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The Sacred Jakar Festival and Cultural Heritage

Tour information

Tour overview and details

Tour duration

11 Days

Tour overview

This tour invites you to explore the stunning landscapes of central Bhutan, where natural beauty seamlessly intertwines with deep spiritual traditions.

At the heart of your journey lies the sacred Jakar Festival, a renowned cultural celebration held in the serene valley of Bumthang.

This festival is a captivating showcase of sacred mask dances, known as cham, performed by monks as a vital part of the religious rituals.

These dances, rich in spiritual symbolism, are believed to invoke divine protection and blessings, offering a glimpse into Bhutan’s profound spiritual heritage.

In addition to the mesmerizing mask dances, the festival features traditional folk songs and dances, embodying the rich cultural legacy of the Bhutanese people.

The festive atmosphere is further enhanced by the vibrant display of Bhutan’s finest traditional attire, as locals gather in their most exquisite ghos and kiras, adding splashes of color and elegance to the event.

This unique blend of spiritual depth, cultural richness, and natural beauty makes the Jakar Festival an unforgettable experience for those who wish to immerse themselves in Bhutan’s living traditions.

Places covered

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Agenda

Tour itinerary

The flight to Bhutan offers some of the most breathtaking mountain views, including the majestic peaks of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Jomolhari, Jichu Drakey, and Tserim Gang.

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to Thimphu. On the way, there will be a stop at Tachhogang, where you can enjoy a short hike across the suspension bridge to the Tachhogang Temple perched on a hilltop. Once you arrive in Thimphu, check in at your hotel and take some time to explore the town. Overnight at the hotel

After breakfast, visit the statue of Buddha Dordenma, which overlooks the Thimphu Valley. Then, stop at the Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the 3rd King, followed by a visit to the Painting School, where students learn 13 different arts and crafts unique to Bhutan. You can also visit Changlimithang Ground to witness an archery match, the national sport of Bhutan.

In the afternoon, drive to Sangaygang and enjoy a short, one-hour hike to Wangditse Temple. This beautiful hike offers stunning views of the Thimphu Valley. You can also stop at the zoo to see the Takin, the national animal of Bhutan. Later in the evening, visit Tashichho Dzong, the summer residence of the central monastic body. Conclude your day with a stroll around the craft market to explore some local products. Overnight at the hotel

As you head towards Punakha, you can make several stops along the way to enjoy the beautiful landscape and forest. One of these stops will be at Dochula Pass, which is adorned with 108 stupas. On clear days, you'll be treated to stunning views of the Himalayas.

From the pass, you'll descend into the fertile valley of Punakha. Upon arrival in Punakha, visit the Punakha Dzong, beautifully situated between two rivers, the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu. After exploring the Dzong, take a walk to Changyul and cross Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge.

Next, you'll head further north and walk through rice fields to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Temple, which dominates the Punakha Valley. Afterward, drive back towards Lobesa and take a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang Temple. Built in the 15th century, this temple is known as the Fertility Temple, where couples who are unable to conceive come to seek blessings for a child.

Return to your hotel for an overnight stay. Overnight hotel

After breakfast, drive towards Wangdue Phodrang and visit Wangdue Dzong, originally built in 1638, which was tragically burned down in 2012 and reconstructed in 2022. After exploring the Dzong, continue your journey towards Phobjikha, with a stop at Nobding Village.

As you approach Pelela Pass (3,420 meters), you will catch your first glimpse of the Black Mountain ranges, historically used as the border between eastern and western Bhutan. Just before reaching the pass, take a right turn towards the valley known for its rare and famous Black-Necked Cranes.

Your first stop will be the village of Gangtey (3,000 meters), followed by a visit to Gangtey Gompa. The villagers are said to be descendants of around 50 gomchens, or lay monks, who settled there long ago. Afterward, hike through the glacial valley of Phobjikha (2,900 meters), one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan and the winter nesting ground for the rare Black-Necked Cranes.Overnight at the hotel

As you continue your journey, you will stop at Pelela Pass, located at 3,420 meters. From there, you’ll descend towards Langthel Village, where the inhabitants raise sheep and yaks. Along the road, you’ll catch a glimpse of Rukubji Village, nestled amidst fields of potatoes, barley, and mustard, depending on the season.

The next village you’ll pass through is Chendebji, known for its large white stupa, modeled after Swayambhunath in Nepal and built in the 19th century.

As you approach Trongsa, you’ll be treated to a magnificent view of Trongsa Dzong, which overlooks the Mangde Chhu in the deep valley below. Upon arrival in Trongsa, visit the 17th-century Trongsa Dzong, the most strategically located fortress in Bhutan. The first two kings of Bhutan used to reside here during the winter months.

