The Gasa Tshechu Festival unfolds in one of Bhutan’s most remote and spectacular settings, held from the 8th to 10th day of the second lunar month at the remarkable Gasa Dzong in Bhutan’s extreme northwest.

Reaching this extraordinary festival requires a commitment to adventure, with a scenic three-hour, 74-kilometer drive from Punakha through the Jigme Dorji National Park. Yet, the challenging road conditions are more than compensated for by breathtaking mountain vistas resembling serrated peaks punctuated by eleven cascading waterfalls.

Gasa Dzong – Historical Significance

Perched dramatically at 2,800 meters (9,186 ft) above sea level, Gasa Dzong serves as the administrative heart of the district and carries a name with layered historical significance. The fortress name honors the Tibetan saint Terkhungpa, as “Ga” means blacksmith and “sa” means land, reflecting his skill in metalwork and his meditation in a cave beneath the current structure. According to legend, when the Zhabdrung arrived in Bhutan, he was greeted by a local deity, inspiring him to also name the dzong after this protective spirit, Trashi Thongmon.

Built by Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyal in the 1640s directly above Terkhungpa’s meditation cave, Gasa Dzong stands apart with its unique circular architecture and three strategically positioned watchtowers. The sacred utse rises directly above the saint’s former retreat, while the temple of Kap-Goenm houses revered images of the Buddhas of past, present, and future, alongside representations of the Zhabdrung and Guru Rinpoche. Just below lies the mystical “La Tsho” or soul lake, where locals believe the dzong’s guardian spirit Gomo emerged as a protective serpent during ancient Tibetan attacks.

Sacred Dances

Sacred dances performed during the Gasa Tsechu Festival:

• Shinje Yabyum Chham – Dance of the Lord of Death and his Consort
• Yuelingma Chham - Spirit Dance

Other Traditional Dances

Other traditional dances to take place:

• Juging Cham - Stick Dance
• Zhana Cham – Black Hat Dance
• Driging Cham - Sword Dance
• Zhana Nga Cham – Black Hat Drum Dance
• Nga Ging Cham - Drum Dance
• Drametse Nga Cham – Drum Dance of Drametse
• Pholey Moley Cham – Dance of the Noblemen and Ladies
• Shawa Sha Khe Cham - Dance of Hunter and Deer (the beginning)
• Shazam Cham – Dance of the Four Stags
• Durdag Cham – Dance of the Lords of the Cremation Grounds
• Tung Ngam Cham – Dance of the Terrifying Deities
• Raksha Gocham - Ox-headed Dance
• Raksha Mang Cham – Dance of the Judgment of Death
• Shawa Sha Khe Cham - Dance of Hunter and Hounds (the ending)
• Paa Cham - Heroic Dances (Dance of Victory)
• Tsholing Cham – Wrathful War Dance
• Pawi Ging Cham – Dance of the Heros (Paazaps)
• Guru Tshengye Cham – Dance of the Eight Manifestations of Guru Rinpoche
• Rigna Chudru or Ngachuyi Cham – Dance of the Heroes