Fixed departure Jambay lhakhang tour 1 2024
Jambay lhakhang festival tour fixed departure 1 (Festival dates: 15th – 18th Nov 2024). The tour date is from 11th – 21st Nov 2024 and covers western and central Bhutan.
Hotel category: 3 star hotels.
Price per person: US $ 2875 on twin sharing basis.
Single room supplement (Extra): US $ 350.
Total duration: 10 nights / 11 days tour.
Fixed departure Jambay lhakhang tour 1 2024 - Highlights:
- Scenic landscapes.
- Ancient monasteries, temples and magnificent dzongs (Forts).
- Government institutions and museums.
- Witness the colorful Jambay lhakhang tshechu festival.
- Meet local people.
- Visit beautiful Bhutanese farm house.
Fixed departure Jambay lhakhang tour 1 2024 - Detailed itinerary.
11th Nov. Arrive Paro – Thimphu sightseeing (54 km, 1 hour drive):
Meet and greet at the airport and drive to Thimphu. A short stop on the way to view Tamchog monastery.
- This monastery was built in the 15th century by Thang Tong Gyalpo, popularly known as “The iron bridge builder”. He built 108 bridges across Tibet and Bhutan, out of which eight were built in Bhutan.
After lunch, visit to:
- Tashichho dzong, seat of the national government and the central monastic body including the summer residence of the chief abbot of Bhutan.
- National memorial chorten (1974) built in honor of the third King, Late His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The paintings and statues give a rare insight into Bhutanese culture.
- Tallest statue of sitting Buddha in the world (51.5 meters) at Kuensel Phodrang.
- Craft bazaar where you can buy Bhutanese handicrafts and art works.
In the evening, free to stroll in the town for shopping and photography.
Dinner and overnight in the hotel.
12th Nov. Thimphu sightseeing:
In the morning, visit to:
- School of 13 arts and crafts (Painting school).
- National library which holds a huge collection of ancient texts and manuscripts.
- National textile room.
- National postal museum where you can print your photos on the official Bhutanese stamps.
After lunch, visit to:
- Takin preserve center: Takin – A queer looking animal believed to be a mix of goat and a cow and has baffled the zoologists. The Bhutanese believe that this animal was created lama Drukpa Kuenley (The divine madman).
- Drupthob nunnery, one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan.
- Sangaygang view point – Walk across the field of prayer flags.
- Changangkha monastery, the oldest in Thimphu valley built in the 13th century by a Tibetan monk, Phajo Drugom Shigpo.
In the evening, witness archery match at Changlimithang stadium.
Dinner and overnight in hotel.
13th Nov. Thimphu – Punakha sightseeing (76 Km, 2 ½ hrs. drive):
After EARLY BREAKFAST (7 am), drive to Punakha. A short stop on the way to explore the beautiful Dochu la pass (3140 m) with 108 stupas (Druk Wangyel chorten). You can also visit meditation caves here.
While in Punakha, visit Chimi lhakhang monastery (Temple of fertility):
- Built in 1499 by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, popularly known as “The divine madman”. He travelled throughout Bhutan and Tibet as a “Neljorpa” (Yogi) using songs, humor and outrageous behavior to dramatize his teachings of salvation through sex.
After lunch, visit the magnificent Punakha dzong.
- This dzong was built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Punakha is the winter residence of Je Khenpo (The chief abbot of Bhutan). Punakha is also an ancient capital of Bhutan until the rule of the second king of Bhutan. The war materials captured during the battle with Tibetan forces are preserved here.
Then hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Choling monastery.
- Built in 2004 by Her Majesty the Queen Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck and it overlooks Punakha valley. Perched high on a hill on the bank of the river, the chorten houses paintings belonging to Nyingmapa traditions.
In the evening, walk the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan (160 meters).
- This bridge is considered the longest of its kind in Bhutan and connects the two sides of the Pho chu river. You will get a great view of the river, valley, temple and a good boost of adrenaline as well.
Dinner and overnight in hotel.
14th Nov. Punakha – Wangdue Phodrang – Gangtey (75 km, 2 hour drive):
After breakfast, drive to Gangtey / Phobjikha valley. On the way, we take a view of the Wangdue Phodrang dzong built in 1638 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
While in Gangtey, visit the Gangtey monastery.
