- 1 June, 2025
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Government Holidays
Bhutan observes a number of government holidays throughout the year, which are often tied to important Buddhist festivals, royal anniversaries, and significant national events. These holidays are a great opportunity to witness cultural celebrations, but it’s also important to be aware of them as government offices, banks, and some businesses will be closed.
Here is a list of the confirmed government holidays in Bhutan for 2025:
Bhutan Government Holidays 2025
| Date | Day of Week | Public Holiday | Observance / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 2 | Thursday | Winter Solstice (Nyilo) | Traditional New Year in parts of Bhutan |
| January 30 | Thursday | Traditional Day of Offering | |
| February 21 | Friday | Birth Anniversary of His Majesty the King (His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck) | Observed for 3 days |
| February 22 | Saturday | Birth Anniversary of His Majesty the King Holiday | |
| February 23 | Sunday | Birth Anniversary of His Majesty the King Holiday | |
| February 28 | Friday | Losar (Lunar New Year) (Year of the Wood Female Snake) | Observed for 2 days |
| March 1 | Saturday | Losar Holiday | |
| May 2 | Friday | Birth Anniversary of the 3rd Druk Gyalpo | (King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck) |
| May 7 | Wednesday | Zhabdrung Kuchhoe (Death Anniversary of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal) | |
| June 11 | Wednesday | Lord Buddha’s Parinirvana | (The passing away of Lord Buddha) |
| July 5 | Saturday | Birth Anniversary of Guru Rinpoche | (Padmasambhava, who brought Buddhism to Bhutan) |
| July 28 | Monday | The First Sermon of Lord Buddha | |
| September 23 | Tuesday | Blessed Rainy Day (Thrue Bab) | Marks the end of the monsoon season |
| October 2 | Thursday | Dassain | Hindu festival, widely celebrated in Bhutan |
| October 2 | Thursday | Thimphu Tshechu (Thimphu only) | Municipal holiday in Thimphu. Main festival dates can vary slightly by year. |
| October 3 | Friday | Thimphu Tshechu (Thimphu only) | Municipal holiday in Thimphu |
| October 4 | Saturday | Thimphu Tshechu (Thimphu only) | Municipal holiday in Thimphu |
| November 1 | Saturday | Druk Gyalpo Coronation Anniversary | (Coronation of the current King) |
| November 11 | Tuesday | Birth Anniversary of the 4th Druk Gyalpo | (King Jigme Singye Wangchuck) |
| November 11 | Tuesday | Descending Day of Lord Buddha (Lhabab Duechen) | Commemorates Buddha’s descent from heaven |
| December 17 | Wednesday | National Day | Commemorates the coronation of the first King and unification of Bhutan |
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Important Considerations for Travelers:
- Business Closures: On these days, government offices, banks, and many private businesses will be closed. While tourist shops and hotels generally remain open, you might find some local eateries or smaller stores closed.
- Festival Impact: Holidays tied to major festivals (like Losar, Tshechus) can lead to crowded transportation and accommodations in specific areas. If you plan to attend a Tshechu, it’s essential to book well in advance.
- Traffic and Crowds: During popular festivals, expect increased traffic and crowds around the festival grounds.
- Cultural Experience: Witnessing a festival or holiday celebration can be a highlight of your trip, offering a deep dive into Bhutanese culture and spirituality. Your guide will be invaluable in helping you navigate and understand these events.
Always confirm specific dates with your tour operator, as lunar-based holidays can sometimes have slight variations depending on the calendar calculations.
