Jakar Festival Tour 9nights / 10days

Day 1

Arrival at Paro and Drive to Thimphu 54km,1hour drive.

Today, you will arrive at the International Airport at Paro flying aboard the National Carrier, Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines over some of the most scintillating views of the Himalayan Region to a warm welcome by the tour staff. Then we begin with your sightseeing by driving to Thimphu.

On the way drive to Thimphu, we stop at 14th Century-Tachogang Lhakhang Bridge for a photo session and walk around.

Check in to hotel and relax.

Lunch at local restaurant in Thimphu.

After lunch visit the most iconic monuments:

Buddha Dordenma: is 169 feet, (51.5m) gigantic statue of Shakyamuni Buddha overlooking the Thimphu Valley.

Simply Bhutan-Simply Bhutan: is a “live” Museum with an interactive environment where the visitors can presume to live a life of a traditional Bhutanese lifestyle in just one visit. A mud rammed house with wooden shingles used as roof showcases a medieval traditional Bhutanese house.

The interior is filled with restored and preserved ancient household items to highlight and exhibit the traditional way of life. The living museum aims to preserve and promote the ancient tradition and culture.

Witness local people playing Archery in Changlimithang Ground and know more about playing archery. The National Sport of Bhutan.

The day finally ends with a visit to Thimphu Tashichheodzong: is a Buddhist monastery and fortress on the northern edge of the city of Thimphu in Bhutan, on the western bank of the Wang Chu. It has traditionally been the seat of the Druk Desi (or "Dharma Raja"), the head of Bhutan's civil government, an office which has been combined with the kingship since the creation of the monarchy in 1907, and summer capital of the country. Presently the seat of present King of Bhutan. 

Overnight at Thimphu-2,300m

Day 2

Thimphu-Phobjikha Valley: 129km; est. driving time: 3hour 30mins.

Morning drive from Thimphu over the Dochula Pass (3,150m) in the morning. On clear weather, we can see around 200 miles of Himalayan summits bordering northern Bhutan. Walk around Dochula Pass and visit Meditation Cave. You will also visit Druk Wangyal Lhakhang (monastery) which was built by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck (the Queen Mother of Bhutan) as a tribute to His Majesty the fourth King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck and armed forces after His Majesty led a successful operation against Indian militants who had occupied certain areas of Bhutan. The gallery of the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang has beautiful murals depicting some of the important events in the reigns of the Kings of Bhutan. This is a unique feature of this monastery that no other monastery in Bhutan has.

As we descend from the pass, we will notice that the vegetation changes from sub-alpine to sub- tropical. At the lower elevation, we can see banana plants, cactus and other semi-tropical plants, and the green terraced rice fields of Punakha.

Further drive to Phobjikha from Punakha. The valley of Phobjikha (Gangtey) is one of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan. The surprise of finding such a wide, flat valley without any trees after the hard climb through dense forests is augmented by an impression of vast space, an extremely rare experience in Bhutan where most of the valleys are tightly enclosed.

Visit the Gangtey Gompa: Perched on a small hill that rises from the valley floor, the Gangtey Monastery is the only Nyingmapa monastery on the western side of the Black Mountain’s and also the biggest Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan. The Monastery is surrounded by a large village inhabited mainly by the families of the 140 Gomchens who take care of the Monastery. Then explore the fascinating Phobjikha Valley. This place is the winter home of Black Necked Cranes that migrate from the arid plains in the north to pass winter in milder and lower climate. Phobjikha, at an altitude of 2900 m, falls under the district of Wangduephodrang and lies on the periphery of the Black Mountain National Park. Lunch at Local Restaurant.

Gangtey Nature Trail – Hike: Gangtey Nature Trail hike is the most beautiful and the exciting nature trails in Bhutan. The trail hike starts from Mani (like Chorten) stone wall to the north of Gangtey Monastery and ends in Khewa Lhakhang. It takes about 2 hours, through pine forest and small bamboo plants. You can explore Phobjikha Valley and engaged with local people and experience more about Bhutanese life. It’s one of the best hikes for the Nature lovers. Also visit Black Neck Crane Information Centre: Situated on the edge of the forest and wetland along the main road of Phobjikha valley, the black-necked crane information Centre has an observation room equipped with high power telescope and spotting scopes for catching the best view of the cranes. The centre also offersdisplay information that outline the natural and cultural history of the area.

Overnight Phobjikha Valley-2,900m

Day 3

Phobjikha-Bumthang; 161km; est. driving time: 4hours drive.

After breakfast will continue your journey to Bumthang passing through Trongsa and Yotong La Pass (3,400 m). Just before reaching Bumthang, you will come across “Yathra” Weaving Centre at Zugney Village, where you will see local weavers weaving Yathra. Yathra is the name for the colorful, hand-woven woolen cloth (often with geometric designs) that is produced in this region and wool used for this type of textile is sheep wool as the sheep is reared in this Bumthang Valley. Yathra is made into jackets or bags, etc.

