Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival Tour

11 Nights / 12 Days

Jambay Lhakhang Drup Tshechu Festival, held from 26–29 October 2026 in Bumthang, is one of the most significant festivals in Bhutan. It commemorates the establishment of Jambay Lhakhang temple (7th century) and honours Guru Rinpoche.

Four days of traditional and masked dance performances, from purifying the ground to instilling faith. This tour explores Thimphu, Gangtey, Bumthang, Trongsa, Punakha and Paro.

Tour Overview
Itinerary
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Journey Map

Jambay Lhakhang Drup Tshechu Festival, held from 26–29 October 2026 in Bumthang, is one of the most significant festivals in Bhutan. It commemorates the establishment of Jambay Lhakhang temple (7th century) and honours Guru Rinpoche.

Four days of traditional and masked dance performances, from purifying the ground to instilling faith. This tour explores Thimphu, Gangtey, Bumthang, Trongsa, Punakha and Paro.

Day 01
Arrive in Paro and travel to Thimphu
Paro → Thimphu · 55km · ~1.5hrs · 2,400m

Welcome! Visit Tachogang Lhakhang, National Memorial Chorten, Buddha Point (51.5m). Explore Thimphu. Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 02
Thimphu sightseeing
Thimphu · Full day · 2,400m

Hike to Tango Monastery (2,800m, ~1hr, 400m gain). Changangkha Lhakhang, Zorig Chusum (Arts School), Tashichho Dzong (flag ceremony 5pm). Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 03
Thimphu to Gangtey
Thimphu → Gangtey · 160km · ~6hrs · 2,900m

Dochula Pass (3,050m). Gangtey Goemba (1613). Gangtey Nature Trail through meadows and blue pine forest. Overnight in Gangtey.

Day 04
Gangtey to Bumthang
Gangtey → Bumthang · 158km · ~6hrs · 2,800m

Black-necked Crane Centre. Drive to Bumthang, Bhutan's spiritual heartland with four valleys. Yathra Weaving Center. Overnight in Bumthang.

Day 05
Discover Bumthang
Bumthang · Full day · 2,800m

Visit Jambay Lhakhang (7th century), Kurjey Lhakhang (Guru Rinpoche's body imprint), Tamshing Monastery (1501), Lhodrak Kharchu Monastery. Overnight in Bumthang.

Day 06
Bumthang sightseeing
Bumthang (Tang Valley) · 2,800m

Drive to Tang valley. Visit Mebar Tsho (Flaming Lake) and Tang Ogyen Choling Palace Museum. Overnight in Bumthang.

Day 07
★ Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival
Bumthang · Festival Days

★ FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHT — Jambay Lhakhang Drup Tshechu at Jambay Lhakhang temple, 26–29 October 2026.

Sacred masked dances, fire ceremony (Mewang), naked night dance (Tercham), and traditional performances celebrating Buddhist heritage.

The festival's highlight is the spectacular Mewang (fire blessing) ceremony where locals pass through a blazing gate for purification. Overnight in Bumthang.

Day 08
Bumthang to Trongsa
Bumthang → Trongsa · 80km · ~3hrs · 2,200m

Visit Ta Dzong (National Museum) and Trongsa Dzong, the largest and most spectacular dzong. Kinga Rabten winter palace. Overnight in Trongsa.

Day 09
Trongsa to Punakha
Trongsa → Punakha · 150km · ~5hrs · 1,300m

Punakha Dzong (Palace of Great Happiness). Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge (160m). Hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten. Overnight in Punakha.

Day 10
Punakha to Paro
Punakha → Paro · 125km · ~4hrs · 2,300m

Walk to Chimi Lhakhang. Visit Paro Rinpung Dzong and National Museum (Ta Dzong). Overnight in Paro.

Day 11
Tiger's Nest & Farewell
Paro · Full day · 3,120m peak

Hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest). Visit Kyichu Lhakhang (7th century). Special dinner with local family. Hot stone bath. Last night in Paro.

Day 12
Depart Paro
Paro Airport · Departure

After breakfast, your guide accompanies you to the airport. Tashi Delek!

  • Bhutan visa fee
  • 3-star and 4-star hotels
  • Three meals daily
  • Bottled water
  • SDF US$100/night/person
  • 5% GST
  • Museum fees
  • Private car with driver
  • Licensed guide
  • Gho or Kira dress
  • Bhutan SIM card
  • Archery equipment
  • Walking sticks
  • Hot stone bath in Paro
  • Personal expenses, laundry, beverages
  • Travel insurance
  • Airfares
  • Airport taxes
  • Excess baggage
  • Tips
  • Services not mentioned

Paro → Thimphu → Gangtey → Bumthang (Festival) → Trongsa → Punakha → Paro

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