In an effort to make vacations more affordable, Bhutan reduced the daily tourist spend to US$100 (3,500 baht) last September. Now, the Department of Tourism has unveiled a complete calendar of annual festivals, which may inspire travellers to experience the natural beauty of the Himalayan kingdom and lift their spirits.
With the slogan "Bhutan Believe", the country is promoting seven major festivals that highlight the diverse aspects of Bhutanese culture and extends a hearty welcome to those interested in experiencing Himalayan customs.
When the jacaranda flowers begin to blossom, on Feb 16 and 18, Punakha Dromche will take over the verdant courtyard of the fortress Punakha Dzong in the historic capital of Punakha to honour a 17th century battle against the Tibetan army. With the help of local militiamen clad in traditional war gear, visitors will be taken back in time to when eight villages from Punakha and Thimphu guarded the sacred relic, Rangjung Kharsapani, against Tibetan forces.
From March 21-25, Paro Tshechu will transform the beautiful Rinpung Dzong in Paro into an entertainment venue, while a group of monks and performers present various mask dances and traditional Bhutanese folk dances. Every year, a massive embroidery of Guru Rinpoche (Guru Throngdrel) covers the full three-storey wall, drawing large crowds of people to watch and receive blessings from the throngdrel.
From April 13-14, the Rhododendron Festival will return to the Royal Botanical Park in Lamperi to mark the beginning of the spring season. An exhibition of blooming rhododendron species found in the park is displayed to raise awareness of climate change and environmental conservation.
The Black-necked Crane Festival in Gangtey. photos courtesy of Bhutan's Department of Tourism
During the day, visitors can enjoy mask dances, traditional Bhutanese music, and cultural performances by local communities as well as a variety of rhododendron-themed food and drinks. Adventurers should not miss the Lungchutse trekking trail, which is a two-hour journey from the Dochula Pass and offers opportunities for forest bathing. On Nov 11, the annual Black-necked Crane Festival will take place in Gangtey Valley to welcome the birds from Tibet, China and Arunachal Pradesh, India. Visitors can witness mask dances such as Drametse Ngachham (mask dance of the drums from Drametse in eastern Bhutan), Pachham (dance of the heroes) and Zhana Ngachham (black hat drum dance).
From Nov 13-15, the annual Bhutan Bird Festival will attract twitchers to Tingtibi in Zhemgang district that is home to over 500 species of bird including Pallas's fish eagle, satyr tragopan, rufous-necked hornbill, spotted elachura, blue-capped rock thrush, emerald cuckoo, nuthatch, and the critically endangered white-bellied heron.
To promote birding and upscale eco-tourism in the region, the festival features mask dances and traditional Bhutanese music as well as a market selling signature local cuisine such as kharang (maize grits), smoked fish, bamboo shoots, pickles, fruits and cereals, and tongpa -- alcoholic beverages made from wheat.
The Druk Wangyel Tshechu festival is held annually at Dochula Mountain Pass on Dec 13. It boasts several sacred dances that pay tribute to the bravery and sacrifices made by the Royal Bhutan Army. Highlights include the guardian deity dances, the hero dances, and Gadpo and Ganmo (the dance of elderly men and women).
For more details, visit bhutan.travel.
Bhutan's Department of Tourism
Bhutan's Department of Tourism
photo courtesy of Cheten Tashi
