Jomolhari Mountain Festival

At the foot of Jomolhari, the sacred “Mountain of the Goddess Jomo,” I once again joined the highlanders to celebrate the Jomolhari Mountain Festival, a living tribute to the harmony between people and the elusive snow leopard. Now in its 11th year, this annual gathering held on October 14–15 continues to bring together communities, travelers, and conservationists in a rare celebration of culture, nature, and coexistence.

This was my third trek to the Jomolhari landscape in just seven months—a journey along rivers and ridges shared with horses, curious travelers, and the warm-hearted people of Soe, Nubri, and Yaksa. Each visit revealed new stories of endurance, adaptation, and deep respect for nature.

The 11th Jomolhari Mountain Festival was held on October 14-15 at Dangochang, Soe.

Since its inception in 2013, the Jomolhari Mountain Festival has honored the bond between humans and the “Ghost of the High Mountains,” snow leopard. With your continued support, the Bhutan Foundation has been one of its earliest and most steadfast partners. What began as a small community event now draws more than 1,500 participants, including nearly 400 international visitors, a sign that this remote valley continues to inspire people from around the world.

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Beyond the colorful mask dances and songs, the most moving moments came from the voices of the highlanders themselves. Students of Lingshi Primary School performed a skit about the daily struggles between herders and snow leopards, using humor and honesty to share the realities of life alongside a powerful predator. Their message was simple yet profound: coexistence is possible when compassion leads.

Students from Lingshi Primary School presented a short skit on daily struggles of highlanders and possibilities of coexistence with Snow Leopard.

After the festival, I met with community members and project beneficiaries to discuss how the event could become even more community-driven. The conversations were filled with optimism and ideas on various ways to strengthen local ownership, diversify tourism income, and sustain the festival as a source of pride for generations to come. It was clear that this celebration belongs to them.

Among those I met was Mrs. Rinchen Lham, a 56-year-old herder and one of our project beneficiaries. With support from the Bhutan Foundation, she received solar-powered fencing, an improved tent, and Fox Lights—a solar device that deters predators with flashing lights.

She shared her story with a warm smile:

Her story reflects how small innovations, made possible through your generosity, can protect livelihoods while allowing snow leopards to roam free. It is a reminder that your support shines far beyond technology and it lights up hope in the highlands.

Together, we can continue helping families like Rinchen’s live in harmony with nature, ensuring that the snow leopard and the people who share its home continue to thrive in Bhutan’s sacred mountains.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Sangay Chedar

Program Manager, Bhutan Foundation.

An integrated approach to Snow Leopard conservation that encompasses health care, education, tourism, and livestock husbandry would ensure that the Jomolhari Mountain Landscape remains as an important stronghold in Bhutan.