Festival Route
15-Day Bumthang Festival Circuit
A comprehensive central Bhutan festival circuit built around Jakar Tshechu, Jambay Lhakhang Drup, Traakar Duchhoed, Bumthang cultural days, and western Bhutan highlights.
Duration15 Days / 14 Nights
RouteParo - Thimphu - Punakha - Trongsa - Bumthang - Gangtey / Punakha - Paro
Best ForIn-depth central Bhutan festivals
Jakar TshechuJambay Lhakhang DrupTraakar DuchhoedBumthang
Day 01: Arrival in Paro - Transfer to Thimphu
- Arrival at Paro International Airport
- Traditional welcome with khaddar
- Scenic drive to Thimphu (approx. 1.5 hrs)
- Drive along Paro River via Chuzom
- En-route stop at Tachogang Lhakhang & suspension bridge
- Visit Buddha Dordenma viewpoint
- Leisure walk in Thimphu city & local markets
- Overnight stay in Thimphu (2,400 m)
Day 02: Thimphu Sightseeing
- Drive past National Memorial Chorten
- Explore Folk Heritage Museum (traditional Bhutanese lifestyle)
- Visit Buddha Dordenma (largest sitting Buddha Statue in the world)
- Visit Tashichho Dzong (main administrative fortress)
- Overnight stay in Thimphu (2,400 m)
Day 03: Thimphu - Drive to Punakha
- Scenic drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass
- Stop at Dochula Pass (108 chortens & Himalayan views)
- Visit Punakha Dzong (river confluence fortress)
- Walk across Punakha Suspension Bridge
- River Rafting on the Punakha River.(Additional Cost)
- Overnight stay in Punakha (1,350 m)
Day 04: Punakha - Drive to Trongsa
- Visit Chimi Lhakhang (Fertility Temple)
- Gentle village walk through Sopsokha / Metshina village
- Scenic drive to Trongsa via central Bhutan landscapes
- Overnight stay in Trongsa (2,200 m)
Day 05: Trongsa - Drive to Bumthang / Jakar Tshechu
- Scenic drive to Bumthang via Yotongla Pass
- Attend final day of Jakar Tshechu if timing permits
- Evening leisure in Jakar town
- Overnight stay in Bumthang (2,600 m)
Day 06: Bumthang Cultural Valley
- Visit Jakar Dzong (Bumthang valley fortress)
- Visit Kurjey Lhakhang (sacred Guru Rinpoche site)
- Visit Jambay Lhakhang (one of Bhutan's oldest temples)
- Visit Tamshing Lhakhang (historic temple of Pema Lingpa)
- Overnight stay in Bumthang (2,600 m)
Day 07: Bumthang Hidden Valley Day
- Explore Tang Valley or Ura Valley
- Visit traditional villages and local homes
- Experience village life, local landscapes & cultural heritage
- Overnight stay in Bumthang (2,600 m)
Day 08: Bumthang Cultural Immersion
- Slow cultural day in Bumthang Valley
- Visit local market and weaving areas
- Village walk with farmhouse experience
- Overnight stay in Bumthang (2,600 m)
Day 09: Bumthang Preparation Day
- Visit nearby temples around Bumthang Valley
- Prepare for Jambay Lhakhang Drup festival experience
- Leisure time for photography and cultural exploration
- Overnight stay in Bumthang (2,600 m)
Day 10: Jambay Lhakhang Drup
- Attend Jambay Lhakhang Drup festival
- Festival photography and cultural observation
- Experience sacred mask dances, rituals & community gathering
- Overnight stay in Bumthang (2,600 m)
Day 11: Jambay Lhakhang Drup & Traakar Duchhoed
- Attend Jambay Lhakhang Drup festival
- Visit Traakar Duchhoed festival if schedule allows
- Experience overlapping Bumthang festival traditions
- Overnight stay in Bumthang (2,600 m)
Day 12: Bumthang Festival Day
- Full-day festival experience in Bumthang
- Observe religious dances, local rituals & community celebrations
- Overnight stay in Bumthang (2,600 m)
Day 13: Final Festival Morning - Drive to Trongsa
- Morning festival visit in Bumthang
- Scenic drive back to Trongsa after festival experience
- Overnight stay in Trongsa (2,200 m)
Day 14: Trongsa - Drive to Gangtey / Punakha
- Scenic drive west via Pelela Pass
- Optional Gangtey Valley stop if routing allows
- Overnight stay in Gangtey / Punakha
Day 15: Gangtey / Punakha - Drive to Paro / Departure
- Scenic drive to Paro via Dochula Pass & Chuzom
- Transfer to Paro International Airport subject to flight timing
- Optional Paro overnight extension for Tiger's Nest hike
- Departure from Bhutan
Prices mentioned are for international travelers and do not apply to regional travelers from India, Bangladesh, or Maldives.