Rising majestically to 7,326 metres above sea level, Mount Chhomolhari, also known as Jumolhari, is one of Bhutan’s most revered mountains. Known as the Abode of the Goddess, it is a place of natural beauty, rich spiritual significance and fascinating legends. 

At the Chhomolhari base camp visitors are greeted by breathtaking views of this magnificent mountain, with the ruins of an old castle adding to the landscape’s sense of history and mystery. Nearby lies Jangothang, a spectacular highland setting where the grandeur of the Himalayas meets Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage. 

The Legend of Jangothang 

According to local legend, a king once ordered his people to cut through a mountain that obstructed his view. An old woman, believed to be Aum Jumo in disguise, was heard saying, “It is easier to cut off a head than to cut a mountain.” Her words inspired the people to rise against the king. Fearing retribution, they fled to Tibet, carrying sacred stones with them. Some stones were dropped along the way, and these scattered stones are said to explain the name Jangothang. 

Chhomolhari is revered as the abode of Aum Jumo, one of the five Tsheringma Sisters, mountain goddesses associated with long life and believed to protect the land. These sacred mountain traditions reflect Bhutan’s deep-rooted reverence for nature and its spiritual significance. 

Celebrating Highland Culture and Conservation 

Every year on 14-15 October, the Jomolhari Mountain Festival, since the year 2013, celebrates the distinctive culture and traditions of Bhutan’s semi-nomadic highland communities while promoting awareness of snow leopard conservation. 

The festival offers visitors an opportunity to experience traditional cultural performances, local cuisine and handicrafts, and traditional sporting events, including khuru, shot put, and horse and yak riding. Excursions into the surrounding landscape provide further opportunities to appreciate the region’s natural beauty, highland lifestyle and wildlife. 

From its towering snowcapped peak and ancient legends to its vibrant highland traditions, the festival a remarkable glimpse into the natural and cultural treasures of Bhutan. 

Come for the mountains. Discover the legends. Experience the spirit of the highlands on Oct 14-15 every year!