Meals

All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) included. Most Bhutanese dishes are rich and spicy with a lot of cheese and chilli. It is advisable that visitors stick to the Chinese, Continental or Indian cuisine that is served in most restaurants. Visitors can also choose among the various vegetarian and non-veg food. You can also try out momos, the Tibetan dumplings and for those daring you may try out the ema datshi dish served with cheese and chilli and other typical Bhutanese dishes.

Guide

All our tours are accompanied by licensed and experienced English-speaking guides. We can also arrange other languages-speaking guide at an extra cost.

Transport

Our drivers are professionally trained, licensed and experienced. We use comfortable transport within Bhutan for pick ups and drops from airports and hotels. Types of vehicles used are Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, Kia Sorento Car, Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota Hiace Bus, Hyundai H1 Hiace Bus and Toyota Coaster Bus.

Others

Price Includes •Camping equipment and haulage for trekking tours •Baggage handling at all hotels and camps •All entrance fees to museums and other attractions •All applicable internal taxes and service fees •Mineral water •Bhutan visa fees

Accommodation

Across Bhutan we have a wide range of accommodation that is selected to truly enhance your travel experience. Your package price includes comfortable 3 star properties based on 2 adults sharing a twin/double bed (single supplements apply) that are generally centrally located, atmospheric, and reliable and where we have seen a good track record with travellers’ satisfaction over many years. On a handful of itineraries you’ll be accommodated in government-certified homestays/farhouses. This is where a local family will open their home providing a wonderful insight into local culture, cuisines and comfortable lodgings with shared bathrooms and a warm reception from your hosts. When trekking in Bhutan you’ll always stay your overnight in our fully supported camping, erected in scenic wilderness settings where our crew look after all the logistics, leaving you to relax at the end of the day. All you need to bring is a sleeping bag and pillow.

Not included:

Flights

Flights are excluded, but we can help you arrange them. We arrange only Drukair or Bhutan Airlines tickets in and out of Paro International Airport and domestic flight at no extra fee. No other airlines fly into Bhutan except the Drukair (National Airlines) and Bhutan Airlines (Tashi Air Pvt. Ltd) operate to and out of Paro International Airport in Bhutan from the following gateway cities: •Changi Airport, Singapore from $1000 (round-trip) •Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Bangkok, Thailand from $990 (round-trip) •Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, Nepal from $405 (round-trip) •Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Dhaka, Bangladesh from $400 (round-trip) •Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, India from $620 (round-trip) •Netaji Subash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata, India from $430 (round-trip) Domestic Air Services There are currently three Domestic Airports in Bhutan that operate from Paro International Airport. •Bathpalathang Domestic Airport in Bumthang in central Bhutan from $340 (round-trip) •Yonphula Domestic Airport in Trashigang in eastern Bhutan from $380 (round-trip) •Gelephu Domestic Airport in Sarpang in southern Bhutan from $340 (round-trip) Note: Airfares may change due to currency fluctuation, fuel surcharge or changes in statutory taxes or charges. The final airfares can only be confirmed upon issue of tickets.

Others

Price Excludes •International and domestic flights •Discretionary tips to guides and drivers •Other personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls, etc. •Upgrade to 4-star and 5-star luxury accommodation •Single room supplement from USD $50 per night in 3-star hotels

Insurance

Travel insurance is mandatory for all travellers whilst on a tour organized by us. BGT does not provide insurance coverage for your trip and hence you are wholly responsible and adequately insured for your holiday from your country of residence. You must take out travel insurance with suitable cover for the duration of your holiday against medical reasons, injury, death, repatriation (including helicopter rescue and air ambulance where applicable), cancellation, curtailment, loss/damage or other risks. Please read your policy and take it with you on holiday.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Arrive Paro
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Arrive Paro

On arrival we meet you at Paro International Airport after clearing the immigration and customs formalities and transfer to your hotel in Thimphu for check-in. Flying into Paro is not just to connect Bhutan but also get to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges, including Mt. Everest (8848m/29028ft), Mt. Kanchenjunga (8586m/28169 ft) and Mt. Gangkar Puensum (7570m/24,836ft). You will be driven (54-km) for an hour to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. We stop off at the 13th century Tachog Lhakhang Temple en route to Thimphu, built by Saint Dupthop Thangtong Gyalpo (the iron bridge builder). Tonight enjoy a welcome drink and dinner with authentic Bhutanese traditional recipes at the Folk Heritage Restaurant. Foods served are fresh and organic that is cooked over open fire in the Bhutanese traditional style of cooking. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 2 Day 2: Thimphu
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Thimphu

