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One of many vibrant cultural festivals in Bhutan - Bhutan Explorer & Jambay Lhakhang Festival, Bhutan
One of many vibrant cultural festivals in Bhutan
The sacred Taktsang Monastery in Bhutan is also referred to as the Tiger's Nest monastery. - Bhutan Explorer & Jambay Lhakhang Festival, Bhutan
The sacred Taktsang Monastery in Bhutan is also referred to as the Tiger's Nest monastery.  | Richard I'Anson
The Punakha Dzong in Western Bhutan is the winter residence of the Central Monk body and a highlight on our Himalayan Kingdoms Explorer. - Bhutan Explorer & Jambay Lhakhang Festival, Bhutan
The Punakha Dzong in Western Bhutan is the winter residence of the Central Monk body and a highlight on our Himalayan Kingdoms Explorer.  | Julie Anderson
Hemis Festival - Bhutan Explorer & Jambay Lhakhang Festival, Bhutan
Hemis Festival  | Adam Mussolum
Bhutanese monks socialise along the monastery wall - Bhutan Explorer & Jambay Lhakhang Festival, Bhutan
Bhutanese monks socialise along the monastery wall  | Liz Light

Bhutan Explorer & Jambay Lhakhang Festival

Journey through the mystical kingdom of Bhutan during the Jambay Lhakhang festival

Bhutan
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 10 reviews

12 Days from

$ 

Trip Code: KOD
View dates to Book
Essential Information
Duration
  • 12 Days
Activities
  • 12 day cultural discovery
Accommodation
  • 11 nights hotel
Meals
  • 11 Dinners
  • 11 Lunches
  • 11 Breakfasts
Difficulty Grading  
2 / 10

Adventure touring

Carbon Footprint  

63kg of CO2-e PP per day

(695kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Jambay Lhakang Festival Trip highlights

  • Experience one of Bhutan’s most intimate festivals, the Jambay Lhakhang Tshechu, with sacred masked dances and rare midnight fire rituals
  • Visit Bhutan’s iconic dzongs – fortress-monasteries that blend spiritual devotion with centuries-old architecture and local power
  • Walk the wetlands of Gangtey (Phobjikha) Valley, where black-necked cranes arrive in October to roost in this alpine sanctuary
  • Absorb wondrous views of Jomolhari (7326m), Bhutan's most sacred mountain
  • Hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest), Bhutan’s most revered pilgrimage site perched high above the Paro Valley

Overview

Explore mystical Bhutan on this enriching, fully guided cultural tour that culminates with the extraordinary Jambay Lhakhang Festival – a once-a-year Buddhist celebration filled with masked dances, sacred rituals and deep spiritual symbolism.

Timed to coincide with one of Bhutan’s most atmospheric Tshechus, this exclusive cultural journey explores the monasteries, valleys and remote villages of western and central Bhutan – from the vibrant streets of Thimphu to the quiet beauty of Bumthang and the forested wetlands of Gangtey.

At the ancient Jambay Lhakhang monastery, join locals and pilgrims to witness a vivid display of folk and masked dances performed by monks in ornate costumes. Highlights include the sacred Tercham, or “fire blessing dance,” held at midnight under the cold October sky – a rare experience that few international travellers witness.

With comfortable hotel stays and gentle day walks, you'll explore Bhutan’s living traditions without the demands of a full trek – visiting heritage museums, active monasteries, hillside chortens and mountaintop temples. At the end of the journey, hike to the breathtaking Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched high above the Paro Valley and accessible only on foot.

In the high alpine basin of Phobjikha (Gangtey) Valley, you may be lucky enough to see the first of Bhutan’s revered black-necked cranes arriving for winter – a sacred symbol of peace and longevity. The wetlands here are a conservation success story and an unforgettable landscape to walk through.

With all meals, private transport, expert local guides, airport transfers and your Bhutan visa included, this guided cultural tour offers a rare chance to experience the Jambay Lhakhang Festival and the untouched beauty of Bhutan – with just one departure each year.