Then you will be driven further to Bumthang Valley. On arrival at Bumthang, check into your hotel in Bumthang.

After lunch visit historic places in Bumthang:

Tamshing Lhakhang: This temple is also known as Tamshing Lhendrup Chholing (Temple of the Good Message).

Kurjey Lhakhang: Kujey Lhakhang (Kujey means, "Body imprint"). The temple to the right is the oldest and was built by Minjur Tempa in 1652. It was built around the cave in which Guru Rimpoche meditated and left his body imprint.

Overnight Bumthang-2,600m

Day 4

Bumthang sightseeing-Jakar Festival.

Today after your comfortable breakfast in hotel, drive to explore Jakar Tshechu (festival). 

Jakar Tshechu (Festival)

The five-day long annual Jakar Tshechu is held every October to November taking place at the magnificent Jakar Dzong ("Castle of the White Bird") perched high on a hill overlooking the breadth of Bumthang’s Chamkhar valley. The setting is reason enough to make the trek here.

Constructed in 1549, by the Tibetan Lam Nagi Wangchuk, the Dzong played an important role as the fortress of defense for the whole eastern Dzongkhags (districts). A special feature of the Dzong is the approximately fifty meters high Utse or the Central tower, which is distinct from most other Dzongs in Bhutan. Apparently, when a group of lamas were in the area searching for a suitable site for the new dzong, a single white bird continuously circled overhead before settling on the top of a hill. This was considered a good omen, and the hill was selected as the site for the dzong and White Bird was adopted as its name. During festival several mask and folk songs and dances are performed while the jesters, called ATSARAS, keep the crowd thoroughly entertained. Some of the important mask dances (chams), performed at Jakar Dzong are Guru Tshengye Cham, Dramtse Nga Cham, Raksha Mangcham, with the Guru Thongdroel consecrated on the final day of the Tshechu for the public veneration.

Like other festivals, Jakar Tshechu is also a magical spectacle in which the spiritual richness of the country is displayed through unique Bhutanese tradition of devotion, faith, respect and togetherness. Tshechu is also the event when people of all age groups in their finest clothing and jewelery capture not only the beauty and vigor of the dances but also interactions among performers and the lay audience, moments behind the scenes in the dressing room, and the omnipresent antics of the artsaras or clowns—assistants, entertainers, fertility figures, who instruct through play and jest.

The dance program includes the Black Hat Drum Dance, the Dance of the Terrifying Deities, the Wrathful War Dance, the Dance of the Stag and Hounds, and the Dance of the Lords of the Cremation Grounds, Guru Tshengye/the dance of the eight manifestations of Guru Rinpoche.

Dance are all elaborately choreographed allegorical representations of the forces of Buddhist doctrine, often taking wrathful and terrifying form in order to subdue the powerful negative forces that seek to obstruct or subvert spiritual truths and the pursuit of virtue. The long and dramatic Dance of the Judgment of the Dead, based on the Book of the Dead, is situated in the bardo or state between death and rebirth, and enacts judgments passed by the Lord of Death upon a hunter who has lived a sinful life and a householder who has followed a life of virtue. Thus, the whole festival is designed as an entertainment that uses all the resources of dance, costume, music, drama and comedy to vividly inculcate religious doctrine and provide spiritual guidance to its audience.

A highlight of the festival is the ceremonial unveiling of the colorful tangka on the last day, a sacred tatpestry only brought out once a year for the hundreds of attendees to view.

Overnight Bumthang-2,600m.

Day 5

Bumthang Sightseeing.

Day Excursion to Tang Valley and visit Ogyen Tsholing Heritage Museum House Distance: 37km; est.driving time: 1hour.

After breakfast drive to Tang Valley and visit: Ogyen Choling Heritage Museum House. Ogyen Choling Museum Heritage House is located in the manor of Ogyen Choling. The site was occupied inthe middle of the 14th century by the Nyingmapa Master Longchen Rabjam, who built a little retreat there.

At the end of 14th century, the saint Dorji Lingpa decided to follow suit and settled there. The orginal monastery seems to have been preserved up until the middle of the 19th century when Tshokye Dorje, the Trongsa Poenlop and the 15th descendent of Dorji Lingpa built the manor which is seen today. This heritagemuseum provides a perfect insight into the lifestyles and living conditions of a high noble family over the last century in Bhutan. Ogyen Choling is still a private property owned by the same family. The central tower or Utse houses a Museum since May 2001 of the history and Life of Ogyen Choling.

Bhutanese lunch at Ogyen Choling Heritage Restaurant.

After lunch, drive back to Bumthang and on the way visit - Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake). Mebar Tsho is a holy site, revered as the place where Pema Lingpa, Bhutan’s great Terton / Treasurer discover, discovered several of Guru Rinpochoe’s Terma / Treasure in the 15th Century.

Drive back to your hotel and in the evening, you may wish to stroll around the beautiful landscaped gardens of Bumthang.

