Nabji Lhakhang Drup (Festival) Tour

Nabji Lhakhang Drup festival is organised in honour of Guru Padmasambhava and to commemorate the establishment of Nabji temple. Mewang (fire blessing ceremony) & Tercham (sacred naked dance) are the highlight of this festival, same as Jambay Lhakhang Drup of Bumthang. The Tercham is believed to bless infertile women with a child and performed by naked dancers wearing facial mask at night, over a bonfire. A variety of mask and folk dances also performed during the festival related to Terton (treasure discoverer) Pema Lingpa.

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Day 1: Arrive Paro (Bhutan) by Flight & drive to Thimphu (55km, approx. 1.1/2-hour drive)

• On arrival at Paro International Airport, received by our representative after immigration formalities & baggage collection and then transfer to Bhutan’s capital city, Thimphu. En route photo stop at Tamchog temple viewpoint & Chuzom, the confluence of Paro & Thimphu rivers.
• On arrival in Thimphu check into the hotel.
• Later visit King’s Memorial Stupa.
• Evening an exploratory walk around Thimphu city centre.
• Overnight in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320m).
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Day 2: Thimphu

• Full day exploration of Thimphu valley includes visit to, Simply Bhutan, Textile Museum, Institute of Zorig Chusum or Arts & Crafts School, Takin Preserve, Thimphu Post office, Buddha Dordenma and Trashichhoedzong, the beautiful medieval fortress / monastery.
• Overnight in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320m).
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Day 3: Thimphu – Gangtey (Phobjikha) (150km, approx. 5-hour drive)

• After breakfast, drive to Gangtey. En route take a short stop at Dochula pass (3,080m) enjoying stunning mountain views at the backdrop of picturesque Druk Wangyel Chortens (stupa).
• On arrival in Gangtey, check into the hotel.
• Afternoon visit famous Gangtey monastery and then take a stroll around lovely Gangtey village.
• Overnight in Gangtey (Altitude 3,000m).
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Day 4: Gangtey (Phobjikha) – Trongsa – Bumthang (153km, approx. 6-hour drive)

• Morning after breakfast, explore idyllic Phobjikha valley, famous for winter home of Black Necked Cranes.
• Then proceeds towards Bumthang via town of Trongsa. The drive crosses 3,300m Pelela pass and also stop on the way at Chendbji Chorten (stupa).
• On arrival in Trongsa town, visit its majestic Dzong and then drive further to Bumthang crossing Yutongla pass (3,400m).
• On the way at Chumey valley visit Yathra (woollen fabric) weaving village.
• Overnight in Bumthang (Altitude 2,600m).
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Day 5: Bumthang

• After breakfast, visit ancient temples of Jambay Lhakhang, Kurje Lhakhang and Tamshing Lhakhang.
• Later in the afternoon visit Jakar Dzong, the administrative centre of the valley and Lhodrak Kharchhu monastery.
• Overnight in Bumthang (Altitude 2,600m).
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Day 6: Bumthang – Trongsa – Nabji (125km, approx. 5-hour drive) (Nabji Lhakhang Drup, Festival)

• Morning after breakfast, drive to Nabji via Trongsa.
• At Trongsa, visit Ta Dzong (museum).
• Then drive onward to Nabji.
• Evening witness Nabji Lhakhang Drup (festival) and Mewang (fire ceremony).
• Overnight in Nabji (Altitude 1,400m)
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Day 7: Nabji (Nabji Lhakhang Drup, Festival)

• Full day witness Nabji Lhakhang Drup (Festival).
• Also explore enchanting village and enjoy various local activities.
• Overnight in Nabji (Altitude 1,400m).
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Day 8: Nabji – Punakha (190km, approx. 7-hour drive) (Nabji Lhakhang Drup, Festival)

• After breakfast, witness Nabji Lhakhang Drup (Festival).
• Then drive to Punakha.
• Evening explore Punakha & Wangdue towns and local markets.
• Overnight in Punakha (Altitude 1,300m).
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Day 9: Punakha

• After breakfast visit historic Punakha Dzong (fortress cum monastery).
• Then a walking excursion (approx. 2-hour round trip walk) to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Stupa.
• Afternoon visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery and a short walking excursion (about 30 min round trip walk) to Chimi Lhakhang or ‘Fertility Temple’.
• Overnight in Punakha (Altitude 1,300m).
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Day 10: Punakha – Paro (125km, approx. 4-hour drive)

• Morning after breakfast, drive to Paro via Dochula pass.
• Afternoon visit to Ta Dzong (National Museum) & Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) or ‘Fortress on a Heap of Jewels’.
• Evening an exploratory walk around Paro city centre.
• Overnight in Paro (Altitude 2,280m).
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Day 11: Paro

• After breakfast, walking excursion (approx. 5-hour round trip walk) to Taktsang monastery or ‘Tiger Nest’.
• Afternoon visit Kyichu & Dungtse temples.
• Overnight in Paro (Altitude 2,280m).
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Day 12: Depart Paro (Bhutan)

• Morning transfer to Paro International Airport for flight to onward destination.