The majestic Jomolhari Mountain Festival concluded yesterday with a record turnout, marking one of its most successful editions since its inception in 2013. Held at the base of the sacred Mount Jomolhari, the two-day celebration attracted over 800 participants, including around 400 international tourists, and generated more than Nu 265,000 in income for the highland communities of Soe Gewog.
A Festival of Culture, Nature, and Connection
The first day alone welcomed 230 international guests and raised over Nu 150,000. On the second day, the event saw another 170 tourists and about 400 Bhutanese visitors, contributing an additional Nu 115,000 to the community coffers.
Beyond the numbers, the festival was a vivid display of Bhutan’s deep-rooted connection between people and nature. The event featured cultural performances, traditional crafts, and local cuisine—all while spotlighting conservation efforts for the snow leopard and the highland way of life.
A Journey Back in Time
Among the many who made the journey to Jomolhari this year were Martin (75) and Janet (56), a couple from the United Kingdom with a story that intertwined with Bhutan nearly three decades ago.
“When we came here 29 years ago, I met my wife,” Martin recalled with a smile. “We were both part of the same trip. Over time, we grew close, got married, and built a life together. Coming back here feels like returning to the place where it all began.”
For the couple, the festival was not just a nostalgic trip but a reaffirmation of the values they cherish. “This festival beautifully represents the unity between nature and people,” Janet said. “It gives purpose to conservation while allowing the highland communities to thrive. That’s partly why we came back.”
Empowering Highland Communities
The festival also served as an important economic opportunity for local entrepreneurs. Residents of Soe Gewog showcased handmade crafts, organic produce, and traditional goods, drawing enthusiastic interest from both local and international visitors.
“Visitors feel proud when they see our culture,” said Tshewang Chodrup, an entrepreneur from Soe. “Selling our products at the festival gives us a chance to grow our businesses and sustain our livelihoods.”
Soe Gup Kencho Dorjee, reflecting on the event’s evolution, said, “The festival has changed a lot in the last 11 years. It sets a great example for the world and continues to create new opportunities for highlanders like us.”
Celebrating Conservation and Community
Since its launch, the Jomolhari Mountain Festival has stood as a vibrant tribute to Bhutan’s environmental and cultural heritage. Each year, it brings together communities, travelers, and conservationists to celebrate the elusive snow leopard—an enduring symbol of balance and harmony in the Himalayas.
As the curtains fall on this year’s event, the spirit of Jomolhari endures: a powerful reminder that Bhutan’s greatest treasures lie in the unity of its people, its culture, and the natural world they protect.
