Bhutan-Jambay Lhakhang Festival Tour

Hotel Distance: 6 Km, Duration: 30 Min.

The flight into the Himalayas reveals breathtaking views of the great peaks Mt. Dorje Lakpa 6,966 m, Mt. Ganesh Himal 7,422 m, Mt. Purbi Chhyachu 6,637m, Mt. Langtang 7,227m, etc., (weather permitting) taking you right into the Himalayan capitals at Kathmandu. After immigration formality on arrival, as you exit the airport terminal you will be greeted and welcome by a Sampurna Adventure personal & transferred to your hotel, Spend the rest of the day at leisure for personal activities following your program briefing, overnight at the hotel.

 Distance: 50 km, Trip Duration: 1 hour

Upon arrival at Paro Airport (2,134 m / 7,000 ft), meet and transfer to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, located over 2,500 meters above sea level in a fertile valley crossed by the Wangchu River. Along the way, enjoy panoramic views of the Paro and Thimphu valleys. The area is home to the current royal residence as well as the summer residence of the Central Monastic Body and the Chief Abbot of Bhutan.

Visit the Memorial Chorten, a monument dedicated to world peace and prosperity, built in memory of His Majesty the Third King. The interior paintings and statues provide deep insight into Buddhist philosophy, and the site is often lively with local pilgrims.

Continue to Tashichho Dzong, the most prominent administrative and religious fortress in Thimphu, known as the “Fortress of the Glorious Religion.” It currently houses the central body of monks, the offices of the Ministries of Home and Finance, as well as the King’s throne room and offices.

At the end of the day, enjoy some free time to explore the local handicraft market, a perfect place to find traditional souvenirs and artisan products.

Distance: 20 km, Duration: 6 hours

Full-day sightseeing in Thimphu. Begin with a visit to Kuensel Phodrang (Buddha Dordenma), located at 2,655 meters. This 51.5-meter-tall statue of Buddha—one of the largest in the world—was built “to bestow blessings, peace, and happiness upon the whole world.” It stands on a hill overlooking the Thimphu Valley and houses over one hundred thousand smaller Buddha statues inside.

Continue to Motithang, a peaceful area surrounded by pine forests, where you will visit the Takin Sanctuary, home to Bhutan’s national animal—the Takin—a unique and gentle creature found only in the Himalayas.

Next, visit the Dewachen Nunnery, set on a serene hilltop with magnificent views over Thimphu Valley. This spiritual retreat houses Buddhist nuns devoted to study, meditation, and a contemplative lifestyle. The soft chanting and fluttering prayer flags create a deeply peaceful atmosphere. Visitors can witness the daily prayers and experience the simplicity and devotion of monastic life—an authentic and spiritual encounter in Bhutan.

Proceed to the National Textile Museum, which preserves Bhutan’s rich weaving heritage. The museum showcases ancient textiles, royal garments, and intricate patterns that reflect Bhutanese cultural identity. You’ll have the opportunity to see live weaving demonstrations and appreciate this traditional art passed down through generations.

Visit the National Library, home to a vast collection of ancient manuscripts and traditional books. The library also features a model of Punakha Dzong and displays of typical Bhutanese chorten architecture.

Continue to the National Folk Heritage Museum, offering insights into Bhutanese daily life and traditional architecture.

End the day with a visit to the School of Arts and Crafts (Zorig Chusum Institute), where students learn traditional painting, weaving, wood carving, and other crafts—skills carefully preserved and passed from generation to generation.

Distance: 74 km, Duration: 6 hours

Early morning departure to Punakha, crossing the picturesque Dochula Pass (3,100 m / 10,000 ft), famous for its 108 chortens built in honor of Bhutanese soldiers. On clear days, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the eastern Himalayan peaks from this point.

Upon arrival in Punakha, visit the Punakha Dzong, majestically located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. This impressive fortress serves as the winter residence of the Chief Abbot (Je Khenpo) and the Central Monastic Body. Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan and remained the seat of government until 1955, when the capital was moved to Thimphu.

