Overview
The Jambay Lhakhang Drup experience travels deep into the spiritual heartland of central Bhutan.
Staged at one of the country’s oldest 7th-century temples, this festival is famous for its unique spiritual rituals. These include the Mewang (a sacred fire blessing for purification) and the legendary Tercham (Naked Dance), performed at midnight by masked dancers to bring blessings and fertility.
Trip Highlights
- The overland crossing of Dochula and Pele La to Trongsa, ancestral home of the Royal Family.
- Trongsa Dzong and its watchtower museum, then Kurjey Lhakhang and Jakar Dzong in Bumthang.
- The Mewang fire blessing — walking under a flaming archway of straw.
- Daytime monastic mask dances and the midnight Tercham under the moonlight.
- Chendebji Chorten, Punakha Dzong and a riverside cooking demonstration.
- Chimi Lhakhang, Kyichu Lhakhang, an archery lesson and Tiger’s Nest.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive at Paro Airport and travel directly to Thimphu. Stop at the historic Tamchog Bridge along the way. Take an evening orientation walk around the capital’s landmarks.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Thimphu
Depart early for a scenic mountain drive to Trongsa, passing over Dochula Pass and through the dense bamboo forests of Pele La Pass. Arrive at the historical ancestral home of the Royal Family.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Trongsa
Tour the magnificent Trongsa Dzong and its watchtower museum. Drive onward to the beautiful Bumthang Valley. Visit the sacred Kurjey Lhakhang and Jakar Dzong before checking into your lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Bumthang
Immerse yourself in the opening day of the festival. Join locals for the dramatic Mewang fire blessing ceremony, walking under a flaming archway of straw for spiritual purification.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Bumthang
Watch the daytime monastic mask dances at the temple. Return to the lodge for a warm dinner, then head back to the temple courtyard at midnight to witness the extraordinary Tercham dance under the moonlight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Bumthang
Begin your return drive west, dropping down into the warm, subtropical climate of Punakha. Stop at the historic Chendebji Chorten along the highway.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Punakha
Explore the majestic Punakha Dzong and cross the long suspension bridge. Enjoy a private, relaxed afternoon cooking demonstration at your riverside resort.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Punakha
Drive back to Paro, stop at Chimi Lhakhang on the way, and visit the historic Kyichu Lhakhang upon arrival. Enjoy a private traditional archery lesson in the evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Paro
Hike up the mountain trail to Taktsang Monastery. Celebrate the final evening of your journey with a traditional hot stone bath and a multi-course farewell dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Paro
Transfer to Paro Airport for your departure flight.
Meals: Breakfast
Inclusions & Exclusions
What’s Included
- Private Transport & Guide: All ground transportation in a private vehicle with an English-speaking licensed guide.
- Accommodation: Twin/double-sharing rooms in 3-star tourist-standard hotels.
- Meals: All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) as per itinerary.
- Sustainable Development Fee: The daily SDF is included.
- Hydration: Bottled water during transfers and sightseeing.
- Government Dues: Government royalty and applicable taxes.
What’s Not Included
- Airfare: International/regional airfare to and from Paro.
- Visa Fee: Bhutan visa processing fee (arranged in advance by Gu-Mar as part of permit clearance).
- Personal Expenses: Laundry, telephone, beverages and tips.
- Insurance: Travel insurance.
- Pony Hire: Pony hire for the Tiger’s Nest hike (optional, paid on-site).
- Other Services: Any services not mentioned under Inclusions.
Good to Know
- Licensed Operator: All non-Indian, non-Bangladeshi and non-Maldivian nationals must travel through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator such as Gu-Mar; we process visa clearance and the SDF on your behalf before arrival.
- Hotel Upgrades: Hotel categories can be upgraded to 4-star or boutique/heritage properties under our Deluxe or Luxurious collections.
- Flexible Sequencing: Itinerary sequencing may shift slightly depending on flight timings, road conditions or festival dates — your guide will confirm the final day-by-day plan on arrival.