Nalakhar Tshechu, also known as Nga Lhakhang Zhi, is a 3-day religious festival to honor the founder of the Ngang Lhakhang, Lama Namkha Samdrup.
The festival is celebrated with rituals and sacred, symbolic dances to bring happiness, prosperity, and good harvests. It is one of Bumthang’s spiritual festivals held annually in Nalakhar village in the Choekhor valley of Bumthang Dzongkhag.
The 2026 Nalakhar Tshechu festival in Bhutan will be held from November 24-26, 2026.
Where is the Nalakhar Tshechu festival held?
The Nalakhar Tshechu festival takes place at Nga Lhakhang. Ngala Lhakhang is a private temple built in the 15th century by Lama Namkha Samdrup. It is located in Nalakhar village, north of Jakar town.
Accessible via a farm road, the scenic drive to Thangbi Lhakhang takes about 1 hour. From the end of the road, visitors need to cross the bridge on foot and then walk roughly 15 minutes along the left bank of the river to reach Ngang Lhakhang, also known as ‘Swan Temple.’
Nalakhar Tshechu Festival
Nalakhar Tshechu, also known as Nga Lhakhang Zhi, is a three-day religious festival held at Nga Lhakhang in Nalakhar village. The festival takes place from the 15th to the 17th day of the 10th month of the Bhutanese lunar calendar.
The festival honors Lama Namkha Samdrup, the 15th-century founder of the Ngang temple, and aims to bring happiness and prosperity to the community and the nation. It is also a time to pray for a plentiful harvest and the well-being of all living beings.
Highlights of the Nalakhar Festival
The highlights of the Nalakha festival include:
- Sacred cham (masked dances): The spiritual and symbolic dances performed by both monks and laypeople.
- Folk performances: Colorful traditional songs and dances.
- Spiritual teachings: Religious rituals and blessings are offered throughout the function.
- Local culture: People from all over Bumthang come dressed in their finest clothes and enjoy traditional Bumthang cuisine.
Why attend Nalakha Tshechu?
The Nalakha Tshechu offers an authentic Bhutanese festival experience, free from crowds. You can truly immerse yourself in the festive spirit and learn the centuries-old culture and traditions of Bumthang Valley. You can attend the festivals of Bhutan with the Bhutan Festival Package.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nalakhar Tshechu?
Nalakhar Tshechu (also called Nga Lhakhang Zhi) is a three-day Buddhist festival held annually at Ngaa Lhakhang (Swan Temple) in Nalakhar village, upper Choekhor Valley, Bumthang. It features sacred Cham (mask) dances, rituals, and folk performances dedicated to Guru Rinpoche and the temple’s founder, Lama Namkha Samdrup.
When is Nalakhar Tshechu 2026?
The festival is scheduled for 24–26 November 2026 (three days). Dates follow the Bhutanese lunar calendar and can shift slightly year to year.
Where exactly is it held?
Ngaa Lhakhang (Swan Temple), Nalakhar village in upper Choekhor Valley, Bumthang (about a 1-hour drive north from Jakar, passing Thangbi Lhakhang).
Who can attend?
Open to all, including domestic and international visitors. For international tourists, attendance must be arranged through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator (independent/backpacker travel is not permitted).
