In Bhutan, Jampay Lakhang Drup is the unique festival always begins on the 14th day of the 8th month of the Bhutanese calendar which was introduced by the great treasure discoverer, Tertoen Dorji Lingpa, on the prophecy of the Guru Rinpoche in the 8th century. It was first performed in Nabjikorphu under Trongsa district. A band of devils was believed to be causing havoc and misery during the construction of a temple in that area, destroying the work and delaying it. In order to distract the devils, treasure revealer Dorji Lingpa launched the naked dance. The outrageous antics of the naked performers during the dance are said to have kept the devil spellbound. In due course, the Lhakhang was completed and consecrated. Then, Terton Dorji Lingpa, who also consecrated Jampa Lhakhang, brought the dance in Bumthang. It is a village festival under the supervision of Chakhar Lama and the dances are performed by the villagers.
Activities: Festival Tour & Sightseeing
Duration: 10 Nights 11 Days
Season: Autumn Season
Day 01: Paro to Thimphu
Drive: 1 Hour
Altitude: Around 2300m/7590 ft
Distance: 65 km/ 39 miles
Welcome to Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon. Touching down at Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by our representatives at the arrival gate and then directly transported to Thimphu. Take it easy today as you must be tired because of long hours of flight and do the sightseeing from the car. In the evening go around the Thimphu town and have the picturesque evening walk in and around town.
Overnight: Thimphu
Day 02: Thimphu Sightseeing
Morning visit Memorial Chorten (Stupa) which was built in the memory of the third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (also called father of modern Bhutan) in 1974. Then proceed further to Kuensel Phodrang (Buddha Point), which was completed and consecrated in 2015 coinciding with the descend Day of Lord Buddha and then to National Takin Preserve (where national animal is kept) . Later, visit one of the oldest Nunneries in Bhutan (also called Drubthob Goemba). In the afternoon visit painting school (school of thirteen Arts and crafts), where the students learn thirteen different arts and crafts commonly used in Bhutan, then visit weaving centre, next to handmade paper factory and later to the weekend market (Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday).
Overnight: Thimphu
Day 03: Thimphu to Punakha
Drive: 2 ½ Hours
Altitude: 1350m/4455ft
Distance: 76 km/45.6miles
Drive through Dochula pass, which is at the elevation 3140m above the sea level. When the weather is sky blue clear, you can enjoy a scenic view of the highest unclimbed mountain in the world in Bhutan and Himalayan ranges stretching almost 180 degrees. Sooner you can break for tea for some time and resume your way to Punakha via sub-tropical Forest. Afternoon, take a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang (known as temple of fertility), which was built in 1499 by the cousin of Lama Drukpa Kuenley (Divine Madman) in his honor after he subdued the demoness of the Dochula with his ‘magic thunderbolt of wisdom’. Then take a visit to Punakha Dzong (the palace of great happiness) which is arguably the most stunning dzong in the country and construction was foretold by Guru Rinpoche. Then it was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1637 and was completed in the following year.
Overnight: Punakha
Day 04: Punakha to Bumthang
Drive: 7 ¾ Hours
Altitude: 2650m/ 8745 ft
Distance: 214 km/ 128.4 miles
After breakfast, drive off to Bumthang. En-route, you would get the clear view of ruined Wangdi Dzong (Fortress), which was burned down by the fire in 2012 and now it is under reconstruction. Further continue your way to Trongsa via Pelela Pass at 3420m/10945 ft, which forms the part of Black Mountain Range that divides the country into east and west. On the way to Trongsa you will get a glimpse of difference in settlements and beautiful view of mountains which actually is the natural heritage of Bhutan. Further resume your journey to Butmthang via Yutong La pass, which is at the height of 3425 m/11302 ft. above the sea level. On the way, stop at Yathra (wool weaving) weaving place, near the roadside. It is very typical to Bhutanese people living in Bumthang Valley. Have a complete rest after a tiresome journey in a hotel.
Overnight: Bumthang
Day 05: Jampey Lhakhang Drub
In the Jampey Lhakhang Drub, the program begins with the burning of ‘jinsag’ (sacred fire ritual) to cleanse or avert any evil spirits of the place. There are so many colorful dances like Zhana and Ging Cham (dance of black hat and Ging). And then perform Tshogcham (dance of offering) and Mecham (dance of fire). The very highlight or the conclusion of the Drub of the day one is the Ter Cham (naked dance) which was introduced by Terton Dorji Lingpa in the 14th century. This sacred naked dance is a treasure discovery dance and is performed in the midnight but the exact time for the dances is not known since the Astrologer has to decide for the timing of this very auspicious treasure discovery dance.
