Sacred mask dancers performing at the Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival in Bumthang, Bhutan

Jambay Lhakhang
Drup

One of Bhutan's oldest, most sacred, and most extraordinary festivals

10 Days · 9 Nights October / November Moderate 5 Regions of Bhutan

A Sacred Journey
into Living Bhutan

Duration
10 Days · 9 Nights
Best Season
October / November (Annual)
Difficulty
Moderate

In the spiritual heartland of Bhutan's Bumthang Valley, experience the rich pageantry and profound joy of the Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival — one of the oldest and most atmospheric celebrations in the kingdom. An occasion to honour Guru Rinpoche, the saint who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, this Tsechu fills the ancient temple grounds with sacred mask dances, fire rituals, and deep collective faith.

This 10-day journey takes you far beyond the festival itself. Arriving through Paro, exploring Thimphu, crossing Dochu La to Punakha, descending into the Gangtey crane valley, and reaching the spiritual valleys of Bumthang — this is a comprehensive cultural crossing of Bhutan's most beloved regions, culminating in one of its most memorable nights.

The Festival Experience

The Midnight Fire Dance

The festival's most extraordinary and rarely-seen moment — a sacred naked fire dance performed at midnight under torchlight at the 7th-century Jambay Lhakhang. One of the most powerful ritual spectacles in all of Bhutan.

Ancient Sacred Mask Dances

Witness the Cham dances performed by monks in elaborate costumes representing deities and protectors — centuries-old ritual performances believed to purify the surrounding land and bless all who attend.

Jambay Lhakhang — 7th Century

One of the oldest temples in Bhutan, built in the 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. The festival held here is an unbroken living tradition that has continued for over a thousand years.

Five Regions in Ten Days

Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, and Bumthang — this tour is the most comprehensive single-journey introduction to Bhutan's greatest cultural and natural treasures, woven around an unforgettable festival.

Black-Necked Cranes at Gangtey

October is peak crane season — thousands of rare black-necked cranes migrate from Tibet to winter in Phobjikha Valley. Witnessing their arrival is one of Bhutan's most beautiful natural events.

Autumn — Bhutan's Finest Season

October and November bring crystalline skies, the Himalayan peaks sharp against a deep blue horizon, warm days, and cool nights — widely regarded as Bhutan's most beautiful and rewarding time to travel.

What You'll Experience

Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival Midnight Sacred Fire Dance Tiger's Nest Monastery Hike Punakha Dzong Traditional Hotstone Bath Gangtey & Black-Necked Cranes Kurjey Lhakhang Trongsa Dzong Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake) Dochu La Pass Ta Dzong Museum Tashichho Dzong Ugyen Chholing Palace Simtokha Dzong
Once a Year — Extremely Limited Availability

The Jambay Lhakhang Drup is held once annually in October or November at Bumthang's 7th-century Jambay Lhakhang temple. Festival dates are set by the Bhutanese lunar calendar and announced each year. Contact us early — this is one of Bhutan's most sought-after festival experiences and spaces fill quickly.

Tentative Itinerary

At Found Bhutan Tours and Treks, we do not take our guests on a virtual tour before they arrive. We want you to fully explore and experience Bhutan first-hand. Our itinerary is intentionally brief — every day holds surprises best discovered in person.
Arrival

Paro — one of the world's most dramatic mountain landings

Afternoon

Ta Dzong Museum · Rinpung Dzong · Drive to Thimphu

Experience the breathtaking flight to Paro — one of the world's most scenic mountain approaches — with the highest peaks on Earth unfolding outside your window. Our representative meets you at arrivals. Explore Paro's Ta Dzong Museum and the magnificent Rinpung Dzong before driving to Thimphu along the beautiful Pachu River valley. Settle into your hotel over dinner. Overnight in Thimphu.

Morning

National Memorial Chorten · Changangkha Temple · Zilukha Nunnery

Afternoon

Takin Preserve · Tashichho Dzong

A full day immersed in Thimphu — Bhutan's fascinating capital, which has grown from a humble riverside village to a vibrant city without ever losing its soul. Visit the National Memorial Chorten built to honour the Third King, the 12th-century Changangkha Temple perched above the valley, and the serenely positioned Zilukha Nunnery. Conclude with Tashichho Dzong, the fortress housing the King's throne room and the central monk body. Overnight in Thimphu.

Morning

Dochu La Pass — panoramic Himalayan views across 108 chortens

Afternoon

Punakha Dzong (Palace of Great Happiness) · Chimi Lhakhang

Drive over the scenic Dochu La pass at 3,100 metres with sweeping views of the Himalayan range on clear days. Descend into Punakha valley — Bhutan's ancient capital — and explore the spectacular Punakha Dzong, majestically positioned at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Walk to the revered Chimi Lhakhang, the Temple of the Divine Madman, known for fertility blessings. Overnight in Punakha.

Drive

Punakha → Pele La → Chendebji Chorten → Trongsa → Bumthang

Festival Midnight

Jambay Lhakhang Drup opening — the sacred naked fire dance

A captivating cross-country journey from Punakha to Bumthang via Trongsa. Cross the Pele La pass with stunning mountain views, stop at the Chendebji Chorten, and visit the majestic Trongsa Dzong — the ancestral home of Bhutan's ruling dynasty and its largest fortress. Arrive in Bumthang — land of ancient temples and surrounding apple orchards. Tonight, stay awake until midnight to witness the opening of the Jambay Lhakhang Drup, featuring the extraordinary and rarely-seen sacred naked fire dance. Overnight in Bumthang.

