Yangyel Lhaden

Among the throngs of trekkers at the 10th Jhomolhari Mountain Festival in Soe gewog, Thimphu, one remarkable figure captured everyone’s attention—88-year-old Verena Zanola from Switzerland, the oldest trekker at the event.

Held annually on October 14 and 15 at Dangochong village, the Jhomolhari Mountain Festival celebrates ecotourism while highlighting efforts to protect the elusive snow leopard that roams the surrounding peaks.

Verena Zanola, who has visited Bhutan for the past three years, previously trekked the Merak-Sakteng trail in 2022 and the Druk Path in 2023. She first visited Bhutan after she first caught sight of Bhutan on television in 2017. That time, she did a tour of the southern, eastern, and western regions.

“The trek has been smooth, and I did not get altitude sickness. It is serene and beautiful,” Verena Zanola said. “I love everything about Bhutan— the friendly people, the safety, the peace. There is no anger here.”

She has planned to trek Jhomolhari last spring but could not due to bad weather. “It has been a blessing to make it this year, coinciding with the festival,” Verena Zanola said.

Her guide, Tenzin Chokey from Yangphel Adventure Travel, has accompanied her on all her treks in Bhutan. “Verena feels like family,” she said.

Verena Zanola and her guide, Tenzin Chokey, began their trek to Jhomolhari on October 13, starting from Shana in Paro, hiking 16 km to Thongo Zampa in six hours. The next day, they covered 17 km from Thongo Zampa to Tangthangka in another six hours.

Yesterday, they trekked 19 km from Tangthangka to Jangothang, completing the journey in eight hours, arriving at Dangochong village just in time for the final day of the festival.

At the Jhomolhari Mountain Festival, they enjoyed the vibrant cultural performances, including the lively yak dance and local showcases.

Communities from Soe, Lingzhi, Yaksa, and Nubri displayed their rich traditions through cultural dances, handicrafts, and delicious food stalls, offering visitors a glimpse into the unique highland way of life.

The festival also serves as a platform for locals to boost their income by selling yak and dairy products, as well as traditional food.

Tourists participated in a variety of engaging activities, with prizes awarded to foster a sense of community. Visitors immersed in yak shows, horse races, traditional games, and the evening highlight—the Sungkay Dendur singing competition.

Special local products were on sale, including Maa-sha (cured yak meat) and chugo (dried and fresh cheese), along with limited-edition T-shirts commemorating the festival’s 10th anniversary.

This year, two new culinary delights were introduced—Yak-O-Kofe, a cappuccino crafted with rich yak milk and homemade cookies, and Yak-O-Iscrem, an enticing ice cream in flavors of yak milk infused with Bhutanese whiskey and classic vanilla.

After attending the festival, Verena Zanola made her way down to the Jhomolhari base, joining the hundreds who had pitched their tents for the night. Wrapped in thick clothes and blankets, she sat outside admiring the mountainous view.

“This will likely be my last visit to Bhutan,” Verena Zanola said softly. “I will be too old next year.”