JULY
1.
HAA SUMMER FESTIVAL /ALPINE
SUMMER FESTIVAL
In order to give
tourists a peak into the Bhutanese culture and experience the Bhutanese culture
and experience the Bhutanese way of life, the Alpine Summer Festival is
organized in Haa for 2 days. In addition to the mask dances and traditional
Bhutanese folks songs and dances and traditional Bhutanese folks songs and
dances, alpine flowers are at display and one can get a good sneak peek into
the highlander community and their way of life. Traditional sports like archery
and darts are played and tourists also can experience the unique cuisine of
Haa, which is different from food from other parts of the country.
Various homestay programs are also on offer for visitors
who want to experience typical Bhutanese lifestyle and hospitality.
AUGUST
1.
MASUTAKE MUSHROOM FESTIVAL
Prized by gourments in Japan, this fungus is native to
the forests of Ura valley in central Bhutan. Visitors learn to identify and
harvest the wild Matsutake mushrooms of Bhutan during the festival. They can
hike the valley’s fragrant trails and give into the thrill of the discovering
their own private patch of this most coveted of mushrooms.
SEPTEMBER
1.
TOUR OF THE DRAGON ( BICYCLE
RACE)
Considered one of the most challenging one day events in
the world , the race covers 268 kilometers of absolutely stunning Himalayan
landscapes as it takes cyclists from central to western Bhutan. Bikers traverse
indomitable mountains, travel through pristine, virgin forests, over babbling
streams and raging rivers of crystal clear water and across 4 high mountain
passes. Set amid the high mountains of 3340 meters. Much like the infamous
Paris Roubaix, the tour of Dragon is a trial that no self-respecting cyclist
will want to pass up
2.
GANGTEY TSHECHU
The festival is held at Gangtey Goenpa in Phobjikha
valley –the winter roosting ground of the migratory and rare black necked
cranes. Different kinds of mask dances are performed during the festival. The
festival concludes with the Nguedup Langwa (receiving o spiritual wisdom
/power) which is a special blessing ritual for the people.
3.
THIMPHU DRUBCHEN
Thimphu Drubchen precedes the popular 3 day Thimphu
Tshechu festival. The Drubchen showcases the sacred dances dedicated to the
protecting deity of Bhutan , Palden Lhamo.
4.
WANGDUEPHODRANG TSHECHU
The festival is held in Wangduephodrang and is observed
for 3 days in the autumn seasons. The Tshechu is well known for the Raksha
Mangcham or the dance of the OX. Many different kinds of mask dances are
performed during the festival. It concludes with the unfurling of the Guru
Tshengye Thongdrol.
5.
HAA TSHECHU
The annual Haa Tshechu is the biggest festival in the
district. The festival was introduced in 1990 and it attracts people from all
over western Bhutan. The highlight of the festival is one the third and final
day when the illustrious throngdrol (large tapestry) of Guru Rinpoche is
unfurled for the people to take blessing.
6.
THIMPHU TSHECHU
One of the biggest festivals in the country is the
Thimphu Tshechu . This festival is held in the capital city for 3 days.The
Tshechu is witnessed by thousands of people, both local and tourists.The actual
Tshechu is preceded by days and nights of prayer and rituals to invoke the gods.
Mask dances like the Guru Tshengye ( Eight Manifestations of Guru Rinpoche) ,
Shaw Shachi ( Dance of the Songs) and many more are performed.
7.
TAMZHING PHALA CHOEPA
The Tamzhing Phala Choepa festival is held at the
TAmzhing monastery in Bumthang. The Tamzhing monastery is headed by the
Venerable Lhalung Sungtrul Rinpoche who is considered to be the 11th
direct reincarnation of Terton Pema Lingpa.
