Matsutake Festival, the start of the mushroom season, is held in the beautiful Ura valley on the last week of August. The season brings the opportunity to sample some truly delicious Matsutake meals, to engage in songs and dances together with the locals and to develop a deeper understanding of the village life

In the Buddhist perspective, culture, tradition and beliefs and the environment are dynamic phenomena that are interwoven tightly in the web of life. As a Buddhist philosopher say, "Culture lies not in objects or monuments but in the mind and compassion towards all sentient beings".

Bhutan's unique cultural and traditional values, highly valued in themselves by all the population, are the essential embodiments of the nation's identity. For a small country located between two most populated countries of the world, India and China, the preservation and promotion of its distinct cultural identity is seen as an important means for its survival as an independent and sovereign Kingdom. It was this identity that has protected and sustained Bhutan and also provided the foundation for its major policies.

Architecture
In terms of quality and originality, Bhutanese architecture is without doubt one of the best expression of country's unique character. Almost completely isolated for many centuries by its complex geography, Bhutan has indeed seen very few changes in its architectural system since the earliest times. The main roots of its architecture goes to Tibet, which was itself in relation with China and faraway Persia thanks to traders travelling on silk route. Drawing inspiration from older forms and ideas, the architects of Bhutan developed a style which is peculiar to their own country. Displaying a great sense of innovation, they made each dzong, temple and monastery a unique creation, different from all others but at the same time maintaining a perfect unity of architectural style throughout the country. Each of these buildings was designed and built to harmonize with the environment and fulfill certain specific functions and many of them are true master pieces.

Dzongs
The great fortresses known as 'dzongs' are among the most striking example of Bhutanese architecture. Rising proudly at strategic places, at the entrance to the valley, at the summit of a hill or at the confluence of two rivers, dzongs are built on a grand scale without the help of any drawings and held without a single nail and are outstanding examples of the best in Bhutanese architecture. Reflecting a certain view of religion, society and spatial organization, the dzongs symbolize the history and long independence of Bhutan.

Chortens
The commonest structures in Bhutan are not the great fortresses but chortens, which are also known as stupas. There are numerous chortens all over the country, ranging in size from very small to large. Witness to the profound faith of the Bhutanese, they can be found at crossroads, near a dzong or a monastery and on high mountain passes and all of them have an indefinable presence, radiating serenity and peace.

Lhakhang
Lhakhang (temples) are fairly small building of simple design, seem to have been the first forms of religious architecture. Built in simple design they are likely to comprise one storey around a small enclosed courtyard and differ from ordinary houses by red band painted on the upper part of their walls and an ornament of gilded copper on the roof. Inside, the walls are completely covered with religious paintings.

Goemba
Bhutanese Goembas (monasteries) can be divided in two types :- 'Cluster type' which consists of a core formed by one or two temples with various dwelling structures grouped around such as Dzongdrakha in Paro valley , Phajoding in Thimphu valley and Tharpaling in the Bumthang valley. The second category 'Dzong type' is built like fortress with the central tower enclosing the temple and surrounded by exterior walls against which are built monks cells and service rooms. The most impressive example of dzong type goembas are monastery of Gangtey and Tango in upper Thimphu valley.

Village houses
The villages of Bhutan often take the form of small hamlets of between 5 to 15 houses, arranged in such a way as to mitigate the harsher effects of the climate. They are built close together to provide mutual protection against the wind and the cold. Typical Bhutanese houses are found at altitudes of 1000 to 3000 meters. The general pattern is almost same throughout the country.

Religion
Bhutan is the only country in the world to have adopted Mahayana Buddhism in its Tantric form as its official religion. The Buddhist faith has played and continues to play a fundamental role in the cultural, ethical and sociological development of country and its people. Monks are held in great respect and play an active part in community life.

The influence of Tantric Buddhism since the mid 7th century has irrevocably shaped Kingdom's history and destiny, and has had an indelible and enlightening impact on the Bhutanese way of life. It affect almost everything ; from arts and crafts to the system of government, from folk dances to architectural style. To this day also, the importance and relevance of Buddhism has not waned and Buddhist values and traditions still permeates every aspect of the Bhutanese culture and ethos.

The culinary danger for Westerners in Bhutan for just a week or two is eating only at those hotels and restaurants that cater to tourists. Although some are excellent and have tempered the spices to appeal to foreign palates, we encourage travelers to venture beyond their comfort zone at least a few times and take their taste buds on a truly unique journey.

Shopkeeper at Bhutan Market In Thimphu, you might try Zara, literally meaning “a place to eat.”

A handicraft, sometimes more precisely expressed as artisanal handicraft or handmade, is any of a wide variety of types of work where useful and decorative objects are made completely by hand or by using only simple tools.

Arts & Crafts
Bhutanese traditional arts and crafts draw upon a long tradition deeply imbued with spiritual significance. This traditional arts and crafts continue to possess its religious and spiritual significance and retain relevance in the minds and lives of the people.

All Bhutanese art, dance, drama and music has its roots in the Buddhist religion. And this Buddhist art has a much different purpose from other contemporary art, being more subjective, symbolic and impersonal. Unlike many other countries, arts, ceremonies and festivals of Bhutan are not remnants of a bygone age but they are still practiced and performed because they continue to have religious and spiritual significance and they are the manifestation of a living culture.

Inspired by their close relationship with nature and their gods, and by the extraordinary scenery of their country, Bhutanese craftsmen have preserved the ancient skills of their ancestors through work in bronze, iron, silver, clay, and wood.

The Bhutanese consider commissioning paintings and statues as pious acts, which gain merit for the patron. Other than its spectacular architecture, the most visible manifestation of Bhutanese art is painting which is defined in three forms; thangkhas, wall paintings and statues.

The country's primary dance form is the classical lama dancing. All of the dances are religious and symbolize destruction of evil spirits. The most important festival dances, celebrate the faith, legends, myths and history of the Kingdom and are important religious and social gatherings.

Among Bhutan's many hidden treasures is a magical mosaic of rich, vibrant hues and patterns, in myriad weaves. The weaves that have today become vivid symbols of the Dragon Kingdom.

Archery – the National Sport
Archery is the national sport of Bhutan and very village has its own archery range. High spirited competitions, usually accompanied by a banquet, are a part of all festive occasions. Using bamboo bows (although modern compound bows are now common in cities) team of archers shoot at targets only 30 centimeters in diameter from a distance of 120 meters. Each team has a noisy crowd of supporters who, as well as encouraging their own side, try to put off the opposition. Archery competition are among the most picturesque and colorful events in the country and are the integral part of all festivities. Inter-village rivalry is common throughout the Kingdom and this rivalry is no more fiercely expressed than during annual archery tournaments. They are generally held at Losar (Bhutanese New Year) but smaller competitions are held throughout the year.