The highlight of Bhutan Festival trip is to see the Jambay Lhakhang festival, a unique Buddhist passage of rites, the only one of its kind anywhere. Other treats include treks, visits to farmhouses, temples which are forbidden to most visitors, museums and a day of rafting in Punakha.

Jambay Lhakhang festival 16nights/17days tour

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu 

• Arrival and transfer to hotel in kathmandu. 
• Rest of time is leisure.
• Briefing a next day program
• Dinner and Overnight at hotel

Day 02: Kathmandu city tour

• After breakfast, visit monkey temple (Swayambhunath Temple), Patan, Boudhanath sputa and Pasupati temple. 
• Briefing a next day program
• Dinner and Overnight at Hotel.

Day 03: Arrive Paro 

• After breakfast departure to airport to take  flight from Kathmandu to Paro, offers fascinating views of the eastern Himalayan range, including Mt. Everest. 
• On arrival, receptions and drive to Capital of Thimpu. 
• Briefing a next day program
• Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu. 

Day 04: Thimphu - Trongsa

• After an early breakfast, begin the journey to central Bhutan which takes about 7-8 hours passing through alpine and coniferous forests across three districts. While the drive can be arduous, there are, however, splendid views of mountain ranges, village hamlets and two high passes. 
• Pack lunch will be served at Chendebji, an ancient Newari stupa like those found in Nepal.
• Briefing a next day program
• Overnight at hotel in Trongsa. 

Day 05: Trongsa – Bumthang

• After breakfast, visit Trongsa Dzong, one of the most impressive in Bhutan . Built in the 17th century by Chogyal Minjur Temap, this is a masterpiece in architecture and includes countless courtyards and corridors in addition to the 23 temples. 
• After early lunch, depart for Jakar over Yongtong La pass (Alt.3425m) that separates Trongsa valley from Bumthang. The Jambay festival corresponds to a full moon and is an exhilarating experience. Drive to the festival after dinner and witness the fire dance which goes late into the night.
• Briefing a next day program
• Overnight at Hotel.

Day 06: Jambay Lhakhang Festival 

• Return for the next day’s festival after an early breakfast. Watch mask dances and mingle with locals in their finest dresses. Also visit stalls set up all around the festival ground. 
• Briefing a next day program
• Overnight at Hotel 

Day 07: Bumthang - Nanglhakhang 

(Distance 19 kms and about 6 hours.) 

• Trek up Chamkhar river, teeming with trouts, to the land of the swans. After lunch you reach the “ Swan Land ”, Nanglhakhang. In the evening, enjoy local entertainment. 
• Briefing a next day program
• Dinner and Overnight at camp. 
• Day 08: Nanglhakhang - Ugencholing 
• Climb gradually to Phephela pass at 11000ft., which is the highest point on this trek. This trail takes you through beautiful forested areas with lots of leisure stops. 
• Briefing a next day program
• Dinner and Overnight at camp. 

Day 09: Ugencholing - Jakar

(Distance approx. 10 kms and about 2-3 hours.) 

• This trail leads you to the Tang Chu, another river with plenty of trout. On the way to Jakar you will pass the burning lake, “Mebar Tso,” where transportation will be waiting. Drive back to Jakar. 
• Briefing a next day program
• Dinner and Overnight at hotel. 

Day 10: Jarkar valley sightseeing 

• After breakfast, explore the boundless Jakar valley. Unlike other valleys in Bhutan which are narrow, Jakar is spacious and open, ranging in altitude from 8’500 ft to over 13’000 ft. It is a haven for trekkers and hikers. 
• Morning sightseeing includes Tamshing Lhakhang, established by the great Bhutanese saint Pema Ling Pa in 1501; Kenchosum Lhakhang, built during Thresong Dengtseng’s time and considered the oldest Lhakhang in Bhutan; and Membartsho, where Terton Pema Ling pa discovered treasures (ter) hidden by Guru Padmasambhava. 
• After lunch, visit Jampay Lhakhang, built in 659 by the Tibetan King, Songsten Gampo and Kurjey Lhakhang, bearing the body imprint of Guru Rimpoche. It was here that Guru Padmasambhava subdued Shelging Karpo and recovered Sindhu Raja’s life force and converted both rival kings to Buddhism. The offering of TSHO, BUTTER LAMP and PRAYERS can be arranged in this monastery. 
• Briefing a next day program
• Dinner and Overnight at Hotel 

Day 11: Bumthang-Punkha 

• After an early breakfast drive to Punakha, about 197km and 6.5hrs drive. 
• Picnic lunch at Chendebji. 
• Briefing next day program
• Overnight at hotel. 

