Bumthang Jakar Tshechu Festival | Bumthang Festival

Trip Facts
Accommodation:	Standard to Deluxe Hotel's Option
Grade:	Easy
Max Altitude:	3,100 m/10,170 ft
Meals:	As Mentioned In The Itinerary
Transportation:	Private Vehicle/Flight
Group Size:	1 to 15 People
Duration :	13 Nights/14 Days

Highlights

Participate in Bumthang Jakar Tsechue which celebrates the Birth Anniversary of Guru Rinpoche, Padmasambhava
Visit Gangtey Valley, Punakha, Thimphu and Paro town and Hike to the Tiger Nest (Taktsang Monastery)
Enjoy Bhutanese Authentic Foods, Culture, Visit Villages and markets in Bhutan
Visit World Renowned Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and other World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu
Pay Homage to Living Goddess, Kumari and visit Sacred Hindu and Buddhist Temples
Scenic Kathmandu/Paro and witness Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Gaurishankar and Bhutanese Mountains

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival (1,350 m /4,430 ft)

Day 02: Fly to Paro (2,200 m/7,218 ft)- 50 Minutes and Sightseeing

Day 03: Fly to Bumthang (2,800 m/ 9,186 ft)-30 Minutes and Witness Festival

Day 04: Witness Bumthang Festival

Day 05: Sightseeing in Bumthang

Day 06: Drive to Trongsa and to Gangtey Valley (3,000 m/9,800 ft)-5 Hours

Day 07: Sightseeing in Gangtey Valley and Phobjika Valley

Day 08: Drive to Punakha Town (1,242 m/4,075 ft)-2 Hours

Day 09: Drive Back to Thimphu (2,334 m/ 7,657 ft)- 4 Hours

Day 10: Drive back to Paro (2,200 m/ 7,218 ft) - 1 Hour

Day 11: Hike to Tiger's Nest Taktsang Monastery (3,048 m/10,000 ft)-5/6 Hours

Day 12: Fly Back to Kathmandu and Visit Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa

Day 13: Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swyombhunath Stupa

Day 14: Departure from Kathmandu

Overview

Bumthang Jakar Tshechu Festival celebrates the Birth Anniversary of Guru Rinpoche, Padmasambhava.This is Bumthang’s official festival and celebrated for three days inside the gigantic Jakar Dzong. Tshechu is always conducted or ended on the 10th Day of a Bhutanese Calendar. The term Tshechu means the tenth day which is auspicious in Bhutan. The whole district of Jakar or Bumthang remains closed for three days to witness the annual Bumthang Jakar Tshechu Festival. Tshechus are organized in all 20 Districts of Bhutan and each district performs at different months from one another and it’s more like a New Year Celebrations.

This festival is celebrated with mask dances and songs by both the Buddhist Monks and local villagers It is an important event as all related folks from across the country comes together and discusses the important issue and prays together for a successful year. Jakar Festival is the celebrations for the citizens as well as big day of offerings to the Guru Rinpoche and other local deities. This festival is usually celebrated in End of October or First week of November.

Bumthang Festival Tour has been designed to witness the Jakar Tshechu and experience the country’s most scenic and finest locations. During our tour, we visit Monasteries, Dzongs, monuments, local villages, farms and interact with the Country’s people of Gross National Happiness. We fly to Paro from Kathmandu and this flight is one of the most scenic flight to see mountains from Langtang, Gaurishankar, Everest, Makalu, Kanchenjunga and many Bhutanese Mountains. We fly to Bumthang from Paro and after witnessing Jakar Festival, we visit Gangtey, Punakha, Thimphu and Paro. In Paro besides sightseeing, we hike to Tiger Nest on a hanging cliff which is the source and inspiration for Bhutanese Culture and people.

This year Bumthang Jakar Festival is from 21st to 25th October, 2023.

