Gomkora Tshechu Festival
14 Days, 13 Nights
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From $6808 Per Person
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Tour Overview

Trip Summary

  • Trip Grade: Easy to Moderate
  • Duration: 14 Days, 13 Nights
  • Activity: Cultural Festival Tour
  • Route: Paro, Thimphu, Phobjikha, Trongsa, Bumthang, Mongar, Trashiyangtse, Trashigang, Bumthang, Paro
  • Departure: Paro International Airport
  • Return: Paro International Airport
  • Trip Cost: $6,808 per person
  • Festival Dates 2027: March 16 to 18, Gom Kora Lhakhang, Trashigang
  • Last Updated: March 2026

About the Gomkora Tshechu Festival Tour
A 14-day private guided tour from Paro to eastern Bhutan and back. The tour is built around the Gomkora Tshechu at Gom Kora Lhakhang in Trashigang. The route crosses four mountain passes and covers major cultural sites from west to east.

The Gomkora Tshechu Festival Tour runs for 14 days across four regions of Bhutan. Truly Bhutan Travel builds this tour for travelers who want the full cross-country journey alongside a living festival. The 2027 festival runs from March 16 to 18 at Gom Kora Lhakhang, 23 kilometers from Trashigang Dzong. Now is the right time to plan and secure your 2027 place.

Experience Snapshot
I have attended the Gomkora Tshechu at dawn when the paddy fields are still wet with dew. The Dangme Chhu river is audible from the festival grounds. Families from Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh arrive in full traditional dress. Young people from across eastern Bhutan gather along the river. For many, this festival marks the start of courtship. No other festival in eastern Bhutan carries that same mix of the sacred and the social.

What Is the Gomkora Tshechu Festival?
The Gomkora Tshechu is a three-day annual festival held at Gom Kora Lhakhang, 23 kilometers from Trashigang Dzong. The festival falls during the 8th to 11th days of the second Bhutanese lunar month. Dates fall in March or April each year. The kora at Gomphu Kora began 400 years ago. Today, the festival draws locals, travelers, the Dakpa community from Tawang District, and tribal people from Merak and Sakteng.

The name comes from two words. Gomphu means meditation cave. Kora means circumambulation. The name refers to a cave in the rock face beside the temple. Guru Padmasambhava meditated here for three days in the 8th century to subdue an evil spirit named Myongkhapa. The festival honors that event.

Gom Kora is also a place where young men and women of the region have long met during the festival. Many marriages in eastern Bhutan trace their start to this annual gathering.

What Is the Legend Behind Gomkora Tshechu?
The legend of Gomkora goes back to the 8th century. An evil spirit named Myongkhapa fled from Samye monastery in Tibet. He followed the Kholong Chhu stream and hid inside a rock at the present site of Gom Kora. Guru Padmasambhava followed the spirit, entered the cave, and meditated for three days. He then subdued Myongkhapa. The site became sacred from that moment.

The Tshechu held at Gom Kora each year honors this act. Pilgrims circumambulate the temple through the night. The act is believed to purify sins and bring merit. As a result, the festival draws both devoted pilgrims and cultural travelers from across Asia.

When Is the Gomkora Tshechu in 2027?
The 2027 Gomkora Tshechu runs from March 16 to 18 at Gom Kora Lhakhang, Trashigang District. Both dates follow the Bhutanese lunar calendar and shift each year. Booking now for 2027 gives you the best choice of accommodation and travel dates across the full 14-day route. Truly Bhutan Travel confirms all dates before booking.

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  • Gomkora Tshechu Festival

  • Gomkora Tshechu Festival

  • Gomkora Tshechu Festival

  • Gomkora Tshechu Festival

On arrival in Paro you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan for two nights. Spend rest of the day at leisure to allow for acclimatization.

Today we explore a fascinating full day tour to see the best of Thimphu city at an altitude of 2,300 m. First stop is at the National Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, Next, visit the 13th century Changangkha Temple overlooking the Thimphu town and the Folk Heritage Museum, a showcase of the Bhutanese artifacts used in rural households. Later drive up to the Sangaygang Hill (Radio Tower) or the Kuensel Phodrang (Buddha Point) offering a panoramic view of the Thimphu valley, visit the Mini Zoo of Takin, the national animal of Bhutan or the Textile Museum of Bhutan. Continue to the Centenary Farmer’s Market on the banks of the Wangchhu River selling farm produces, local arts and crafts, etc. Overnight in Thimphu.

After breakfast, today we travel to Gangtey via Wangdue Phodrang for a distance of 135-km for about 5-6 hours journey and en route stop at Dochula pass at an altitude of 3,050 m. If weather is clear, you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the snow capped eastern Himalaya ranges and also a magnificent distant view of the Gasa Dzong from this spot. After lunch, visit the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong. Continue on the journey to Gangtey in Phobjikha valley. Along the highway, you’ll photo stops as there are loads of breathtaking views during the journey. The evening is at leisure to relax and enjoy, we have allowed some time for this and also to explore the delightful glacial valley of Phobjikha. Overnight in Gangtey.

