Experience Jambay Lhakhang drup, a sacred festival held annually in autumn at one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, built in the 7th century by King Songtsen Gampo. Colourful mask dances, traditional music, and rituals that highlight Bhutanese spirituality and community are displayed. The main highlight of the festival is the “naked dance,” symbolising devotion and cleansing of sins, offering a unique insight into Bhutanese Buddhist traditions.
Festival dates change each year. Please consult the Festival Dates page and better yet, contact us so that we can reconfirm the dates (sometimes they change).
Program
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Day 1
Thimphu
On arrival at Paro International Airport, after your visa formalities, you will be received by our representative, who will accompany you for the tour. Visit the national museum and Rimpung Dzong. After lunch, drive to Thimphu. Visit the memorial Chorten and drive to visit the Statue of Shakyamuni Buddha overlooking Thimphu valley.
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Day 2
Bumthang
The drive to Bumthang is a long, scenic drive on the breathtaking highway. We will stop for lunch on the way. Stop by Trongsa before Bumthang. Trongsa is the ancestral home of the Royal Family. After crossing Yutongla Pass, we will drive into the beautiful valley of Bumthang. Rest for the evening.
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Day 3
Bumthang
In the morning, we will visit Jambay Lhakhang for the festival. Visit Kurje Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s most sacred monasteries. “Kurje” is the name derived from the body imprints of the Guru Padmasambhava, who was supposed to have meditated there in the 8th century. This temple is located just a few meters beyond Jambay Lhakhang. Visit Mebar Tsho, (Lake of Burning Fire)
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Day 4
Bumthang
After breakfast, visit Tamshing Lhakhang and Jakar Dzong. Drive to Tang, an hour’s drive to visit Ogyen Choling Museum.
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Day 5
Gangtey
Drive to Phobjikha (Gangtey), the glacial valley and home to the blacked necked crane, which migrates from the harsh winters of the Tibetan plateau. You will be seeing quite a few cranes during this time. We will walk on the vast expanse of the valley and watch the cranes.
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Day 6
Thimphu
After breakfast, visit Gangtey Monastery. It is the only monastery of the Ngyinmapa sect of Buddhism in central Bhutan. This monastery is the main seat of the Pema Lingpa tradition. We will then proceed to Thimphu, en route to visit Wangdiphodrang Dzong, which was razed by fire more than a decade ago and rebuilt to its former glory.
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Day 7
Paro
No visit to Bhutan is complete without a hike to see the famous Taktsang, the Tiger’s Lair. After breakfast, we will drive to the trail route of Taktsang Monastery, from where we hike to the Monastery for about 2-3 hrs. Lunch will be served at the cafeteria. The cafeteria is a beautiful viewpoint from which the Taktsang Monastery is visible.
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Day 8
Departure
Our representative will see you off at the airport for your onward journey. We hope that you take with you the best memories of Bhutan.
Prices shown are for 3 star hotels. A custom trip with 4- or 5- hotels can be arranged.
| Group Size | Price/Person (USD) |
| 2 | 1768 |
| 4 | 1583 |
| 6+ | 1499 |
Guests wishing to stay in a single room will incur a single supplement charge of $357.
Included
- Visa fee and SDF
- Hotel accommodation on twin sharing basis
- Full board meal plan with Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Registered English speaking Guide
- Comfortable luxury private vehicle (according to group size)
- Complimentary water
- Entrance fees to parks, monuments, and monasteries listed on itinerary
Excluded
- Airline Tickets
- Table drinks and alcoholic beverages
- Any expenses arising out emergency situation
- Tips to guides and drivers
- Any other expenses not mentioned in the included section