Cultural Tours · 8 days
Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival
Experience one of Bhutan’s most vibrant and spiritually significant festivals with our 7-Night / 8-Day Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival Tour.
- Duration
- 8 days · 7 nights
- Region
- Central Bhutan, Western Bhutan
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Price
- Price on request
Overview
About this journey
Experience one of Bhutan’s most vibrant and spiritually significant festivals with our 7-Night / 8-Day Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival Tour. Journey from the capital city of Thimphu to the sacred valleys of Bumthang, where ancient temples, sacred dances, traditional celebrations, and local customs come together.
Witness the dramatic Mewang Fire Blessing, sacred masked dances, and the unique atmosphere of Jambay Lhakhang while exploring some of Bumthang’s most important spiritual sites. The journey concludes in Paro with a visit to the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery, a traditional farmhouse experience, and a relaxing Bhutanese hot stone bath.
Special Festival Experience: Ter Cham
The Ter Cham, traditionally known as the Sacred Naked Dance, is a distinctive ritual associated with the Jambay Lhakhang Drup festival. It is traditionally performed after midnight as part of the festival’s religious ceremonies.
Important: Photography and videography are prohibited during this ritual. Guests are expected to respect the sacred nature of the ceremony, and Orion Bhutan Travel guides will advise visitors on appropriate conduct and viewing arrangements.
Highlights
- Witness the spectacular Mewang Fire Blessing at Jambay Lhakhang.
- Experience traditional Cham masked dances during Jambay Lhakhang Drup.
- Explore sacred sites including Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang and Tamshing Lhakhang.
- Discover Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake) and its connection to Terton Pema Lingpa.
- Hike to the iconic Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery).
Private journey
Price on request
Every journey is planned privately around your dates, hotels and pace, so we quote each trip individually. Send us your travel month and group size and we will reply with a tailored itinerary and price.
Or message us on WhatsApp +975 77 34 88 13
Day by day
Itinerary
Your guide and driver are with you throughout. Every day can be adjusted to your interests and pace.
Day 01 · Arrival in Paro – Transfer to Thimphu
Arrive at Paro International Airport, where your Orion Bhutan Travel guide will warmly welcome you with a traditional khaddar. Enjoy a scenic drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city.
Visit Buddha Dordenma for panoramic views of the Thimphu Valley and continue to the National Memorial Chorten, an important center of daily worship for local residents.
Overnight: Thimphu
Day 02 · Thimphu Cultural Exploration
Spend the day discovering Thimphu’s cultural heritage and traditional way of life.
Visit the Takin Preserve, home to Bhutan’s national animal, followed by the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, where students learn Bhutan’s traditional arts and crafts. Continue to Tashichho Dzong, one of the country’s most important fortress-monasteries and the seat of Bhutan’s central government.
Overnight: Thimphu
Day 03 · Flight to Bumthang – Jambay Lhakhang Festival Opening
Travel back to Paro for a domestic flight to Bumthang, one of Bhutan’s most spiritually significant valleys. The short flight provides spectacular views of Bhutan’s mountainous landscape while saving considerable overland travel time.
In the evening, head to Jambay Lhakhang for the festival’s opening celebrations.
Mewang – The Fire Blessing
Witness the dramatic Mewang, or Fire Blessing, in which a large arch made from pine branches is set ablaze. Devotees and pilgrims traditionally pass through the flames as part of a ritual associated with purification and blessings.
Overnight: Bumthang
Day 04 · Jambay Lhakhang Drup – Sacred Masked Dances
Spend a full day experiencing the vibrant Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival at the ancient Jambay Lhakhang.
Watch traditional Cham dances, including the Zhana Cham (Black Hat Dance) and Ging Tsholing, accompanied by traditional music and ceremonial performances.
Experience the festival alongside local families dressed in their finest traditional clothing and jewelry, creating a colorful celebration of Bhutanese culture.
Overnight: Bumthang
Day 05 · Sacred Bumthang – Kurjey, Tamshing & Mebar Tsho
Take a break from the festival atmosphere and explore Bumthang’s sacred landmarks.
Visit Kurjey Lhakhang, an important pilgrimage site associated with Guru Rinpoche, followed by Tamshing Lhakhang, one of the region’s oldest temples.
In the afternoon, travel to Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake), a sacred pool associated with the renowned Bhutanese treasure discoverer Terton Pema Lingpa.
Overnight: Bumthang
Day 06 · Flight to Paro – Farmhouse Experience
Take a morning domestic flight from Bumthang back to Paro.
Spend the afternoon exploring the historic Paro Valley at a relaxed pace. In the evening, experience a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse dinner, featuring authentic local dishes and warm Bhutanese hospitality.
End the day with a traditional hot stone bath, an ideal way to relax after the journey.
Overnight: Paro
Day 07 · Tiger's Nest – Taktsang Monastery
Prepare for the highlight of your Bhutan journey with a hike to Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery).
The monastery sits dramatically on a cliff approximately 900 meters above the Paro Valley. Follow the forested trail to this sacred Himalayan landmark and explore the monastery and its surrounding meditation caves.
Return to Paro and enjoy a farewell dinner with your Orion Bhutan Travel team.
Day 08 · Departure from Paro
Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel before your private Orion Bhutan Travel vehicle transfers you to Paro International Airport for your onward flight.
Depart Bhutan with unforgettable memories of its festivals, spirituality, landscapes, and warm hospitality.
What the price covers
Included and not included
Included
- Airport transfers
- Private transportation throughout the tour
- Licensed English-speaking Bhutanese guide
- 7 nights' accommodation
- Domestic flights between Paro and Bumthang, as scheduled
- Daily breakfast
- Festival sightseeing and cultural experiences
- Entrance fees to attractions listed in the itinerary
- Traditional farmhouse dinner
- Traditional hot stone bath
- Tiger's Nest excursion
- Applicable government taxes and service charges
- Sustainable Development Fee and visa fees, where applicable
Not included
- International airfare
- Travel insurance
- Lunch and dinner unless specifically mentioned
- Alcoholic and other beverages
- Personal expenses and shopping
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal trekking equipment
- Horse/pony services for Tiger's Nest, if required
Moments from this journey
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Tailor-made, at no extra cost
Tailor your Bhutan journey
We can shape your Bhutan experience around your preferences, interests, travel style and schedule at no additional cost. Want more time for culture, nature, adventure or wellness, or simply a slower pace? Tell us, and we will plan the journey around you.