Bumthang Jambay Lhakhang Festival

Bumthang Jambay Lhakhang Festival

 Day 1: Arrival

Approx. Altitude: 2200 m  

Distance: 1 Hour, 55 Km  

Check in to your flight to Bhutan from any destination, offering breathtaking views of the world's highest glacial mountains. Upon arrival, a representative from Bhutan Luxury Tour will meet you and escort you to Thimphu, about an hour's drive. Later, visit the Memorial Stupa and Trashi Chodzong.

 Day 2: Thimphu

Approx. Altitude: 2200 m  

Distance: N/A  

After breakfast, the sightseeing tour includes a visit to Simply Bhutan, the living museum; the Traditional Handmade Paper Factory; and the Traditional Art School, also known as the painting school (closed during student vacation). You'll also visit the Textile Museum, which displays handwoven textiles, the 12th-century Changangkha Temple atop a hill, and the Takin Preserve, home to Bhutan’s national animal. Overnight in a hotel in Thimphu.

 Day 3: Thimphu to Punakha

Approx. Altitude: 1800 m  

Distance: 2.5 Hours, 70 Km  

In the morning, proceed to Dochula Pass, over 3,100 meters above sea level. On a clear day, the pass offers spectacular panoramic views of the greater eastern Himalayas, including Bhutan's highest peak. Make a gradual hike to Lungchuzekha Temple, located at 3500 meters altitude. Return to the pass and continue driving to Wangdue, visiting the Dzong reconstruction, which burned down in 2012.

 Day 4: Punakha to Bumthang

Approx. Altitude: 2600 m  

Distance: 6.23 Hours, 218 Km  

Drive to Trongsa, about four and a half hours away. Continue your journey, crossing Pelela Pass (3,300 m), the traditional boundary between east and west. Stop for a picnic lunch at Chendebji Chorten, built in the 18th century by a Lama named Shida; it is Nepalese in style with eyes painted at four cardinal points. Visit Trongsa Dzong and Tower Museum. Stop at the Chumey Yatra Weaving Center, known for its traditional woolen products from the Bumthang valley.In the evening, attend the fire ceremony and witness the unique naked man dance at Jambay Lhakhang courtyard. Overnight in a hotel in Bumthang.

 Day 5: Bumthang (Festival)

Approx. Altitude: 1600 m  

Distance: N/A  

After breakfast, attend the Jambay Lhakhang Drup festival. The festival features a variety of traditional and mask dances, each with significant meaning to the Bhutanese. The events capture the attention of onlookers, creating a magnificent spectacle. Hike for about an hour to Kurjey Lhakhang, then walk to Tamshing Lhakhang, founded in the 15th century. Stop briefly at Konchog Sum Lhakhang and attend a monk debate at Kharchu Monastery. If time permits, visit the market at the festival.

 Day 6: Excursion to Ura-Trongsa

Approx. Altitude: 2200 m  

Distance: 2 Hours, 60 Km  

Continue the journey eastward over Ura Sheltangla Pass (3250 m), where on a clear day, you can see Mt. Gangar Puen Sum (alt. 25,000 ft.), the highest peak in Bhutan. Take an easy one-hour hike descending along old mule tracks to Ura. Visit Ura Temple, located at the heart of the village. On the way back, stop at Member Tso (the Burning Lake), where the saint Pema Lingpa discovered a treasure in the 15th century, hidden by Guru Rimpoche in the 8th century. Late afternoon drive to Trongsa for an overnight stay in a hotel.

 Day 7: Trongsa to Punakha via Gangtey

Approx. Altitude: 2900 m  

Distance: 2.5 Hours, 77 Km  

This morning, get an early start back to Pelela Pass (alt. 3,300 m) via Trongsa. Phobjikha is one of the few glacial valleys in Bhutan and the chosen home of the black-necked crane, which migrates from the central Asiatic Plateau to escape harsh winters. Hike for about one hour to the Gangtey Valley and visit Gangtey Monastery, the only Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan. Continue with a late afternoon drive back to Punakha.

 Day 8: Punakha to Paro

Approx. Altitude: 2200 m  

Distance: 3.20 Hours, 125 Km  

This morning, take a short excursion to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten, visit the Punakha Dzong, and later, visit the temple of Chimi Lhakhang, dedicated to the divine madman, also known as the temple of fertility. After lunch, proceed to Paro for an overnight stay. If time permits, visit Paro Dzong and Ta Dzong.

 Day 9: Paro Sightseeing

Approx. Altitude: 2200 m  

Distance: N/A  

In the morning, hike to Taktsang Monastery, famously known as Tiger’s Nest Monastery, a quintessential Bhutan travel experience. Upon return, visit the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, Kyichu Lhakhang, built in the 7th century by the Tibetan king, and Dungtse Lhakhang, a conical structure. Overnight in a hotel in Paro.

 Day 10: Departure

After an early breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for your flight to your onward destination.