Bhumtang Jambay Lhakhang Festival - 11 Days

The flight to Paro is most spectacular of all mountain flights. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your guide, then drive to Thimphu.
Visit: Art School, Buddha Point, Archery Ground (national sport of Bhutan), Zilikha Nunnery, weekend farmer’s market, Taschichho Dzong.

Overnight in a hotel.
Altitude: 2,300 m / 7,544 ft

After breakfast, drive towards north of Thimphu valley for Cheri Monastery was the first monastery established in Bhutan by Ngawang Namgyal in 1620 from Tibet. The Zhabdrung spent three years in strict retreat and resided there for many periods throughout the rest of His life (1 hour hike). We will then visit Takin Preservation Centre and Textile museum.

Overnight in a hotel.
Altitude: 2,300 m / 7,544 ft

After breakfast drive to Punakha via Dochu-la Pass (3,140 m / 10,301 ft). if the sky is clear, enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayan Mountain range.

Visit: Semtokha Dzong, Chimmi Lhakang and Punakha Nunnery.

The Semtokha Dzong: legend says the Dzong was built in order to subdue an evil spirit that was harassing travellers.

Chimmi Lhakhang was built by Lama Ngawang Chogyel. The meditation hall or stupa housed by this monastery was constructed by yogi known as Lama Drukpa Kinley “Divine Madman”. It is famous throughout Bhutan as a place which induces fertility for all the visitors who come wishing for a child. Several pilgrims, including couples with a newly born child, come to seek the blessings of the saint who is said to have the Magical Thunderbolt of wisdom. We will then visit Punakha Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery.

Overnight in a hotel.
Altitude: 1,300 m / 4,265 ft

Visit: Khamsum Yulley (hike) and Punakha Dzong

Khamsum Yulley sits majestically above Punakha valley with an amazing view of the country side and the hills below. It was built by Queen Mother to drive away evil forces and bring peace and harmony for all living beings. It is one of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture.
Enjoy a fabulous view up and down. We will then visit Punakha Dzong, located on the island of the Phochu (Male River) and the Mochu (Female River). The Dzong was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (the person who unified Bhutan).

Overnight in a hotel.
Altitude: 1,300 m / 4,265 ft

Drive to Trongsa via Pele-la Pass (3,320 m / 10,892 ft).
Visit: Wangduephordang Dzong, TrongsaDzong and Ta Dzong.

Wangduephordang Dzong was founded by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1638 built on a ridge that looks like a ‘sleeping elephant’ overlooking the convergence of the Dangchhu and Punatsangchhu rivers. In 2012, the Dzong was destroyed by fire and efforts were made to rebuild the Dzong to its former glory.

Trongsa Dzong is the largest dzong (fortress) in Bhutan. Built on a spur overlooking the gorge of the Mangdu Chuu river. In 1647, Shabdrung Nawang Namgyel (Shabdrung or Zhabdrung being his title), constructed the first dzong to replace it, called Chökhor Rabtentse Dzong with a shorter version of Choetse Dzong. It was enlarged several times during the 18th century.

Ta Dzong/Museum once guarded Trongsa Dzong from internal rebellion, stands on a promontory above the town. It was built by Chogyal Minjur Tempa, the 1st Governor of Trongsa in 1652. Ta Dzong which now houses a shrine dedicated to the epic hero: King Gesar of Ling. A visit to this former watch tower provides visitors with an insight into the significance of Trongsa in Bhutan’s history. Today the Ta Dzong of Trongsa is the most fascinating museum of the country.

Overnight in a hotel.
Altitude: 2,100 m / 6,889 ft

In the morning, drive to Bumthang via Yotongla Pass (3,425 m / 11,236 ft).
Visit: Jambay Lhakhang, Kurje Lhakhang, Tamshing Lhakhang, Kenchosum Lhakhang.