Day 12: Rafting in Punakha 

• Rafting in upper and lower Pochu in Punakha
• Lunch and rest.
• Briefing a next day program
• Dinner and Overnight at Camp

Day 13: Punakha Sightseeing - Thimphu 

• In the morning visit Punka Dzong, once the capital of the nation. Presently the dzong is the winter residence of the head abbot and the monastic school. Walk to Chimi lhakhang- the temple of Drukpa Kuenley or the Divine Madman, renowned for blessing barren women with fertility.
• Drive back to the capital. 
• Briefing a next day program
• Dinner and Overnight at Hotel in Thimpu

Day 14: Thimphu Sightseeing 

• After breakfast, sightseeing of Thimphu valley which includes a visit to the Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the late king; National Library, a treasure trove of priceless Buddhist manuscripts; the Traditional Institute of Medicine, where centuries old healing arts such as acupuncture and herbal remedies are still practiced; the Painting School, where young monks learn the art of Buddhist thangkha painting; the workshops for mask making and fine metal craft, weaving, ceramics and paper and; the Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, a fascinating testimony of Bhutanese material culture and living traditions. 
• Briefing a next day program
• Dinner and Overnight at Hotel. 

Day 15: Thimphu – Paro sightseeing 

• After breakfast, drive to Paro. Sightseeing to Drukgyel Dzong, the fort of the victorious Drukpas. Although gutted by a fire, this fort is renowned as the stand from which several Tibetan invasions were repulsed. To the north can be seen in all its majesty, the dome of sacred Mt. Chomolhari or the abode of the "mountain of goddess.” 
• En route, see one of the oldest landmarks in Bhutan. The 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang was one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gembo. It is revered as one of the most holy shrines in Bhutan and embodies the arrival of Buddhism here. 
• After lunch, visit to Ta Dzong, originally the Watch Tower for the Rinpung Dzong. It was later converted into the National Museum of the Kingdom and boasts a wide range of antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and natural and historic artifacts. 
• Walk down the trail to Rinpung Dzong or the 'fortress of the heap of jewels' which is the seat of the district administration and the residence of the monastic school. The dzong is famous for its wall murals depicting Buddhist parables, symbols and the lives of prominent saints. Walk down to the cantilever bridge below the dzong where your car awaits. 
• Briefing a next day program
• Overnight at Hotel.

Day 16: Taktshang Excursion

• After an early breakfast, drive to the foot of the Taktshang cliff before walking uphill for 2 hours to reach this monastery, giddily perched on a sheer 800m rock face. Taktshang means ‘Tiger’s Nest’ as legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava flew to this spot on the back of a tigress in the eight century. He meditated here making this temple a sacred pilgrimage destination for Buddhists. 
• Lunch at the Taktshang Cafeteria. The trip to and fro takes four hours for which riding ponies can be arranged. 
• Dinner and Overnight Olathang Hotel. 

Day 17: Departure 

After Check-out, final departure to the airport for onward destination.

Galing Festival

16 Nights - 17 Days Festival Tour

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu 

• Arrival and transfer to hotel in kathmandu. 
• Rest of time is leisure.
• Briefing a next day program
• Dinner and Overnight at hotel

Day 02: Kathmandu city tour

• After breakfast, visit monkey temple (Swayambhunath Temple), Patan, Boudhanath sputa and Pasupati temple. 
• Lunch and Sightseeing Kathmandu Durbar Square
• Briefing a next day program
• Dinner and Overnight at Hotel.

Day 03 : Arrive Paro 

• Fly from Kathmandu to Paro, offers fascinating views of the eastern Himalayan range, including Mt. Everest. 
• On arrival, reception at the airport and drive to  Hotel at Capital of Thimpu. 
• Briefing a next day program
• Dinner and Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 04: Thimphu – Trongsa 

• After an early breakfast, begin the journey to central Bhutan which takes about 7-8 hours passing through alpine and coniferous forests across three districts. While the drive can be arduous, there are, however, splendid views of mountain ranges, village hamlets and two high passes.
• Pack lunch will be served at Chendebji, an ancient Newari stupa like those found in Nepal. 
• Briefing a next day program
• Dinner and Overnight at hotel in Trongsa. 

Day 05 : Trongsa - Mongar 

• The drive from central Bhutan to the east in Mongar will take seven to eight hours. After traversing the scenic Bumthang valley the road winds up to the highest motorable pass within the nation, the Thrimshing La pass at 12500 ft, before descending into the east and Mongar, at 5,600 ft. 
• Brieinf a next day program
• Dinner and Overnight at the Tourist Guesthouse. 

Day 06: Mongar – Galing 

• After breakfast, visit Mongar Dzong (built in 1953), which houses the local monastic community and the district administration. Continue drive to Trashigang, the eastern most region of Bhutan and the business hub if the east. Lunch at tourist lodge. 
• After lunch drive to Galing, this lies 13km north from Trashigang to watch the festival. 
• Briefing a next day program
• Dinner and Overnight at Hotel.

