Jambay Lakhang Festival(Drup) – 10 Nights & 11 Days

The Jambay Lhakhang Festival, also known as Jambay Lhakhang Drup, is a vibrant and historically significant religious event celebrated annually at the Jambay Lhakhang monastery in Bhutan’s Bumthang Valley. As one of the oldest and most renowned tsechus (festivals) in Bhutan, dating back over a thousand years, the festival is a rich tapestry of deep spiritual devotion, lively celebrations, and cultural festivities. It offers a profound insight into Bhutanese religious practices and traditions.

The festival honors Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), the revered figure who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century. Through elaborate mask dances (cham dances) performed by monks and laypeople, the festival recounts stories from Buddhist scriptures, local history, and mythology. These dances, featuring ornate costumes and intricate masks, are a major highlight and a visual feast for attendees.

A unique aspect of the Jambay Lhakhang Festival is the “Mewang” or “Fire Blessing,” where participants walk over a large fire as a form of spiritual purification. This ritual symbolizes the dispelling of obstacles and impurities, offering a dramatic and spiritually potent experience. Alongside this, the festival includes various religious rituals, prayers, and ceremonies conducted by monks and lamas to invoke blessings and bring spiritual harmony.

In addition to the mask dances and fire blessing, the festival showcases traditional Bhutanese music, dance, and theatrical performances, contributing to the overall festive atmosphere. It is also a significant community gathering, allowing locals to reconnect with each other and celebrate their shared heritage, fostering a strong sense of unity and belonging.

The Jambay Lhakhang Festival attracts both domestic and international tourists, providing them with an opportunity to experience Bhutanese culture and spirituality firsthand. Visitors can witness traditional practices, engage in cultural immersion, and partake in the vibrant celebrations. Pilgrims also visit the monastery during the festival, believing that circumambulating its inner sanctum can cleanse one’s sins and accumulate merit.

To plan your visit to the Jambay Lhakhang Festival, note that it is typically held in late autumn or early winter, according to the Bhutanese lunar calendar. It is advisable to check the specific festival dates each year and book your trip through licensed Bhutanese tour operators, who can assist with permits, accommodations, and transportation. When attending, observing cultural norms, dressing modestly, and respecting local customs are essential to ensure a respectful and enriching experience.

Participating in the Jambay Lhakhang Festival provides a unique and immersive way to connect with Bhutan’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage while enjoying the lively celebrations and engaging with the local community.


Day 1: Arrive Paro by Druk Air & transfer to Thimphu (55km, approx. 1.1/2 hour drive)

Arrive Paro International airport and drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan. On arriving to Thimphu check into the hotel and later in the day visit Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). The largest seated Buddha statue(169ft) in the country Located at a short drive from Thimphu city. Then, visit King’s Memorial Chorten and towards evening go for a walk in Coronation Park

Overnight stay at the hotel in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320m)

Day 2: Local sightseeing in Thimphu

After breakfast drive to visit National Library and Institute for Zorig Chusum (Commonly known as Arts & Crafts School or Painting School) then drive to Takin Preserve – Takin is national animal of Bhutan. Later in the afternoon visit Trashichhoedzong, “fortress of the glorious religion”. This is the center of government and religion. The Folk Heritage Museum (Phelchey Toenkhyim), simply Bhutan museums and to National Textile Museum..  Evening time can be spent strolling through the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts bazaar

Overnight stay at the Hotel in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320)

Day 3: Thimphu to Punakha (75km, approx 2 ½ hrs drive)

After breakfast, drive to Punakha across Dochu La pass Located at a height of 3,088m/ 10,130 ft, Afternoon visit Punakha Dzong or (Palace of Great Happiness), built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal at the junction of the Phochu and Mochu rivers. Later in the day go for excursion to Chimi Lhakhang (the temple of fertility).