Jambay Lhakhang is one of the oldest and most sacred attractions in Bumthang Valley. Jambay Lhakhang is a one-story complex situated along the Chamkhar Chhu on a plateau offering a perfect vibe that comes from both sacred atmosphere and stunningly natural view. Jambay Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples known as Thadhul-Yangdhul, was structured by King Songtsen Goenpo in 659 AD.

Kurje Lhakhang is one of the most holy and sacred sites in Bhutan, located in the Bumthang district. Guru Rinpoche left his body imprint inside the cave, thus, giving the name as Kurje (Body Imprint).

Tamshing Lhakhang: Tamshing Lhakhang is a major Nyingma monastery located in central Bhutan, was founded in 1501 by Pema Lingpa. It is famous for its collections of paintings which exemplify the regions of Bhutan. It is one of the few institutions continuing the teaching of Pema Lingpa.

Kenchosum Lhakhang is dated back to the 8th century. The inscription on the large bell testifies to it being cast for the Tibetan Royal Family. The modern structure is truly magnificent.
Massive, brightly painted columns soar to the mandala-painted ceiling. A perimeter mezzanine features seated statues of various (mind, body and spirit) reincarnations of Pema Lingpa, and virtually every surface has been decorated with intricate murals and designs. The ancient lhakhang is one of the must visit temple for those who love to understand ancient Buddhist history.

Overnight in a hotel.
Altitude: 2,540 m / 8,333 ft

Visit: Jambay Lhakhang Festival, Jakar Dzong.

Jakar Dzong is known as ”Castle of White Bird” dominates the Chamkhar valley and overlooks the town. Constructed in 1549, by the Tibetan Lama Ngagi Wangchuk, who came to Bhutan to spread the Drukpa Kagyu teaching, the dzong played an important role as the fortress of defense for the whole eastern dzongkhags. Later in the evening, stroll in small town of Chamkhar.

Overnight in a hotel.
Altitude: 2,540 m / 8,333 ft

After breakfast, drive 5 hours to one of the most beautiful valley in Bhutan known as Black-Necked Crane valley.
Visit: Gangtey Monastery, Nature Hike, Crane Center.

Gangtey Monastery is an important monastery of Nyingmapa school of Buddhism, the main seat of the Pema Lingpa tradition, situated at the top of the hill (2,800 m / 9,186 ft).

Gangtey Nature Hike: This pleasurable walk will give you a nice feel of Phobjikha Valley. Gangtey Nature Trail hike is about 1.5 hours. This hike takes you through the pine forest and small bamboo plants provide a spectacular view of the Phobjikha Valley.

Overnight in a hotel.
Altitude: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft

After breakfast drive to Paro via Dochu-la pass.

Visit: Paro Rimpung Dzong, Dumtseg Lhakhang, Ta Dzong.

Paro Rimpung Dzong means Fortress of Jewels because it was built using stones rather than clay. It is one of the most impressive dzongs in Bhutan.

Dumtseg Lhakhang: The iconic temple in Paro with a Chorten-like shape known as Dumtseg Lhakhang was built in 1421 by Drupthob Thangtong Gyalpo. The Dumtseg Lhakhang in Paro is a three-story structure, also known as the Jangtsa Dumtseg Lhakhang.

Paro Museum / Ta Dzong: This cylindrical watch tower was built in 1649 and converted into the National Museum of Bhutan in 1968. The spiral-shaped building holds antiques, art, textiles,
weapons, and household items that tell the history of Bhutan.

Overnight in a hotel.
Altitude: 2,250 m / 7,381 ft

On your final day of the cultural tour in Bhutan, embark on a hike to the iconic Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery — an essential and quintessential Bhutanese travel experience. Having explored numerous areas on foot throughout your journey, we aspire to take you beyond Taktsang. This is a comprehensive full-day hike.

Overnight in a hotel.
Altitude: 2,250 m / 7,381 ft

After breakfast, your guide and driver will take you to the airport for your smooth departure. We hope you had a pleasant trip with us and beautiful memory from the mountain country. We wish you will visit Bhutan again. Tashi Delek!