Detail Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival (1,350 m /4,430 ft)

Upon arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, we will meet you at the arrival lounge and drive to hotel. In the evening, we will take you for Nepalese Dinner to introduce with Nepalese food and culture.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: D

Activity Duration:

Day 02: Fly to Paro (2,200 m/7,218 ft)- 50 Minutes and Sightseeing

Breakfast at hotel and timely transfer to Kathmandu International Airport to fly into Paro. During the flight, you see the views of Langtang Range, Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga etc in Nepal and the sacred Jumolhari, and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan. Upon arrival in Paro, we drive to hotel and in the evening we visit Paro Dzong and walk to the wooden bridge.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Paro.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 03: Fly to Bumthang (2,800 m/ 9,186 ft)-30 Minutes and Witness Festival

After breakfast, we drive to airport and fly to Bumthang. Flight offers magnificent views of valleys, human settlements in different locations of the country. The high peaks standing on the border of Bhutan and Tibet are the only opportunity to get so close to these peaks. Upon arrival at Bumthang, we check in at hotel and after lunch, we will participate in Bumthang Festival.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Bumthang.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 04: Witness Bumthang Festival

After breakfast, we drive to Jakar Dzong. The District headquarter of Bumthang, which takes close to 10 minutes. Today, we spend entire day witnessing Jakar Tshechu. The Tshechu or Festival is truly dedicated to the Great Guru, Rimpoche. The whole district of Jakar or Bumthang remains officially closed for the entire festival season as it’s the official District Festival. The festival mask dancers are all monks and local women join by dancing traditional dance and singing local songs. The Jakar Tshechu Festival is an annual event where the villagers, monks, laymen, nuns and folks who are originally from the village and now reside in cities comes together for the festival and talk serious matters and family welfare. And all pray for good year, good harvest and good health.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Bumthang.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 05: Sightseeing in Bumthang

After breakfast, we drive to north of Bumthang valley where we visit Kurjey Monastery. The Monastery was built on 8th century by Guru Rinpoche. He first visited Kurjey Monastery, meditated inside the rock cave and left his body print on the rock. Guru Rimpoche bought Buddhism to Bhutan and also helped spread it throughout the Kingdom. Besides he subdued all evils and demons those were hampering the lives of Bhutanese people. Afterwards, we visit the Bhutan’s oldest Monastery; Jambay Lhakang built in 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gonpo in order to subdue Ogress. He was told to build 108 monasteries over the body of the ogres of which two are in Bhutan, Jambay and Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro. In the late afternoon, we drive to Mebar Tsho, burning lake invented by Great Treasure Discoverer Pema Lingpa and discovered some precious treasures from the lake. This is one of the holy auspicious lakes. We attend evening prayers of the nuns just 2 kms drive from the lake around 5 pm.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Bumthang.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 06: Drive to Trongsa and to Gangtey Valley (3,000 m/9,800 ft)-5 Hours

After breakfast, we drive to Gangtey, enroute we visit Trongsa Dzong and Chendibgi Chorten. The day is going to be full of driving and we make multiple stops for photography and stretch our legs.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Gangtey.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 07: Sightseeing in Gangtey Valley and Phobjika Valley

After breakfast, we drive for around 20 minutes to the village and see the village life and meet with local people. We see farm houses, people working in the field and may witness planting and harvesting their crop. Sometimes we may see different activities happening like ritual ceremony or village gathering to make offerings to local god. After village tour, we drive back to hotel for lunch. After lunch, we visit Gangtey Monastery perched atop a small hill that rises from the valley floor. The monastery is surrounded by a large village inhabited mainly by the families of the 140 Gomchens who take care of the monastery. The only Nyingmapa monastery in western side of Bhutan and the largest in Bhutan is headed by its spiritual Master known as Ninth Gangtey Tulku. The road continues for a few more kilometers beyond the monastery to the village of Phobjikha. The valley of Phobjikha is one of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan and home of Rare Black-Necked Crane which migrate from the Central Asiatic Plateau in the winter.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Gangtey.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 08: Drive to Punakha Town (1,242 m/4,075 ft)-2 Hours

In the morning, we drive to Punakha and visit Punakha Dzong .There is also a great sight from where we can see confluence of Mo Chhu and Po Chhu (Rivers) with the view of Punakha Dzong. After lunch, we drive to a small town of Wangdi and check-in at the beautiful boutique lodge. In the evening, we can walk around the village.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Punakha.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 09: Drive Back to Thimphu (2,334 m/ 7,657 ft)- 4 Hours