Overnight stay at the hotel in Punakha (Altitude 1,300m)

Day 04: Punakha – Bumthang (220km, approx 9 hrs drive)

After an early breakfast check out from hotel and drive to Trongsa across Pele-La-Pass (11,120 ft.), Then drive to Bumthang over the Yutong-La-Pass (11,155 ft.).

You will reach Bumthang by late in the evening and on arrival, check in to the hotel, refresh and relax..

Overnight stay at the hotel in Bumthang (Altitude 2,800m)

Day 05: Attain whole day Jambay Lhakhang Festival/Drup

After breakfast,you will attend the full second day of the Jambay Lhakhang Drup (festival) which will start around 10:30 am. You will be watching many ritual dances, which are performed in the court yard of Jampa Lhakhang. There are a number of different dances, subdivided into three categories: those that are intended to give moral instruction; those that are designed to drive away evil spirits and those that celebrate the Buddhist faith in its many guises. This is the occasion where the local people, dressed in their finest clothes, come to attend the festival with packed lunches. This occasion also gives opportunity to the local businesses- there will be a number of stalls selling craftwork, jewellery, religious artifacts and thangkas. Overnight hotel in Jakar.

Details of the 2nd Day Jambay Lhakhang Drub ( festival)are as follows:

It follows a ceremony where a small girl representing the daughter of Sindhu Raja blesses the villagers.Dance of Singje Yab Yum (Lord of death and his consort): The Lord of Death and his consort perform this dance to protect the four realms over which he has power.

Dance of Nyulema and Peling Ging Sum (Three kinds of Ging): The Nyulema is an evil spirit represented by a boy in a skeleton mask. The Ging with the sticks catch the Nyulema. The Durdag or the Lords of the Cremation Ground (represented with dancers wearing white skeletal masks) bring forward a box, which represents evil spirits. The Ging with swords liberate the mind of the evil spirit by killing its body of flesh. The Ging with drums dance to celebrate the victory of religion over the evil spirit.

Dance of the Jachung Bochung (Two mythical birds): Dancers wearing masks representing the auspicious birds perform the dance. The play of the Atsara Gapo Pawo Solgyo (Atsara who acts like a Pawo). Though most of the stories and plays were originally with Buddhist sub text they now serve as comedy relief for the crowd. This story is about an Atsara (clown with a red mask) who is mad. The Atsara injures his son, as he did not recognize him. He tries to save his son’s life by impersonating a pawo or medium and tries to perform a religious curative ceremony. Being unsuccessful he has to finally call a doctor and a monk to cure his son.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Bumthang (Altitude 2,800m)

Day 06: Attain Jambay Lhakhang Festival full day

After breakfast, attend the full day of the 3rd day of Jambay Lhakhang Drub. The program begins at around 10:30am. Below are the details of the day’s program.

Dance of the four stags (Shacham): The King of the Wind was causing much unhappiness and suffering in the world. Ugyen Rinpoche subdued him and then as a sign of victory rode on the stag, which was the mount of the king of the Wind. Later a disciple of Guru Rinpoche, Namkhay Nyinpo found an effigy of the face of the stag which appeared to be a blessing. Thus the dance came into existence.

Dance of Ging Tsoling: The dance is supposed to take place in the paradise of Guru Rinpoche and is performed by incarnations of the Guru. The dance is said to give blessings to those who witness it as well as remove obstacles to the doctrine of the Buddha. People whistle during the dance to chase away evil spirits and the Ging hit people on the head to chase away impurity from the body.

Dramitse Ngacham (Dance of the drums from Dramitse): The creator of this dance was Kuenga Gyeltshen, a learned lama from the 16th Century who lived in Dramitse. He is reputed to have seen the dance in Guru Rinpoche’s paradise performed by attendants of the guru. The dance proclaims the superiority of religion over evil spirits.

Pacham – Dance of the heros: Pema Lingpa (the Treasure-Revealer who discovered many Buddhist treasures) saw this dance in Guru Rinpoche’s paradise. On his return to earth he recreated this dance. The most important attendants of the Guru perform the dance. They lead the beings who die into the presence of the Guru.

