Jambay Lhakhang Drup & Prakhar Duchhoed (Festival) Tour

Jambay lhakhang Drup is celebrated with a dual purpose; firstly, it is a tribute to Guru Rinpoche, a saint who introduced Tantric form of Buddhism in Bhutan and secondly, this festival commemorates the establishment of Jambay Lhakhang (temple) in the 8th century. During the festival, variety of traditional and mask dances are performed and each dance bear significance meaning. The highlight of Jambay Lhakhang Drup is the fire ceremony named 'Mewang' and the religious dance known as 'Tercham'. Apart from these, the other activities include- a famous drum beat dance, a clown dance called Dola Pangtoy Shazam, Raksha Mangcham (a dance symbolizing life after death) and many more. With the proceedings of the events, this festival captures the attention of the onlookers and create a magnificent spectacle.

Prakhar Duchhoed festival is held at the Prakhar Lhakhang, in the Chumey Valley of Bumthang. Built in 16th century, this main village temple is located about 10 minutes’ walk from the road. The festival lasts for 3 days from the 16th to the 18th of the ninth lunar month in the Bhutanese calendar and celebrated to honour Lama Thukse Dawa, the son of the 15th century Buddhist master, Terton Pema Lingpa, who was one of the greatest Buddhist masters to be ever born in Bhutan. Several kinds of mask dances are performed during the festival.

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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, Folk Heritage Museum, 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) (Jambay Lhakhang Drup, Festival)

• Morning after breakfast, explore idyllic Phobjikha valley, famous for Black Necked Cranes.
• Then proceeds towards Bumthang via town of Trongsa. The drive crosses 3,300m Pelela pass and also stop en route at Chendbji Chorten (stupa).
• On arrival in Trongsa town, visit its majestic Dzong and then drive further to Bumthang crossing Yutongla pass (3,400m).
• Evening witness Jambay Lhakhang Drup (festival) and Mewang (fire ceremony).
• Overnight in Bumthang (Altitude 2,600m).
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Day 5: Bumthang (Jambay Lhakhang Drup, Festival)

• After breakfast, the day to witness Jambay Lhakhang Drup (festival).
• Also visit of the day includes ancient temples of Jambay Lhakhang, Kurje Lhakhang, Tamshing Lhakhang.
• Overnight in Bumthang (Altitude 2,600m).
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Day 6: Bumthang (Prakhar Duchhoed, Festival)

• Morning after breakfast, drive to Chumey valley to witness Prakhar Duchhoed (festival).
• On return, en route visit Yathra (woollen fabric) weaving village.
• 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 7: Bumthang – Trongsa - Punakha (210km, approx. 7-hour drive)

• After breakfast, drive to Punakha.
• On the way at Trongsa, visit the Ta Dzong (museum).
• Evening explore Punakha & Wangdue towns and local markets.
• Overnight in Punakha (Altitude 1,300m).
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Day 8: 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 then 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 9: 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 10: 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 11: Depart Paro (Bhutan)

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