Tour Overview
Duration: 10 Days
Best Season: Once a year (during festival time)
Difficulty: Moderate
In the spiritual center of Bhutan, the Bumthang Valley, experience the rich pageantry and joyous mood of the Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival. A great way to see Bhutan's historic living culture is during its tsechus, or festivals. An occasion to honor the saint who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan, Guru Rimpoche, is known as a Tsechu. The masked dances and celebrations are unique, and the local people come together in a mood of festivity, joy, and profound faith. Visit Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, and Bumthang's holy sites as well.
Tour Highlights & Facts
- Duration: 9 nights 10 days
- Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival
- Tigers Nest Monastery
- Punakha Dzong
- Traditional Hotstone Bath
- Best Time to Visit- During the Festival Time (October/November)
Tentative Itinerary
At Found Bhutan Tours and Treks, we do not take our guests on a virtual tour before arriving in Bhutan. We want our guests to fully explore and experience Bhutan first-hand. Therefore, we keep our itinerary short and less descriptive.
- Your First Glimpse of Bhutan: Experience the breathtaking flight to Paro, one of the world's most scenic mountain flights, showcasing the highest peaks on Earth. Our Bhutan Travel Bureau representative will greet you at Paro airport. Explore Paro with afternoon sightseeing, including the Ta Dzong Museum with religious relics and art. Visit Rimpong Dzong, home to the great saint Milarepa's painting. Drive to Thimphu, Bhutan's capital, along the picturesque Pachu River. Learn Bhutanese etiquette before enjoying dinner at the hotel. Stay overnight in Thimphu. Discover Bhutan's beauty and history.
- Thimphu: Explore Thimphu, Bhutan's vibrant capital, from a humble village to a bustling city. Enjoy a full day of sightseeing, starting with the National Memorial Chorten, a stupa honoring the Third King. Visit the 12th century Changangkha Temple and the Zilukha Nunnery. If time permits, see the Takin Preserve and Tashichhodzong, the fortress housing ministries and the central monk body. Stay overnight in Thimphu and immerse yourself in Bhutan's rich culture and history. Discover the heart of Bhutan's capital.
- Punakha: Embark on a scenic drive over Dochu-La pass (3,100 meters) with breathtaking Himalayan peak views. Descend into Punakha valley, experiencing Bhutanese countryside life. Don't miss the spectacular Rhododendron forests in full bloom in late April/early May. Explore Punakha, Bhutan's ancient capital, and visit Punakha Dzong, the "Palace of Great Happiness" with its stunning architecture. Walk to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of the Divine Madman, known for blessings and fertility. Discover Bhutan's rich heritage and natural beauty.
- Bumthang: Embark on a captivating journey from Punakha to Bumthang via Trongsa. Experience a scenic drive through Pele La pass with stunning mountain views. Visit the Chendebji Chorten and admire the majestic Trongsa Dzong. Explore the ancestral home of Bhutan's ruling dynasty and its largest Dzong. Don't miss the Ta Dzong museum with a remarkable Royal Family artifact collection. Drive to Bumthang, known for ancient palaces and temples, surrounded by picturesque landscapes. Stay awake until midnight to witness the enchanting opening of the Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival, featuring a unique naked dance. Overnight at your Bumthang lodge and immerse yourself in Bhutan's cultural richness. Explore Bhutan's historical treasures.
- Exploring Bumthang: Explore Bhutan's sacred heritage with a visit to Kurjey Lhakhang, where Guru Rimpoche meditated, and the 7th century Jambay Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest temples. Discover Jakar Dzong and the historic Tamshing Lhakhang with ancient Buddhist wall paintings. Stroll through the charming village of Jakar, the main township of Bumthang. Overnight at your Jakar lodge and delve into Bhutan's spiritual and cultural treasures. Immerse yourself in Bhutan's ancient traditions.
- Jambay Lhakhang Drup: Experience the vibrant Jambay Lhakhang festivities or embark on an excursion to the remote Tang Valley in Bumthang. Enjoy a walk to Ugyen Chholing Palace, a 16th-century gem offering insights into Bhutanese noble family life through a captivating museum. Explore the 14th century Tang Rimochen Lhakhang, where Guru Rinpoche meditated, and Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake), a meditative location with historical significance. Immerse yourself in Bhutan's cultural richness and stay overnight at your Bumthang lodge. Explore the heart of Bhutan's traditions and history.
- Punakha: Explore the sacred Kurjey Lhakhang, a revered site where Guru Rimpoche meditated. Then, embark on a scenic drive to Punakha, with a delightful lunch stop en route. Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay at your hotel in Punakha. Immerse yourself in Bhutan's spiritual heritage and natural beauty.
- Paro: Return to Thimphu and explore handicraft and souvenir stores after a delightful lunch. Continue your journey to Paro, visiting the historic Simtokha Dzong en route, the oldest in Bhutan, now home to the Institute for Language and Culture studies. Check into your Paro hotel and enjoy a leisurely afternoon. Rest overnight at your Paro hotel. Immerse yourself in Bhutan's culture and history.
- Tigers Nest Monastery: For the majority of travelers, the Taktsang Monastery is a must-see sight. During the Tshechu Festival, it is more prosperous with almost all the visitors taking the hike. To get to Taktsang Monastery, the most well-known holy site in Bhutan, you must hike for around 2.5 hours. The view terrace, which is situated at the halfway point of the hiking trail, offers a place to relax.
- Paro International Airport As your trip in the magical country of Bhutan draw to a close, take away priceless memories, fresh insights, and a profound respect for Bhutan's opulent natural surroundings and rich cultural legacy.
- Thimphu-Paro International Airport: On the final day of your Bhutan adventure, you'll enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before checking out. Depending on your flight schedule, you might have some time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing in Thimphu. You'll then transfer to the airport for your departure, taking with you cherished memories of Bhutan’s stunning landscapes and warm hospitality. Safe travels and we hope to welcome you back soon!
Note***
Our Itineraries are always customizable. You can either shorten your trips or prolong them as per your needs anytime.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Tour Package Inclusions
- Bhutan SDF
- Bhutan VISA Fee
- Luxury (SUV) Vehicle for 1-2 Pax
- Hi-Roof for 3-7 Pax
- Coaster Bus for more than 7 Pax
- Professional & Experienced Driver
- All transportation within Bhutan
- English-speaking expert local Tour Guide
- All three Meals
- Packed Lunches
- Bottled Mineral Water throughout the tour
- Seasonal Fruits
- Accommodation in 3-stars and above Hotels
- Local SIM Card
Tour Package Exclusions
- International Air fare
- Single room supplement charges
- Entrance fees for Museums and Monuments
- Any Personal Expenses
- Tips/gratuities
- Cost arising out of events beyond our control
- Cost for any services not mentioned in the "TOUR PACKAGE INCLUSION"
Tour Cost
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.
