Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival Tour
Trip at a Glance
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Country: Bhutan
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Trip grade: Easy
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Activities: Festival tour/Cultural sightseeing
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Accommodation: 3-Star hotels
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Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
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Transportation: Private vehicle
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Maximum altitude: Taktsang Monastery (3120m)
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Best Season: 26th - 29th October 2026
The Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival is one of Bhutan's oldest and most important cultural events. It takes place every year to honor the building of the Jambay Lhakhang temple in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. Celebrated all together in four-day, the festival has special features with spiritual ceremonies, especially the Mewang (Fire Blessing) ceremony.
The Jambay Lhakhang Drup has a lively display of traditional masked dances (Cham), like the Black Hat Dance and the Dance of the Eight Manifestations of Guru Rinpoche. These dances take place in front of one of the kingdom's oldest and most famous landmarks.
Bumthang Valley is the cultural heartland of Bhutan where temples like Tamshing Lhakhang and Kurjey Lhakhang are located, where Guru Rinpoche left his body print.
Jambay Lhakhang Drup festival 2026
Date: 26th - 29th October 2026
Location: Jambay Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival Paro (2250m) – Thimphu (2350m/1 hr)
Day 02: Thimphu – Wangdue – Gangtey (2320m/6 hrs)
Day 03: Gangtey – Trongsa – Bumthang (2800m/5-6 hrs)
Day 04: In Bumthang- attend Jambay Lhakhang Drup (26th - 29th October 2026)
Day 05: In Bumthang - Sightseeing
Day 06: Bumthang – Gangtey (2320m/5-6 hrs)
Day 07: Gangtey – Punakha (1310m/3 hrs)
Day 08: Punakha – Paro (2250m/4 hrs)
Day 09: Paro – Hike to Taktsang Monastery ‘Tiger’s Nest’ (3120m/5-6 hrs)
Day 10: Paro depart
Jambay Lhakhang Drup festival Short Itinerary (Fly In/Drive Out):
Day 01: Arrival Paro (2250m)
Day 02: Fly Paro to Bumthang (2800m/35 min)
Day 03: In Bumthang- attend Jambay Lhakhang Drup (26th - 29th October 2026)
Day 04: Bumthang – Gangtey (2320m/5-6 hrs)
Day 05: Gangtey – Punakha - Thimphu (2350m/5-6 hrs)
Day 06: Thimphu- Paro (2250m/1 hr) & Hike to Taktsang Monastery ‘Tiger’s Nest’ (3120m/5-6 hrs)
Day 07: Paro depart
Arrive at Paro International Airport in Bhutan with direct flights from cities like Kathmandu, Bangkok, New Delhi. Upon your arrival in Paro, you will be transferred to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. Enjoy the scenic drive and sightseeing at Thimphu visiting Buddha Dordenma-one of the largest sitting Buddha statues in the world (54 meters/177 feet), National Memorial Chorten, Tashichho Dzong.
In the morning drive to Gangtey, the glacial valley of Phobjikha en-route stopping at Dochula Pass (3140m) to see the 108 memorial chortens and Himalayan peaks. Afterward, reach the Phobjikha Valley, the winter home of the rare Black-Necked Cranes (they typically begin arriving in late October from Tibet).
Continue to Bumthang en-route Trongsa where Trongsa Dzong is located, the longest and perhaps most impressive dzong in Bhutan. Then cross over the Yotong La pass (3400m) into the four valleys of Bumthang, the cultural heartland of Bhutan.
Attend Jambay Lhakhang Drup at Jambay Lhakhang, a 7th-century temple. Witness the colorful masked dances (Cham) and the local community in their finest traditional dress.
Visit Kurjey Lhakhang (where Guru Rinpoche left his body print) and Tamshing Lhakhang (famous for its ancient murals) including Jakar Dzong, “the castle of the white bird”.
Retrace your path back to the peaceful Phobjikha Valley. Enjoy the Gangtey Nature Trail, a gentle 1.5-hour walk through pine forests and wetlands with views of the vast valley floor.
Drive down to the valley of Punakha and visit Punakha Dzong the "Palace of Great Happiness," located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Walk across one of the longest suspension bridges in Bhutan for views of the river.