Phole Mole: The nobleman and the lady. This ‘play’ is about two princes who leave their princesses and go to war. An old couple is to take care of the princesses. As soon as the princes leave the clowns try to frolic with the princesses and also corrupt the old women. When the princes return they are shocked by the behaviour of the princesses and the old women, and have their noses cut off as a punishment. Finally a doctor is called and everyone’s nose is restored and the princesses and princes marry.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Bumthang (Altitude 2,800m)

Day 07: Full day Bumthang Local Sightseeing

After breakfast visit Jakar Dzong (Castle of White Bird). Then visit Lamey Goemba, Jambay Lhakhang and Chakhar Lhakhang (Iron Castle). After lunch visit Kurjey Lhakhang, Tamshing  Lhakhang (Temple of the good message) and to the Membarstho (“The burning Lake”)..

While in Chumey valley in Bumthang, visit the Yathra Weaving Factory. In the evening visit a local handloom weaving house and Interact with the weavers.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Bumthang (Altitude 2,800m)

Day 08: Bumthang – Punakha / Wangdue (220km, approx 9 hrs drive).

After breakfast drive back to Punakha.On your way visit Trongsa Dzong and Ta Dzong (An ancient watch tower) drive further and Enroute to visit Chendbji Chorten (built in the style of the great Bodhanath Chorten of Nepal).

Reach Punakha by late afternoon so, check into your hotel, refresh and relax…

Overnight stay will be at hotel in Punakha. (Altitude 1,300m)

Day 09:  Punakha to Paro (125km, approx 4 ½ hrs drive)

After breakfast drive back to Paro across Dochu la pass via Thimphu. On your way visit Tachog lhakang & Suspension Bridge which was built around 1420 by Thangtong Gyalpo who was great architect and saint of Bhutan. Then drive further to paro and after checking into hotel, proceed to visit Ta Dzong, then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong (“fortress of the heap of jewels”).

Overnight stay at the hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m)..

Day 10: Hike to Tiger Nest (approx 6 hours hike).

After breakfast hike to Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s next) approx 6 hours round trip hike. It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. After the Hike drive back to the hotel refresh and relax.

On arrival back to paro after hike visit Drukgyel Dzong, along the way, visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo.

Evening an exploratory walk around the market area and hang out in some renown coffee shops…

Overnight stay will be at hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m)

Day 11: Departure

After an early breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination. Our representative will help you with all the exit formalities and then bid you farewell. Have a safe Flight!!


For your accommodation, we have selected Department of Tourism-approved 3-star hotels, ensuring you have a comfortable and enjoyable stay throughout your trip. These hotels offer great services and amenities to enhance your experience in Bhutan.

If you would like to make any changes to the hotel selections or upgrade your stay to a higher category, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is happy to assist you in customizing your accommodations to better suit your preferences.

We are here to ensure that your tour is tailored to your needs and expectations. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Day 1: Thimphu – Overnight stay at Hotel Dharla

Day 2: Thimphu – Overnight stay at Hotel Dharla

Day 3: Punakha – Overnight stay at Hotel Kingaling

Day 4: Bumthang – Over Night Stay at Chumey Nature Resorts

Day 5: Bumthang – Over Night Stay at Chumey Nature Resorts

Day 6: Bumthang – Over Night Stay at Chumey Nature Resorts

Day 7: Bumthang – Over Night Stay at Chumey Nature Resorts

Day 8: Punakha – Overnight stay at Hotel Kingaling

Day 9: Paro – Overnight stay at Riverfront Resort

Day 10: Paro – Overnight stay at Riverfront Resort

 


  • All Transportation including airport Transfer
  • All Accommodation –  Twin/Dbl sharing Rooms
  • All Breakfast & Dinner
  • Govt. SDF of US$ 100 PPN
  • One time visa fee of US$ 40
  • All Sightseeing as per Itinerary
  • Professional English Speaking Tour Guide
  • All Visa Formalities
  • 1 Bottle Each Mineral Water daily
  • 1 Tourist Sim-Card
  • All Internal Taxes
  • No Hidden Cost

  • Those Services not mentioned under Inclusions
  • Laundry, Drinks, Phone Calls, Travel Insurance
  • Entry Fees to museums and Monuments
  • Lunch
  • Air tickets

Please note that the type of vehicle will be, SUV, Ertiga, Innova, H1 Bus, HiAce Bus, or Coaster Bus—will be arranged based on the number of travelers in group.


