12-Days Festivals of Bumthang Tour

Activities:
▪ Visit the National Memorial Chorten and the Buddha Dordenma statue, which offers panoramic views of the valley.
▪ Explore the Textile Museum and Folk Heritage Museum to learn about Bhutan’s rich cultural history.
▪ Visit the Institute of Zorig Chusum, where students learn Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts.
▪ Free time to explore the local market and shops.
◦ Overnight: Thimphu

Activities:
▪ Drive to Punakha (3 hours), crossing the stunning Dochula Pass (3,100m), and visit the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens.
▪ Visit the impressive Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful and historic fortresses.
▪ Take a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple dedicated to the “Divine Madman” Lama Drukpa Kunley.
◦ Overnight: Punakha

Activities:
▪ Drive to Trongsa (5 hours), enjoying scenic mountain views along the way.
▪ Stop by Wangdue Phodrang Dzong (if under reconstruction, observe from outside).
▪ Explore Trongsa Dzong, the largest dzong in Bhutan and an important historical site.
▪ Visit the Ta Dzong museum, which offers insights into Bhutan’s royal history.
◦ Overnight: Trongsa

Activities:
▪ Drive to Bumthang (3 hours), the spiritual heartland of Bhutan, known for its ancient monasteries and sacred sites.
▪ Visit Jakar Dzong, the “Fortress of the White Bird.”
▪ Explore Tamshing Lhakhang, famous for its sacred relics and spiritual significance.
◦ Overnight: Bumthang

Activities:
▪ Attend the vibrant Jambay Lhakhang Drup, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred festivals, held at Jambay Lhakhang.
▪ Witness traditional masked dances (Cham), including the Mewang (fire blessing) and
Tercham (naked dance), performed to purify sins and bless the community.
▪ Explore the festival grounds, interact with locals, and enjoy the cultural atmosphere.
◦ Overnight: Bumthang

Activities:
▪ Continue experiencing the festival, with more sacred masked dances and spiritual rituals.
▪ Visit the Kurje Lhakhang, a sacred monastery where Guru Rinpoche meditated.
▪ Explore local villages, learning about Bhutanese rural life and traditions.
◦ Overnight: Bumthang

Activities:
▪ Attend the Prakhar Tsechu Festival at Prakhar Monastery in the Chumey Valley.
▪ Witness the unique Cham dances performed by monks and laypeople, depicting Bhutanese spiritual stories.
▪ Visit Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake), a sacred pilgrimage site for Bhutanese Buddhists.
◦ Overnight: Bumthang

Activities:
▪ Drive to Gangtey (6 hours), stopping along the way to admire the beautiful landscapes.
▪ Visit the Gangtey Monastery, a significant religious site in Bhutan.
▪ Explore the Phobjikha Valley, a glacial valley that serves as the winter home for the endangered black-necked cranes.
◦ Overnight: Gangtey

Activities:
▪ Drive back to Paro (5-6 hours), enjoying the scenic drive through mountain valleys and passes.
▪ Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples.
▪ Free time in Paro to explore the town and relax after the journey.
◦ Overnight: Paro

Activities:
▪ Early morning hike to the iconic Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), perched on a cliffside 900 meters above the Paro Valley.
▪ Enjoy the spiritual atmosphere and breathtaking views from this sacred monastery.
▪ Afternoon at leisure for shopping or an optional traditional hot stone bath.
◦ Overnight: Paro

Activities:
▪ Transfer to Paro International Airport for your departure flight, concluding your journey through Bhutan’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.