10 Days Bumthang Ura Yakchoe Festival Tour

Highlight: Arrive in Bhutan and visit the National Memorial Chorten, Tashichho Dzong, and Buddha Dordenma Statue.

Welcome to Bhutan, the land of the “Thunder Dragon”.

Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will meet your local travel guide and driver at the airport’s Arriving Hall.

Then, you will be transferred to Thimphu (2,350m), the capital city of Bhutan. Covering a total distance of around 54 kilometers, it will take you about 1 hour to get to Thimphu from Paro (2,250m).

On the way, you will first encounter a private temple - Tschogang Lhakhang, the temple of the excellent horse. Keep driving to Thimphu, you will have a short stop at Chuzom, a confluence where the Paro Chhu and Wong Chhu meet. It is decorated with three different styles of stupas, namely Tibetan, Nepalese, and Bhutanese.

After arriving in Thimphu, your guide will help you check in at the hotel. You can also take a short rest if needed.

Later, you will visit Tashichho Dzong, the eminent fortress where the national government and central monastic body are located. In addition, here sits the summer residence of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot of Bhutan.

After that, you will visit the King’s Memorial Chortern (National Memorial Chorten), a stupa built in memory of the third king in 1974. The display inside shows good statues of tantric Buddhist and its philosophy.

Stay overnight in Thimphu.

Thimphu National Memorial Chorten

Highlights: Visit National Folk Heritage Museum, Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory, Simtokha Dzong, and Motithang Takin Preserve in Thimphu.

After breakfast, you will first visit the National Folk Heritage Museum. It dedicates itself to connecting people with the rich Bhutanese folk heritage and rural history through exhibits, demonstrations, educational programs, and documentation of Bhutanese rural life. The museum will strive to disseminate the rich cultural heritage across generations by preserving it in different forms.

Next, you will head to visit Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory. The factor is located approximately 1 kilometer from Thimphu city, and uses the bark of two tree species (the Daphne tree, and Dhekap tree) in the manufacture of traditional paper. You can observe the entire process of producing handmade paper using ancient traditional methods that have been practiced for generations. Besides, you are able to try your hand at this ancient craft and make some paper of your own as a souvenir.

Later, you will drive to upper Motithang in Thimphu to visit Motithang Takin Preserve, a wildlife reserve area for takin (Budorcas taxicolor), the national animal of Bhutan. It's worthwhile taking the time to see these oddball mammals here.

You will end today’s sightseeing after visiting Simtokha Dzong. It was built by Zhabdrung to consolidate his domain and subdue the demon in 1629. Nowadays, it is often said to be the first dzong built in Bhutan.

Stay overnight in Thimphu.

Simtokha Dzong

Highlights: Cross Dochula Pass and visit Chimi Lhakhang and Punakha Dzong.

In the morning, you will depart from Paro and drive toward Punakha. The journey will take you through Chunzom, the confluence of the Pachu and Wangchu Rivers, which are considered the cradle of Bhutan’s civilization, flowing through Paro and Thimphu valleys respectively.

Along the way, you will ascend Dochu La Pass (3,100m), a scenic mountain pass that offers panoramic views of the eastern Himalayas on clear days. This is a perfect spot for photography and to appreciate the breathtaking natural beauty of Bhutan’s highlands.

Next, you will continue your journey to Punakha. En route, you will visit Chimi Lhakhang, also known as Chime Monastery. Standing on a small hillock close to the village of Lobesa, it is a beautiful Buddhist monastery that was built in the 14th Drukpa hierarchy, Ngawang Choegyel.

After that, you will head to visit the Punakha Dzong. Standing by the riverside of Pho Chu and Mo Chu, Punakha Dzong is one of the most impressive buildings and one of the top favorite attractions in Bhutan. Moreover, the rectangular-shaped fortress is also an honorable treasury that preserves numerous Buddhist relics and historical legacies.

Stay overnight in Punakha.

Dochu La Pass

Highlights: Enjoy a scenic drive through Bhutan's mountain valleys, admire panoramic views from Pele La Pass, visit Chendebji Chorten, and explore Trongsa Dzong and the Trongsa National Museum.

After breakfast, you will leave Punakha for Trongsa, traveling through Wangdue Phodrang and enjoying the beautiful countryside of central Bhutan. Along the way, you'll pass through forests of oak and pine trees, traditional villages, and picturesque mountain valleys.

As you continue toward Trongsa, you will cross Pele La Pass (3,300m), where you can enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The journey then takes you past Chendebji Chorten, a large white stupa set in a peaceful valley. You'll have time to admire its traditional architecture and enjoy the surrounding scenery before continuing to Trongsa.

Upon arrival in Trongsa, you will visit the Trongsa National Museum, housed in the historic Ta Dzong watchtower. Here, you can discover Bhutan's royal history and cultural heritage through a collection of traditional artifacts, religious objects, and historical exhibits.

