Trashigang is preparing to host the first-ever Tragopan Festival at Kholdung in Khaling Gewog by the end of March next year. Named after the colourful bird species, the festival aims to celebrate the region’s rich biodiversity and promote Kharungla as a birding destination. Preparations for the event are in full swing.
This is Kholdung village, located about a kilometre from Khaling, where a three-day Tragopan Festival will be held from the 27th to the 29th of March next year.
To host the festival, new infrastructure has been developed along the highway towards Trashigang, such as a cafe with toilet facilities, a scenic viewpoint, and birding facilities.
Similarly, a nine-kilometre eco-trail and hot stone bath facilities have also been established.
These development works, worth around Nu 12 M, were supported by the Global Environment Facility and the government.
The festival aims to promote Kharungla as a birding destination. Located between Khaling and Wamrong, Kharungla is home to more than 250 species of birds, including all tragopan species, making it the only area in Bhutan where they can be spotted together. Beyond birds, Kharungla is also home to Bhutan’s national butterfly and several endangered animals.
Recognising its ecological importance, the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources designated Kharungla as a protected key biodiversity area in 2023.
“We chose Kholdung village as the festival venue for several reasons. First, Kharungla in Khaling Gewog is the only place in the country where all three species of tragopan can be spotted. Second, the area’s flat terrain, surrounded by several villages, makes it an ideal spot for gathering. And third, Kholdung is rich in cultural and spiritual heritage, home to sacred sites such as Jadrung Lhakhang, adding a deeper spiritual significance to the festival,” said Tashi Tenzin, Senior Dungpa, Wamrong Dungkhang, Trashigang.
Besides its rich biodiversity, Kharungla is also home to several unexplored cultural and sacred sites.
According to the dungpa, the festival will help raise awareness about Kharungla’s rich biodiversity while creating sustainable economic opportunities for local communities through the sale of their products.
“The preparation and internal development works for the main event, such as site development, setting up structures, and pitching tents, will begin in December. For these works, we plan on using locally available and eco-friendly materials to ensure the area remains undisturbed or damaged,” said Tashi Tenzin, Senior Dungpa, Wamrong Dungkhag, Trashigang.
Wamrong Dungkhag, in collaboration with the Trashigang district administration, will organise the event. The dungkhag has allocated Nu 1 M to support the main event.
The festival will feature a variety of programmes such as bird-watching trips, heritage site explorations, local product sales and exhibitions, cultural performances, traditional games and sports, and live concerts by local artists.
Sonam Darjay, Trashigang
Edited by Sonam Pem