The altitude of Gangtey in Phobjikha valley is 3,000 m. This morning you will visit the picturesque Gangtey Gompa (monastery). Enjoy the views of the remote Phobjikha glacial valley and the black mountain ranges. Phobjikha valley is one of the winter roosting grounds of the rare Black-necked Cranes, where they come in hundreds after spending their summer in Tibet and then migrates to the Himalayas of Bhutan to spend their winter – they arrive in the months of September and October and fly back to Tibet between February and March. Your overnight is in Gangtey.

After breakfast, we travel a distance of 120-km for about 5 hours to Trongsa via Pelela pass at an altitude of 3,300 m. This pass is an important dividing range that separates western from central and eastern Bhutan. Lunch will be at Trongsa and then visit the Ta Dzong (ancient watch tower) or the impressive Trongsa Dzong. Continue the journey for a further distance of 68-km for about 2 hours to Bumthang at an altitude of 2,600m, the most beautiful valley and cultural heartland in the Kingdom. En route we will stop for a quick visit to the Yathra Weaving Centre at Chumey, where they use yak and sheep wools for Yathra products with patterns unique to Bumthang. Overnight in Bumthang.

After breakfast, we set out for a full day sightseeing to experience more of this spiritual heartland of Bhutan. You will visit the following legendary monasteries, temples and dzong: the Jakar Dzong, the Jambay Lhakhang, built in the 7th century by the King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet, the Kurjey Lhakhang, built in 1652 and named after the body imprint of Guru Rinpoche who introduced the Buddhism in Bhutan, the Tamshing Lhakhang, built in 1501 and the most important Nyingma temple in Bhutan. If time permits, visit the famous Swiss Cheese Factory and Diary Farm in Bumthang. Overnight in Bumthang.

This morning takes you through a scenic journey for a distance of 198-km for about 7-8 hours journey to Mongar at an altitude of 1,600 m. Along the journey you will cross the two villages called Ura and Sengor passing through the highest point on Bhutan’s lateral road via Thrumshingla pass at an altitude of 3,800 m. En route stop at Ura Shelthangla, where you will enjoy a magnificent view of the Bhutan’s highest peak, Mt Gangkar Puensum at 7,500 m. Next, stop at Sengor village and Namling where you can view the breathtaking landscapes of the cascading waterfalls and admire the diverse flora and fauna in these places. Descending down the road will take you to Lingmethang at an altitude of 700 m and cross the Kurichu River, where the largest hydroelectric power in the eastern region is commissioned over the river. Spend the night in Mongar.

After breakfast, we depart Mongar after a quick visit to the Mongar Dzong and head to Trashiyangtse for a distance of 146-km for about 5 hours journey passing via Korila pass at an altitude of 2,450 m. Afterwards the road descends and passes through the famous turns of Yadi, and en route you will see the temple, perched on top of a steep hill above the village which is the most important monastery in eastern Bhutan. This is the place of origin of the famous Drametse Nga Chham, a masked dance with drums. Lunch will be at Trashigang. Continue into Trashiyangtse at altitude of at altitude of 1,850 m, a fairly new district that was separated from Trashigang. You will spend two nights here.

This morning you will be taken to visit Bumdeling, a wonderful plain alongside the Kholong chhu River. Bumdeling is also one of the winter roosting grounds of the rare Black-necked Cranes, where they come in hundreds after spending their summer in Tibet and then migrate to the Himalayas of Bhutan to spend their winter – they arrive in the months of September and October and fly back to Tibet between February and March. Back to Trashiyangtse and lunch at your hotel. Later visit the new Trashiyangtse Dzong. We will also visit the dazzling white Chorten Kora (stupa) on the Kholong chhu riverbank below the town and the Institute for Zorig Chusum, where students are trained in the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. Overnight in Trashiyangtse.

Today’s return journey is a distance of 55-km for about 2 hours to Trashigang at an altitude of 1,150 m, the largest and most populated district in Bhutan. En route visit the old Trashiyangtse dzong. Later, visit the Trashigang Dzong, which serves as the civil administrative center and the local monastic body, situated on a steep hillside above the Gamri River. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax and enjoy, we have allowed some time for this and also to explore the surroundings of Trashigang town. You will spend three nights here.

Attend the festival of Gomkora Tshechu, which is held in early spring in a sacred religious site of Guru Rinpoche (also known as Padmasambhava) at Gomkora Lhakhang. This festival is very popular in the eastern region of Bhutan and draws people from all walks of life including the Dakpa tribe with entire families from Tawang, a neighboring state Arunachal Pradesh in India. The biggest attraction of Gomkora is the circumambulation of the people dressed in their finery and jeweler partaking in this festivity. For some, traditionally, Gomkora festival is also an occasion to have a date for the people of eastern Bhutan that leads to many marriages. Overnight in Trashigang.

