Jambey Lhakhang Drup

Jampa lhakhang is located in Bumthang. Jampa Lhakhang is one of the oldest temples in the kingdom. It was founded by, Songtsen Gampo, a Tibetan King in the 7th century AD. The king was destined to build 108 temples known as Thadhul – Yangdhul (temples on and across the border built in one niht) in a day to subdue the demons that was residing in the Himalayas. The temple is one of the two of the 108 built in Bhutan. The other is the Kichu lhakhang in Paro, believed to have been built on the same day.

Legends said that Guru Rinpoche visited the site several times and deemed it exceptionally sacred. Chakhar Gyab, the king of the Iron Castle of Bumthang renovated the temple in the 8th century AD.

The first king of Bhutan, Gongsa Ugyen Wangchuck constructed the Dus Kyi Khorlo (Kala Chakra- Wheel of Time) inside the temple, to commemorate his victory over his rivals Phuntsho Dorji of Punakha and Alu Dorji of Thimphu after the battle of Changlimithang in 1885. Later, Ashi Wangmo, the younger sister of the second king of Bhutan, built the Chorten lhakhang.

The main relics include the future Buddha, Jowo Jampa (Maitreya) from whose name the present name of the temple is derived. The lhakhang also houses more than one hundred statues of the gods of Kalachakra built by the first king, in 1887. Here, one of the most spectacular festivals is hosted called Jambay lhakhang Drup that lasts for five days. The highlight of the festival is the fire ritual that is held in the evening where crowds gather to witness the ritual together with the naked dance.

Inclusions

Hotel, transportation, guide, tea and snacks, visa fee, permits, entrance fee, mineral water (bottled), government tax and 3 meals daily.

Accommodation

3-star hotel (Bhutanese type), there is possibility of upgradation.

Exclusions

Flight ticket, insurance, tips, drinks and beverages, laundry, cellphone, internet and other personal expenditure or bills.

Insurance

We highly recommend you to obtain separate coverage of insurance from your home country since your package does not include any insurance.

Day 01: Arrive Paro
You will be welcomed by our representative in the airport.  After checking into your hotel, break for lunch and visit Rimpong Dzong, built in 1645 to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. In the evening visit Paro town where you may visit local handicraft stores.

Dinner and overnight hotel in Paro

Day 02: Paro – Thimphu 

After breakfast, travel to Thimphu and check into your hotel, after that you will visit memorial chorten (stupa built to commemorate late 3^rd king of Bhutan), Bhddha point (largest buddha statue in the world), zoo (preserved area for the national animal of Bhutan, Takin).

In the evening, visit to Trashi Choedzong (fortress of glorious religion), it serves as the central administrative purpose and residence of central monk body.

Dinner and overnight hotel in Thimphu.

Day 03: Thimphu-Punakha

Driving on the scenic hillside, stop at Dochula Pass (3140 m), in the clear sky you can enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayan Mountain ranges. Then pass by the beautiful 108 chortens built on the upraised ground by Queen Mother of Bhutan.

After refreshment at Dochula Cafeteria, drive to Punakha (former capital of Bhutan 1637-1907). It has been inextricably linked to some of the most momentous events in the Bhutanese history and deserves its reputation as one of the most beautiful and significant regions at the heart of Bhutanese culture.

After lunch, you will visit the Divine Madman’s Monastery-Chhimi Lhakhang, famously known for its fertility shrine, where one can receive a special fertility blessing.

Check in-in to a hotel in Punakha and overnight hotel in Punakha.

Day 04: Punakha-Trongsa 

Driving towards Trongsa through deep forest passing Pelila 3,200m above sea level. After lunch in Trongsa, you will visit Trongsa dzong (the largest fortress in Bhutan). After that you will visit museum in Trongsa. Included sightseeing. Overnight hotel in Trongsa.

Day 05: Trongsa – Bumthang 

Your driver will drive you to Bumtang via Yotongla pass after breakfast from hotel. On the way you will see lots of ridges including Black Mountain. Reaching Bumtang begins with a small valley named Chumey located in the meadow. Check in the hotel in Bumtang and after lunch you will visit Jakar dzong. Overnight hotel in Bumtang. .

Day 06: Bumthang Jambay Lhakhang Festival
After breakfast,you will attend the full second day of the Jambay Lhakhang Drup (festival) which will start around 10:30 am. You will be watching many ritual dances, which are performed in the court yard of Jampa Lhakhang. There are a number of different dances, subdivided into three categories: those that are intended to give moral instruction; those that are designed to drive away evil spirits and those that celebrate the Buddhist faith in its many guises. This is the occasion where the local people, dressed in their finest clothes, come to attend the festival with packed lunches. This occasion also gives opportunity to the local businesses- there will be a number of stalls selling craftwork, jewelry, religious artifacts and thangkas. Overnight hotel in Jakar.

Details of the 2nd Day Jambay Lhakhang Drub (festival) are as follows:

It follows a ceremony where a small girl representing the daughter of Sindhu Raja blesses the villagers. Dance of Shingje Yab Yum (Lord of death and his consort): The Lord of Death and his consort perform this dance to protect the four realms over which he has power.

Dance of Nyulema and Peling Ging Sum (Three kinds of Ging).

Dance of the Jachung Bochung (Two mythical birds): Dancers wearing masks representing the auspicious birds perform the dance. The play of the Atsara Gapo Pawo Solgyo (Atsara who acts like a Pawo).

Overnight at hotel in Bumthang.

Day 07: Bumthang Jambay Lhakhang Festival
After breakfast, attend the full day of the 3rd day of Jambay Lhakhang Drub. The program begins at around 10:30am. Below are the details of the day’s program.

Dance of the four stag (Shacham)

Dance of Ging Tsoling

Dramitse Ngacham (Dance of the drums from Dramitse)

Pacham – Dance of the heroes

Phole Mole

Overnight hotel in Bumthang.

Day 08: Bumthang – Punakha via Phojikha 

After early breakfast, drive to Phobjikha valley. Visit Gangtey Gompa (monastery) which now houses one of the only Nyingmapa monasteries in Bhutan. The valley is also the winter home for the rare black-necked cranes (Grus Nicorocolis), which migrate from remote parts of Tibet, China and Siberia during winter to this valley. Lunch at Phobjikha and after lunch drive to Punakha. Dinner and overnight hotel in Punakha.

Day 09: Punakha-Paro
This morning drive through upper Punakha valley passing through farmhouses and take a leisure walk through farmhouses and then through nature to the beautiful Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten Temple built by the Queen Mother of Bhutan for peace and stability in this ever-changing world. This temple is situated on the hilltop overlooking the valley below. Drive back to Paro.

Dinner and overnight at hotel in Paro.

Day 10: Hike to Taktsang
In the morning take a hike to visit Taktsang monastery also known as tiger nest. Bhutan’s most famous monastery, which stands at 3100m clings on the cliff.  In 8^th century spiritual master known as Guru Rimpoche has flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktsang monastery now stands. Lunch at Taktsang café and overnight hotel in Paro.

Day 11: Depart Paro
Departing from Paro international airport to your onwards destination. Head back to your destination with memories entangled by happiness.