Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival Tour (10 Days)
Immerse yourself in the vibrant pageantry of the Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival, held in Bhutan’s spiritual heartland of Bumthang. This Buddhist festival, honouring Guru Rimpoche, features masked dances, rituals, and a unique midnight fire dance that sanctifies the region. This tour also takes you to sacred sites in Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, and Bumthang, offering a profound insight into Bhutan’s ancient living culture.
Overview
- Day 1: Arrive Paro – Thimphu
- Day 2: Thimphu
- Day 3: Thimphu – Punakha
- Day 4: Punakha – Bumthang
- Day 5: Bumthang
- Day 6: Bumthang
- Day 7: Bumthang – Gangtey
- Day 8: Gangtey – Paro
- Day 9: Paro
- Day 10: Depart Paro
Day 1: Arrive Paro – Thimphu
Arrive in Paro on a flight offering panoramic views of the Himalayas. Visit the Ta Dzong Museum and Rinpung Dzong to explore Bhutan’s cultural heritage. Drive along the Pachu River to Thimphu for an overnight stay.
Included Activities:
- Ta Dzong Museum: Showcasing Bhutanese artefacts and cultural relics.
- Rinpung Dzong: A historic fortress and administrative centre.
Day 2: Thimphu
Explore Thimphu’s cultural and historical sites, including the National Memorial Chorten, Changangkha Temple, and Zilukha Nunnery. Visit the Takin Preserve to see Bhutan’s national animal. Overnight in Thimphu.
Included Activities:
- National Memorial Chorten: A landmark dedicated to Bhutan’s Third King.
- Changangkha Temple: A historic temple with stunning views of the valley.
- Takin Preserve: Home to Bhutan’s unique national animal.
Day 3: Thimphu – Punakha
Drive over Dochu-La Pass to Punakha, with stops for breathtaking views and a visit to Punakha Dzong, Bhutan’s “Palace of Great Happiness.” Walk to Chimi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to the Divine Madman. Overnight in Punakha.
Included Activities:
- Dochu-La Pass: Featuring panoramic views and 108 chortens.
- Punakha Dzong: A masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture.
- Chimi Lhakhang: A fertility temple with spiritual significance.
Day 4: Punakha – Bumthang
Travel through Trongsa to Bumthang, visiting Chendebji Chorten and Trongsa Dzong en route. Witness the midnight fire dance at Jambay Lhakhang, marking the festival’s opening. Overnight in Bumthang.
Included Activities:
- Chendebji Chorten: A historic 18th-century stupa.
- Trongsa Dzong: A stunning fortress and ancestral seat of Bhutan’s monarchy.
- Jambay Lhakhang Fire Dance: A unique and sacred ritual of the festival.
Day 5: Bumthang
Visit Kurjey Lhakhang and Jambay Lhakhang, followed by Tamshing Lhakhang and Jakar Dzong. Explore Bumthang’s peaceful villages and immerse yourself in local culture. Overnight in Bumthang.
Included Activities:
- Kurjey Lhakhang: A sacred site where Guru Rimpoche meditated.
- Jambay Lhakhang: One of Bhutan’s oldest temples.
- Jakar Dzong: Known as the “Castle of the White Bird.”
Day 6: Bumthang
Attend the Jambay Lhakhang Drup festivities or take an excursion to the Tang Valley. Visit Ugyen Chholing Palace, Tang Rimochen Lhakhang, and the mystical Burning Lake. Overnight in Bumthang.
Included Activities:
- Tang Valley: A remote and picturesque valley.
- Burning Lake: A sacred site associated with Guru Rimpoche.
Day 7: Bumthang – Gangtey
Drive to Gangtey, stopping along the way to visit local villages. Explore Gangtey Monastery and the picturesque Phobjikha Valley, known for its Black-Necked Cranes. Overnight in Gangtey.
Included Activities:
- Gangtey Monastery: A 16th-century monastery overlooking the valley.
- Phobjikha Valley: A glacial valley and crane habitat.
Day 8: Gangtey – Paro
Return to Paro via Thimphu. Stop at Semtokha Dzong, the oldest dzong in Bhutan, and enjoy leisure time in Paro. Overnight in Paro.
Included Activities:
- Semtokha Dzong: Bhutan’s oldest fortress, now a cultural institute.
Day 9: Paro
Hike to Taktsang Monastery and visit Drukgyel Dzong. Spend the afternoon exploring Paro’s cultural landmarks. Overnight in Paro.
Included Activities:
- Taktsang Monastery: A sacred pilgrimage site perched on a cliff.
- Drukgyel Dzong: A historic fortress with spectacular views.
Day 10: Depart Paro
Transfer to Paro International Airport for your departure. Tashi Delek!