The midnight naked fire dance is one of the most unique ritual performances in Bhutan — a living tradition performed since the 7th century, held only at Jambay Lhakhang and witnessed by very few international visitors each year.

Sacred Sites

Kurjey Lhakhang · 7th-century Jambay Lhakhang · Tamshing ancient murals

Town

Jakar Dzong · Jakar village walk

Immerse yourself in Bumthang's extraordinary spiritual landscape. Visit Kurjey Lhakhang, where Guru Rinpoche is believed to have meditated and left the imprint of his body on rock. Explore the 7th-century Jambay Lhakhang — festival ground and one of Bhutan's 108 temples built in a single day by King Songtsen Gampo. Discover Tamshing Lhakhang with its ancient Buddhist wall paintings, and stroll through the charming Jakar village. Overnight in Bumthang.

Festival

Continue experiencing the Jambay Lhakhang Drup mask dances

Excursion

Tang Valley · Ugyen Chholing Palace · Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake)

Continue experiencing the vibrant Jambay Lhakhang festivities, or venture into the remote Tang Valley — Bumthang's most secluded and breathtaking district. Walk to Ugyen Chholing Palace, a 16th-century gem offering insight into Bhutanese noble life through its captivating museum. Visit the 14th-century Tang Rimochen Lhakhang where Guru Rinpoche meditated, and pause at Mebar Tsho — the sacred Burning Lake — a deeply atmospheric site associated with hidden spiritual treasures. Overnight in Bumthang.

Morning

Final visit to Kurjey Lhakhang before departing Bumthang

Destination

Scenic drive west back to Punakha with lunch en route

Begin with a farewell visit to the sacred Kurjey Lhakhang before your scenic drive back through the heart of Bhutan to Punakha. The journey through mountain passes and valleys provides a final extended window into the breathtaking landscapes that make central Bhutan so unforgettable. Overnight in Punakha.

Thimphu Stop

Handicraft shops & souvenir browsing after lunch

En Route

Simtokha Dzong — Bhutan's oldest dzong, now a language & culture institute

Return toward the west, stopping in Thimphu for a final browse of Bhutan's finest handicraft and souvenir shops — hand-woven textiles, thangka paintings, lacquerware, and more. Continue to Paro via the historic Simtokha Dzong, the oldest dzong in Bhutan (built 1629), now home to the Institute for Language and Culture Studies. Settle into your Paro hotel for a relaxed evening. Overnight in Paro.

The Hike

~3–4 hours up through pine forest, past prayer flags, via the view terrace

The Monastery

Clinging to a sheer 900m cliff — one of Buddhism's most sacred sites

For almost every traveller to Bhutan, this is the day they will remember longest. The hike begins at Satsam Chorten, climbing through fragrant pine forest draped in Spanish moss and past groves of prayer flags snapping in the mountain wind. At the halfway view terrace, pause to absorb one of the world's most extraordinary architectural sights — Paro Taktsang clinging to the edge of a cliff that drops 900 metres into the valley below. Overnight in Paro.

Morning

Leisurely breakfast · last-minute shopping or sightseeing in Paro

Departure

Transfer to Paro Airport · farewell from Found Bhutan

As your journey through the magical Kingdom of Bhutan draws to a close, take with you priceless memories, a fresh perspective, and a deep respect for this extraordinary country. After a leisurely breakfast and any final moments in Paro, our representative will transfer you to the airport. The Himalayas will bid you farewell — and we hope to welcome you back soon.

Our itineraries are always fully customisable. Extend, shorten, or reshape any part of this journey — we build every tour around you.

Inclusions &
Exclusions

Included

  • Bhutan visa & travel permit processing
  • Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
  • 9 nights in quality hotels & lodges
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
  • Licensed English-speaking guide throughout
  • Private vehicle & experienced driver
  • All monument & festival entrance fees
  • Traditional hotstone bath experience
  • Airport transfers (arrival & departure)

Not Included

  • International airfare to/from Bhutan
  • Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
  • Personal shopping & souvenirs
  • Alcoholic beverages & minibar items
  • Tips for guides, drivers & hotel staff
  • Optional activities not in itinerary
  • Emergency medical costs

Tour Cost

Group Size Price Per Person (USD) Notes
Solo Traveller (1 pax) Contact for quote Fully personalised experience
2 Travellers Contact for quote Shared private vehicle
3–4 Travellers Contact for quote Best value small group
5+ Travellers Contact for quote Group discount applicable

All prices include Bhutan's Sustainable Development Fee (SDF). Rates vary by season, accommodation choice, and group size. Contact us for a personalised quote tailored to your group.

The total cost of the tour will vary based on the number of days, PAX, types of activities, accommodation & fooding, and the places you intend to visit. Our final rates will be shared based on your itinerary requirements.

Payment &
Cancellation Policy

We believe in transparent, fair terms. Please review our complete Payment Terms and Tour Cancellation Policy before confirming your booking. Festival tours require specific booking conditions due to the limited and date-fixed nature of the event.

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