(Thimphu, 1 October 2026): The Department of Tourism, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment, Bhutan, in collaboration with the Wangdue Phodrang Dzongkhag Administration and Bhutan Olympic Committee is pleased to announce the 2nd edition of the Sha-Festival and Dragon Fury Race, scheduled to take place from 16th-17th October 2026 at Gadhen Lingka, Bajo Wangdue Phodrang.
Held under the theme “The Taste of Sha!” and the slogan “From Valley Fields to Festive Feast,” the two-day festival will bring together communities from across 15 gewogs of Wangdue Phodrang Dzongkhag, visitors, cycling enthusiasts, and other participants for a celebration that combines the Dzongkhag’s cultural identity with adventure and community experiences.
The festival will provide a platform for the Gewogs to showcase their unique local products, cottage and small-scale industry products, traditional knowledge, and unique cultural expressions. One of the unique cultural expressions includes “Molay Drendhur” which is a local beauty contest. The programme will also feature evening cultural performances and live entertainment by Bhutanese artists, creating opportunities for visitors to engage with the local community and experience the vibrant cultural character of Wangdue Phodrang.
A key highlight of the festival will be the Dragon Fury Race, a cross-country cycling event open to local, international, and expatriate participants. This year, the race will also welcome road-bike cyclists, further broadening participation and promoting cycling as an exciting form of active travel. Riders will journey through scenic routes, offering a unique opportunity to experience Wangdue Phodrang’s landscapes while promoting adventure tourism, cycling tourism, and healthy, active lifestyles.
To ensure a safe and well-organized race, participants will be supported through designated marshal points, chip timing, medical teams, and cheering sections involving local schools and communities. With a total prize purse of Nu. 170,000 awards will be presented to the top cyclists in both men’s and women’s categories, along with special recognition for the youngest and eldest participants. All participants will receive certificates, medals, and T-shirts upon completion of the race.
The second edition of the festival builds on the success of its inaugural edition and aims to further establish the Sha-Festival and Dragon Fury Race as an annual event on Bhutan’s festival calendar. Beyond the celebration itself, the festival seeks to strengthen community participation, create greater visibility for local products and traditions, and encourage visitors to explore Wangdue Phodrang as a destination offering diverse cultural, community, nature-based, and adventure experiences.
“The Sha-Festival and Dragon Fury Race have become an important platform for showcasing the unique products, talents, and traditions of our Gewogs while bringing our communities together in the spirit of celebration. We are proud to host the second edition of this event and are encouraged by the growing interest and participation it has generated. Through this festival, we hope to create meaningful opportunities for our communities to share their heritage and experiences, while welcoming visitors from across the country and beyond to discover the richness of Wangdue Phodrang.”said, Dasho Tashi Dawa, Dzongdha of Wangdue Phodrang Dzongkhag.
“The second edition of the Sha-Festival and Dragon Fury Race marks an important step towards establishing the event as a distinctive annual celebration of Wangdue Phodrang. This year’s festival reflects the strong collaboration between the Dzongkhag Administration, partner agencies, local Gewogs, communities, and the Department of Tourism. By bringing together cultural traditions, community-led experiences, and adventure through the Dragon Fury Race, the festival offers visitors an opportunity to experience the unique character of Wangdue Phodrang in a meaningful and engaging way. We are encouraged by the continued efforts to strengthen the festival and its potential to attract both domestic and international visitors. As we work towards positioning Wangdue Phodrang as a destination in its own right, events such as this play an important role in showcasing the Dzongkhag’s heritage, landscapes, communities, and diverse tourism experiences.” Concluded Damcho Rinzin, Director of the Department of Tourism.
For more information about the Black Mountain Festival, Visit: https://wangduephodrang.gov.bt/
For more information about the Department of Tourism, visit HERE
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About the Department of Tourism
The Department of Tourism of Bhutan is dedicated to fostering sustainable tourism, showcasing the Kingdom’s extraordinary places, people, and experiences to conscious travelers. It operates under the guiding principle of High-value, Low-volume tourism, ensuring that Bhutan’s unique identity and resources are preserved for future generations.
Bhutan Believe
Bhutan’s national brand, “Bhutan Believe,” reflects the nation’s confidence in its future, rooted in the wisdom of its past. The tagline underscores Bhutan’s potential, possibilities, and the collective optimism of its people. It calls on all citizens and visitors to embrace Bhutan’s aspirations and contribute to its continued growth and resilience.
Visitor Information
Travelling to Bhutan requires a visa or permit, which can be easily obtained online or through a Bhutanese tour operator. The processing time is approximately five days. All international visitors, except those from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives, must pay Bhutan’s Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of USD 100 per person per night. A one-time visa application fee of USD 40 also applies. Indian visitors pay an SDF of Nu/INR 1,200 per person per night. These contributions support vital cultural, environmental, health, and education initiatives in Bhutan. More details are available at www.bhutan.travel
Tourism Service Providers
Bhutan’s tourism services are delivered by certified tour operators, accommodation providers, and guides, licensed and regulated by the Department of Tourism. These providers adhere to national standards on service quality, safety, sustainability, and cultural sensitivity. A comprehensive list of certified tourism service providers is available at services.bhutan.travel
Getting to Bhutan
Bhutan is accessible by air through Paro International Airport, served by Drukair – Royal Bhutan Airlines and Bhutan Airlines, with direct connections from key regional hubs including Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, Kathmandu, Singapore, Dhaka and Dubai. Overland entry is available for regional travellers through designated border points in Samdrup Jongkhar providing access to central and eastern regions by road.
Things to Do in Bhutan – Key Highlights
Bhutan offers a diverse range of experiences for visitors, from adventure and outdoor activities such as hiking, motorbiking, rafting, and fly-fishing through its mountains, forests, and river valleys, to wellness and spiritual journeys that include visits to ancient monasteries, traditional hot stone baths, and immersion in Bhutan’s living spiritual culture. Nature lovers can explore protected landscapes and biodiversity-rich regions through ecotourism experiences, while heli-tours provide scenic flights over remote valleys and Himalayan peaks. Astro-tourism allows visitors to stargaze under some of the clearest night skies in the Himalayas. Bhutan’s vibrant festivals and events, including colourful Tshechus, the Black-Necked Crane Farewell Festival, and Rhododendron Week, offer rich cultural encounters. Culinary experiences further enhance the journey, with opportunities to savour local favourites such as chilli and cheese (ema datshi), butter tea, buckwheat pancakes, and hoentay.
Best Time to Visit Bhutan – A Year-Round Destination
Bhutan is a year-round destination, with each season offering its own distinct character and experiences. In spring, flowers bloom and valleys come alive with colour. Summer transforms the landscape into a lush, green expanse, showcasing Bhutan at its wildest and most vibrant. Autumn brings clear skies, golden harvests, and some of the country’s most celebrated festivals, while winter offers crisp air, snow-capped peaks, and a quieter Himalayan magic ideal for cultural travel and nature appreciation.