Continue to Paro en-route visiting Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple dedicated to Drukpa Kunley the "Divine Madman". In Paro visit the Ta Dzong (watchtower) which houses the National Museum of Bhutan and Paro Ringpung Dzong.
Drive to the base of the monastery from Paro and take a 5-6 hour round-trip hike to the monastery clinging to a vertical granite cliff. Afterward Kyichu Lhakhang, 7th-century temple, one of the oldest in Bhutan.
Transfer to Paro International Airport for your flight home.
What is included?
- Airport pick-up and drop services by private transportation.
- Guided sightseeing tour as per the itinerary.
- Accommodation in Bhutanese government-approved tourist standard hotels throughout the trip.
- All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner).
- Entrance and monumental fees during sightseeing.
- Bhutan visa fees and processing assistance.
- Bhutanese government-certified English-speaking local tour guide.
- Bhutanese government’s royalties, and taxes.
What is not included?
- International airfares.
- Personal travel insurance.
- Other expenses of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry, bottled water etc.).
- Bar bills, alcoholic drinks & beverages.
- Tip for the tour guide or driver.
FAQ's
What is the Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival?
Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival is one of Bhutan’s most important and colorful celebrations of faith. This festival is held every year at Bumthang's Jambay Lhakhang Temple. The ceremony honors Guru Rinpoche and remembers the temple's foundation in the 7th century with sacred masked dances and traditional traditions.
What is the length of the Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival Tour?
According to our plan, this festival tour will last nine nights and ten days.
When does the Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival occur?
According to the Bhutanese lunar calendar, this ceremony is typically held in October or November. Bhutan's monastic officials confirm the exact dates every year.
How does this event differ from other Bhutanese festivals?
The fire ceremony (Mewang) and the rare Tercham (Naked Dance), which only happens at midnight, are what make Jambay Lhakhang Drup so well-known. There is a belief that these ceremonies will wash away sins, clear obstacles, and bring good fortunes.
What cultural things will I experience in the Jambay Lhakhang Drup festival tour?
In this tour, you will experience masked cham dances, monk chanting, traditional music, fire blessings, and the local community's way of celebration. You will also be able to tour historic monasteries, villages, and Bhutanese farmhouses.
Is there a minimum age requirement to join our Bhutan Tour?
No. The tour is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels due to the short distances covered on foot.
On the Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival Tour, where is the highest point?
At 3,120 meters, Taksang Monastery—sometimes called Tiger's Nest—stands as the highest point on this route.
Is altitude sickness a problem on this trip?
This cultural tour probably won't make you sick from being at a high altitude because the heights are mild and the acclimatization is well planned.
Is a visa required to enter Bhutan?
Getting a visa to enter Bhutan is definitely something you need to take care of ahead of time.
Does this Bhutan festival tour require any permits?
Yes. All necessary travel permits, entry permits, monument and other fees are required, which will be arranged by us.
What kinds of food can we expect to eat on this tour?
During the Jambay Lhakhang Drup festival tour, guests usually eat full-board meals that include real Bhutanese food such as Ema Datshi (chili and cheese), red rice, and Phaksha Paa (pork with chilies). Some native delicacies, such as momos (dumplings) and khuley (buckwheat pancakes), may be available close to the festival site. Hotels also serve Indian, Chinese, and Continental food.
What kind of hotel is part of this tour?
While you're on the trip, you'll stay at Bhutanese tourist-grade hotels that have been certified by the government. The rooms in these hotels are clean and pleasant, and they all have their own toilets, heaters, and other basic amenities.
Is the water in Bhutan safe to drink?
You shouldn't drink tap water. You can get bottled water at several of the stops along the way.For eco-friendly travel, guests can also bring water purification pills or reusable bottles with filters.
Is there Wi-Fi and mobile signal in Bhutan?
While most hotels offer Wi-Fi, guests in more rural areas, such as Bumthang and Gangtey, may experience slower speeds. Mobile coverage is often good in urban areas. Bhutan SIM cards are available for purchase in Thimphu and Paro.
Am I able to use my credit card in Bhutan?
You may use credit cards at most restaurants, shops, and hotels in Paro and Thimphu. But in Bumthang and other rural places, it’s best to carry cash.
