Beginning from July to August and September, it’s the Matsutake Mushroom season in Bhutan. These mushrooms develop in groups at the base of pine trees at an elevation around 9,800 feet. Locally known as ‘Sangay Shamu’, this wild mushroom can only be harvested seasonally (July to September) from the forest and cannot be cultivated thus making it a prized produce. The coveted Matsutake mushroom is known for its aromatic and succulent flavor and Bhutanese individuals eat the most part of this mushroom in crispy flavour and consume with cheese.
Genekha village in Thimphu hosts the annual mushroom festival during second week of August while Ura village in Bumthang celebrate Matsutake Mushroom festival also annually during August third or fourth week. The objective of the festival is to create awareness on the sustainable harvesting of the local mushroom and enjoy the organic natural flavours of the nature.
The festival showcases interesting activities and experiences such as: mushroom picking excursions, sampling the delicious mushroom dishes, cultural performances by locals and school children, local sports.