Jumolhari Mountain Festival – A cultural carnival of the highland folks

The two days Jumolhari Mountain Festival is observed every year in October and brings together people from four different communities, Soe, Yaksa, Nubri, and Lingshi to celebrate the Snow Leopard and create awareness on the importance of its conservation. It provides opportunity for communities of this region to celebrate their culture and heritage also learn about eco-tourism opportunities in the region. For visitors, the festival is an effective platform to get to know about highland folks and their culture, experience amazing mountain scenery, all these right next to footstep of elusive Snow Leopard. The festival venue is truly unique – located the base of Mt. Jumolhari.

The first day of the festival represents unique cultural programs showcasing songs and dances by the local communities of Soe, Yaksa, Lingshi and Nubri. School children perform play that focuses on Snow Leopard conservation and also include a Snow Leopard Dance by Snow Leopard Conservation Group. Visitors can witness as well as participate in local games such as horse race, musical chair, and tug of war. There is plenty of opportunity to experience the unique culture of Jumolhari communities, taste local delicacies, procure local handicrafts and learn more about Snow Leopard.

The second day of festival program includes scenic hikes led by locals to various sites around Mt. Jumolhari such as twin Tsophu Lakes, the glaciers and even through the habitat of the Snow Leopard where one might see evidence of the mysterious cat. One can definitely sight blue sheep along these day hikes and other wildlife as well. There are also several traditional games such as Khuru (dart game), shot put etc.  

The Jumolhari Trek is one of the most scenic trekking destinations in Bhutan and forms part of the famous Snowman Trek and passes through prime Snow Leopard and Blue Sheep habitat. Of the estimated 5,000 to 7,000 Snow Leopards in the world, a significant number is believed to be in Bhutan. Notably, the highest density of Snow Leopard in Bhutan is projected in area adjoining Soe and Linzhi region under Jigme Dorji National Park. Bhutan is perhaps the only place in the world where Snow Leopard and Tigers can be spotted in same habitat.

The Jumolhari region encompasses all the area under the jurisdiction of Soe range within the Jigme Dorji National Park (JDNP). This area includes the popular Jumolhari Trek, Mt. Jumolhari (include elevation) and Mt. Jichu Drakey Include elevation), Tshophu lakes, Jumolhari Lhakhang (monastery) and the communities of Yutoed and Yaksa. The two communities of Soe Yutoed and Yaksa reside along the Jumolhari Trek. There are 28 households each in Yutoed and Yaksa. This region has some of the highest Snow Leopard activity in Bhutan and is a hotbed for Snow Leopard and its prey, the blue sheep. The residents of this region are primarily yak herders, as the area is mostly above treeline.

To reach to festival venue one need to trek for couple of days: The first day of trek begins at Sharna Zampa in Gunitsawa village after passing the army post where registration is done both for locals as well as tourists. The first campsite is at Thangthangkha which is roughly about 8 hours walk through the river valley. After spending the night at Thangthangkha, one begins the next day of trek towards Damgochong (6 hours) where the festival takes place. 

(Image source: Jumolhari Mountain Festival Organization)