Afterward, you will explore Trongsa Dzong, the largest dzong fortress in Bhutan, dramatically situated on a ridge overlooking the Mangde Chhu River gorge. As you walk through its impressive courtyards and traditional buildings, you'll learn about its important role in Bhutanese history and enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding valley.

Stay overnight in Trongsa.

Chendebji Chorten

Highlights: Enjoy scenic mountain views from Yotong La Pass, discover traditional Yathra weaving in Zugney Village, and explore Bumthang's ancient temples and Jakar Dzong.

After breakfast, you will leave Trongsa for Bumthang, traveling through the beautiful mountain landscapes of central Bhutan. Along the way, you will cross Yotong La Pass (3,400m) before stopping at Zugney Village, famous for its traditional Yathra weaving. Here, you can watch local artisans weaving colorful woolen fabrics with distinctive geometric patterns and learn about this traditional Bhutanese craft.

Upon arrival in Bumthang, you'll discover a beautiful valley known for its peaceful countryside and rich Buddhist heritage. Your sightseeing begins at Tamshing Lhakhang, a historic temple famous for its ancient Buddhist wall paintings and religious traditions.

Next, you will visit Kurjey Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's most sacred Buddhist sites, associated with Guru Rinpoche. Nearby, you'll also explore Jambay Lhakhang, a 7th-century temple and one of the oldest in Bhutan, known for its religious significance and traditional architecture.

Later, you will visit Jakar Dzong, an impressive fortress overlooking the Bumthang Valley. From its hillside location, you can enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding countryside while learning about the dzong's historical and religious importance.

Stay overnight in Bumthang.

Kurjey Lhakhang

Highlights: Explore the traditional village of Ura, experience the colorful Ura Yakchoe Festival, and enjoy traditional mask dances, folk performances, and local Buddhist celebrations.

After breakfast, you will travel to Ura Valley, one of the four beautiful valleys in Bumthang. Known for its traditional Bhutanese houses, cobbled lanes, and peaceful rural scenery, Ura offers a glimpse into the traditional way of life in central Bhutan. You'll have the chance to explore the village and experience the unique atmosphere of this remote mountain community.

Today, you will attend the Ura Yakchoe Festival, one of Bumthang's traditional religious festivals. During the celebration, local villagers gather in colorful traditional attire to watch sacred mask dances and lively folk performances. The festival is also known for the display of a sacred relic, which holds special religious significance for the local community and is traditionally presented for blessings.

You'll have time to enjoy the festive atmosphere, observe local Buddhist traditions, and experience the celebration alongside Bhutanese families. It's a wonderful opportunity to discover the living culture and strong community traditions of the Ura Valley.

After the festival, you will drive back to Bumthang.

Stay overnight in Bumthang.

Ura Yakchoe festival

Highlight: Drive back to Gangtey through Phobjikha Valley and visit Gangtey Monastery.

After breakfast, you will start your journey to Gangtey (2,890m), located 163 kilometers from Bumthang. Also known as Phobjikha, Gangtey is one of Bhutan’s most stunning destinations and serves as the winter home for a group of endangered black-necked cranes that migrate annually from the Tibetan Plateau.

Upon your arrival, you will visit Gangtey Monastery, generally known as Gangtey Goempa. Situated atop a hill at an altitude of 2800m, the monastery offers a stunning view of Phobjikha Valley.

Stay overnight in Gangtey.

Gangtey Monastery

Highlight: Drive back to Paro and visit Simtokha Dzong and Paro Rinpung Dzong.

Getting up early this morning, you will say farewell to the charming Gangtey Valley and take a 5-hour drive back to Paro.

En route, you will visit the Simtokha Dzong. Built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, Simtokha Dzong is often said to be the first dzong in Bhutan.

Upon your arrival in Paro, you will visit Paro Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong), a fortress once built to defend the valley from invasions. Nowadays, it serves as an administration center and school for monks.

Stay overnight in Paro.

Paro Rinpung Dzong

Highlights: Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery to enjoy spectacular views from it and visit Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro.

After breakfast, you will start your hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (also known as Taktsang Monastery). Perched on the side of a cliff 900 meters above the Paro Valley, Taktsang Monastery is one of the most famous monasteries in Bhutan. The principal monastery of the present monastic complex dates from 1692. Taktsang was damaged severely by fire in 1998 but has now been fully restored to its former glory. The hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery is about 3 km one way and takes around 5 to 6 hours for the round trip.

After exploring the monastery, you will begin your return tour to Paro.

In the afternoon, you will visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most beautiful temples built by the Tibetan King Songsten Gampo in the 7th century.

Stay overnight in Paro.

Trek to Taktshang Monastery

After breakfast, your guide will meet you at the hotel and transfer you to Paro International Airport for your next destination.

The tour service end.