Jambay Lhakhang Festival: A Colorful Celebration of Bhutanese
Day 1: Arrival in Paro – Transfer to Thimphu
- Welcome to Bhutan: Meet your guide at Paro International Airport and drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital.
- Enroute Highlights: Visit Tamchog Lhakhang and cross the iron chain bridge.
- Thimphu Exploration:
- Visit the Tashichho Dzong, the seat of the government.
- Take an evening stroll around the streets of Thimphu.
- Overnight Stay: Hotel in Thimphu.
Day 2: Thimphu Sightseeing – Transfer to Punakha
- Morning Highlights in Thimphu:
- Buddha Dordenma: Visit the giant golden Buddha statue.
- National Folk Heritage Museum: Learn about Bhutanese rural traditions.
- Takin Preserve: Meet Bhutan’s national animal, the takin.
- Drive to Punakha: Cross the scenic Dochula Pass, marked by 108 chortens, and enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas.
- Overnight Stay: Riverside lodge in Punakha.
Day 3: Punakha to Bumthang
- Scenic Journey: Drive to Bumthang, passing through Trongsa, the ancestral home of Bhutan’s royal family.
- Enroute Highlights:
- Visit the historic Trongsa Dzong, a massive fortress overlooking the Mangde River.
- Stop at Yathra Weaving Center in Chumey Valley, where traditional woolen textiles are made.
- Arrival in Bumthang: Known as Bhutan’s spiritual heartland, Bumthang is home to ancient monasteries and temples.
- Overnight Stay: Hotel in Bumthang.
Day 4: Jambay Lhakhang Festival – Cultural Immersion
- Festival Experience:
- Attend the Jambay Lhakhang Drup, a colorful festival held at the Jambay Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples.
- Witness sacred mask dances, fire rituals, and unique performances by monks and local dancers.
- The highlight of the festival is the Mewang Ceremony (Fire Blessing), performed at night.
- Cultural Insights: Learn about the significance of the festival in Bhutanese spiritual and cultural life.
- Overnight Stay: Hotel in Bumthang.
Day 5: Bumthang Exploration
- Morning Sightseeing:
- Visit Kurjey Lhakhang, the resting place of Guru Rinpoche.
- Explore Tamshing Lhakhang, a significant Nyingma monastery.
- Stroll through the peaceful Jakar town.
- Evening Leisure: Relax and enjoy Bumthang’s serene surroundings.
- Overnight Stay: Hotel in Bumthang.
Day 6: Bumthang to Paro
- Return Journey: Fly from Bumthang to Paro (subject to availability) or drive back, enjoying scenic views along the way.
- Paro Sightseeing: Visit the iconic Rinpung Dzong and the National Museum housed in Ta Dzong.
- Overnight Stay: Hotel in Paro.
Day 7: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery – Departure
- Morning Adventure: Hike to the legendary Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery), perched on a dramatic cliffside.
- Afternoon Farewell: After the hike, our team will transfer you to Paro International Airport for your onward journey.
Tour details
- Tour Type: Festival Tours
- Duration: 7 Days 6 Nights
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Destinations Covered: Paro – Thimphu – Punakha – Bumthang
