Bhutan is set to host its first-ever international rock music festivalβAsia Rock Fest Bhutan 2025βwith the full band lineup now officially announced. The two-day festival, scheduled for December 19β20, 2025, will take place at the Wochu Sports Arena in Paro, showcasing a blend of emerging Bhutanese talent and renowned rock bands from across Asia.
The event will feature 14 international and local acts, including performers from Japan, South Korea, India, Thailand, and Bhutan, marking a major milestone in the countryβs growing creative and entertainment landscape.
An official from the Department of Media, Creative Industry & Intellectual Property said, βThis festival is more than a concertβit is a cultural bridge. We are bringing Asiaβs vibrant rock heritage to Bhutan, while showcasing our own emerging music scene to international audiences.β
Organized by Rock Hard Studio (North H) and supported by the Paro Football Club, the festival is sponsored by ESP and the Embassy of India in Bhutan (India in Bhutan).
Representatives from Rock Hard Studio expressed excitement about the festivalβs impact on Bhutanβs creative sector. βOur goal is to create a world-class platform where Bhutanese artists can share the stage with established international bands. Itβs a defining moment for Bhutanβs modern music culture,β said the event organizer, lead singer and vocalist/guitarist, Ugyen Tenzin of North H.
North H is a 3-piece Progressive Grunge band from Thimphu, Bhutan. The band, formed in 2014, is a pioneer of Rock band in Bhutan formed on pursuance of Ugyen Tenzin, who dreamt of forming a band since his school days. Sharing the passion, he was joined by Karma Dupchu, the Bassist and Rabi Kumar Ghalay, the Drummer. Their unique brand of entertainment fuses catchy guitar riffs with groovy bassline and drums and is serenely driven by unique rock sound in its essence that will rock your soul. Hailed as βPioneer of rock Music in Bhutanβ by Paranoid magazine of South Korea and Suvarnabhumi TV of Thailand, North H has performed more than hundred shows within Bhutan and has toured countries like Nepal, India, Thailand, Japan and S. Korea and have performed at the iconic Westbridge hall, Seoul. The band released their self- titled album βNorth Hβ in June, 2023. With their bassist on indignity break, band continues performing and touring as a two piece band.
With preparations underway, organizers say festival-goers can expect high-energy performances, cross-cultural collaboration, and an immersive live music experience unlike anything Bhutan has hosted before.
A local artist participating in the event shared, βPerforming alongside international bands is a dream opportunity. It will inspire young Bhutanese musicians and show Bhutanβs potential as a creative hub.β
The Asia Rock Fest Bhutan is anticipated to attract music lovers, culture enthusiasts, and international visitors, helping position Bhutan as an emerging destination for major regional entertainment events.
βThis festival is a chance to celebrate creativity, diversity, and the power of music to connect people across borders,β a senior official noted.
As December approaches, excitement continues to build for what promises to be one of Bhutanβs most electrifying cultural events of the year.
Tashi Namgyal
From Thimphu
