Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival Tour

Duration
9 Days / 8 Nights
Difficulty
Easy
Best Season
October (Festival dates vary)
Group Size
2 - 12 People

Tour Overview

Experience one of Bhutan’s most mystical and unique festivals at Jambay Lhakhang Drup in Bumthang, held in late October. This ancient festival features sacred rituals found nowhere else, including the famous Tercham or “Fire Dance” and the mysterious Naked Dance performed at midnight.

Set at the 7th-century Jambay Lhakhang – one of 108 temples built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in a single day – this festival blends deep spiritual meaning with rare ceremonies. The highlight is the Mewang (fire blessing) where devotees run through a burning gate for purification and blessings.

Witness the Fire Dance (Mewang)
Midnight ceremonies at Jambay Lhakhang
Explore spiritual heartland of Bumthang
Visit Burning Lake (Mebar Tsho)
Jakar Tshechu (if dates overlap)
Tiger's Nest Monastery
Ancient 7th-century temple

Day-by-Day Itinerary

1

Arrival in Paro

Gateway to Bhutan

Arrive in Paro and spend the afternoon exploring the valley before the journey to Bumthang.

  • Flight into Paro Valley
  • Transfer to hotel
  • Visit Paro Rinpung Dzong
  • Explore Paro town
  • Welcome dinner
  • Briefing on Bumthang journey
2

Paro to Punakha

Westward journey begins

Drive to Punakha via Thimphu and Dochula Pass, enjoying the changing landscapes.

  • Drive via Thimphu
  • Brief Thimphu sightseeing
  • Cross Dochula Pass
  • Lunch with mountain views
  • Arrive Punakha
  • Visit Punakha Dzong
  • Overnight Punakha
3

Punakha to Bumthang

Journey to the spiritual heartland

Long scenic drive through central Bhutan, crossing multiple passes to reach Bumthang Valley.

  • Early departure
  • Cross Pele La Pass
  • Stop at Chendebji Chorten
  • Visit Trongsa Dzong
  • Cross Yotong La Pass
  • Arrive Bumthang by evening
  • Check into hotel
  • Rest for festival
4

Bumthang Sacred Sites

Explore before the festival

Spend the day visiting Bumthang's sacred sites and preparing for the festival.

  • Visit Kurjey Lhakhang
  • See Guru Rinpoche's body imprint
  • Explore Tamshing Goemba
  • Visit Jakar Dzong
  • Afternoon at Jambay Lhakhang
  • Festival preparation begins
  • Orientation for tomorrow's events
5

Jambay Lhakhang Drup - Day 1

Festival begins

The first day of the festival with religious ceremonies and mask dances at the ancient temple.

  • Arrive at Jambay Lhakhang
  • Opening ceremonies
  • Mask dances in temple courtyard
  • Traditional lunch
  • Afternoon performances
  • Evening: Preparation for night ceremonies
  • Witness evening rituals
  • Return late to hotel
6

Jambay Lhakhang Drup - Fire Dance

Mewang - running through fire

The highlight of the festival - the spectacular Mewang fire ceremony where devotees pass through burning gates for blessings and purification.

  • Daytime mask dances
  • Afternoon preparations
  • Evening: Mewang Fire Dance ceremony
  • Watch devotees run through flames
  • Receive fire blessing
  • Midnight ceremonies begin
  • Tercham rituals (viewing if permitted)
  • Late return to hotel
7

Burning Lake & Return West

Sacred lake pilgrimage

Visit the mystical Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake) before beginning the return journey west.

  • Morning visit to Mebar Tsho
  • Learn legend of Pema Lingpa
  • Meditation by the lake
  • Begin return journey
  • Cross Yotong La and Pele La
  • Overnight Punakha or Thimphu
8

Tiger's Nest Monastery

Iconic pilgrimage

Hike to the famous Tiger's Nest Monastery.

  • Drive to Paro
  • Begin Tiger's Nest hike
  • Climb through pine forest
  • Explore monastery
  • Receive blessings
  • Descend
  • Farewell dinner
9

Departure

Farewell to Bhutan

Depart from Paro with memories of mystical Bumthang.

  • Breakfast
  • Last-minute shopping
  • Airport transfer
  • Departure