Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival Tour (7 days/ 6 nights)
Embark on a captivating 7-day journey through Bhutan, where tradition, spirituality, and natural beauty await. Begin your adventure with a scenic drive from Paro to Thimphu, the vibrant capital, and explore its rich culture and landmarks. Experience the peaceful landscapes of Punakha before heading to Bumthang for the colorful Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival, a sacred celebration of Bhutanese heritage. Continue your exploration with visits to sacred monasteries, ancient temples, and picturesque valleys. Cap off your trip with a memorable hike to the iconic Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), offering breathtaking views and spiritual tranquility. This journey promises an unforgettable immersion into Bhutan’s culture, history, and stunning landscapes.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Paro & Transfer to Thimphu
Your journey begins with a breathtaking flight into Paro, Bhutan, with stunning views of the Himalayas. Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, your Namsel Tours and Trek representative will meet you and drive you to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. The drive takes about 1.5 hours, offering scenic landscapes as you arrive in Thimphu.
After checking into your hotel, take a walk around Thimphu's main street and market area to explore local handicrafts such as hand-woven textiles, Thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, and jewelry.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 2: Exploring Thimphu
After breakfast, enjoy a full day of sightseeing in Thimphu. Start by visiting Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang) for panoramic views of the Thimphu valley and Bhutan's largest Buddha statue. Then head to the National Library, which houses priceless Buddhist manuscripts, followed by the Zorig Chusum Institute, where students train in Bhutan's 13 traditional arts.
After lunch, visit the Textile Museum to learn about Bhutan’s unique weaving traditions. Continue with a visit to Pangri Zampa Institute of Buddhist Astrology, a 16th-century Buddhist monastery and astrology school.
In the afternoon, visit Thimphu Kaja Throm, the farmers' market, where you can explore local produce and farm products.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 3: Thimphu to Punakha
After breakfast, drive to Punakha via Do Chula Pass(3100m). The pass offers spectacular views of the Eastern Himalayas, along with a series of 108 chortens.
Upon arrival in Punakha, visit the Punakha Dzong, a fortress built in 1637 at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. The Dzong has played a key role in Bhutan’s history and has been restored after suffering from fires and earthquakes.
In the afternoon, take a short hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a stunning monument built to promote peace and stability, offering incredible views of the Punakha valley.
Overnight in Punakha.
Day 4: Punakha to Bumthang
Today, travel to Bumthang, crossing the Pelela Pass(3400m) and Youtongla Pass (3400m). Along the way, stop at the Trongsa Museum, a historical site featuring displays of Bhutanese art and royal artifacts, including the Raven crown and a 500-year-old jacket worn by a prominent saint. Upon arrival in Bumthang, check into your hotel and enjoy a leisurely evening.
Overnight in Bumthang.
Day 5: Bumthang & Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival
After breakfast, dive into the festivities of the Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival, held annually in Bumthang. This five-day event commemorates the founding of the Jambay Lhakhang Temple and honors Guru Rinpoche. Enjoy traditional mask dances, folk dances, and a sacred naked dance performed around midnight.
In the afternoon, visit Kurje Lhakhang, a sacred temple complex housing Guru Rinpoche's body imprint, and explore Tamzhing Lhakhang, a monastery with fascinating religious paintings, including depictions of 1000 Buddhas and 21 Taras.
End the day with a visit to Menbar Tsho (The Burning Lake), where Saint Pema Lingpa discovered holy relics in 1475. It is believed that those with pure hearts can see extraordinary sights in the lake.
Overnight in Bumthang.
Day 6: Bumthang to Paro
After breakfast, fly to Paro, a 35-minute flight offering incredible views of the mountains. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and freshen up before visiting Ta Dzong, a former watchtower that now houses the National Museum with collections of thangkas, textiles, and Buddhist artifacts.
Next, visit Sangchen Choekor Shedra, a Buddhist college offering panoramic views of Paro and a peaceful atmosphere.
Overnight in Paro.
Day 7: Hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) & Departure
Start the day with an unforgettable hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), perched 900m above the Paro Valley. This sacred site, where Guru Rinpoche meditated after flying on the back of a tigress, is one of Bhutan's most iconic landmarks. The hike takes about 5 hours, offering stunning views of the valley along the way.
After the hike, return to your hotel for a quick lunch, then head to Paro International Airport for your departure, leaving Bhutan with lasting memories of its rich culture and beautiful landscapes