Today you explore the best of Thimphu city at 2300m, home to approximately 138,736 inhabitants. Thimphu is a small city but has many attractive places. We begin at the National Memorial Chorten (stupa), built in memory of The King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Another must see place to tick off on your list is Kuenselphodrang (the largest 169ft Buddha Dordenma statue in the world). Our next stop is at the Institute of Zorig Chusum (Painting School) where the students learn the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. After lunch, move on to the nearby National Library, where you’ll see the world’s largest book “Bhutan: A Visual Odyssey Across the Last Himalayan Kingdom.” It weighs over 60 kg, is 1.52 metres high and 2.13 metres wide and its pages are turned once per month. Next see the impressive Tashichhodzong that houses some ministries, the office and throne room of His Majesty the King and the Central Monk Body. Use your free time to relax or explore the great atmospheric Thimphu city. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 3 Day 3: Moving To Punakha
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Moving To Punakha

After breakfast you’ll be driven to Punakha (71-km) around 3 hours, the old capital of Bhutan until 1955. Punakha, at an elevation of 1350m, has temperate climate. Head out of the city and travel approximately 45 minute to Tashigang Gonpa in Hongtsho en route, just outside of Thimphu. Venture into the most picturesque hike to the Lungchutse Gonpa. The Lungchutse hike (3-4 hour) takes you through a diverse forest of hemlock, rhododendrons and junipers until you reach the temple on the ridge. Weather permitting, you’re rewarded with all major mountains of Bhutan including Jomolhari (7314m), Kang Bum (6494m), Gangchhenta (6784m), Masang Gang (7194m), Tsenda Kang (6,994m), Teri Kang (7304m), Jejekangphu Gang (7190m), Kangphu Gang (7212m), Zongpgu Gang (7,094m) and Gangkar Puensum (7,570m). Behind these major mountains lie the Tibetan plateaus. Continue on to the trail descending to the Druk Wangyal Chortens (108 stupas), built on the crest of Dochula Pass at 3050m. After lunch enjoy a scenic drive as you continue your journey to Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang. Arriving in Punakha, visit the Chimi Lhakhang Temple, nestled on a round hillock near a village called Sopsokha, built in 1499 by Saint Drukpa Kinley (known as the Divine Madman). The temple is known to the English-speaking world as “The Fertility Temple.” Legend has it that the childless couples wishing to have a baby from across Bhutan and occasionally from overseas are blessed with a child after visiting the temple. Overnight in Punakha.
Day 4 Day 4: Punakha
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Punakha

This morning enjoy a short hike to the fascinating temple (Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten) built by the Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuk. It is majestically located on a strategic ridge overlooking terraced fields and countryside of the Punakha valley. Take an easy stroll, crossing a suspension bridge and walk through rice fields before climbing a moderately inclined trail surrounded by pine trees. It takes about 1 hour from the parking to hike up, and 30 minutes to hike down. Later you’ll take the opportunity to make your way to the Sangchen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery Buddhist College in Wolakha, Punakha, built by the Queen Mothers’ parents. Your tour continues to the charming Rinchengang village, the important cultural site identified by the Department of Culture. You have plenty of time to relax or explore the Punakha–Wangdue Phodrang valley at your own way. Overnight in Punakha.
Day 5 Day 5: Gangtey Nature Walk
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Gangtey Nature Walk

Leave Punakha after breakfast for the 2-3 hours drive to Gangtey (78-km) via Wangdue Phodrang, and takes you past the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong (gutted by fire in 2012) under reconstruction. Later visit the picturesque 17th century Gangtey Gonpa at 2900m, where the only Nyingmapa School of Buddhism is taught here in western Bhutan. Rest of the day is yours to relax, enjoy or explore the delightful surroundings of Phobjikha valley at 2900m. Walk down down (4-km) to Semchubara village and then takes you through a forest of conifers before it opens up to the vast plains of the Phobjikha valley. Continue through gentle grassy slopes carpeted with purple primluas where the trail ends at Khewa Lhakhang near the local community school. Phobjikha valley is well known as the winter home of the rare Black-Necked Cranes. The birds migrate from the Tibetan plateau to spend their winter from early November and fly back to Tibet between February and March. Overnight in Phobjikha.
Day 6 Day 6: Gangtey – Bumthang
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Gangtey – Bumthang

Our journey today for the 4 hours drive takes us to Trongsa (120-km) via Chelela Pass at 3390m. It is not uncommon to encounter grazing yaks by the roadside along the highway. On the way take a stroll along the Chendebji Chorten below the road. This 18th century monument resembles the Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu, Nepal with eyes painted at the four cardinal points. Enjoy the scenic journey, changing landscapes from the awe-inspiring mountains to lush vegetation. Lunchtime is at Trongsa, the ancestral home of the present Royal Family of Bhutan (where the Institutional Monarchy of Bhutan was born). Continue to Bumthang (68-km) for 2-3 hours via Yotongla Pass at 3425m. You have an option to stop for a visit to the Yathra Weaving Centre at Chumey village, where they use yak and sheep wools for yathra products with patterns unique to Bumthang. Overnight in Bumthang.
Day 7 Day 7: Bumthang Valley Gentle Walk
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Bumthang Valley Gentle Walk

