𝐉𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐥𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐢 𝐌𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

…𝑺𝒐𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒂𝒔 𝒉𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒈𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒅𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒔, 𝒍𝒐𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝒄𝒓𝒂𝒇𝒕𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒍𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒅 𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔

By Tashi Tshewang

The breathtaking landscapes of Soe will come alive on October 14 and 15, 2025, as the 11th Jomolhari Mountain Festival takes place at Dangochang, beneath the majestic Jhomolhari peak. The festival is a vibrant celebration of the rich culture of highland communities and Bhutan’s commitment to snow leopard conservation, drawing both local and international visitors to one of the country’s most scenic locations.

Organized annually, the festival serves as a symbol of harmony between people, nature, and wildlife, highlighting how conservation and community traditions can coexist. Visitors can expect an array of traditional mask dances, cultural performances, local food stalls, yak processions, and eco-awareness activities, all set against the backdrop of snowcapped mountains and alpine meadows.

The event not only celebrates the snow leopard, often called the “ghost of the mountains,” but also brings attention to the livelihoods of communities living in these fragile highland ecosystems. Through exhibitions, interactive conservation programs, and guided treks, the festival encourages sustainable tourism and educates visitors about the importance of protecting Bhutan’s biodiversity.

For local residents of Soe, Lingzhi, and nearby areas, the Jomolhari Mountain Festival is more than just an annual event. It is a platform that supports eco-tourism, handicraft sales, and cultural preservation. Over the years, the festival has grown into a significant platform for connecting community well-being with environmental stewardship, reinforcing Bhutan’s vision of development that balances tradition, ecology, and happiness. As the 2025 edition approaches, excitement is building for another inspiring celebration where nature, culture, and conservation come together under the watchful gaze of Jhomolhari.

Kencho Dorjee, the Gup of Soe Gewog, said, “Actually, it is the Jomolhari Snow Leopard Mountain Festival, and it is our way of preserving our culture and traditions. Families come together, and we receive many guests visiting the festival. In the past, people here did not communicate much with others, as they stayed with their livestock in the highlands. Now, through this festival, they connect with others, gain business knowledge, and find a place to sell their goods and earn a living. Year after year, the event has helped educate our people and given them exposure to opportunities they would otherwise not have.”

He reflected on the wider impact of the festival, explaining that it has gradually brought development and connectivity to Soe Gewog. While some highland villages have faced depopulation due to changing lifestyles, the people of Soe have remained, supported by government initiatives such as water supply, electricity, and other basic infrastructure. The festival also attracts tourists, as it lies along the main route of the Snowman Trekking trail, providing both cultural exposure and economic benefits. Despite the lack of proper road access, villagers continue to use horses for transport and to carry goods, and the community has adapted to the challenges of high-altitude living.

He added, “The festival also focuses on the conservation of the snow leopard. While these leopards sometimes harm livestock, the government provides compensation, recognizing their rare and protected status. This year, unlike in previous years, we received snow earlier, which has added to the beauty and uniqueness of the festival, making it an even more memorable experience for visitors and locals alike.”

Karma Dorji, the Tshogpa of Chhuzarkha village said, “The festival is celebrated every year, and it is compulsory for us to participate. Our people see this festival as part of who we are. It reminds us of the importance of working together, of protecting our mountains and wildlife, and of sharing our culture with visitors who make the long journey here.”
He reflects both pride and responsibility. For the people of Soe, the Jomolhari Mountain Festival is not merely an annual event, it is a cherished tradition that connects them to their ancestors, their environment, and the spirit of community that defines life in the highlands. He explained that preparations begin weeks ahead of the festival, with villagers gathering to rehearse traditional dances, weave costumes, and prepare offerings. Even with a small population and difficult travel routes, the community remains deeply committed to keeping the celebration alive.

He added, “This year, we have two women and two men participating in the dance performances. Soe Gewog has a small population, and because of the distance, other gewogs are not able to participate. Lingzhi Gewog is the nearest, and it takes around two to three days to reach the festival site.”

Pema Gyeltshen, the Tshogpa of Shayuel village, said, “The Jomolhari Mountain Festival has always been something very close to our hearts. Till now, the people here who are interested go for the festival, and I think everyone is eager to witness it. But because of the long distance and the challenges of the journey, not many people manage to travel. It takes two to three days to reach the festival site, and carrying goods along the way is a challenge for many households. We have to cross steep trails, streams, and rocky paths, and sometimes we even camp midway before reaching the site. Still, those who are able to go never hesitate, because being part of the festival gives us a deep sense of pride and belonging.”

He reflected on the journey, explaining that while the route is generally good, the unpredictable mountain weather often makes it difficult for villagers to travel safely. Snow, rain, and strong winds can turn the narrow paths slippery and dangerous, forcing travelers to move slowly and cautiously. Yet, despite these hardships, the people of Shayuel remain determined. For them, the Jomolhari Mountain Festival is more than just a cultural celebration, it is a time to reconnect with nature, to meet friends and relatives from neighboring communities, and to pay homage to the mountains and deities that have protected their livelihoods for generations. The festival, he said, is a reminder of who they are as highland people and of the values that continue to bind them together through faith, resilience, and joy.

He added, “The path is good, but if there is snow, it becomes difficult to travel. Sometimes we have to help one another to carry loads or guide animals through the slippery sections. But still, the enthusiasm of the people is high, and those who can make the journey do so with pride, ensuring that Shayuel village is represented in the festival every single year. No matter how hard the road may be, our hearts are full when we reach there, it feels like we are keeping our ancestors’ spirit alive.”