When on one of the variety of beautiful Bhutan treks available, try to plan so you can attend at least one of the traditional festivals held throughout the year for an even more memorable experience. Bhutan still emanates a beautiful old-world atmosphere, and although the modern world is slowly making its presence felt, the locals still live according to their important traditions and customs. Here are a few of the wonderful festivals and rituals that are recommended while on your Bhutan treks.

The Tsechus

The tsechus (which means ‘ten’) are held in honour of Guru Rinpoche and can last up to four days, making an ideal, and sometimes welcome, break during your Bhutan treks. Rinpoche was the guru who introduced the Himalaya to Buddhisim. Padmasambhava, the human form of Guru Rinpoche, visited Bhutan in the 8th and 9th century to teach and spread the word of Buddhisim. He once aided the ailing King of the Bumthang Valley and in return the King helped to spread his word. The first tsechu was held in Bumthang where the eight manifestations of Guru Rinpoche were represented in eight forms of dance. The festivals are now held in each dzongkhag (district) on the tenth day of a month in the Tibetan lunar calendar. (The month will depend on the district, so you will need to do some research before go.) The festival is both exciting and mystical with a strong connection formed between dancer and spectator; the audience becomes caught up in the spiritual atmosphere emanating from the dancers, who are dressed in masks and costumes. It is said to be a blessing to watch these dancers and singers perform the rituals, and many believe it can affect the spectator in some fundamental way; so if you are able to participate in one on your Bhutan treks, you can consider yourself very fortunate. Bhutanese families will come to celebrate garbed in their finest clothes, so make sure that you also attend dressed for the occasion, as failure to do so can be seen as a mark of disrespect.

Throngdoel

Make sure you take a detour, if necessary, on your Bhutan treks to visit a festival where they unfold a special thangka (silk tapestry), called a throngdel. This is composed of two silk layers – the painting of the Buddhist saint and the yellow cover that protects it. The word throngdoel means ‘liberation on sight’. They are displayed only once a year, so for a unique opportunity to view these artworks check when they occur before you book your Bhutan treks. The painting cannot be exposed to direct sunlight so they unfurl the silk at around 3am and it is rolled back before the sun rises. Local people queue in the hopes of touching their heads to the bottom of the throndoel and receive a blessing.

Ache Lhamo Dances

Specific to the village of Ura in the region of Bumthang, the Ache Lhamo Dances are a very beautiful ritual to witness. The festival takes place in the seventh month of the Bhutanese calendar and concerns only the girls in the village. A trip is taken up the mountain by the young females of the villages and they will make offerings and dance all day long. When the sun sets, the girls will return to the temple, bringing beautiful flower offerings with them, then perform the Ache Lhamo Dances. This is definitely one to put on you Bhutan treks’ calendar.

Author Bio: Looking for Bhutan treks ? Jude Limburn Turner is the Marketing Manager for Mountain Kingdoms, an adventure tour company who run Bhutan treks and tours. They now offer treks and tours worldwide, including destinations in North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Central and South East Asia.

Category: Travel
Keywords: Bhutan Treks