- This monastery was built in 1613 by Gyaltse Pema Thinley, the grandson and mind reincarnation of Pema Lingpa. The present abbot, Kunzang Pema Namgyal is the ninth re-incarnation.
- Visit crane information centre.
After lunch, hike the beautiful Gangtey nature trail (4 Km, 2 hours). You can see the beautiful view of Phobjikha valley below.
In the evening, explore Phobjikha valley (Altitude 3000 m). The most beautiful glacial valley in the Himalayas and the roosting ground of the rare black – necked cranes in winter.
Dinner and overnight in hotel.
15th Nov. Gangtey – Trongsa sightseeing - Bumthang (142 Km, 5 hour drive):
In the morning, drive to Bumthang and on the way visit Trongsa dzong.
- Trongsa dzong was built in 1644 by Chogyal Minjur Tempa. The first two kings of Bhutan ruled the country from this ancient seat. As per the tradition, the king of Bhutan is appointed the Penlop (Governor) of Trongsa and then becomes the king. The dzong was strategically built by the ancient rulers to control the trade between eastern and western Bhutan.
After lunch, visit to:
- Ta dzong, an ancient watch tower which once guarded the Trongsa dzong from internal rebellious forces and enemies, stands on the edge of the town. The first Penlop (Governor) of Trongsa, Chogyal Minjur Tempa built it in 1652 and has four observation points which resembles Lion, Tiger, Dragon and a Garuda (Eagle). The shrine of Ta dzong is dedicated to the epic hero, King Gesar of Ling. Today, Ta dzong serves as a national museum of the country and the chapel inside is dedicated to Jigme Namgyal who was the Penlop (Governor) of Trongsa from 1853 to 1870.
Then drive further to Bumthang.
Early dinner and drive to Jambay lhakhang to witness the festival – Opening ceremony.
Overnight in hotel.
16th Nov. Bumthang – Jambay lhakhang festival & sightseeing:
- Jambay lhakhang built by King Srongsen Gampo of Tibet in the year 659 on the same day as Kichu Lhakhang in Paro. The Temple is visited by Guru Rinpoche who came to Bhutan in the 8th century on the invitation of Sindhu Raja. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche has hidden “Terma” or relics under the temple. In the late October, a famous annual festival is held here and the main event is “Ter Cham” or the Fire dance.
In the evening (3 pm), visit to:
- The Jakar dzong which means “The Castle of White Bird” was built in 1667 by the Tibetan Lama Nagi Wangchuk. This dzong sits on a small hill overlooking the Chamkhar valley. The dzong played a vital role as the fortress to defend the eastern part of the country. The first King ruled Bhutan from here.
- Kurjey lhakhang: In the 8 th century, Guru Rinpoche traveled to Bumthang on the invitation of the Indian King Sindhu Raja who ruled over Bumthang. The King was ill because of the curse of a local deity Shelging Karpo. Guru Rinpoche meditated in the cave and subdued the deity. The body print of the Guru Rinpoche can still be seen on the rock housed in this temple.
17th Nov. Bumthang sightseeing & witness Jambay lhakhang festival:
In the morning, drive to Jambay lhakhang and witness the festival.
In the evening (3 pm), visit to:
- Tamshing lhakhang (Temple of the good message), established in 1501 by Pema Lingpa. It is the most important Nyingma monastery because of its direct connection to Terton Pema Lingpa (1450-1521) and his re-incarnations. It is now the seat of Sungtrul Rinpoche, the current speech re-incarnation of Pema Lingpa. There are approximately 95 Buddhist monks in this temple.
- Kenchosum monastery built in the 6th century, this lhakhang was renovated in 1995 and so it has a modern look to it. Legend has it that the lhakhang contained a large bell that when it was rung, the sound could be heard all the way in Lhasa, Tibet. During the 17th century, the invading Tibetan armies tried to steal the bell but because it was too heavy, they dropped the bell and in the process cracked it. It is now on display at the national museum in Paro.
After early dinner, drive to witness the festival.
Return to the Hotel late at night.
