Festival Background
Celebrate alongside the people of Ura as yet another mushroom season begins, bringing with it the opportunity not only to sample some truly delicious meals but to cultivate a deeper insight into the rhythms of Bhutanese village life. Learn to identify and harvest the fabled wild Matsutake mushrooms of Bhutan. Prized by gourmets in Japan, this fungi is native to the forests of Ura valley in central Bhutan. Hike the valley’s fragrant trails and give in to the thrill of discovering your own private patch of this most coveted of mushrooms. And if you are tired of the traditional mushroom hunt, head over to the region’s exquisite temples and monasteries which rank among the most prized treasures of Bhutan.
Things to do and see
Matsutake Festival gives the cheerful Uraps a reason to celebrate and have some fun with the festival spanning two days during 4th week of August ( August 24 to 25). After an exciting day of picking mushrooms with the people of Ura, learn about their art and crafts, their traditional lifestyle, folk songs and dances, regional food and drink. Participate in the song and dance, glitter and gaiety as the villagers gather in the festival arena, in full costume. Sample freshly gathered mushrooms; try some wild honey or high altitude medicinal herbs and potions, along with other local dishes of wheat and barley. Shop for textiles, cane, bamboo and other regional products. Take a step back in time and stay in a charming traditional home and experience the welcome of some of the world’s most hospitable people. For a truly relaxing night, try one of the open air hot mineral baths in a traditional tub.
