Bhutan Travel Guide - Public Holidays

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2008-December 2009 period.

2008
8 Aug Independence Day.
11, 12 ,13 Nov Birthday of HM Jigme Singye Wangchuck.
17 Dec National Day of Bhutan.

2009
8 Aug Independence Day.
11, 12 ,13 Nov Birthday of HM Jigme Singye Wangchuck.
17 Dec National Day of Bhutan.

* Date to be confirmed.

The traditional Buddhist holidays are observed, including Winter Solstice, Day of Offerings, Losar (New Year), Shabdung Kuchoey, Birthday of Drukgyal Sumpa, Lord Buddha’s Parinirvana, Coronation Day, Birthday of Guru Rinpoche, First Sermon of Lord Buddha, Thimphu Tsechu and Thimphu Tsechu Domchoe, Blessed Rainy Day, Dashain and the Descending Days of Lord Buddha, The Meeting of Nine Evils and the National Day. Also to be noted is the Birth Anniversary, Coronation and Death Anniversary of Third King HM Jigme Dorje Wangchuck. Buddhist festivals are declared according to local astronomical observations and it is not possible to forecast the date of their occurrence. Please contact local authorities for the latest dates. Dates of smaller festivals are liable to change at short notice.