Genekha Mushroom Festival
During the festival, the native mushroom and other local product, Mushroom hunting, cultural programs by the school & local community will be showcased. The objective of the festival is to create awareness on the sustainable harvesting of the local mushroom and enjoy the organic natural flavors of our nature.
An annual mushroom festival takes place in Genekha. Locally known as sangay shamu, Genekha is famous for producing matsutake and chanterelle mushrooms. The mushrooms here are usually categorized into four parts including edible, edibility unknown, poisonous and inedible. Also tourists can even indulge in buying kilos of mushroom as the locals sell it at a cheaper rate during the event.
Supported by the tourism council of Bhutan, the tourism festival is organised by the Gewog administration and mushroom management group in collaboration with the national mushroom centre, DOA and MOAF. The prime objective of the festival is to educate and create awareness among the locals on the sustainable harvesting of the mushroom in order to relish the organic flavors of nature. Also, the festival doesn’t only bring the locals together but also is becoming successful in gathering an increasing number of tourists every year.
Besides exploring a variety of mushroom, one can even indulge in other activities that goes around for entertainment. Special mask dances are performed by the Buddhist monks from the nearby monasteries from every village. In addition to this, locals and tourists get the best culinary experience by binging on the local cuisine like Khulay and Sangay Shamu Dashi at food stalls.
Festival Duration
Genekha Mushroom Festival is a two-day, which is held annually in mid-August.
Starting Date : 15th August 2019
Ending Date : 16th August 2019
Tourists who wish to explore the Mushroom festival along with sightseeing places of Genekha top tourist destination of Thimphu, our Bhutan festival tour will let you cover the important places if interest ensuring the best travel experience like never before.
Festival Destination
Located uphill between Thimphu-Paro Highway, Genekha is a picturesque place to visit. It is located approx 45 minutes’ drive from Thimphu. As the roads are narrow one needs to drive safely to uphill Dagala Trail from where the short trek to the venue to Mushroom festival starts. Travellers other than countries like India, Bangladesh and Maldives who are up for visiting Bhutan for Genekha Mushroom Festival needs to get a visa issued either at Paro Airport or Phuentsholing in Bhutan.
Special Highlights of the Festival
Witness the different categories of mushrooms.
Indulge in shopping kilos of mushrooms from the stalls.
Witness the mask dances performed by the Buddhist monks
Binge on the local cuisines at the food stalls.
Arrival in Bhutan.
Upon landing in Paro International Airport, meet with our GET INTO BHUTAN TOURS representative who will lead the journey throughout your stay in Bhutan. Transfer to Thimphu (Capital city of Bhutan) and Check-in to Hotel.
Explore Thimphu valley, home to the seat of Bhutan’s Royal Government and Central Monastic Body. Cherish the fascinating panoramic view of Thimphu City from Buddha Dordenma, one of the biggest sitting Statue of Buddha in the world.
Join yourself with elderly people circumambulating the National Memorial Chorten, one of the most visible religious structures in Thimphu. Take a chance to make your own traditional paper at Jungshi Paper Factory using Bhutanese ancient methods.
Leisure in Thimphu City.
Dinner at Hotel.
Overnight at Thimphu.
Breakfast at hotel and visit more exciting sites including Mushroom Festival in Genekha today. Experience the Mushroom festival which includes the native mushroom and other local product, Mushroom hunting, cultural programs by the school & local community also showcased. The objective of the festival is to create awareness on the sustainable harvesting of the local mushroom and enjoy the organic natural flavours of our nature.
Lunch at Local Restaurant.
Visit Tashi Chhoe Dzong known as the “Fortress of the Glorious Religion”, the fortress houses the throne room and office of his majesty the King of Bhutan.
Take a walk by the busiest Centenary Farmer Market where fresh Bhutanese produce are available.
Leisure in Thimphu City.
Dinner at Hotel.
Overnight at Thimphu.
Breakfast at hotel and Drive towards beautiful Punakha Valley.
Explore Punakha, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Bhutan. Journey to Punakha valley, takes you into some of Bhutan’s most spectacular scenery, from high mountains passes to tiered fields and along the river banks of Pho Chu and Mo Chu. Stop at Dochula Pass to capture a stunning 360 degree panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain ranges.
Lunch at Local Restaurant.
Discover the temple of the ‘Divine Madman’ at Chimi Lhakhang.
Enter the courtyard of Pungthang Dewachen Phodrang – Palace of Great Happiness; the beautiful fortress is the winter residence of Bhutan’s Central Monastic Body.
Walk along the longest Suspension bridge and cross the Pho Chu River.
Hotel Check In.
Leisure in Khuruthang Town.
Dinner at Hotel. Overnight at Punakha.
Breakfast at Hotel.
Hike towards Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten sitting majestically on the ridge above Punakha Valley. Drive to Paro valley via Wangdue and Bajo Town. Lunch at Hotel Lobesa and Drive to beautiful Paro Valley, one of the picturesque region and a widest valley in the Kingdom.
Discover artefacts dating back to 4000 BC at the National Museum, Ta Dzong.
Experience the unique beauty of the Bhutanese architecture by walking around the impressive courtyard of Paro Rinpung Dzong.
Leisure in Paro Town.
Hotel Check in.
Dinner at Hotel.
Overnight at Paro.
Early breakfast at hotel and drive to Tiger’s Nest Base/ Parking Lot.
Hike to the most pilgrimage site in Bhutan, Taktsang Monastery or Tiger’s Nest is the most stunning and popular landmark in the Kingdom of Bhutan.
Lunch at Taktsang Cafeteria.
Experience the art of playing traditional Bhutanese archery, National Sport of Bhutan. Experience the traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath with the combining minerals of the healing khempa herb.
Dinner at Local Farm House.
Overnight at Paro.
Breakfast at Hotel.
Our representative will transfer you to Paro International Airport and fly towards your next destination, we look forward to seeing you again in this beautiful land of Happiness.
Tashi Delek!
What's Included?
- Professional Guide
- Meal – CP Plan
- Airport Transfer
- Tour Vehicle with Driver
- Mineral Bottle Water
- Visa for Bhutan
What's Excluded?
- Air Ticket to any sector can be arranged – International & Domestic Air Ticketing.
- Expenditure of Personal Nature
- Tips for the Guide & Chauffeur
- Museum or Park Fees
- Hot Stone Bath
- Beverages