11 days/ 10 nights · Private tour
Tour highlights
About this tour
The Jambay Lhakhang Drup is one of the most spectacular festivals in Bhutan. From 14 to 17 November 2027, it takes place at a temple built in the 7th century in the Bumthang valley. At night, villagers run beneath a burning gate of straw for a blessing, in a fire ritual called the Mewang.
This eleven-day tour also catches the Black-necked Crane Festival in Phobjikha on 11 November. So you see two very different festivals, cross the high passes of central Bhutan and finish with the hike to Tiger’s Nest.
Jambay Lhakhang is one of 108 temples said to have been built in a single day by a Tibetan king to pin down a demoness. The festival honours Guru Rinpoche and the temple’s founding. On the first night, a huge gate of dry straw is set alight, and people run beneath the flames to burn away bad luck.
Over the next days, monks and villagers perform masked dances in the temple grounds. Meanwhile, families from across Bumthang share picnics, butter tea and local ara.
Dress modestly, with long sleeves and long trousers or a skirt, and bring a warm layer for the early mornings. Photos are welcome in the courtyard. However, please do not use flash, step into the dance space or climb on walls. Your guide will find you a good spot and explain each dance as it happens.
Want only the cranes? Our Black-necked crane festival tour is shorter. Or see every Bhutan festival tour for 2027.
Your Jambay Lhakhang Drup tour starts from US$3,300 per person, and group discounts are available. The price covers the Sustainable Development Fee, hotels and all meals. It also includes a private vehicle and driver, a licensed guide, taxes and entry fees. Flights, insurance and drinks are extra.
The Sustainable Development Fee is USD 100 per night right now. That is half the standard rate set by Bhutan’s official tourism site. However, this lower rate is confirmed only until 31 August 2027. We have been licensed since 2012 and have welcomed more than 2,000 travellers.
It is planned for 14 to 17 November 2027. The fire blessing usually takes place on the first evening.
Yes. Your guide keeps you at a safe distance, and you can choose whether to run under the gate.
Days are sunny, but nights fall below freezing. Bring a warm down jacket for the evening ritual.
Day by day
This itinerary shows one way to enjoy this trip. We can change any day, add or remove places, change the pace or the hotels, and add a festival. Every journey we run is curated around you.
Paro to Thimphu · 55 km · about 1.5 hours · 2,300 m Your flight drops into the Paro Valley, and your guide greets you with a white scarf. You follow the river to Thimphu, stopping at Chuzom, where three small stupas mark the meeting of two rivers. In the afternoon, you visit the Memorial Chorten, where elders turn prayer wheels. In the evening, you walk the main street of the capital. Overnight: Thimphu
Thimphu to Phobjikha · about 135 km · 5 to 6 hours · Dochula 3,100 m You climb to Dochula Pass, where 108 chortens stand against the Himalaya, then drop toward Wangdue and climb again into the wide Phobjikha valley. At sunset, you may hear the first cranes calling from the marsh. Overnight: Phobjikha
Gangtey Monastery · festival day · 3,000 m You join the villagers in the monastery courtyard, where children dance in crane costumes and folk groups sing. In the afternoon, you visit the crane centre and watch the birds feeding in the marsh. Overnight: Phobjikha
Phobjikha to Trongsa · about 120 km · 4 to 5 hours · Pele La 3,420 m You climb to Pele La, where yaks graze in the dwarf bamboo. On the far side, the road winds across steep hillsides until Trongsa Dzong appears across the gorge. In the afternoon, you explore the dzong. Overnight: Trongsa
Trongsa to Bumthang · 68 km · about 2.5 hours · Yotong La 3,425 m In the morning, you visit the Ta Dzong museum above Trongsa. Then you cross Yotong La and drop into the wide Bumthang valley, the spiritual heart of Bhutan. In the afternoon, you visit Kurjey Lhakhang, where Guru Rinpoche is said to have meditated. Overnight: Bumthang
Jambay Lhakhang · 2,600 m You spend the day exploring Jakar and the Chamkhar valley. As darkness falls, you join the crowd at Jambay Lhakhang. Then the straw gate is set alight, and villagers run beneath the flames, laughing and praying. Later, you return to your hotel for a warm dinner. Overnight: Bumthang
Jambay Lhakhang · festival day You return in daylight for the masked dances in the temple grounds. Families spread out picnics, and the atsaras tease the crowd. In the afternoon, you visit Tamshing Lhakhang, famous for its ancient wall paintings. Overnight: Bumthang
Bumthang to Punakha · about 210 km · 7 to 8 hours with stops This is the longest drive of your trip, so you set off early. You cross Yotong La and Pele La again, stopping for butter tea and seasonal fruit at roadside stalls. By late afternoon, the air warms as you drop back into the Punakha Valley. Overnight: Punakha
Punakha to Paro · 125 km · about 4.5 hours with stops You cross Dochula once more for a last look at the mountains, then follow the river roads to Paro. In the afternoon, you visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, and walk down from Rinpung Dzong across a covered wooden bridge. Overnight: Paro
Tiger's Nest hike · about 500 m climb · 4 to 6 hours return · 3,100 m You set off early through pine forest hung with prayer flags, climbing about 500 metres to the viewpoint opposite the monastery. From there, steps lead past a waterfall to Taktsang itself, clinging to the cliff above the valley. Your guide tells the story of Guru Rinpoche, who is said to have flown here on a tigress. In the afternoon, your legs can rest with an optional hot stone bath in a farmhouse. Overnight: Paro
Paro airport · short transfer After breakfast, your guide and driver take you to Paro airport and see you off with a farewell scarf. We hope to welcome you back soon, perhaps for a festival in another season.
Package does not include insurance of any kinds, and that you are required to obtain separate coverage from your home country or any insurance company of your choice.
Tell us your dates, and we will shape this trip around you.