18th Nov. Bumthang – Witness festival & Excursion to Ogen Choling Palace museum:
- Mebar Tsho or “The burning lake” is located along the way to the Tang valley. According to legend, Terton Pema Lingpa had a vision of the sacred treasures that Guru Rinpoche had hidden within the lake centuries earlier. However, the people of Tang and the local ruler were cynical of his claims. In order to prove his claims, Pema Lingpa held a butter lamp in his hand as he jumped into the lake. After remaining under water for a long time he re-emerged holding a chest and a scroll of paper with the butter lamp held in his hand still burning bright. Thereafter, the lake came to be known as Mebar Tsho or “The burning lake”. Today, this small fresh water lake is a pilgrimage site for the Bhutanese.
While in Tang valley, visit to Ogen Choling palace museum.
- The family that owns Ogen (or Ogyen) Choling has turned the complex into a museum to preserve its legacy and provide a place for religious studies, research and solitude. The fascinating and well-captioned exhibits offer real insights into the lifestyle of a Bhutanese noble family.
19th Nov. Bumthang – Paro sightseeing (25 minutes flight):
In the morning, drive to the Badbalathang airport and fly to Paro. Your guide will receive you at the airport.
After lunch in a typical Bhutanese farmhouse, visit to:
- Dungtse lhakhang built in the 15th century by Thang Tong Gyalpo.
- Ta dzong built in 1649, an ancient watch tower which now houses the national museum of Bhutan.
- Rinpung dzong built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Rinpung literally means “The heap of jewels”. The dzong presently functions as the administrative centre of Paro district.
In the evening, free to stroll in the town.
Dinner and overnight in hotel.
20th Nov. Paro - Hike to the Tiger’s nest monastery:
- The primary temple was built around Guru Rinpoche’s meditation cave in the 1684 by the Penlop (Governor) of Paro, Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgay. This incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Padma Sambhava, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, flew here on the back of a flying tigress, Dorji Drolo, said to be his favorite consort.
After lunch, visit to:
- Kichu lhakhang built in 659 A.D by the Tibetan King Srongtsen Gampo. He built 108 Temples in a single day to pin the Ogress to the earth forever and at the same time, convert the Tibetan people to Buddhism. Six of these Temples lie in Bhutan; most prominent of them are Jambay Lhakhang in Bumthang and Kichu Lhakhang in Paro.
21st Nov. Paro – (Departure):
After breakfast, drive to the airport and farewell.
Trip Cost Includes:
- All meals [breakfast / lunch / dinner and evening tea].
- Accommodation [twin / double sharing basis]. Single room supplement is extra.
- All transportation within the country including airport transfers.
- Sustainable development fee (SDF).
- Bhutan visa fee.
- English speaking local guide.
- Sightseeing.
- Bottled water through out the tour.
Trip Cost Excludes:
- Entrance fees for museums and monuments.
- Drukair / Bhutan Airlines fares.
- Travel insurance premiums.
- Payments for service provided on a personal basis.
- Cost for any services not mentioned in the “Cost Include head”.
- Cost incurred due to mishaps, strikes, political unrest etc.
- Personal expenses such as laundry, soft drinks, camera charges, incidentals, portage, bellboy charges, tips or any other services.
- Hot stone bath.
- Cycling around Paro valley.
- Practice archery.
- Bhutanese cooking class.
- Bhutanese cultural show featuring various mask dances and folk dances.
- Talk on Gross National Happiness / Buddhism.
- Consulting an astrologer.
- Practice dart.
- Performing religious ceremony.
- Marriage ceremonies.
The Bhutan trip cancellation policy approved by the Department of Tourism, Royal Government of Bhutan is below:
(1) No charge if cancelled within 45 days of the start of the tour programme;
(2) Charge 20% of the tour payment if cancelled within 30 days of the start of the tour programme;
(3) Charge 30% of the tour payment if cancelled within 21 days of the start of the tour program;
(4) Charge 50% of the tour payment if cancelled within 14 days of the start of the tour programme and
(5) Charge 100% of the tour payment charge if cancelled within 7 days or after the arrival in Bhutan.
Fixed departure Jambay lhakhang tour 1 - Photo gallery