Built in 1637 by Tueb Zow Balip, Punakha Dzong is considered the most beautiful fortress in Bhutan. It houses the most sacred relics of the Drukpa Kagyu school, including the Rangjung Kasarpani. In 1907, the coronation of Ugyen Wangchuck, Bhutan’s first king, was held here. Three years later, a historic treaty was signed in Punakha, under which the British agreed not to interfere in Bhutan’s internal affairs, while Bhutan allowed Britain to manage its external relations.

Later, enjoy a short walk through the Punakha Valley, passing traditional Bhutanese farmhouses and observing the distinctive architecture of the region.

In the afternoon, visit Chimi Lhakhang, one of Punakha’s most revered temples. It sits on a small hill and was built in 1499 by the 14th Drukpa hierarch, Ngawang Choegyel, after the site was blessed by the eccentric saint Drukpa Kunley (1455–1529)—widely known as the “Divine Madman.”

Drukpa Kunley was famous for his unorthodox ways of teaching Buddhism through humor, song, and outrageous behavior, often with sexual symbolism. He introduced the use of phallic symbols—painted on walls or carved from wood—to ward off evil spirits and malicious gossip. The monastery still preserves the original wooden phallus brought from Tibet by Drukpa Kunley, decorated with a silver handle and used to bless pilgrims, especially women seeking fertility. Tradition holds that the phallus is touched to the heads of visitors as a symbolic blessing.

Distance: 213 km, Duration: 6 hours

Early morning drive from Punakha to the Bumthang region, crossing the scenic Pelela Pass (3,420 m) and Yotong La Pass (3,425 m). Along the way, enjoy panoramic views of Mount Jhomolhari, see yak herders, and admire Bhutan’s beautiful mountain landscapes and picturesque valleys. En route, visit Chendebji Chorten, a large stupa built as a replica of Nepal’s Boudhanath Stupa. After lunch, continue the journey toward Bumthang.

The Bumthang region, ranging from 2,600 to 4,500 meters in altitude, is regarded as the spiritual heart of Bhutan. It is home to some of the country’s oldest and most sacred Buddhist temples and monasteries. Legends of Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) and the tertons—discoverers of sacred treasures—still echo throughout this holy valley.

Bumthang encompasses four main valleys: Choskhor, Tang, Ura, and Chhume. The most important dzongs and temples are found in the Choskhor Valley, commonly known as Bumthang Valley, considered the spiritual center of Bhutan.

The name Bumthang has several interpretations. One suggests that the valley resembles a Bumpa, a vessel used to hold holy water, with “Thang” meaning “field” or “plain,” symbolizing its sacred nature. Another, more poetic interpretation, attributes the name to the famed beauty of the region’s women.

Bumthang is unique in Bhutan for its high concentration of significant temples and monasteries within a relatively small area, making it an essential destination for those seeking the country’s spiritual and cultural essence.

 Distance: 20 km | Duration: 6 hours

After breakfast, begin exploring the Bumthang Valley, Bhutan’s spiritual heartland, known for its dense concentration of ancient temples and monasteries. Start with Kurjey Lhakhang, a sacred complex of three temples associated with Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava). The oldest temple, built in 1652, preserves a cave where Guru Rinpoche meditated. The second temple, constructed in 1900 by King Ugyen Wangchuck, Bhutan’s first king, and the third, a three-story Lhakhang built in 1984 by Ashi Kesang Wangchuck under the guidance of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, houses numerous sacred relics. The complex is surrounded by a 108-chorten wall and remains a vibrant pilgrimage site.

Continue to Jakar Dzong, built in 1667 and majestically perched above the Choskhor Valley. Known as the “Castle of the White Bird,” it is the largest dzong in Bhutan and combines religious, administrative, and monastic functions, showcasing traditional Bhutanese architecture. Next, visit Tamshing Goemba (Tamsing Lhendup Tsholing), founded in 1501, the most important monastery of the Nyingma-pa school, famous for its ancient murals and the spiritual legacy of Pema Lingpa, one of Bhutan’s great tertöns. Nearby lies Konchogsum Lhakhang, a small temple originally dating to the 6th century, rebuilt in the 15th century, known for its sacred bell and fascinating local legends.

