Enjoy a festival unique to this ancient temple.
23 October - 5 November 2012

Trip Length: 14 Days/13 Nights
Costs: 1 person US $3770, 2 persons US $3640 each, 3 & more US $3250 each.
Cost includes: Government royalty, all meals, tea and snacks, accommodations, transport, entrance fees, guide service and sightseeing.
Cost does not include: Drukair fares, visa fee, drinks & beverages, tips and other personal bills.

Trip Facts
Jambay Lhakhang is one of 108 Buddhist temples built in the 7th century by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo. Revered as one of the oldest landmarks of the arrival of Buddhism in Bhutan , this temple holds a unique Tshechu or festival. The highlight of this festival is a fire dance that is done to purify sins and augur a good harvest.

Day 1 (23 Oct, Tuesday): Arrive Paro
During the flight, on a clear day, you can see breathtaking views of the Himalaya Mountains, including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan. On arrival you will be greeted by the representative of Bhutan Travelers and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, you can stroll freely in Paro town. Overnight at hotel in Paro.

Day 2 (24 Oct, Wednesday): Tiger's Nest Monastery Hike
After breakfast, you will hike to Taktsang or the “Tiger’s Nest” Monastery perched precariously on the cliff 900m above Paro valley. It is the most famous monastery in Bhutan. Guru Rimpoche, the 8th century spiritual master is said to have flown on the back of tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. Lunch will be served in the Cafeteria Restaurant, located about halfway up on the mountain. Explore the monastery, and if you wish, you can sit for a short meditation before you hike down to the valley floor. Overnight at hotel in Paro.

Day 3 (25 Oct, Thursday): Paro - Thimphu
After breakfast, drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. En route stop at Chuzom (confluence) where Paro River joins Thimphu River. Check into your hotel on arrival. After lunch, visit the famous weekend market. Stroll through the market to see the variety of food of the country. In addition, many stalls contain Bhutanese handicrafts and household items. This is perhaps good opportunity for photography and to mingle with locals who comes from the nearby villages to sell their farm products. Few minutes walk to the south of weekend market is the Changlingmithang archery field. If you are lucky, you may catch a game of archery in progress. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu.

Day 4 (26 Oct, Friday): Thimphu
Full day of sightseeing in Thimphu valley. Visit the King's Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the third King of Bhutan, the National Library, which holds collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts, the Arts School, known for its thangkha paintings and the Traditional Medicine Institute where indigenous healing arts are practiced. After a relaxing lunch, you will visit a traditional paper factory and the majestic Tashichhodzong. In the evening, you can stroll through Thimphu town and absorb the life style of the people. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu.

Day 5 (27 Oct, Saturday): Thimphu - Punakha
After breakfast this morning, enjoy the scenic drive to Punakha with a stop for lunch at Dochu La Pass (3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas. From the pass, drive downhill through the forests of rhododendron, fir and hemlock. You will arrive at Punakha after traversing through rice field and along the bank of Punakha River. On the way, you will stop at Metshina Village and take a 20-minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lakhang, which is a fertility temple dedicated to Devine Madman or Lama Drukpa Kuenley. Receive a special fertility blessing from Lama’s wooden phallus if you wish. Overnight at hotel in Punakha. .

Day 6 (28 Oct, Sunday): Punakha
In the morning, visit Punakha Dzong, the former capital of Bhutan, which is stunningly situated in between the male and female rivers like an anchored ship. Then you will drive 12 km north of Punakha Valley and from the road point, you will hike for 30 minutes Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten, which is located on a beautiful hillock overlooking the villages. It contains elaborate paintings dedicated to old sect of Buddhism. Hike back and drive to Punakha. You can relax in the evening. Overnight at hotel in Punakha.

Day 7 (29 Oct, Monday): Punakha - Bumthang
After early breakfast you will drive to Bumthang, the cultural heartland of the country. The route is along a spectacular winding road, crossing 3,300-meter-high Pele La pass, and at certain times of year it's possible to see yaks. You will stop in Trongsa for lunch. After lunch you'll visit Trongsa Dzong, the masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture. Then you'll proceed to Bumthang with lush valleys and hilly forests. Along the way you will stop at a yathra (textile weaving) factory, where the yathras are designed with patterns unique to Bumthang, and you can even watch some of the weavers at their looms. Check into hotel on arrival. Overnight at hotel in Bumthang.

Day 8 (30 Oct, Tuesday): Bumthang
Today’s sightseeing in Bumthang includes Jakar Dzong, the administrative center of the valley; Kurjey Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places, because Guru Rinpoche left his body imprint on the cave when he was meditating. After lunch, you will also have a chance to tour Tamshing Lhakhang, a treasure house of interesting religious Buddhist paintings. Today you will stay awake till midnight to catch an unusual naked dance, which is considered pious and performed to sanctify the region and augur good harvest. Overnight at hotel in Bumthang.

Day 9 (31 Oct, Wednesday): Jambay Lhakhang Drub Festival
Enjoy full day of festival dances and celebrations with the people of Bumthang and nearby villages. Overnight at hotel in Bumthang.

Day 10 (1 Nov, Thursday): Excursion to Tang Valley
Today, you will make an enjoyable excursion to the Tang valley, which is the most remote valley in Bumthang. While in the Tang, you will visit 16th century Ugyen Chholing Palace or the country manor, which is now turned into a museum. The well-captioned exhibits offer insights into lifestyle of a Bhutanese noble family. You will also explore nearby villages. On the way back to town, you will see Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake), where some of Guru Rinpoche's treasures were found in the 15th century by the famous treasure discoverer Pema Lingpa. Overnight hotel in Bumthang.

Day 11 (2 Nov, Friday): Bumthang - Wangdue
You'll begin the day at the Bumthang market, and then drive to Wangdue. Along the way visit the typical Bhutanese town of Wangdue with its dramatic Dzong perched on a ridge at the bend of a river. The nearby villages are known for their slate and stone carvings. Overnight at hotel in Wangdue.

Day 12 (3 Nov, Saturday): Wangdue - Thimphu
Today you will return to Thimphu with a stop in Dochu La for tea. On the way, visit the new Druk Wangyal Monastery, which is the only of its kind in the country with elaborate paintings depicting the lineage of the present monarchy and their visionary works. Continue drive to Thimphu and check into your hotel on arrival. Evening explore the interesting handicraft shops. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu.

Day 13, (4 Nov, Sunday): Thimphu - Paro
In the morning, you will drive to Paro and visit the Ta Dzong, once a fortified lookout tower that is now the National Museum. The museum has wide assortment of ancient paintings, armors, philatelic display and “field of Buddhas”, which helps one to visualize while meditating. Then walk down the trail to visit the Rinpung Dzong meaning “fortress of the heap of jewels". After lunch, visit Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country. From there you will be taken to the Drugyal Dzong (Bhutan Victory Fort), which was built in 1646 to commemorate Bhutan's victory over Tibetan invaders during the 1600s. On a clear day you can see Mount Jumolhari, Bhutan's second-highest mountain at 7,314meters. Overnight at hotel in Paro.

Day 14 (5 Nov, Monday): Depart Paro
After early breakfast, drive to airport for departure. Our representative will bid you farewell.