Lhuentse Tshechu – The most spectacular Buddhist festival in the far north-eastern corner of Bhutan

Situated in north-eastern corner of Bhutan, the ancient region of Kurtoe or Lhuentse as it is known today is the ancestral home of Bhutan Kings and hosts several sacred sites of pilgrimage in the country. Located about 77km from Mongar (approx. 3-hour drive), Lhuentse is also one of the most isolated districts in the country with spectacular landscape. Most of Lhuentse district is part of the environmentally protected areas of Bhutan. The district contains parts of Wangchuck Centennial Park in the north, Thrumshingla National Park in the south and Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary in the east. These three parks are connected by biological corridors that crisscross the central and southern regions of the district.

Scheduled in the month of December, 3-days annual Lhuentse Tshechu or religious festival is held at Lhuentse Dzong, sitting high above a ridge overlooking Kuri Chhu (river). The Lhuentse Tshechu was instituted some three centuries ago by Yongzin Ngagay Wangchuk and comprises of various masked and folk dances performed at the courtyard of Dzong. Some of the prominent mask dances showcased during the festival along with other cultural programmes are: Sachhog Zhang Cham, Sha Zam Cham, Daegye Bakchan. Hundreds of devotees from all over the valley, dressed in their finest attire and jewellery congregate at the Dzong to witness the festival and to accumulate merit. The Tshechu concludes with Thongdrel ceremony in the morning and Guru Tshengye’s blessing towards the afternoon.