N/A


  1. Peak Season: March, April, May, June, September, October, November & December
  • The cancellation before 30 days will lead to 50% of the total amount cancellation.
  • The cancellation after 30 days will lead to 100% of the Total amount cancellation.
  • Since we are inter-dependent with the Hotels so above cancellation charges might vary with few Hotel’s Cancellation charges.
  1. Lean Season: January, February, June, July, August, and December
  • The Cancellation before 30 days will lead to Zero cancellation of the total amount.
  • The cancellation after 30 days but before 15 days will lead to 25% cancellation of the total amount.
  • The cancellation after 15 days to 7 Days will lead to 50% cancellation of the total amount.
  • The cancellation 7 Days will lead to 100% cancellation of the total amount.
  • Since we are inter-dependent with the Hotels so above cancellation charges might vary with few Hotel’s Cancellation charges.
  1. Refund Policy:
  • In case if eligible for any refund occurring due to cancellation or any other reasons, the same will be processed within 7-14 working/ business days in the mode deemed suitable or appropriate at the discretion of both the parties.
  1. Postponement Policy: –
  • Postponement of the tour will be allowed once and will be Valid for 6 Months.
  • If the trip is postponed and not cancelled, there will not be any refund under any circumstances irrespective of any reason/cause after postponement of the trip.
  • This rescheduling is allowed only once, hence choose your new dates wisely and inform us at least 30 Days in advance from your new dates. Further, reschedules may or may not have some additional charges and that will be communicated in real-time. Execution of the rescheduled trip will depend upon the availability of all the inclusions as per the original itinerary. We advise you to discuss well in advance before making any flight or train booking.
  • The inclusions as per the original itinerary may or may not remain same, all depends upon the availability at the time of rescheduled dates.
  • The total package cost may or may not change at the time of rescheduled dates. The increase or decrease in the prices will depend upon the current prices of all the inclusions at the time of new booking.
  • Any force majeure situation, addition/amendment in the package may or may not attract additional charges, the additional charges shall be borne by the traveler.
  • Payment Schedule will be at AD Tours & Travels discretion and has the right to forfeit the payment for not receiving payment on time.
  • Change of Destination is not allowed under any circumstances. Still the final decision will be taken on the basis of situation.

Booking policy:

  • For booking this package, you need to provide verbal consent on the acceptance of the offered package including all the inclusions and exclusions as mentioned in the quote. Such acceptance will be received on the quote as a whole including each and every minute details as a part of it.
  • On the receipt of the same, the concerned trip advisor in contact with you will raise the invoice specifying the number of installments, installment amount and their due dates as agreed.
  • On the receipt of the 1st installment, the booking will stand confirmed untill and unless any changes are made thereafter.
  • The Visa/Permit, hotel and flight bookings will be thereafter initiated and the vouchers for the respective services will be updated for you within 3-4 working/ business days. Though the cab details will be updated 1-2 days piror before the trip.

Payment Policy:

  • The payment will be received as per the agreed number of installments, amount and due dates.
  • On non-receipt of the payment of the 1st installment as scheduled until and unless any prior notice, the booking remains unconfirmed. In such cases, no booking procedures will be initiated at our end.
  • Special Notice has to be put forth in a proper manner in case of any delays in making the payment of any installment so that a next due date can be planned for you.

Package Summary



Tour Code: ADF25JD

11Days/10 Nights

Bhutan

Festival Tours

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