Experience the Sacred Jambay Lhakhang Festival

During the flight to Bhutan, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Jomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by your guide and driven to Thimphu, which is about 54 km from Paro Airport and takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes by road. Later in the afternoon, you will visit the King’s Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the Third King of Bhutan; Changangkha Monastery; the Mini Zoo, where you can see the Takin, the national animal of Bhutan; and Tashichhodzong. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

After breakfast, you will visit the Buddha Statue, the School of Arts and Crafts, also known as the Painting School; the Traditional Paper Factory; the Post Office, where you can personalize your own stamps; the Weaving Centre; and Semtokha Dzong. In the evening, you can stroll through Thimphu town and explore the local surroundings. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

After breakfast this morning, you will drive to Punakha, with a stop for tea at Dochula Pass (3,100 meters). On a clear day, you can enjoy views of the Eastern Himalayas. From the pass, you will drive downhill through forests of rhododendron, fir and hemlock. You will continue through rice fields and along the banks of the Punakha River before arriving in Punakha. On the way to Punakha, you will stop at Metsina Village and take a 20-minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, a temple traditionally associated with fertility. After lunch, you will visit Punakha Dzong, which is beautifully situated between the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, like an anchored ship. Overnight at a hotel in Punakha.

After an early breakfast, you will start your drive to Trongsa. You will reach Pelela Pass (3,300 meters), where you will stop for a few minutes to take photos and stretch your legs. Your next stop will be Chendebji for lunch. After lunch, you will continue your drive to Trongsa, where you will visit Trongsa Dzong. Overnight at a hotel in Trongsa.

After an early breakfast, you will start your drive to Bumthang. On the way, you will cross Yotongla Pass (3,450 meters), after which you will enter the Bumthang region. Along the way, you will stop at the Yathra (textile weaving) factory, where Yathras are made with unique patterns that have been preserved in Bumthang for generations. You can also watch some of the weavers working at their looms. After lunch, you will visit Kurjey Lhakhang, where Guru Rinpoche is believed to have left his body imprint inside a cave. You will also visit Jambay Lhakhang and Tamshing Lhakhang. In the evening, you can stroll freely through the town. Overnight at a hotel in Bumthang.

Today, you will enjoy a full day of festival dances and celebrations with the people of Bumthang and nearby villages. Overnight at a hotel in Bumthang.

Today, you will make an excursion to Tang Valley, which is the most remote valley in Bumthang. While in Tang, you will visit the 16th-century Ugyen Chholing Palace, or country manor, which has now been turned into a museum. The well-captioned exhibits offer insights into the lifestyle of a Bhutanese noble family. You will also explore the nearby villages. On the way back to town, you will visit Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake), where some of Guru Rinpoche’s treasures were found in the 15th century by the famous treasure discoverer Pema Lingpa. Overnight at a hotel in Bumthang.

After an early breakfast, you will drive to Phobjikha Valley, which is famous as a winter roosting place for the endangered Black-necked Cranes. In Phobjikha Valley, you will hike the Gangtey Nature Trail, one of the shortest nature trails in Bhutan. The trail starts from the mani stone wall, similar to a chorten, to the north of Gangtey Goenpa and ends at Khewa Lhakhang. The hike takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes through pine forests and small bamboo plants. Along the way, you can enjoy beautiful views of Phobjikha Valley. During the winter months, you may also have the chance to see the endangered Black-necked Cranes in the valley. Overnight at a hotel in Phobjikha.

After an early breakfast, you will drive to Paro with a stop at Dochula for lunch. After lunch, you will continue your drive towards Paro. On arrival in Paro, you will visit Paro Dzong. It was built in the 17th century and now houses government offices and religious institutions. You will then visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, traditionally believed to have been built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

In the morning, you will hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, Bhutan’s most famous monastery, situated at an altitude of 3,180 meters. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. The monastery is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. Lunch will be served at the cafeteria. After lunch, you will explore the monastery and hike back to the valley in the afternoon. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, you will be driven to Paro International Airport for your departure. Our representative will bid you farewell at the airport.