In the remote highlands of eastern Bhutan, where stories of the Migoi have echoed through mountain valleys for generations, a new festival is bringing folklore, culture and community together.

The three-day “Great Yeti Quest”, which began on 8 May in Sakteng Dungkhag, celebrates the legend of the Migoi — the mythical yeti believed by the Brokpa people to inhabit the valleys of Merak and Sakteng.

Beyond the mythology, however, the festival reflects a deeper effort to preserve the identity and livelihood of Bhutan’s highland Brokpa communities amid growing social and environmental change.

Legends passed through generations

For generations, elders in the semi-nomadic Brokpa communities have recounted stories of mysterious footprints in the snow and encounters with a towering creature said to roam the mountains.

One local legend tells of a villager returning from a monastery who encountered a Migoi along a lonely mountain trail. According to oral tradition, the villager fought the creature and never returned home, with footprints in the snow becoming the only evidence of the encounter.

While the Migoi remains deeply embedded in Brokpa identity and oral history, there is no scientific evidence supporting the existence of the creature.

Dhendup Tshering, 57, said he had never personally seen the Migoi but had heard stories from others who claimed to have seen footprints or sightings in the mountains.

Festival rooted in community life

Organised by Sakteng Dungkhag with support from the Department of Tourism (DoT) under the Economic Stimulus Programme, the festival forms part of broader efforts to diversify Bhutan’s tourism sector and promote lesser-known regions.

More than a thousand people, including international tourists, attended the opening day.

Unlike conventional festivals held in fixed event grounds, the Great Yeti Quest follows an “as is, where is” concept, according to Sakteng Drungpa Kezang Jamtsho.

The celebrations unfold throughout the village landscape, allowing visitors to experience traditional Brokpa weddings, house consecrations and local storytelling within the community itself.

Against the backdrop of Sakteng’s rugged mountains, visitors were welcomed with traditional songs, dances and cultural performances showcasing the distinct lifestyle of the highland Brokpa people.

Food stalls and exhibition spaces were also set up inside or alongside traditional Brokpa houses, offering tourists a closer experience of local hospitality and architecture.

The Yeti Run

The second day of the Great Yeti Quest brought Sakteng alive with vibrant celebrations, a large public turnout and enthusiastic participation from visitors of all ages.

One of the highlights of the day was the Yeti Run, which drew participants across different age groups and added energy and excitement to the festival.

Another major attraction was the traditional Brokpa house consecration ceremony — a rarely witnessed cultural practice that reflects the spiritual beliefs and heritage of the Brokpa community. The ceremony offered visitors a rare glimpse into the authentic customs and lifestyle of Sakteng’s highland residents.

The festival grounds remained lively throughout the day with colourful cultural performances, traditional activities and strong community participation, further adding to the festive atmosphere.

Tourism and economic opportunities

Officials say the festival could also help create sustainable economic opportunities for communities that have traditionally depended on livestock herding, which is increasingly threatened by climate change and shrinking pastureland.

The event is expected to support local businesses, homestays and sales of traditional products such as hard cheese and butter.

For many residents, the festival offers a rare opportunity to connect with visitors from outside the region.

“Sakteng is a remote village. People hardly come to visit,” said Dema Yangzom. “The festival attracts visitors from all over the country. When visitors come, we share our culture and learn about theirs.”

Local shopkeeper Thukten Lhamo said she hopes the festival will also help revive traditional attire among younger generations.

“People wearing local attire have been decreasing over the years. This festival helps bring that culture back,” she said.

Promoting eastern Bhutan

Adding significance to the celebration, the Garden of Patriotism was inaugurated during the festival in tribute to Their Majesties’ Royal Visit to Sakteng in 2015.

Singye Rinchen, tourism officer with the Department of Tourism, said familiarising travel agents and tour guides with eastern Bhutan is essential for developing the region as a sustainable tourism destination.

“With its blend of mythology, culture and nature, we hope the festival will help place Sakteng on Bhutan’s tourism map in the years ahead,” he said.