Nature

The Rhododendron festival promotes biodiversity awareness within local communities. Bhutan boasts 46 rhododendron species, with 29 found in Lampelri Botanical Park, 35km from Thimphu. This festival, celebrating the profusion of rhododendron blooms in spring, features garden walks, exhibitions, cultural presentations, arts, crafts, traditional games, guided nature walks, and more. It showcases various rhododendron species in their natural habitat. Tourists can also enjoy Bhutanese culture, folk dances, exhibitions, traditional cuisine, and purchase souvenirs. Plan your trip around the Rhododendron Festival for a memorable Bhutan experience.

The Haa Summer Festival features the Annual Alpine Festival, a vibrant celebration of Yak herders and their nomadic way of life. Visitors have the opportunity to learn and observe Yak shearing and wool making, as well as witness local craftsmen demonstrate the art of weaving Yak hair into traditional tents. This tourism festival provides unparalleled insight into the customs and traditions of the Bhutanese people. The Haa Summer Festival exudes a sense of contentment, allowing tourists to partake in the joyous celebration of traditional culture, engage in traditional sports, savor unique Bhutanese cuisine, and enjoy lively folk songs and religious mask dances performed by the people of Haa Valley.

Genekha, a secluded village in Thimphu hosts an annual two day mushroom festival in August. During the festival the villagers promote the popular Tricholoma Matsutake. This coveted mushroom is known for its aromatic and succulent flavor. Locally known as “Sangay Shamu”, the wild produce can only be harvested seasonally from the forest and cannot be cultivated thus making it a prized produce. For the community members, harvesting the wild mushroom is a major source of their income. Over the years, these mushrooms have been imported to Japan and other countries increasing the demand for the wild fungus. The festival includes cultural performances to entertain the visitors while other stalls promote sustainable agriculture and ecotourism. Info graphic on different types of mushrooms can also be found to educate the visitors. The highlight of the festival includes engaging in mushroom picking activity and trying out the matsutake mushroom soup. (Photo by Ella…

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The only alpine crane species in the world, the black-necked crane is considered a sacred bird in Bhutan and is celebrated every year during the Black-necked Crane Festival. The Festival is held in the courtyard of Gangtey Gonpa, located in the Phobjikha valley. This annual event aims to raise awareness and foster understanding about the significance of preserving the endangered Black-necked cranes. It also strives to reinforce the connections between conservation efforts, economic well-being, and sustainable livelihoods within the community.