Itinerary

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Welcome to Bhutan! On arrival you meet your Bhutanese guide and driver who will greet you with a BIG Kuzu Zangpola (Welcome). We drive to Thimphu (approx 1 hr drive) and check into the hotel overlooking the Thimphu valley. This is the first proper glimpse of Bhutan but you should be aware that this is the most developed urban center in Bhutan, very unique from any capital of the world. Home to the government, the royal family and the head offices of all international organization Thimphu has changed radically in the last decade. After a quick freshen up we begin the Bhutan Experience by visiting the Buddha Dordenma, the largest sitting statue of Buddha in the World. This statue sits atop a hill protectively overlooking the Thimphu valley below. In the evening, our guide will conduct a thorough tour briefing outlining the trip ahead. Overnight: Hotel Riverview or similar

Meals: L,D

We have a day to explore the nation's capital of Thimphu and its plethora of historical museums and sites. Today's activities include visiting the Textile Museum, which showcases the renowned traditional textile arts of Bhutan and displays the royal robes donned by the King and Queen of Bhutan worn at the Royal Wedding in 2012. We also visit a folk heritage museum - offering an insight into the village life of a local farmer, the famed Thimphu Dzong, a magnificent structure that seats the Government and the office of his Majesty. Take some time to admire the architecture of this and other Dzongs as they were constructed without a single nail. Thimphu Dzong is the summer home of the central monk; during winter he moves to Punakha. The tour continues at a painting school that teaches students the thirteen traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. Overnight: Hotel Riverview or similar

Meals: B,L,D

This morning we head off over the Dochu La pass at 3100m feet towards Punakha, where it is relatively warmer than Paro and Thimphu. Punakha is the ancient capital of Bhutan and is dominated by the impressive Punakha Dzong, which sits at the confluence of the Mo (female) and Po (male) rivers. The Central Monk Body moves from Thimphu to Punakha every winter as the lower elevation is more temperate. Enroute we visit the Chimi Lhakhang (temple) dedicated to the Divine Mad Monk - Drukpa Kuenley, and learn how this Buddhist monk was able to teach people the words of the Buddha through very peculiar and unconventional methods of teaching. Overnight: Khuru Resort or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Today’s day begins with a short hike through rice fields, chillies and cabbage, to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a monument dedicated to the King of Bhutan, that offers commanding views of the valley floor and up to the high mountains of Gasa. This beautiful trek is about two hours return from the road. Once at the Chorten (stupa) you will be treated with spectacular views of the whole Punakha valley. We will plan a Picnic lunch today in an exclusive campsite by the riverside of Mo Chhu. Our next stop will be the magnificent Punakha Dzong built on the confluence of the Pho and Mo Chhu (male and female) rivers. The Dzong is the winter residence of the monastic order’s head, with numerous altar rooms and grand courtyards to be explored. Built by Zhabdrung in 1637, Punakha Dzong is one of the most impressive architectural monuments in the country. It houses some of the country’s most sacred relics, including Zhabdrung’s preserved remains. Bhutan has many trekking levels available, please speak with your guide for options. Overnight: Khuru Resort or similar

Meals: B,L,D

In the morning, we continue our journey to Trongsa. Here lies the largest fortress in the kingdom, the Trongsa Dzong, powerhouse of ancient Bhutan. Strategically located on the east-west mule tracks, the governors of Trongsa were the most powerful leaders in the medieval age that gave birth to the monarchial systems in Bhutan, which shaped the history of the country. We visit the precious watch tower known as the Ta Dzong, now converted into a museum. We venture inside to find a small chapel dedicated to King Gesar, an epic hero of Tibetan history, as well as an excellent museum dedicated to the monarchs of Bhutan. Overnight: Yangkhil Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Early morning drive to Bumthang and onwards to Tang Valley - the most remote of Bumthang's valleys. Terton Pema Lingpa, the famous saint responsible for discovering many treasures as prophesied by Guru Rinpoche, was born in this valley. Tang Valley villagers herd sheep and yaks, at higher elevation. Tang Valley combines immense natural beauty with the mystique of playing host to the greatest collection of eminent spiritual practitioners. One such person, Longchen Rabjam and his descendants have built the Ogyenchholing Museum, which was restored in the 19th century. Today it houses the Family Museum, a place that will transport visitors to another world and time. The museum houses exhibits recreated to capture the ambience of the lifestyle of the Trongsa Penlop (Governor), Tshokye Dorji and his household. It also serves as a retreat for those engaged in religious history. Bhutan's history truly unfolds here. Afterwards, we drive to Pema Choling Nunnery where nuns undergo several years of religious studies and live celibate lives. We may be lucky enough to meet and interact with some of the nuns, or even sit in the shrine and hear them chant mantras with bells and drums. Towards the late afternoon we drive to Bumthang for the night. Overnight: Rinchenling Lodge or similar