Drive to Bumthang and overnight at Bumthang.

Overnight at a hotel in Paro

Depart from Paro towards your onward destination or optional you can take domestic flight from Bumthang to Paro for onward destination.

The 2027 Gomkora Tshechu runs from March 16 to 18 at Gom Kora Lhakhang in Trashigang District. Dates follow the Bhutanese lunar calendar and shift each year. Booking now gives you the best choice of travel dates and accommodation across the full 14-day route.

Gom Kora is the sacred site where Guru Padmasambhava meditated for three days in the 8th century. He came to subdue an evil spirit hidden inside a rock. Gomphu means meditation cave. Kora means circumambulation. The site sits among monolithic rocks in paddy fields above the Dangme Chhu river, 23 kilometers from Trashigang Dzong. Circumambulating the temple is believed to purify sins and bring spiritual merit.

Email Truly Bhutan Travel at [email protected] or send a WhatsApp message to +975 77111115. Share your travel dates, group size, and any preferences. The team responds within 24 hours with a confirmed quotation. Spring festival tours fill early. Early contact secures your preferred 2027 dates and accommodation across the full 14-day route.

The tour costs $6,808 per person. Contact Truly Bhutan Travel at [email protected] or WhatsApp +975 77111115 for a full cost breakdown and to confirm what is included in your package.

Yes. An experienced, English-speaking Truly Bhutan Travel guide accompanies you for all 14 days. Bhutan government regulations require all international visitors to travel with a licensed guide. Your guide provides context for every sacred site on the route. At the festival, the guide explains the mask dance sequences and ritual significance. The legend of Gom Kora is covered in full throughout the day.

Truly Bhutan Travel requires a deposit to confirm your booking and secure your festival dates. The exact amount is confirmed at the time of quotation based on group size and tour duration. Contact [email protected] or WhatsApp +975 77111115 to receive your complete booking terms and deposit schedule.

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off by private vehicle.
  • 3-star accommodation (4 & 5 stars may require an additional premium update).
  • Bhutan visa fee – including all necessary processing
  • Route Permit
  • Three meals per day during your stay in Bhutan
  • A licensed Bhutanese tour guide
  • All land transportation by private vehicle
  • Camping equipment and haulage for trekking tours
  • Sightseeing as per itinerary
  • Monuments entrance fees where applicable
  • Drinking water
  • All internal taxes and charges
  • A sustainable development fee of $200. (This sustainable development fee goes towards free education, free healthcare, and poverty alleviation, along with the building of infrastructure.)
  • Airfare & Travel Insurance
  • Expenses of personal nature, Tips to guides and drivers
  • Expenses occurred due to unavoidable events i.e. road wrecks, flight delays etc.
Package does not include insurance of any kinds, and that you are required to obtain separate coverage from your home country before your trip begins.
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Useful Information

Best Time to Attend the Gomkora Tshechu
Mid-March is one of the most comfortable months across eastern Bhutan. Temperatures in Trashigang reach 18 to 24 degrees Celsius during the day. At night, they drop to 10 to 14 degrees. Thrumshingla Pass at 3,800 meters requires warm layers in the early morning. March brings clear skies and dry roads. As a result, rhododendron forests on the upper passes begin to flower at lower elevations.

Getting to Trashigang
Paro International Airport receives all international arrivals. Drukair and Bhutan Airlines operate flights from Bangkok, Kolkata, Delhi, Kathmandu, Singapore, and Mumbai. The overland journey from Paro to Trashigang covers approximately 560 kilometers. The drive takes four staged days through Thimphu, Phobjikha, Trongsa, Bumthang, and Mongar. Truly Bhutan Travel coordinates all road transport and accommodation across the full route.

Altitude and Physical Preparation
This tour crosses Dochula Pass at 3,050 meters and Pelela Pass at 3,300 meters. The route also crosses Yutola Pass at 3,400 meters and Thrumshingla Pass at 3,800 meters. In contrast, the festival site at Gom Kora sits at approximately 800 meters. Trashigang town sits at 1,150 meters. The high passes are crossed during drive days, giving the body time to adjust. Drink water consistently and keep a steady pace across the first two drive days.

What to Wear at Gomkora Tshechu
Modest dress is appropriate for the festival site. Long trousers or skirts and covered shoulders show respect inside the temple grounds. Comfortable footwear suits the uneven ground around the monolithic rocks and paddy field paths. Bring a light daypack with water, sun protection, and a jacket for the evening sessions.