Day 07: Galing Festival 

• The first day of festival program includes mask dances, folk dances and Achi Lamo a dance by Brokpas or nomadic herders. 
• Briefing a next day program
• Dinner and overnight at hotel

Day 08 : Galing Feastival 

• The second day of the festival program includes mask dances, folk dances and the YAK dance by the Brokpas. 
• Briefing a next day program
• Dinner and overnight at hotel

Day 09 : Trashiyangtse Excursions 

• After breakfast, drive to Trashiyangtse (Alt. 1850m), the extreme eastern district of Bhutan bordering Arunachal Pradesh in India. The Trashiyangtse Dzong was established after the Drukpa conquest in 1656 A.D. but was completely renovated in 1976. Trashiyangtse is a beautiful valley renowned for traditional paper production and wooden bowls. It is also the winter nesting ground for the endangered Black Necked Crane. 
• In Trashiyangtse, visit the popular Chorten Kora (a huge Stupa) constructed in Nepali (Sherpa) style. It is said that Guru Rimpoche subjugated a demon at the spot where the stupa stands. Popular legend has it that Bhutanese craftsmen replicated the Boudha stupa on a radish and brought it here as a copy for the chorten. Visit the traditional woodcraft workshop where typical Bhutanese bowls and other wooden items are made. (These products are very popular in Bhutan). 
• Briefing a next day program
• Dinner and Overnight at Trashigang 

Day 10 : Trashigang – Bumthang 

• After early breakfast drive to Bumthang via Mongar. 
• Arrival and rest at Hotel
• Briefing a next day program
• Dinner and Overnight at Hotel

Day 11 : Bumthang sightseeing 

• After breakfast explore the valley which is different from other valleys in Bhutan . It is a spacious and open valley ranging in altitude from 8’500 ft to over 13’000 ft. It is a haven for trekkers and hikers. Today’s sightseeing includes the Jamphel Lhakhang, Kurgey Lakhang, and Tamshing Lhakhang. 
• After lunch, visit Jakar Dzong and Membartsho flaming Lake . 
• Briefing a next day program
• Dinner and Overnight at hotel. 

Day 12 : Bumthang – Punakha 

• After breakfast drive to Punakha with picnic lunch on the way.
• Briefing a next day program
• Dinner and overnight at Hotel

Day 13 : Punakha – Thimphu 

• After breakfast visit Punakha Dzong. Once the capital of the nation, the Punakha Dzong is now the seat of the district administration and the winter residence of the head abbot and the monastic school. It lies between two rivers known as Phochu and Mochu.
• After lunch drive to Thimphu. 
• Briefing a next day program
• Dinner and Overnight at Hotel.

Day 14 : Thimphu Sightseeing 

• Visit the weekend market if it’s a weekend. Visit the National Library where many rare and ancient manuscripts are preserved, and the School of Arts & Crafts. Visit the Memorial Chorten, built in memory of King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, (1952-1972). Visit Changangkha Lhakhang and Sangaygang for a bird’s eye view of the city. Enroute visit Zilukha nunnery. 
• After lunch, visit Handicrafts Emporium where Traditional Bhutanese textiles and other Arts and Crafts are displayed. You can also purchase the items of your choice. 
• In the evening visit Tashichho Dzong, which is the seat of the national administration and the summer residence of the head abbot and the monastic order. 
• Briefing a next day program
• Dinner and Overnight at Hotel.

Day 15 : Thimphu – Paro sightseeing 

• After breakfast drive to Paro. In Paro visit ruined Drukgyel Dzong, a victory fortress of the 17th century. Although in ruins, this Dzong is of great historical importance. It was here that the Bhutanese finally defeated the invading Tibetans and drove them back. 
• In the afternoon, you will visit the National Museum and Rinpung Dzong (built in 1645 A.D) 
• Briefing a next day program
• Dinner and Overnight at hotel

Day 16 : Excursion to Taktshang 

• After an early breakfast, drive to the foot of the Taktshang cliff before walking uphill for 2 hours to reach this monastery, giddily perched on a sheer 800m rock face. Taktshang means ‘Tiger’s Nest’ as legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava flew to this spot on the back of a tigress in the eight century. He meditated here making this temple a sacred pilgrimage destination for Buddhists. 
• Lunch at the Taktshang Cafeteria. The trip to and fro takes four hours for which riding ponies can be arranged. 
• Briefing a next day program
• Dinner and overnight at Taktshamng

Day 17 : Departure to Kathmandu 

After Check-out, final departure to the Airport for onward destination 

Included in the cost

• A or B categories hotel with twin sharing basis
• All meals
• Government royalty
• Entrance fees and permit
• Overland transportation within Bhutan
• Sightseeing as per itinerary with English speaking guide
• Necessary airport, hotel and airport transfers
• Trekking arrangement
• Drinking water

Not included in the cost

• Travel Insurance
• Airfares
• Beverages
• Airport taxes
• Expenses of personal nature
• Excess baggage
• Tips to guides and drivers