After breakfast, we drive back to Bhutan's Capital, Thimphu. Just above Lobesha, we will visit Chimi Lhakhang Temple on small hill which is dedicated to the great Yogi of 14th century known as Drukpa Kuenley or popularly known as “Divine Madman” to the westerners. It is believed that this temple blesses women who seek fertility. Then we continue our drive by crossing Dochula- Pass which has 108 Chortens and gives the magnificent view of mountains and valley. After some time, we drive further down to Thimphu for 1 hour. We will visit Giant Buddha Statue, Memorial Chorten and walk around to the Thimphu city. In the evening, we visit Tashiccho Dzong also called Thimphu Dzong (Fort) which hosts the seat for Bhutan’s Government.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Thimphu.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 10: Drive back to Paro (2,200 m/ 7,218 ft) - 1 Hour

After breakfast, we may walk around Thimphu town. Later, we back to Paro. On the way back, we stop at Old bride and visit Tachogang Temple built by Thangtong Gyalpo in the 15th century, who built numerous iron bridges throughout Bhutan. Once we reach Paro, we may see Archery, the national game of Bhutan and walk around the Paro town.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Paro.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 11: Hike to Tiger's Nest Taktsang Monastery (3,048 m/10,000 ft)-5/6 Hours

After breakfast, we drive to the base of Tiger’s Nest and hike to the Monastery which takes around 2 hours to reach the Cafeteria which gives the great view of Taktsang Monastery. Further 30 minutes hike takes us to magnificent Taktsang where we will be greeted by the in-house monks. This is the most important Monastery in Bhutan where Guru Rimpoche was flying on a Flaming Tigress from Singye Dzong in Eastern Bhutan and meditated for three Months. He flourished Buddhism in Paro from 8th Century. After Lunch, we walk down to the car and drive to the Ruined Fortress of Drukgyal Dzong. It means Bhutanese Victory Fortress built in 1649 by Great Fortress Builder and also the man who unified Bhutan in 17th Century.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Paro.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 12: Fly Back to Kathmandu and Visit Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa

After breakfast, we drive to airport and fly back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, drive to hotel and rest for a while. Late afternoon, we drive for sightseeing of Pashupatinath Temple, a famous Hindu temple in the bank of holy Bagmati River where people also cremate dead body. Afterwards, we drive to Boudhanath Stupa, one of the biggest and beautiful Stupas in the world.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Day 13: Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swyombhunath Stupa

After breakfast, we drive to Kathmandu Durbar Square where Nepalese kings used to get throne. Interesting places to see here are Taleju Temple, Statue of Kal Bhairabh and Hanuman, Temple of Jagannath (Erotic Temple) and Kastamandap Temple from which Kathmandu got it name. We visit Kumari Temple and pay homage to the living goddess, Kumari and also walk around the Freak streets which was famous during Hippy era in 60's and 70's. Later on, we drive to Swayambhunath Stupa which is also called Monkey Temple in a small hill over viewing Kathmandu valley and the surrounding mountains. You may visit Thamel which is a tourist hub. In the evening, we organize grand dinner to celebrate your successful tour.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: B D

Activity Duration:

Day 14: Departure from Kathmandu

After breakfast, we will drop you to the airport before 3 hours of your flight time.

Accomodation:

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Cost Info

Cost Includes:

Garland welcome, arrival and departure transfers in Kathmandu with office representative.
3 nights in Kathmandu with breakfast inclusive of taxes and service charges.
10 Nights in Bhutan in Hotel and Resorts with all meals.
Bhutan Visa Fees, all paperwork for Bhutan tour, Bhutan Travel permit.
Kathmandu/Paro/Kathmandu Airfare and Paro/Bumthang Airfare.
All drives, sightseeing and transfer in Kathmandu and Bhutan as per the program.
Meals as indicated in the Itinerary.
Kathmandu sightseeing with English Speaking Tour Guide with all applicable entrance fees.
All sightseeing in Bhutan with English Speaking Guide with all applicable entrance fees.
Welcome and Farewell dinners in Kathmandu.
Bottle Drinking water in vehicle for sightseeing drives and transfers.
All drives, sightseeing and transfers by Deluxe Vehicle as per the group size.
24/7 hours Assistance.

Cost Excludes:

International Airfare to/from Kathmandu.
Nepal Visa fees on Arrival at airport (USD 50/- for 30 Days).
Meals other than breakfast in Kathmandu except welcome and farewell dinners in Kathmandu.
Donation to the Monasteries.
Personal nature of expenses like tips, bar bills, laundry and personal expenses.
Cost may arise of natural calamities, flight cancellation, illness, hospitalization, tour cancellation, blockade etc.
Other than in our include section.