Final Thoughts

A Festival Rooted in the Oldest Sacred Ground in Eastern Bhutan
The site of Gom Kora predates the festival by centuries. Guru Padmasambhava left the imprint of his actions here in the 8th century. As a result, the ground holds that history in its stone. The monolithic rocks rising from the paddy fields beside the Dangme Chhu river have no parallel in Bhutan. Attending the Gomkora Tshechu with Truly Bhutan Travel means standing inside a 400-year festival tradition. The location itself is far older still.

Your guide understands what you are looking at. That knowledge shapes every moment at the festival.

What the Full 14-Day Route Delivers
This itinerary builds toward the east without rushing. The dedicated day in Phobjikha, the Bumthang temples, and the Thrumshingla crossing at 3,800 meters all add depth. So does the Trashiyangtse loop through Bumdeling and Chorten Kora. Two nights in Trashiyangtse and three nights in Trashigang ensure unhurried time in both districts. You arrive before the festival and stay on after. Truly Bhutan Travel handles all logistics across the full route, with a government-licensed guide for all 14 days.

The return journey through Bumthang and Paro adds a final layer to the trip. Travelers leave with a complete picture of Bhutan from west to east.

Book Your 2027 Gomkora Tshechu Tour Now
The 2027 Gomkora Tshechu runs from March 16 to 18 at Gom Kora Lhakhang, Trashigang. Spring departures fill well in advance. The earlier you book, the better your choice of dates and accommodation across the full 14-day route. Contact Truly Bhutan Travel at [email protected] or WhatsApp +975 77111115 to confirm your place. The team sends a full quotation within 24 hours.

Alternative Tours with Truly Bhutan Travel

Know Before You Travel
Bhutan Travel Info

  • Travel/Medical Insurance: Ensure a worry-free journey with Bhutan's dedicated travel and medical insurance plans offered by the Royal Insurance Corporation of Bhutan. Visit RICB for more information.
  • Banking: Modern banking facilities are available in urban areas of Bhutan, with banks like Bank of Bhutan Limited, Druk PNB, and Bhutan National Bank. ATMs are common in Thimphu and Phuentsholing, but scarce in rural areas. Complete your banking in major cities.
  • Money Matters: Bhutan's currency is the Ngultrum (Nu), which is equivalent in value to the Indian Rupee. Foreign travelers should bring traveler’s cheques or cash, especially USD. Credit cards like Visa and American Express are accepted in most areas.
  • Communication: Bhutan's telecommunications are well-developed with internet cafes, mobile phone coverage, and international roaming available in most towns.
  • Electricity: Bhutan operates on 230 volts and 50 Hertz. Ensure your devices are compatible with the three types of plugs commonly used.
  • Time Zone: Bhutan's time is six hours ahead of GMT.

  • Health and Inoculations: Recommended vaccinations include tetanus, typhoid, and hepatitis A. Avoid untreated water and ice cubes; instead, opt for bottled water, which is readily available.
  • Safety Precautions: Bhutan is generally safe, but avoid walking alone or staying out late, especially after 9 PM. Secure your belongings, particularly in the capital, Thimphu.
  • Customs Regulations: Personal belongings, 1 liter of alcohol, 200 cigarettes, and professional equipment are exempt from customs duty. Importing restricted items, such as wildlife products, antiques, and drugs, is prohibited.

  • Accommodation: Bhutan offers a range of accommodations, from quality 3-star to luxury 5-star hotels in places like Thimphu, Paro, and Punakha. Travelers can also opt for camping when venturing beyond urban areas.
  • Food: Bhutanese cuisine is rich and spicy, featuring dishes like ema datshi. International cuisine such as Indian, Continental, and Chinese is available in most restaurants, with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
  • Shopping: Bhutan offers unique handicrafts, including hand-woven textiles, wooden bowls (Dapas), silver statues, Thangkas, and local postage stamps. Note that the buying and selling of antiques is strictly prohibited.

  • Clothing and Essentials: Bhutan's climate is diverse, so dress in layers and pack accordingly. Respectful clothing is required when visiting monasteries and religious sites, and hats should be removed in sacred areas.
  • Travel Kits: Pack items like sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, antihistamine cream, anti-diarrhea pills, a flashlight, warm clothes, and a hat. The diverse climate means temperatures range from 20-25°C in summer to below 15°C in winter.

  • Photography: Capture Bhutan's stunning landscapes, rural life, and architecture. Indoor photography in sacred sites requires special permission.
  • Guides and Interpreters: Bhutan offers certified guides fluent in various languages, ensuring you get the best experience when visiting sacred sites and cultural landmarks.
  • Festivals and Holidays: Each district in Bhutan celebrates its unique annual tshechu. Check local schedules to plan your visit around these vibrant festivals.
  • Weights and Measures: Bhutan uses metric measurements for weight, with advanced electronic scales commonly found in major cities.
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