10 days/ 9 nights · Private tour
Tour highlights
About this tour
The Ura Yakchoe is a village festival in the high valley of Ura, in Bumthang. From 18 to 22 April 2027, the people of Ura carry out a sacred relic. It is shown to the public only once a year. Masked dancers fill the small temple courtyard, and farming families come from every hamlet in the valley.
This ten-day tour crosses the heart of Bhutan to reach Ura in spring. On the way, you see Punakha Dzong, Trongsa and the old temples of Bumthang. Finally, you hike to Tiger’s Nest.
Legend says a lama once gave the villagers a holy relic. Every spring, they bring it out to bless the valley. Locals queue to receive its blessing, while dancers in masks perform in the courtyard. Meanwhile, women in their best kiras serve ara, the local spirit, and children run between the farmhouses.
Ura sits at about 3,100 metres, with stone houses and narrow lanes. It feels very different from the towns of western Bhutan. In addition, April brings rhododendrons in flower on the passes.
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.
Love Bumthang? Our Bumthang tour spends more time at its sacred sites. Or see every Bhutan festival tour for 2027.
Your Ura Yakchoe tour starts from US$3,000 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 18 to 22 April 2027. We plan your two festival days around the main dances and the showing of the relic.
Days are fresh and often sunny, but nights can drop close to freezing. Bring warm layers.
A domestic flight to Bumthang can save two driving days, when schedules allow.
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 Punakha · 72 km · about 3 hours · Dochula Pass 3,100 m You climb through pine forest to Dochula Pass, where 108 chortens stand against the Himalaya. On clear days, a line of snow peaks fills the horizon. Then the road drops into the warm Punakha Valley. In the afternoon, you walk through rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of the Divine Madman. Overnight: Punakha
Punakha to Trongsa · about 130 km · 5 to 6 hours with stops · Pele La 3,420 m You follow the river past Wangdue, then 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 evening, you rest with views over the valley. 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 Jambay Lhakhang and Kurjey Lhakhang, where Guru Rinpoche is said to have meditated. Overnight: Bumthang
Jakar to Ura · 48 km · about 1.5 hours · Shertang La 3,600 m You climb out of the Chumey valley over a high pass and drop into Ura, where stone farmhouses line the lanes. The festival is already under way when you arrive. You find a spot on the temple steps and watch the first dances with the villagers. In the evening, you return to Jakar. Overnight: Bumthang
Ura · festival day · 3,100 m Today you join the crowd for the main dances and, if timing allows, the blessing of the relic. Families share picnics of buckwheat pancakes and butter tea, and some may invite you to join them. In the afternoon, you walk through the village with your guide. 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.