Meals: B,L,D

This morning we drive to the festival ground of the 7th Century Jambay monastery dedicated to the future Buddha. The festival begins today with the ground purification dance and welcome folk dances by the women of Bumthang. The crowd will slowly pour in as the festival gains momentum. There are different local, national and Tibetan style masked and folk dances that will captivate your attention. Festivals offers an opportunity to immerse yourself into the spirituality of the atmosphere. Traditional Buddhist festivals in Bhutan are colourful affairs with dancers in elaborate traditional costumes and masks. The dances are designed to bring blessings to the spectators, instruct onlookers as to the Buddha’s teachings, and protect the monastery and the Kingdom from bad luck. Witnessing this important festival offers a rare insight into Buddhist culture. One highlight worthy of mentioning is the midnight naked men dance, Tercham, that requires you to be at the chilly grounds at the stroke of midnight. We recommend you wear warm clothes and many travellers have highlighted this event as something very unique. Enjoy the Tshechu. In the evening as the Tshechus nears the end, hike to Kurjey Lhakhang dedicated to one of the most important and notable saints, Guru Rinpoche, whose legacy also includes the famous Tiger’s Nest in Paro. Overnight: Rinchenling Lodge or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Today we will depart for the stunning Phobjikha Valley, and enroute we will stop at wonderful locations such as the Chendiji Stupa. We'll continue into the Gangtey Valley, home to Bhutan's black-necked cranes, now an endangered species. Conservation efforts by Bhutan and the World Wildlife Fund have been able to create a safe haven for these stunningly beautiful birds, which flock to the region's marshy wetlands in winter for roosting (mid-October to early March). If luck favours us, we'll have the chance to see a few of these flocks during our time in the valley. We plan to arrive by midday, and you'll have a chance to relax and enjoy a home-cooked picnic lunch. Afterwards, we'll reconvene for a visit to the Crane Centre to learn about the rare birds and efforts toward protection and community development. We'll get to meet their crane-in-resident, an injured bird that the centre cares for year-round. In the evening we’ll head out for a stroll, observing the beauty of the glacial valley and its communities, and stopping to admire the cranes, if they've made their winter arrival. You'll encounter local students on these walks eager to practise their English, an official language of education in Bhutan, along with the national language, Dzongkha. We'll have dinner together and spend the night at our hotel in Gangtey. Overnight: Hotel Dewachen or similar

Meals: B,L,D

This morning we embark on a short hike to Gangteng Gompa, a 17th century monastery overlooking the lush Phobjikha hills and wetland. Pema Lingpa, the famous 14th century blacksmith and Terton (treasure finder) from central Bhutan, chose this site for the Gompa; its head lama is an incarnation of this legendary lama. Within the complex you’ll find a central monastery, meditation hall, school, monks’ quarters, and a courtyard. Here we will meet a senior resident monk who has lived his life under strict vows of celibacy, discipline and meditation that are minimum requirements of being the teacher for the young novice monks. We can attend a prayer ceremony here dedicated to our loved ones, and for world peace and all sentient beings. From the temple we’ll hike to the surrounding villages, through forests and farmlands, basking in alpine scenery that is typical of Bhutan’s high country. After lunch, we will visit a farmhouse and interact with a farmer and his family. While you will notice that modern amenities such as electricity and road have improved the life and sanitation of the houses, the people still live the same as their forefathers, working on the fields and harvesting rice. The family will showcase to us how the famous Bhutanese dish, ema datse, the chili and cheese curry is prepared and get a chance to taste locally brewed ara (moonshine drink) made from organic grains grown from their fields. Overnight: Hotel Dewachen or similar

Meals: B,L,D

We drive back towards western Bhutan, across Lawala pass, and descend to Wangdi and the Dochula pass. The drive is scenic and we will stop periodically to truly appreciate the landscape and countryside of Bhutan. Upon arrival at Paro, the remainder of the night in Paro will be at your leisure to relax in preparation for the challenging but achievable hike to Takstang Monastery the following morning. Overnight: Hotel Drukchen or similar

Meals: B,L,D

This morning embark on the challenging but very achievable walk to Taktsang Gonpa, one of the most iconic and venerated Buddhist monuments in the Himalayas. Set into a cliff face 800m (2600 ft.) above Paro, the Tiger’s Nest, as it's known, takes its name from a mythical journey made by Lord Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), who flew there on a tigress’ back in order to meditate for three months and convert the valley to Buddhism. Since then, many of Buddhism's most influential figures have visited. The main building of Taktsang was badly damaged in a fire, and a major restoration ended in 2003. The view from the teahouse is well worth the climb, and it is possible to hike all the way to the Goempa for a further 45 minutes and visit the various shrines in the building. Towards late afternoon, we will visit the 7th Century wish fulfilling Kyichu temple, built at the same time as the Jambay Lhakhang in Bumthang where we witnessed the festival. We stroll the market place and the different handicraft shops to shop for souvenirs and gifts for loved ones back home. Finally, soak in the luxury of the hotel and enjoy a farewell dinner with our guide and driver.