Today we kick off our sightseeing tour in the rich spiritual heartland of Bhutan. From the hotel you are driven 10-minutes to Jambay Lhakhang Temple, built in the 7th century to subdue evil spirits in the Himalayan region. Next take a short farm track along the valley floor and walk for 15-20 minutes to Kurjey Lhakhang where the Saint Guru Padmasambava (also known Guru Rinpoche) is said to have meditated here in the 8th century. The final walk crosses a bridge over the rushing Chamkharchhu River and walk around 25-minutes to Tamshing Lhakhang, the most important Nyingma temple in Bhutan, built in 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa. Our walk ends here from where your transport will meet you outside the temple. On the way visit the Lhodrak Kharchhu Monastery, perched on the hill overlooking the delightful Bumthang town. Here the monks are busy with their prayers, chantings and the drums in the backdrop. In the evening, why not peek if crowds have gathered to witness the ritualistic naked dance (tercham) of the Festival of Jambay Lhakhang Drup, if lucky? Overnight in Bumthang.
Day 8 Day 8: Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival

Today enjoy the Jambay Lhakhang Drup (festival) for a full day. Experience the day filled with traditional masked dances and folk dances, depicting demons, heroes, animals and wearing brightly coloured brocade outfits. The main highlight of this festival is the most spectacular mid-night sacred naked dance (tercham) and draws a lot of tourists every year! For the Bhutanese such festivals are religiously important for praying and receive blessings but also a great opportunity for locals to get together, dressed in the finest traditional clothes and jewellery. Enjoy a tranquil evening strolling the streets of a small Bumthang town. Overnight in Bumthang.
Day 9 Day 9: Bumthang – Trongsa
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Bumthang – Trongsa

This morning drive 2-3 hours to Trongsa (68-km) via Yotongla Pass at 3,425m. En route explore the Tower of Trongsa (Ta Dzong or ancient watchtower), a cylindrical stone structure rising five storeys above the Trongsa Dzong, built in 1652. Today the tower houses a museum (dedicated to the Wangchuck dynasty) presenting the rich historical and religious heritage of Trongsa Dzong. After lunch, you’ll visit the majestic architectural masterpiece of Trongsa Dzong with a distinctive yellow roof. The evening is at leisure to relax and enjoy, we have allowed some time for this and also to explore the idyllic Trongsa town and its surroundings. Overnight in Trongsa.
Day 10 Day 10: Back To Thimphu
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Back To Thimphu

Today is a driving day as we head back to Thimphu via Wangdue Phodrang. The scenic journey takes around 7-8 hours and passes through a variety of landscapes, ranging from gentle hills to the awe-inspiring mountainous peaks with villages perched on the steep slopes. Bhutan’s capital is not a concrete jungle that you see in other parts of the world. Thimphu, at an altitude of 2,300m, is set in a lovely rural valley with beautiful natural scenery on all sides and buildings built in the traditional Bhutanese style without traffic lights. You’ll still find the police directing traffic with an intricate ballet of hand signals at the main intersections. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 11 Day 11: Hike To Tiger’S Nest
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Hike To Tiger’S Nest

Depart early morning for Paro after breakfast. Today is a real highlight as you take a short excursion to Paro Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) at 2950m. The monastery is one of the most revered places of pilgrimage in Bhutan. No visit to Bhutan would be complete without a trip to Taktshang. It is stunning in its beauty and location. The monastery is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, 900m above the Paro floor valley. The hike (4-km) starts at the base of the mountain from the road at Ramthangkha, 12-km from the Paro town. Enjoy walking around 4-5 hours to do the round trip hike plus an hour to tour the monastery on a comfortable pace. The well maintained trails are wide, uphill the entire way but not overly steep, wind through beautiful pine forest, trees festooned with Spanish Moss and fluttering prayer flags. Gentle horse/pony rides are available for transport halfway up the trail, where you will be treated to a stunning viewpoint of the monastery clinging to the cliff wall. Overnight in Paro.
Day 12 Day 12: End Of Tour
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: End Of Tour

Your tour ends today after breakfast. Transfer to Paro International Airport for your return scheduled flight accompanied by your guide from Bhutan Green Travel. Goodbye and Good luck! Tashi Delek!

12 days tour

Marvels Of Jambay Lhakhang Festival

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Marvels Of Jambay Lhakhang Festival

Day 1: Arrive Paro

Day 2: Thimphu

Day 3: Moving To Punakha

Day 4: Punakha

Day 5: Gangtey Nature Walk

Day 6: Gangtey – Bumthang

Day 7: Bumthang Valley Gentle Walk

Day 8: Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival

Day 9: Bumthang – Trongsa

Day 10: Back To Thimphu

Day 11: Hike To Tiger’S Nest

Day 12: End Of Tour

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