Return to your hotel in the evening, with optional time to stroll through Chamkhar town, browsing local handicraft shops and experiencing the peaceful charm of the valley.

Distance: 20 km | Duration: 6 hours

Today, you will experience one of Bhutan’s most fascinating and authentic religious celebrations, the Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival, held in honor of Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), the central figure of Tibetan Buddhism and revered as the second Buddha. The festival takes place at Jambay Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, founded in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. Over several days, monks and villagers from the Bumthang Valley gather to pay homage through sacred dances, purification rituals, and colorful processions.

In the evening, witness the Cham dances, performed by monks wearing vibrant masks representing protective deities and benevolent spirits. Accompanied by drums, trumpets, and conch shells, these dances symbolize the triumph of good over evil and the purification of the soul.

One of the festival’s highlights is the Mewang ritual, or Fire Blessing, where participants symbolically pass through flames to cleanse their body and spirit. After midnight, experience the mystical Tercham Dance, or “Naked Dance,” an ancient ritual symbolizing inner purity and liberation from earthly attachments, considered one of the deepest expressions of Bhutanese mysticism.

Throughout the day, observe processions and blessings rooted in ancient Buddhist traditions, as locals dress in their finest traditional attire—gho for men and kira for women—and gather in devotion and community. Immerse yourself in the festive spirit alongside villagers, enjoying traditional foods and sharing in the joy and spirituality of this unique cultural event.

Distance: 213 km | Approximate Duration: 6–7 hours

Depart early from Bumthang and drive to the village of Gangtey, located in central Bhutan, renowned for its stunning U-shaped glacial valley of Phobjikha, through which the Nake Chhu River flows. Along the way, enjoy spectacular mountain scenery, pine forests, and quaint traditional Bhutanese villages.

En route, visit Trongsa Dzong, an impressive fortress situated in the heart of Bhutan. This iconic dzong symbolizes monarchical power and historically controlled strategic routes to the east and west of the country. With its majestic architecture, Trongsa Dzong served as the residence and administrative center of the region’s ancient governors.

Arrive in the Phobjikha Valley, famous as the winter habitat of the rare black-necked cranes, which migrate from Tibet. From the monastery, enjoy panoramic views of the valley, as well as glimpses of the nomadic lifestyle and yak herders who live in the region.

Continue to Gangtey, where you will have dinner and overnight at a local hotel.

Distance: 166 km | Approximate Duration: 5 hours

After breakfast, visit Gangtey Gompa, a monastery of great historical and religious significance, founded in the early 17th century. The monastery is closely associated with the prophecies of the renowned Terton Pema Lingpa and is one of the two main centers of the Nyingma-pa school of Buddhism in Bhutan.

Later, depart from Gangtey towards Paro, passing through scenic mountain landscapes, glacial valleys, and picturesque rural villages. Along the route, stop at Dochula Pass (3,100 m), famous for its 108 chortens and panoramic views of the eastern Himalayas, especially on clear days. Take a short break for photographs and to enjoy the breathtaking scenery.

In the afternoon, visit Paro Rinpung Dzong, a majestic fortress-monastery dominating the Paro Valley. Built in the 17th century, it is an outstanding example of Bhutanese architecture, with towering stone walls, intricately carved wooden galleries, and inner courtyards adorned with religious murals. In addition to its administrative and religious functions, the dzong hosts the famous Paro Tsechu Festival every spring, one of the country’s most important cultural events.

Continue to the nearby National Museum (Ta Dzong), originally a 17th-century watchtower, transformed into a museum in 1968. The museum preserves Bhutan’s national treasures, including exquisite Thangka paintings, ancient textiles, weapons, coins, stamps, religious art, and artifacts illustrating the kingdom’s rich cultural and historical heritage.

