Bumthang Jambay Lhakhang Festival

Check in to Bhutan flight from any destination that takes you over the great Himalayas, offering the most scintillating scenery of the world’s highest glacial mountains. Upon your arrival, a representative from Druk Experience will meet you and take you to Thimphu which is about an hour. Later we will visit the Memorial stupa and Trashi Chodzong.

After breakfast sightseeing includes a visit to the simply Bhutan the living museum, the Traditional Handmade Paper Factory, the Traditional art school, popularly known as painting school (it is closed during student vacation), the Textile Museum, displaying handwoven textile products of Bhutan, a 12th-century Changangkha temple on top of a hill, the Takin preserve, Bhutan’s national animal. Overnight in Thimphu in Hotel

In the morning we will proceed to Dochula pass which is over 3,100m above sea level. On a clear day, the pass offers the most spectacular panoramic view over the greater eastern Himalayas including the highest peak of Bhutan. We will Make a gradual hike to Lungchuzekha Temple located at 3500m altitudes. Then we will return to the pass and continue to drive to Wangdue, and visit Dzong reconstruction which burned down in 2012.

Drive to Trongsa about four and a half hours. Continue your journey crossing Pele la Pass (3,300m), the traditional boundary between east and west. We will stop for 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. On the way, we will stop at Chumey Yatra weaving center, a typical woolen product from Bumthang valley. Tonight, you will be escorted to Jambay Lhakhang courtyard to get the blessing of the fire ceremony and witness the naked man dance which is unique in-country.
Overnight in Bumthang in Hotel.

After breakfast, we will attend the Jambay Lhakhang Drup festival. During the festival, you will see a variety of traditional and mask dances performed and each dance has significant meaning to Bhutanese. With the proceedings of the events, this festival captures the attention of the onlookers and creates a magnificent spectacle. Hike about an hour to Kurjey Lhakhang, Walk to Tamshing Lhakhang founded in the 15th century. A shortstop at Konchog Sum Lhakhang and attain monk debate at Kharchu Monastery. You will also have the opportunity to visit the market at the festival if there is enough time.

As the journey continues eastwards over Ura Sheltangla Pass (3250m), one can see Mt. Gangar Puen Sum (alt. 25,000 ft.), the highest peak of Bhutan, on a clear day. We will take an easy hike for about one hour descending following the old mule tracks to Ura. Visit Ura temple located at the heart of the crowded village. En-route we will stop at Member Tso (the Burning Lake) from which the saint Pema Lingpa has discovered the treasure in the 15th century hidden by Guru Rimpoche in the 8th century. Late afternoon drive to Trongsa for overnight. Overnight in Trongsa in a hotel.

This morning, we will 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 its harsh winters. We will hike about one-hour to the Gangtey valley. Visit Gangtey Monastery, the only Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan. Then we will have a late afternoon drive back to Punakha.

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

Morning hike to Taktsang Monastery famously known as Tiger’s nest monastery a quintessential Bhutan travel experience. Upon return, we will visit the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, Kyichu Lhakhang, built-in 7th century by the Tibetan king, and Dungtse Lhakhang, a conical structure. Overnight in Paro in Hotel

After early breakfast in the hotel drive to the airport for flight to onward destination.