfurling of the Paro Thongdrel (world's largest thankha!).
  

This victory of the Buddhist doctrines of "Dharma" over evil powers is the theme of the Bhutanese Tsechu celebration. Lasting several days the Tsechu is an epic pageant of dance and drama. The "gods of death", the dance of the stagg and the hound, kings and queens, the triumphal entrance  of the Guru are all portrayed here in dance. The Tsechu is a Bhutanese act of worship of the ideals of Dharma. During most of the year Bhutanese life revolves around planting and harvesting. Held during breaks in the farmer's spring planting and fall harvest, tsechus afford travelers a rare glimps into Bhutanese traditions. Most Buddhist monasteries are closed to outsiders except during the tsechu season. This next year's Paro Tsechu promises to be the bigest Tsechu Bhutan has ever had.

Black Necked Crane Festival : Bird watch, party at the festival and attend a Tsechu in Trongsa. Ultimately, the goal is the conservation and protecting the endangered Black Necked Cranes and their habitat. This can only be obtained if people see economic benefits resulting from conservation activities. The Festival effort is to establish a clear link to conservation and the material well being of the people. Visit Bhutan and help save this beautiful, rare and vanishing fowl.