Time permitting, visitors can try on traditional Bhutanese attire—Gho for men and Kira for women—for photographs and an authentic cultural experience. The day concludes with panoramic views of Rinpung Dzong at sunset, offering an unforgettable image of the Paro Valley.

Distance: 25 km | Duration: 6 hours

After breakfast, embark on one of the most iconic experiences of any Bhutan journey: the hike to Taktsang Monastery, famously known as the “Tiger’s Nest.” The trek, approximately 2 hours (with the option to ride part of the way on horseback), ascends along a scenic trail lined with pine forests, fluttering prayer flags, and breathtaking views of the Paro Valley.

Perched dramatically on a cliff over 700 meters above the valley, Taktsang Monastery, built in 1692, is Bhutan’s most revered sanctuary. According to legend, the great tantric master Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche)—who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan and is considered the kingdom’s protective deity—meditated here in the 8th century. The name “Tiger’s Nest” derives from the belief that Guru Rinpoche flew to this location on the back of a tigress.

The monastery complex, consisting of several temples and chapels embedded in the cliffside, exudes profound spirituality and offers unparalleled panoramic views of the valley below. Inside, visitors can admire exquisite murals, ancient statues, and devotional offerings dedicated to various Buddhist deities. On the descent, stop for lunch at a restaurant overlooking the valley and Taktsang.

In the afternoon, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples, built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. Kyichu Lhakhang marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan and preserves valuable relics, Buddha statues, and ancient murals of remarkable beauty. It remains a vital pilgrimage site where devotees light butter lamps and spin prayer wheels, seeking blessings and prosperity. The serene atmosphere and millennia of spiritual history make Kyichu Lhakhang a perfect conclusion to the day, leaving visitors with a deep sense of peace and devotion.

Airport Distance: 2 km, Trip Duration: 60 min

Breakfast, in the morning free for personal activities, later at the arranged time, transfer to the airport for final departure to connect onward flight to Kathmandu. After immigration formality on arrival, as you exit the airport terminal you will be greeted and welcome by a Sampurna Adventure personal & transferred to your hotel, 

after some brief rest, visit Kathmandu Durbar square (The World Heritage site), the most important monument of the Nepalese capital in an open-air museum, the Kumari Palace (Living goddess) where the Kumari acknowledges their greetings from her balcony window, filled with the temples, courtyards & palace of the Malla Kings, who ruled over the city. The palace is known as Hanuman Dhoka, the statue of the Monkey god adjoins the palace entrance. The palace’s main courtyard is where the Kings of Nepal were crowned and had their coronations solemnized.

Next to the palace, we have a gigantic figure of Kal Bhairab (the God of Destruction) and beautiful temples. 

Visit Swoyambhunath Stupa with its 2,500-year history, UNESCO World Heritage Site, an ancient religious complex mobbed by monkeys and soaring above the city on a lofty hilltop, the fascinating, chaotic jumble of Buddhist and Hindu iconography. Even the 2015 earthquake failed to topple Kathmandu's best-loved temple, you could see ancient carvings everywhere and the smell of incense and butter lamps, the mystical atmosphere is heightened by devotees who make a ritual circumnavigation, spinning the prayer wheels set into its base of this famous stupa, and surrounded by beautiful typical houses of the priest, Chaityas and monastery. 

We will visit Patan Durbar Square (World Heritage Site), the city of fine arts & crafts in metal, stone, and terracotta, officially known as Lalitpur Metropolitan City and one of the largest cities in Nepal, it is famous for its rich cultural heritage, where you will see in its ancient palace with golden gate and window, temples of Krishna, Shiva, Golden temple (Hiranya Barna Mahabihar) as well as monasteries & beautiful courtyard. Overnight at hotel.

Airport Distance: 6 Km, Duration: 30 Min.

Leisurely breakfast, In the morning free for personal activities, we can explore the narrow lively, and endless streets of Thamel town where we will find all kinds of good restaurants, typical Nepali handicrafts, fine jewelry, clothing, and trekking gear store, later at the arranged time transfer to the airport for final departure to connect onward flight. We wish you a safe flight and hope to serve you back in near future. End of Service.