Overnight Bumthang-2,650m

Day 6

Bumthang-Trongsa; 68km; est. driving time: 2hours.

After breakfast, travel back to Trongsa. The drive will take you through dense forests of oak and blue pinetrees and through the subtropical vegetation. The journey will also take you through the village of Nobding and Pele la pass (3,300m). Throughout your trip you will come across the beautiful sceneries of rural Bhutan, with scattered settlements far from the road which makes for goodphotographing. You will also pass through open meadows, and valley of yak herders and several other villages. Lunch and refreshments will be served enroute. On arrival at Trongsa, you will visit National Museum which is housed in the Ta Dzong (watch tower), a museum in which aspects of Bhutanese culture and history are explained by beautifully objects. Documentary will be shown too which explains a great deal about Bhutanese history and history of monarchy.

Trongsa Dzong: Trongsa Dzong was the ancestral home of the Royal Family. It was built in 1648 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. It is not only located in the central region of the country; it alsoplayed the most central role in being the seat of power for the rulers that wielded control over the east & western region. In the past Trongsa Dzong served as a strategic position in administrative aswell as military functions. The Royal Family has its antecedents here-the father of the first King, Jigme Namgyel as the Penlop of Trongsa exerted his authority across the country. Before becomingthe Monarch, Ugyen Wangchuck became penlop of Trongsa thereby establishing tradition that continues – the present fifth King was appointed Trongsa penlop in 2004. All Kings held the post ofTrongsa Penlop prior to being crowned as the King of Bhutan.

Overnight Trongsa-1,900m

Day 7

Trongsa-Punakha: 135km; est. driving time: 3hours.

Today after early morning breakfast we will drive to Punakha from Trongsa. Punakha 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. Punakha had served as the capital of Bhutan from 1637 till 1907. The Punakha Dzong (fort) is historically important and stands as the symbol for a unified Bhutan.

While reaching Punakha:

Hike and visit the Devine Madman’s Monastery-Chhimi Lhakhang (Fertility Temple) famously known for its fertility shrine, where one can receive a special fertility blessing. Divine Madman” known for his outrageous behavior. The Lhakhang (temple) draws local people, from near and far, to receive blessings from the lama/monk. The local people also bring their new-born to be named here. The lhakhang is truly a revered and blessed space for many.

Many childless couples make a devout pilgrimage to the lhakhang in the hope that they will be honored with a wang/blessing from the lama/prist. Woman entering the temple, who are hoping to conceive, are made to carry a Wooden Phallus around the temple three times.

We begin our explorations of Punakha valley with a visit:

Punakha Dzong, located between two rivers. It serves as the winter residence for the central monastic body. Punakha 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. Punakha had served as the capital of Bhutan from 1637 till 1907 and the 1st National Assembly was held there. The dzong is historically important and stands as the symbol for a unified Bhutan.

Walk to the Suspension Bridge after your visit to Punakha Dzong.

Overnight Punakha-1,300

Day 8

Punakha-Paro: 140km; est. driving time: 4hours

After heartiest breakfast, drive to Paro. Crossing the road way back to Thimphu. Stop at Dochula Pass (3,150m), have tea and coffee before drive to Paro.

On arrival in Paro, you will be check into the hotel and relax. After checking into your hotel and refreshment you will visit Paro Rinpung Dzong (fortress), built in 1645 to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. The Dzong is now being used as an administration center and school for monks. From the Dzong you will walk down to Rimpung Bridge (Traditonal Cantilever Bridge), oldest bridge in Bhutan.

Try wearing Traditional Bhutanese dress in one of the Handicrafts shop nearby Rinpung Bridge.

Lunch at local restaurant in Paro.

Also visit Kyichu Lhakahng (temple), one of the 108 temples built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songsten Gampo.The story goes that a giant demon lay across the whole area of Tibet and the Himalayas and was preventing the spread of Buddhism. To overcome her, King Songtsen Gampo decided to build 108 temples, which would be placed on all the points of her body.

Explore Paro Town, only traditional Bhutanese House town of the country.

Overnight Paro-2,219m

Day 9

Paro Sightseeing: Tiger’s Nest Monastery Hike.

Day9: Paro Sightseeing: Tiger’s Nest Monastery Hike.

Paro is a valley of religion and myth. The most famous landmark, the Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), stands on a granite cliff about 800m above the valley. Today, we drive to the base of Taktsang Monastery and take a one and a half hike up to the Taktsang Monastery, through some groves of pine and rhododendron trees with views of the surrounding land changing increase in elevation.

The Taktsang Monastery which seems perched against the cliff is nearly 3000 meters above sea level. It is believed the Guru Rinpoche came flying here on the back of a tigress to meditate for three years, three months, three weeks, three days and three seconds.

Later we return to Paro and can spend the remaining time around the streets of Paro or visit Village Farm House and enjoy Traditional Hot Stone Bath (optional).

Overnight Paro-2,219m.

Day 10

Departure

Your guide and driver will take you to the Paro International Airport and bid you farewell for your flight to your next destination.