Merak Tshechu - The most unique festival of primitive highlander tribe celebrated with traditional music & dances and lots of other cultural activities in the stunning Merak valley

The pristine Merak valley is located in eastern Bhutan under Trashigang. Situated at an altitude of 3,000m the picturesque Merak valley is inhabited by semi-nomadic people called ‘Brokpa’ who are jealously maintaining their distinct culture, traditions & customs with very little influence of outside world. 

Living in lap of nature in absolute wilderness, the Brokpa way of life have remained virtually unchanged for hundred of years and they mostly depend upon yak rearing and livestock. Bartering is still the main form of economic activity amongst Brokpa people. They barter their yak products for food grains and other daily essentials. Their attire is unique and entirely different from other Bhutanese communities and made up of yak hair and sheep wool. Polyandry is still in practise in Brokpa community, and it is common norm amongst Brokpa women to marry all the brothers in family. Brokpas are fun-loving people, enjoy merry making and love music & dance.

The Merak Tshechu (festival) is an annual three-day event held at Merak Lhakhang (temple) and provides much needed respite to Brokpa people from their routine agricultural & animal husbandry activities. The villagers assemble to celebrate their exorbitant culture and traditions in lush green ambiance of Merak valley. Besides the dances those are performed at other Dzongs and monasteries throughout the Kingdom, during Merak festival, the Brokpas also perform their traditional and exclusive dances known as Ache Lhamo (yet dance) and the Yak dance.