Bhutan Jambay Lakhang Festival - 12 Days

Your flight into Paro offers striking views of the Himalayas before descending into a valley set at 2,200 metres, known for its rich culture and scenic beauty. Paro is home to Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries, as well as the country’s only international airport, with the Pa Chhu River and Mount Chomolhari shaping its landscape.

After arrival and lunch, we drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, where modern life sits comfortably alongside tradition. We visit the Memorial Chorten, built in honour of King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, and take a walk through the main street and local market. Dinner and overnight stay in Thimphu at 2,320 metres.

We begin the day with a scenic walk to Cheri Monastery, founded in 1620 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal as Bhutan’s first monastic retreat. A 14 km drive to Dodena at 2,600 metres brings us to the trailhead, where we cross a traditional wooden bridge over the Thimphu Chhu and follow a peaceful forest path to the monastery.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we explore Thimphu’s cultural highlights, including Changangkha Lhakhang, a 12th-century temple set on a ridge, the Textile Museum, and the Folk Heritage Museum, which offers insight into Bhutanese rural life. We also visit Trashichhoedzong, the seat of government and monastic authority, before enjoying a cultural dinner with a local family.

After breakfast, we drive towards Gangtey, stopping at Dochula Pass at 3,080 metres for panoramic mountain views, weather permitting. The pass is marked by chortens, prayer flags, and a decorative mani wall.

We then descend into the valley and walk a section of the Trans Bhutan Trail, known as the Divine Madman Trail, associated with the revered figure Drukpa Kuenley. We visit Thinleygang Lhakhang before continuing to Gangtey after lunch.

Gangtey lies within the Phobjikha Valley, a wide glacial valley surrounded by forest and known as the winter home of the rare black-necked cranes.

This morning, we visit Gangtey Gompa, the largest Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan, set on a hill overlooking the valley. We then explore a nearby village to experience daily life, where traditional crafts such as stone masonry are still practised.

We visit a local farmhouse to learn about rural Bhutanese life, observe traditional architecture, and try making suja - Bhutan’s salted butter tea. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, we drive to Bumthang via Pele-la Pass, marked by a white chorten and prayer flags, with noticeable changes in vegetation along the way.

We stop in Trongsa for lunch and visit Trongsa Dzong, historically the seat of power in central and eastern Bhutan, as well as the Ta Dzong museum. We then continue over Yutong-la Pass to reach Bumthang, a region made up of four valleys - Chumey, Choekhor, Tang, and Ura - known for its concentration of important temples and monasteries. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

We explore Bumthang Valley, visiting Kurje Lhakhang, where Guru Padmasambhava is believed to have left his body imprint, along with Jambey Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples dating to the 7th century, and Tamshing Lhakhang, known for its historic wall paintings. We also visit Jakar Dzong, the region’s administrative centre.

After time in the village to browse handicrafts and enjoy lunch, we take a short hike to Lhodrak Kharchhu Monastery, founded in 1984. The monastery provides insight into monastic life, including rituals, prayer recitations, and traditional arts.

Today we experience the Jambay Lhakhang Festival, a lively celebration honouring the monastery’s founding. Held annually in October, the festival features mask dances, traditional music, and cultural performances.

One of the highlights is the sacred fire ritual, believed to purify and bless participants. The festival offers a meaningful insight into Bhutan’s spiritual traditions and strong sense of community.

After breakfast, we drive to Punakha. Once the capital of Bhutan, Punakha remains the winter residence of the Je Khenpo, the chief abbot. The valley’s lower altitude of around 1,300 metres gives it a warmer climate, supporting fertile farmland nourished by the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers.

The journey includes views of the Himalayas, particularly from Dochula Pass along the Thimphu-Punakha Road. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

We begin with a hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, built to promote peace and harmony. The walk takes around one hour uphill and 45 minutes downhill, with views across the Mo Chhu River and surrounding countryside.

After a picnic lunch by the riverside, we visit Punakha Dzong, located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Built in 1637, it remains one of Bhutan’s most important religious and administrative sites. We also visit a traditional farmhouse to experience local life and share tea with the residents.

We drive to Paro, a valley set at 2,200 metres known for its cultural heritage and natural setting. On arrival, we visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum, which houses a collection of Bhutanese art and artefacts.

We then walk to Rinpung Dzong, a 17th-century fortress that continues to serve as both a religious and administrative centre.

We take a 5-hour round-trip hike to Taktshang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest, one of Bhutan’s most revered sites. The monastery clings to a cliff 900 metres above the valley and is associated with Guru Rinpoche, who is believed to have meditated here.

After visiting the monastery, we stop for lunch at the Taktshang Cafeteria before descending. In the afternoon, we visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, built as part of a network of 108 temples marking the spread of Buddhism in the region.

After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for your onward flight. As you depart, you take with you lasting impressions of Bhutan’s landscapes, monasteries, and living traditions.