Celebrated from 11 – 13 November, Bhutan Bird Festival is an annual event for Zhemgang district and a signature event to promote community-based tourism in the region with following objectives:

• Celebrate birth anniversary of Fourth King Jigme Singye Wangchuck and pay tribute to His Majesty’s visionary leadership towards conservation in Bhutan.
• Promote community-based eco-tourism in Zhemgang district through signature events like river journeys and bird watching.
• Provides opportunities for local people to participate in festival and enhance their income.

Zhemgang district is the most popular birding destination of Bhutan. With district boundary intersecting with three protected areas – Royal Manas National Park, Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park and Phrumshingla national Park, Zhemgang is home to more than 500 species of birds.  

Bhutan Bird Festival’s theme is mainly based on localised events & activities aiming at preservation of region’s rich natural heritage and promotion of local culture. The festival generally includes following activities & experiences:

• Capture Fishery: The community offers recreational fishing (catch and release) using local trap (Nyee) or fly-fishing equipment.
• Cyclothon: Cycling competition organized usually on the second day of the festival, on a trail Tingtibi – Wangdigang – Zhemgang – Dakphel – Tingtibi – Phophel – Yebilapsta – Tingtibi, covering a distance of about 85km.
• Fool stalls: the food stalls with local delicacies are one of the main attractions of the festival, displaying variety of regional specialities. 
• White-water rafting
• Cultural Extravaganza: Regional folk songs and dances performed by school children and local artists.