Meals: B,L,D

Your guide and driver will accompany you to the airport and bid their farewells there.

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

2 scheduled departures between 21 Oct 2026 and 9 Nov 2027.

  • Departs 21 Oct 2026 – ends 1 Nov 2026 (12 days)
  • Departs 9 Nov 2027 – ends 20 Nov 2027 (12 days)
View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • All meals during the trip: 11 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 11 dinners
  • Bhutan Government visa and sustainability fees
  • Good quality accommodation on a twinshare basis throughout
  • Private internal transportation
  • Airport transfers
  • Sightseeing and entrance fees as listed
  • Expert English speaking local guide

Not included

  • International flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not listed as included
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, etc.
  • Bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Any items not listed as included

Reviews (10)

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Great trip. Great guides. Great tour. Well thought out trip planning.

Adam Gollow|Larrakeyah, NT Australia
20 Nov 2023
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Robert Montanari|Claremont, WA Australia
8 Nov 2023
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All of us on the trip were very well traveled, but this particular trip went beyond our high expectations. The landscape, the architecture, and beauty of virtually every inch of Bhutan were stunning beyond measure, and Tandin and Tashi were fantastic guides. An incredible experience.

Lori Blumenthal|Portland, Oregon United States
7 Nov 2023
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The Jambay Lakhang Tour provided a unique opportunity to experience authentic and unparalleled Bhutanese culture. Unexpected highlights abound, witnessing monks creating a beautiful sand mandala, children performing the Black-necked Crane dance, and visiting the Sunday Thimphu markets. Brightly-clad people, claret-clad monks, majestic mountains and peace permeating combine to make this a must-visit destination! Thank you World Expeditions and Bhutan!

J. Cotterill|Hawker, ACT
26 Nov 2019
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An outstanding trip to a beautiful and welcoming country. Every view is picture worthy. Our guide and driver were outstanding, providing a great cultural and educational experience and excellent service. Be prepared for a heavily vegetarian diet. You will visit dozens of religious sites, bring appropriate clothing (including socks for walking on cold stone and concrete floors). The opportunity to attend a festival should not be missed.

L. Miller|Tucson, AZ
9 Nov 2018
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This was one of the very best travelling experiences I have had (and I have been travelling extensively during the last 10 years). Long distances between locations were broken by planned stops at places of interest. The festival celebrations were amazing.

G. Rojas Borraez|London, UK
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I am reborn! Simply the best holiday I have ever been on!Meeting two of Bhutan's Queens (there are 4 from the last King and one from the current one)in beautiful temples and listening to their wise words, and experiencing their humble characters, was the highlight.The trip offers a multitude of things: nature,very nice people,culture, buddhist spirituality, lovely walks. You can't go wrong going on this tour - it was unbelievable and above expectation in every respect!

I. Blatz|United Kingdom
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Dorota Geissel|Fulford, Quebec Canada
7 Nov 2023
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Rosalyn Malyon|Rapid Creek, NT Australia
7 Nov 2023

Extra trip info

Will My Trip Run?Why Book With Us

Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.

Is the departure confirmed?

Guaranteed to go This departure has reached its minimum number and will run.
It is the point travellers should wait for before booking any non-refundable flights.
Close to guaranteed This appears only when a date is close to reaching minimum numbers. If it shows 1 or 2 to guaranteed, book as a pair on a date needing two and it reaches its minimum. Your booking confirms the date for everybody already booked.

How full is the date I am looking at?

Space is filling or Space is filling fast This date has bookings and places are still open. Filling fast means limited spots available, so don't leave your decision too late.
Closing soon Down to its last few places, or close enough to departure that we are finalising numbers. Still bookable online.
Closed Not bookable online - either full, or inside the notice we need to arrange permits, flights and logistics. Ask us anyway, you never know!

Availability questions answered

Will this trip actually go ahead, or could it be cancelled?

If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings.

What does 2 to guarantee mean?

It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run.

What happens if my departure does not reach minimum numbers?

You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.

Will I get my money back if you cancel a departure?

If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.

Why can't I book some dates online?

Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.

The date I want is closed. What are my options and why does it say to enquire?

Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route.

None of these dates suit me. Can you run this trip on another date?

Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.

  • Delivering immersive travel experiences since 1975 – with deep expertise in Bhutan and the greater Himalaya.
  • Led by expert Bhutanese guides who offer rich cultural context and local knowledge – deepening your experience of the Jambay Lhakhang Festival
  • Enjoy an all-inclusive experience with expert local guides, private transport, all meals, sightseeing fees and your Bhutan visa covered.
  • Get full support from your local World Expeditions team, with your pre-trip planning, flight bookings and travel insurance.

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