The tour takes travelers on an immersive journey to witness one of the most significant festivals in Bhutan. This 10-day tour is scheduled to coincide with the Jambay Lhakhang Drup festival, which is celebrated annually in the Bumthang valley of central Bhutan.
The tour begins with a scenic flight into Paro and a visit to some of the country’s most iconic landmarks, including the Rinpung Dzong and the Tiger’s Nest monastery. Travelers then embark on a journey through the stunning Bhutanese countryside, making stops at traditional villages, local markets, and ancient temples.
The highlight of the tour is undoubtedly the Jambay Lhakhang Drup festival, which showcases traditional Bhutanese music, dance, and drama performances. Travelers will have the opportunity to witness the unveiling of the sacred Thongdrol and participate in traditional masked dances and ceremonies.
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HIGHLIGHTS
1
Accommodation: 3 stars rated hotel in Thimphu
Meals: lunch, dinner
Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, a T8 Untrodden Travels representative will be waiting outside the arrival terminal, holding a placard with your name on it. The representative will greet you in the traditional manner by offering a Trashi Khadar (greeting scarf), and will be your guide for the entire tour.
Next, we will drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, situated at an elevation of 2,350m/7700ft. Thimphu was established as the national capital in 1952, and since then, urbanization has taken root. However, the city still retains its ethnic architectural style and is the only capital in the world with no traffic lights. Thimphu is essentially pastoral in character and changes its demeanor with the seasons.
After lunch, we will embark on a short sightseeing tour of Thimphu. During this tour, we will visit the Takin Preserve, which houses the national animal, the Takin. We will also visit Buddha Point, popularly known as Kuensel Phodrang, which has a 160-feet statue of Buddha Sakya Muni (Sha cha Thupa). This is one of the biggest Buddha statues in the world, and from here, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the capital city, Thimphu.
We will also take a walk around the Memorial Chhorten in Thimphu, built in 1974 in memory of the Third King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who passed away in 1972. The Memorial Chhorten is one of the most visible religious structures in Thimphu, and for many people, it is the focus of their daily worship.
Our final stop will be Tashichhodzong, which dates back to the 13th century and houses His Majesty’s Throne Room. It is also the summer home of the Monastic Body.
2
Accommodation: 3 stars rated hotel in Gangtey
Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner
The second day of the tour begins with a scenic drive to Gangtey via the Dochula Pass, which stands at an altitude of 3140 meters. On the way, you will be able to witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of numerous chortens or stupas, which serve as a testament to Bhutan’s deep Buddhist heritage. You will also get to enjoy panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayan Mountains, provided the weather is clear.
The journey from Dochula Pass to Gangtey is an enchanting experience that takes you through a diverse range of landscapes, including lush green forests, rolling hills, and picturesque valleys. Upon reaching Gangtey, you will be treated to a delectable lunch that will satisfy your appetite after the long drive.
After lunch, you will visit the Gangtey Monastery, which is one of the most significant religious sites in Bhutan. The monastery is associated with the Nyingmapa school of Buddhism and is the main seat of the Pema Lingpa tradition. The Gangtey Monastery is renowned for its stunning architecture, which is characterized by intricate woodwork and beautiful murals that depict the life of Buddha. You will have the opportunity to learn more about the history and significance of this remarkable monastery from your knowledgeable local guide.
3
Accommodation: 3 stars rated hotel in Bumthang
Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner
On the third day of the tour, after enjoying a delicious breakfast, you will begin your journey towards Bumthang via the Pelela Pass, which stands at an altitude of 3300 meters. The Pelela Pass is a significant landmark in Bhutan as it serves as the traditional boundary between the western and eastern regions of the country. Along the way, you will be able to admire the stunning natural scenery, including snow-capped mountains, verdant forests, and glistening rivers.
After a satisfying lunch, you will visit the Trongsa Dzong, a majestic fortress built in 1644, that served as an ancestral residence for the Bhutanese royal family. The Trongsa Dzong is one of the most important historical and cultural landmarks in Bhutan, and it showcases exquisite Bhutanese architecture that has been perfectly preserved over the centuries. Next, you will visit the Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower built to guard the Trongsa. The Ta Dzong is now a fascinating museum that houses a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits related to Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage.
After exploring Trongsa, you will continue your drive to Bumthang, one of the most historic and spiritual districts in Bhutan. Bumthang is renowned for its large number of ancient temples and sacred sites, including the Jambay Lhakhang, Kurje Lhakhang, Tamshing Lhakhang, and Jakar Dzong. You will have the opportunity to visit some of these sites and learn more about the spiritual and cultural significance of these remarkable landmarks. Your knowledgeable local guide will be on hand to provide insights into the history and traditions of Bumthang, making this a truly unforgettable experience.
4
Accommodation: 3 stars rated hotel in Bumthang
Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner
One of the main highlights of the tour is the Jambay Lhakhang Drup festival, which is a grand celebration of Bhutanese culture and spirituality. This festival is held annually at the Jambay Lhakhang temple in Bumthang, and it is one of the most highly anticipated events in Bhutan.
During the festival, you will have the opportunity to witness a variety of colorful and vibrant performances, including masked dances and traditional folk music. One of the festival’s main highlights is the sacred naked dance, which takes place late at night and draws many spectators. This dance is performed by a group of specially selected monks and is considered a highly auspicious and sacred event.
In addition to the festival, you will also have the opportunity to explore the local area and gain insights into the daily lives of Bhutanese people. You will be able to take a leisurely walk through the farmlands, admire the stunning natural scenery, and visit some of the local farmhouses to learn more about the lifestyle and traditions of the local people. This will provide a unique and authentic cultural experience that is sure to stay with you long after the tour has ended.