Overnight: Bumthang
Day 06: Bumthang Sightseeing
Visit Jampay Lhakhang. Jampay Lhakhang is believed to have been built in the year 659 by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. When he married the Chinese princesses Wencheng in 641, her dowry included the Jowo Shakyamuni, a priceless statue of the Buddha as a size of a small baby. As the statue was transported via Lhasa, it became struck in the mud and no one could remove it. The princess divined that the obstruction was being caused by a huge supine demoness, lying on her back. In order to pin down the ogress to the earth forever and to convert Tibetan people to Buddhism. It is believed that he has established 108 temples in a single day. This is the home of the naked dance which is still performing annually. Then further take a way to Kurjey Temple. The temple complex is named after the body imprint left by Guru Rinpoche in the 8th century after taming the local deity and turning him into the protector deity of Bumthang valley. Then, take a walk across the suspension bridge and visit the Dorji Bee Farm house. Afternoon, visit Tamshing Goemba, it was built by Terton Pema Lingpa in 1501 and is the most important Nyingma Gonpa in the country. Finally end your day with a walk towards the Swiss farm. Evening take a leisure spree in Jakar town and try some typical local food in the restaurant.
Overnight: Bumthang
Day 07: Bumthang to Trongsa
Drive: 2 Hours
Altitude: 2200m/7260 ft
Distance: 68 km/ 40.8 miles
After breakfast, find your way back to Trongsa via Yotongla pass. In Trongsa visit the defunct Ta Dzong (watch tower), which now displays the statuary and royal memorabilia and then the majestic Trongsa Dzong which has rich history dating back to the 16th century. In 1541 a small meditation room on the site was carried out by Lam Ngagi Wangchuk after discovering the self-manifested hoof-prints belonged to the horse of the protector deity Pelden Lhamo. Later, the dzong was built in its present form in 1644 by Chogyal Minjur Tenpa, the official who was sent by Zhabdrung to unify eastern Bhutan.
Overnight: Trongsa
Day 08: Trongsa to Phobjikha
Drive: 5 ½ Hours
Altitude: 2900 m/9570 ft
Distance: 120 km/ 81.2 miles
Retrace and enjoy the way back to the roosting ground of black-necked crane in Phobjikha valley. Black-necked cranes are one of the most endangered species of birds in the world. These birds winter in south-central Tibet, north-eastern Yunnan province in China and in some parts of Bhutan as well. After you enter Phobjikha valley, visit Gangtey Goenpa, in 15th century treasure discoverer Pema Lingpa prophesied that a Goenpa named gang-teng (hill top) would be built on this site. Thus, his teaching would flourish far and wide from here. Gangtey is the only Nyingma monastery found in western Bhutan. Later, take a Phobjikha Nature Trail hike from the Goenpa which takes around 1 ½ hours. It is simply a very beautiful hike and you can have a breathtaking view down in the valley and suppose you are lucky and in the right season you could see the black necked cranes in the valley.
Overnight: Phobjikha
Day 09: Phobjikha to Paro
Drive: 6 ½ Hours
Altitude: 2200m/7260 ft
Distance: 153 km/91.8 miles
In the morning, drive back to Paro with several pit-stops, taking pictures of catchy views and unimaginable sceneries on the way. In Paro, In 1644, its construction was ordered by Zhabdrung Rinpoche on the foundation of the monastery built by Guru Rinpoche. Take a leisure walk down from the dzong cross through the oldest wooden cantilever bridge which is still in use. In the afternoon, visit Kichu Lhakhang, which is believed to have been built in the year 659 by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. When he married the Chinese princess Wencheng in 641, her dowry included the Jowo Shakyamuni, a priceless statue of the Buddha as a size of a small baby. As the statue was transported via Lhasa, it became struck in the mud and no one could remove it. The princess divined that the obstruction was being caused by a huge supine demoness, lying on her back. In order to pin down the ogress to the earth forever and to convert Tibetan people to Buddhism. It is believed that he has established 108 temples in a single day. And then drive to the ruined historic Drukgyal Dzong which was built by Zhabdrung Rinpoche in 1649 to commemorate the victory over Tibetan Invaders in 1644. Conclude your day with a leisurely evening walk and prepare well for a hike to the tiger’s nest.
Overnight: Paro
Day 10: Taktsang Hike
After breakfast, the car will drop you to the basement of the excursion to view spectacular and the most famous Taktshang monastery. You can climb up to the monastery through beautiful pine forests, many of the trees with the beautiful hanging of mosses (also called Old man’s beard) and pass through an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. Stop at Taktshang Cafeteria for a stunning view of the monastery and break for coffee as well. Then after some time resume your hike and continue until you see clearly within reach of the monastery. It is believed that in 8th century, Guru Rinpoche, the tantric mystic flew here on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Kurtoe to Taktshang to subjugate demons and all evil spirits obstructing to flourish Buddhism and blessed them as the protector of the doctrine. It is also believed Guru Rinpoche has meditated here for three months and took his last manifestation in the form of Guru Dorje Dragpo (fierce thunderbolt) during subjugation. Later in the evening go around in the town and grasp some souvenirs from Bhutan.
Overnight: Paro
Day 11: Departure
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to the Airport. Our team will see you off at the Airport.