You’ll also visit Ta Dzong, a former watchtower converted into a museum in 2008. The museum houses about 244 artifacts used over the years by the Wangchuck dynasty. In the evening, take a stroll around Trongsa town before checking into your hotel.Overnight at the hotel

After leaving Trongsa, you will head towards Jakar, crossing over Yotongla Pass at 3,420 meters and passing through the Chumey Valley. In Chumey Village, you can stop to observe the local women weaving Yaktra, a traditional fabric made from wool and yak hair.

Continue towards Jakar and visit Jakar Dzong, built in the 17th century. This fortress has a rich history, having defended against numerous enemies both foreign and domestic. The name "Jakar" means "white bird," originating from a local legend. Today, the Dzong houses the district headquarters and about 60 monks from Bumthang.

You will also visit Jambay Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to the future Buddha, built in the 7th century, making it one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. Next, visit Kurjey Lhakhang, where "Kurjey" means "Body Imprint." It is said that Guru Rinpoche came here to cure the local king of a serious illness, leaving his body imprint on a rock.

Before exploring the town in the evening, you can also visit the 15th-century Tamshing Monastery. Overnight at the hotel

On your way to Tang, visit the famous Burning Lake, where the saint Terton Pema Lingpa discovered religious treasures. Continue towards Tang, stopping to visit Tang Rimochen Temple, named for the "Tiger’s Stripe" pattern that the large rock behind the temple resembles.

From there, stop at Metsi Zampa and take a 45-minute hike to Ugyenchholing, the former home of the most powerful governor of Trongsa in the 19th century. Today, it houses a family museum with an extensive collection of household items used during the governor's time.

In the evening, drive back to Jakar and visit Kharchung Monastery to witness the evening ceremony and observe the monks practicing metaphysics. Overnight at the hotel.

Today, you will have the unique opportunity to attend the Jakar Festival, held in the picturesque courtyard of the majestic Jakar Dzong. Throughout the day, you will witness a series of mesmerizing dances, performed both by monks and local laypeople, each movement imbued with deep spiritual meaning. These sacred mask dances, or cham, are accompanied by traditional folk songs and dances that beautifully represent Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage and religious devotion.

The festival’s atmosphere is further enlivened by the sight of locals dressed in their most elaborate traditional attire—ghos for men and kiras for women—creating a visually stunning and festive scene. As you immerse yourself in this celebration, feel free to take photographs of the locals in their colorful clothing and engage with them to learn more about the customs and significance of the festival.

In the evening, take time to stroll around the town, exploring local stalls that offer a variety of handicrafts, snacks, and traditional goods. Overnight hotel

BHOUTAN - Danses au Festival de Thimpu (capitale du Bhoutan)

After breakfast, you will take a short 30-minute flight to Paro. Upon arrival, your first stop will be the National Museum, housed in the Ta Dzong. Originally built in the 17th century as a watchtower to guard Paro Rinpung Dzong below, the Ta Dzong now displays a collection of rare stamps and other artifacts.

Next, visit Paro Rinpung Dzong, constructed in the 17th century by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. Today, it serves as the district headquarters, housing both the administrative offices and a monastic body of about 200 monks. After your visit, hike down to the bridge and drive into town for some leisure time to explore the area.

Overnight at the hotel

Trekking to the revered Taktsang Monastery is a must-do activity for all visitors to Bhutan. This ancient monastery, founded by Guru Rinpoche, clings dramatically to a cliffside, offering breathtaking views of the Paro Valley. The ascent takes about four hours and passes through a stunning landscape of waterfalls, meditation caves, prayer wheels, and colorful flags—perfect for photography.

After exploring the temple complex, enjoy lunch at a teahouse while taking in the magnificent scenery. The hike back down to the valley takes around 45 minutes, providing further opportunities to appreciate the natural beauty of the surroundings.

Later in the day, visit a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse and experience a hot stone bath, a unique and traditional way of relaxing in Bhutan. Locals believe that the hot stone bath has therapeutic benefits and can cure various ailments. You can also taste the local alcohol, "Ara," during a typical Bhutanese dinner. Overnight at the hotel

Transfer to airport for departure

Included

  • Hotels in 3*
  • Meals (BLD)
  • Bhutan visa
  • Government tax
  • English Speaking guide
  • Sightseeing
  • Transportation
  • Flight (Jakar – Paro)

Not included

  • Airfare
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips

Enquire this tour

$2850

/ person

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Information

Frequently asked questions

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