Festival

11-Day Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival Tour

An eleven-day autumn festival journey to Bumthang for the Jambay Lhakhang Drup and its fire blessing, travelling through Punakha, Phobjikha and Trongsa.

Duration: 11 days
Route: Paro – Thimphu – Punakha – Phobjikha – Trongsa – Bumthang – Punakha – Paro
Best time: October or November, timed to the festival; dates follow the lunar calendar and are confirmed before booking.
Activity: Easy to moderate, with several long mountain drives and an optional Tiger's Nest hike.

The journey

This eleven-day festival tour travels to Bumthang in Central Bhutan for the Jambay Lhakhang Drup, held at one of the country’s oldest temples. The festival is known for its night-time fire blessing (mewang) as well as daytime masked dances. The route crosses the country through Punakha, the Phobjikha valley and Trongsa, and returns west to Paro.

When is Jambay Lhakhang Drup?

The festival is held in the ninth month of the Bhutanese lunar calendar, usually in October or November. The Department of Tourism’s tentative dates for 2027 are 14 to 17 November. Dates can change, so we confirm them before you book flights.

How long are the drives to Bumthang?

Bumthang is a long drive from Paro, so this route breaks the journey with nights in Punakha, Phobjikha and Trongsa on the way. The return is a long drive day. Ask us about a domestic flight if you would rather shorten it; flights are limited and weather-dependent.

What should I wear to a festival?

Dress smartly and respectfully, covering shoulders and knees, and remove hats in temples. Watch the dances from the spectator areas, avoid flash, never step onto the dance ground, and ask before photographing people. Your guide explains any rules for particular rituals.

Your itinerary and quote

We tailor the hotels, meals, visits and pace to your group. Your written itinerary and quote identify the agreed services, government fees and applicable GST before you book. See our visa, SDF and tax guide for the current fee breakdown.

Send your dates, group size and interests to request your itinerary and quote.

Tour highlights

Jambay Lhakhang Drup in the Bumthang valley
The night-time mewang fire blessing
Trongsa Dzong and the Ta Dzong museum
Phobjikha valley and Gangtey Goenpa
Tiger's Nest hike in Paro

Day by day

Day1Arrive in Paro and drive to Thimphu

Meet your guide at Paro International Airport and drive to Thimphu. Overnight in Thimphu.

Day2Thimphu to Punakha

Visit Thimphu's main sights, then cross Dochula to Punakha. Overnight in Punakha.

Day3Punakha to Phobjikha

Visit Punakha Dzong, then drive to the Phobjikha valley and Gangtey Goenpa. Overnight in Phobjikha.

Day4Phobjikha to Trongsa

Cross Pele La, stopping at Chendebji Chorten, then visit Trongsa Dzong and the Ta Dzong museum. Overnight in Trongsa.

Day5Trongsa to Bumthang

A short drive to Bumthang. Visit Jakar Dzong and settle in before the festival. Overnight in Bumthang.

Day6Jambay Lhakhang Drup: fire blessing

Visit Kurjey Lhakhang and Tamshing, then attend the evening mewang fire blessing at Jambay Lhakhang. Overnight in Bumthang.

Day7Jambay Lhakhang Drup: masked dances

Watch the daytime dances in the temple courtyard. Overnight in Bumthang.

Day8Bumthang to Punakha

A long drive west over the passes, broken with stops. Overnight in Punakha.

Day9Punakha to Paro

Drive back to Paro via Dochula and visit Rinpung Dzong. Overnight in Paro.

Day10Tiger's Nest hike

Hike to Taktsang, the Tiger's Nest, or choose a gentler day in Paro. Overnight in Paro.

Day11Departure

Transfer to Paro International Airport for your confirmed flight.

Good to know

Included

Accommodation in the hotel category and room arrangement stated in your quote
Private vehicle, driver and transfers listed in the confirmed itinerary
English-speaking guide for the agreed programme
Meals and attraction entry fees specifically listed in your quote

Excluded

International and domestic flights unless expressly included in the quote
Travel insurance, personal purchases, laundry and gratuities
Optional activities and services outside the confirmed itinerary
Visa fees and Sustainable Development Fee unless expressly included in the quote

Your questions

When is Jambay Lhakhang Drup in 2027?

The Department of Tourism's tentative dates are 14 to 17 November 2027. We confirm the dates before you book flights.

What is the mewang fire blessing?

A night-time ritual in which people pass through a burning gateway for blessings. Your guide explains how to watch safely and respectfully.

How long is the drive to Bumthang?

This route breaks the journey with overnight stops on the way. The return from Bumthang to Punakha is a long day of around seven to eight hours with stops.

Can I photograph the mask dances?

Photography is generally allowed from the spectator areas. Avoid flash, never enter the dance ground, and follow your guide's instructions during sacred rituals.

Are the festival dates fixed?

No. Bhutan's festivals follow the lunar calendar, and the Department of Tourism publishes tentative dates that can change. We confirm the dates before you book flights.

Is the tour price available?

Price is on request. Your written quote sets out the travel dates, group size, rooms, hotels, meals, SDF, visa charges and applicable GST, with payment and cancellation terms.