Tihis tour is timed to coincide with the great Jambay Lhakhang Tsechu (festival) held at the Jambay Lhakhang temple in the Bumthang Valley, Bhutan’s spiritual heartland, and also visits many cultural sites, explores Bhutan's unique architecture and beautiful mountains and valleys.

The Jambay Lhakhang temple was built in the 7th century and is one of the oldest in the country. The festival is one of the most important in Bhutan and it highlights the ‘Mewang’, the fire ritual, and the ‘Tercham’, a religious naked dance, performed at midnight where the dancers only wear masks. It’s believed to bless infertile women so that they may bear children. The tsechus is in honour of Guru Rimpoche, the saint who brought Buddhism to Bhutan. Local villagers gather in a spirit of festivity, celebration and deep faith to witness unique masked dances and celebrations. The festival is a rich and happy expression of the Bhutanese people, who dress in their finest clothes and most resplendent jewellery while the monks prepare for weeks ahead, deep in prayer and meditation.

We also visit Bhutan's capital city, Thimphu, and explore all it has to offer. Leaving thriving city life behind, at Punakha Dzong and Trongsa Dzong you have the opportunity to roam around the most extraordinary ancient architecture and see monks go about their daily life. We also spend leisurely days exploring Bhutan's pristine natural wonders with days in valleys roaming the countryside with an informed guide who will take you to local farmhouses for lunch or to restaurants with amazing views and local food.

highlights

• Thimphu is a bustling city compared to the rest of Bhutan. It is the world’s only capital city without a traffic light! It’s a great place to learn about the nation’s thriving arts and crafts.
• Punakha Dzong is arguably the most beautiful of all dzongs in Bhutan. Meander through this complex architectural structure, home to hundreds of monks half the year.
• Many clients tell us the Phobjekha Valley is the favourite part of their journey.
• Take an unforgettable walk in the Phobjekha valley, breath in the magnificent forest, and visit Gangtey Gompa.
• Trongsa to Bumthang - this drive is one of the most scenically beautiful routes in Bhutan and Jakar is a lovely village for meeting locals
  
• Explore some of the oldest monasteries on foot with lunch in a traditional farm house. Rest of the day to witness the festival.
• Attend Jambay Lhakhang Festival with locals, a rare opportunity to see the local having tremendous fun, dressed in their finest, and experience the depth and commitment of these people to their Buddhist faith. It is crowded and exciting event few are privileged to see, and one which will stay with you a lifetime.
• Walk to the beautiful Tigers Nest Monastery. Lunch at a restaurant with views over the Paro valley.