Trip Overview
The five-day Dance of Fire and Spirit Tour offers a truly captivating cultural experience of the sacred Jambay Lhakhang Festival, held at one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples. Built in the 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, Jambay Lhakhang in Bumthang is renowned for its vibrant traditional dances, or chhams, performed by local villagers. Among the most fascinating is the Terchham, or Naked Dance, originally introduced by the revered Terton Dorji Lingpa, alongside the fiery Mewang (Fire Blessing) and other sacred performances like Macham and Dramtse Ngachham. This festival not only celebrates Bhutan’s deep spiritual heritage but also brings the community together in joyous ritual. Our tour combines this unforgettable cultural immersion with visits to historic temples, breathtaking valleys, and traditional crafts, offering a rich journey through Bhutan’s heartland during one of its most spirited festivals.
At a Glance
US $2640
Duration: 11 Days/10 Nights
Group size : 2 person & above
Tour Type: Cultural& Festival Tour
Highest Elevation : 3436m
Tour grade Level : Easy
Average walking Time : 4-5 Hours
Best Seasons : Oct-Nov
Accommodation : Hotels
Tour Highlights
- ✓ Witness most popular Naked dance.
- ✓ Attend iconic fire ceremony blessing (Mewang).
- ✓ Discover some of the most sacred monasteries, temples, and medieval fortresses.
- ✓ Explore the cultural sites of western and central Bhutan.
- ✓Visit local farm house to experience Bhutanese way of living.
- ✓Your trip will conclude in Paro with a climb to the stunning cliff-side Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
Route Map
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 (1 November, Saturday): Arrive Paro international airport.
During the journey, one will experience breath-taking view of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks including the sacred Jumolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by your guide and take you to Thimphu which is 54 km from Paro Airport and about 45 minutes’ drive. Later in the afternoon visit the King’s Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan); Changgangkha Monastery; visit the mini zoo where you will see national animal of Bhutan Takin, and the majestic Tashichhodzong. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.
Day 2 (2 November, Sunday): Thimphu
After breakfast, visit Buddha statue, School of Arts and Crafts (also known as the painting school); Traditional paper factory, visit Post office were you can personalize your stamp, visit weaving centre, Semtokha Dzong. Evening: Stroll through the town. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.
Day 3 (3 November, Monday): Thimphu – Punakha
After breakfast this morning, enjoy the scenic drive to Punakha with a stop for tea at Dochu La (3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Eastern Himalayas. From the pass, drive downhill through the forests of rhododendron, fir and hemlock. You will arrive Punakha after traversing through rice field and along the bank of Punakha River. On the way to Punakha, you will stop at Metsina village and take a 20 minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, which is a fertility temple. After Lunch you will visit the Punakha Dzong, which is stunningly situated inbetween the male and female rivers like an anchored ship. Overnight hotel in Punakha
Day 4 (4 November , Tuesday): Punakha – Trongsa
After early Breakfast you will start your drive to Trongsa. You will reach Pelela pass( 3300m) and stop for few minutes for the photo and stretch your muscle. Your next stop will be at chendabjee for lunch. After lunch continue your drive Trongsa, you will visit Trongsa Dzong. . Overnight at hotel in Trongsa.
Day 5 (5 November, Wednesday): Trongsa – Bumthang.
After early Breakfast, you will start your drive to Bumthang. On the way you will cross Yontongla pass(3450m) and after pass you will enter in to Bumthang region. ). Along the way you will stop at the Yathra (textile weaving) factory, where the Yathras are designed with unique Patterns that have been conserved long way back in Bumthang, and you can even watch some of the weavers at their looms. After lunch you will visit Kurjey Lakhang, where Guru Rinpochee left his body imprints inside cave. You will also visit Jambay lakhang and Tamshing lakhang. Evening you can stroll freely in the town. Overnight hotel in Bumthang.
Day 6 (6 November, Thursday): Bumthang , Jambay Lakhang Festival
Enjoy full day of festival dances and celebrations with the people of Bumthang and nearby villages. Overnight at hotel in Bumthang
Day 7 (7 November , Friday): Bumthang – Excursion to Tang Valley
Today, you will make an enjoyable excursion to the Tang valley, which is the most remote valley in Bumthang. While in the Tang, you will visit 16th century Ugyen Chholing Palace or the country manor, which is now turned into a museum. The well-captioned exhibits offer insights into lifestyle of a Bhutanese noble family. You will also explore nearby villages. On the way back to town, you will see Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake), where some of Guru Rinpoche’s treasures were found in the 15th century by the famous treasure discoverer Pema Lingpa. Overnight hotel in Bumthang
Day 8 (8 November, Saturday ): Bumthang – Phobjekha.
After early breakfast, you will drive to Phobjekha valley which is a famous for winter roosting place for Black necked crane. In Phobjekha valley you will hike Gangtey Natural Trail. The most beautiful and shortest of the existing nature trails in Bhutan. The trail hike starts from the mani (like Chhorten) stone wall to the north of the Ganagtey Gonpa and ends in Khewa Lhakhang. The hike takes about 1hr 30minutes through the pine forest and small bamboo plants. You can see the Phobjkha valley so beautifully from this hike. It is one of the best hike places for the Nature lovers. During the winter months, we can see the endangered species of birds Black Neck Cranes. . Overnight hotel in Phobjekha.
Day 9 (9 November, Sunday): Phobjekha – Paro
After early breakfast Drive to Paro with a stop at Dochula for lunch . After lunch proceed towards Paro. You will visit Paro Dzong. It was built in 17th century and now houses government offices and religious institutions. Then you will visit Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in 8th century . Overnight hotel in Paro.
Day 10 (10 November, Monday): Paro. Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
In the morning you will hike to Taktsang(Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan’s most famous monastery situated at 3180 meters. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. The Moanstery is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. Lunch will be served at the Cafeteria. Explore the monastery and hike back to the valley in the afternoon. Overnight hotel in Paro.
Day 11 (11 November, Tuesday): Departure
Drive to the airport for departure. Our representative will bid you farewell.
COST INCLUDES
- ✓ Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
- ✓ VISA Fee
- ✓ Accommodation
- ✓ All meals
- ✓ Transport
- ✓ All internal taxes & charges
- ✓ Licensed Bhutanese Tour Guide
COST EXCLUDES
- ✗ Flight tickets
- ✗ Insurance
- ✗ Drinks and Beverages
- ✗ Tips
- ✗ Internet and Phone bills
- ✗ Other bills of personal nature
INSURANCE
Note: Package does not include insurance of any kind.
You are required to obtain separate coverage from your home country before your trip begins.
You are required to obtain separate coverage from your home country before your trip begins.
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