One of the highlights of Bhutan’s gathering of nomadic highlanders known as the Nomad Festival is the strongman competition where herders from the Himalayan frontiers and villagers near Bhutan’s Bumthang district compete (and drink Arra) to see who is the strongest.
Crowds at Bhutan’s Strongman Competition
The crowds get excited — and I suspect wager a bit — about seeing who among them can best carry various 100-kilogram objects along a 100-meter course.
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Carrying a 100 Kilogram Log at Bhutan’s Strongman Competition
First comes the carrying the logs. This seemed to be the easiest task but just lifting these things without assistance was a challenge.
Carrying Tires at Bhutan’s Nomad Festival
There are different ways of carrying the tractor tires.
Different Technique for Carrying Tires at Bhutan’s Nomad Festival
Anything but rolling or dragging them is permitted. They must be lifted off of the ground.
Carrying a 100-kilogram Bag of Sand at Bhutan’s Nomad Festival
Finally comes what appeared to be the hardest part, lugging a 100-kilogram bag of sand 100 meters. Resting is permitted and these guys certainly need it before they were finished. The guy in the lead here was finally the victor. I was invited to compete but uh, my lumbago was acting up and I had to bow out: besides, I have retired from competition.
This looks like a fun day out. In fact to me it looks a bit like a Bhutan version of Scotland’s Highland Games.
That was kind of the impression I had as well. And it was cold enough to feel that way too!
Strong indeed! Bhutan is an interesting country.
Yes Renuka! I highly recommend a visit. You would love it.
Bhutan is so different from Nepal and Tibet (it´s been shut off from rest of the world for so long..) And although it´s quite an expensive travel experience, it´s well worth the money, in my opinion. It´s refreshing to spend time in a country that is not only proud of it’s past, but is doing everything it can to hold onto it whilst trying to modernise at the same time. Such a thought provoking and peaceful environment! I wonder what this place will be like ten years from now, though..
I was totally blown away by Bhutan. It really was a trip back in time. It is nice to see what can happen when good governance combines with a genuine care for all the people. Not survival of the fittest but a hybrid where at least everyone get a fair place at the starting line. At least that is the idea.