5
Accommodation: 3 stars rated hotel in Bumthang
Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner
Bumthang is a region of immense spiritual significance and is regarded as the spiritual heartland of Bhutan. It is made up of four mountain valleys, each with its own distinct character and charm. During your visit to Bumthang, you will have the opportunity to explore some of the region’s most ancient and revered Buddhist sites.
One of the most significant places you will visit is Mebar Tsho, a sacred site located in the Ura Valley. This site is intimately connected to the life and teachings of the renowned treasure revealer, Terton Pema Lingpa, who was an incarnated disciple of Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche. According to legend, Pema Lingpa discovered a treasure from the lake in the late 15th century, which further cemented his reputation as a revered spiritual figure.
Another important place you will visit is Tamzhing Lhakhang, a temple founded in 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa himself. This monastery is located across the river from Kurje Lhakhang and is famous for its ancient religious paintings, including 1,000 Buddhas and 21 Taras (the female form of Bodhisattva). The temple was restored in the late 19th century, and its religious and cultural significance continues to attract visitors from all over the world.
As you journey through Bumthang, you will also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the region’s rich cultural heritage and learn about the stories and legends that have shaped its spiritual landscape.
6
Accommodation: 3 stars rated hotel in Punakha
Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner
After enjoying an early breakfast, you will embark on a picturesque drive to Punakha. The drive takes you through the scenic landscapes of Bhutan, passing through quaint villages, lush forests, and stunning valleys.
Upon reaching Punakha, you will visit the impressive Punakha Dzong, one of the most iconic landmarks in Bhutan. The dzong is located between two great rivers, the Pho Chu (Male River) and the Mo Chu (Female River), making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
The Punakha Dzong is not just a popular tourist destination, but it also serves as the winter residence for the Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot of the Central Monastic Body in Bhutan. Additionally, it is also the office of the district administration, making it an important center for both religious and administrative affairs in the region.
As you explore the Punakha Dzong, you will be awed by its grand architecture and intricate detailing, which is a testament to the skilled craftsmanship of the Bhutanese people. The dzong also houses numerous sacred relics and artifacts, making it a significant site for religious and cultural heritage in Bhutan.
7
Accommodation: 3 stars rated hotel in Thimphu
Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner
After an early breakfast, the journey from Punakha begins with a 7 km drive to cross the suspension bridge over the Mochu River. After crossing the bridge, you will walk approximately 30-45 minutes to reach the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten (Stupa), which is located on a strategic ridge with an amazing view of nearby villages under Kabisa geog. The stupa was built under the sponsorship of Her Majesty the Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangden Wangchuck to promote peace, stability, and harmony throughout the world. The stupa is the first of its kind in the world and the details and architectural designs were drawn from scriptures as visualized by Dudjom Lingpa.
After the visit, a 25-minute walk along the terraced farmlands and farmhouses will take you to Chimi Lhakhang, also known as “the Temple of Fertility”. The temple was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley (the Devine Madman) in the 15th century, and he subdued the demoness with his “magical thunderbolt”. It is a popular pilgrimage site for couples seeking blessings for fertility and childbirth.
After lunch at Chimi Lhakhang Cafe, you will then drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, which takes about 3 hours via the Dochula Pass (3140m). The pass is famous for its spectacular array of chortens and offers a magnificent panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range, weather permitting.
8
Accommodation: 3 stars rated hotel in Paro
Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner
After having breakfast, you will start your journey towards Dodeyna, where you will embark on a hike through a stunning forest track leading to the Tango Monastery. The monastery offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding valley and is situated high in the mountains. Tango Monastery was founded by Lama Gyalwa Lhanampa in the 12th century and is renowned for its religious studies and traditional educational programs. The hike to the monastery takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour, depending on your pace.
After descending back down from the monastery, you can visit the Handicrafts Emporium, which is known for its high-quality traditional Bhutanese textiles, handicrafts, and other local products. If you’re interested in souvenirs and other items, you can check out the shops of Thimphu, which offer a wide range of local handicrafts, textiles, and other products that make for excellent keepsakes.
9
Accommodation: 3 stars rated hotel in Paro
Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner
After breakfast, your tour of Paro will start with a visit to the Drugyal Dzong, which is located 16 km away from Paro. This ruined fortress holds great historical importance for the Bhutanese people, as it was the site of the Bhutanese victory against the Tibetan invasion. The dzong offers breathtaking views of sacred Mt. Jomolhari on a clear day.
After this, you will be driven to the trailhead to embark on a memorable hike through a beautiful pine forest to the Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest. The monastery is perched on the edge of a sheer rock cliff, 900m above the valley floor. It is said that Guru Padmasambhava flew on the back of a flying tiger to this location from Kurtoe Singye Dzong in the east, where he meditated in a cave that is now part of the monastery. The primary temple was built in 1684 by the Penlop of Paro, Gyalse Tenzin Rabgay.
En route to the Taktsang Monastery, you will stop for light refreshments at the Taktsang cafeteria. After exploring the monastery, you will have the opportunity to discover the beautiful town of Paro in the afternoon.
Note: The hike to the Taktsang Monastery is challenging and takes about 4-5 hours round trip, depending on your fitness level. It is recommended that you wear comfortable shoes and bring sunscreen, a hat, and a water bottle.
10
Accommodation: NA
Meals: breakfast
After breakfast, proceed to Paro International Airport for your scheduled departure flight.
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