The magical ura yakchoe Festival
In the remote corners of the picturesque Bumthang valley, nestled at an elevation of 3100 meters, lies a captivating Ura valley. Surrounded by approximately 50 quaint traditional Bhutanese houses, one is transported back in time to a medieval era. Standing atop in this setting is the community temple, where the annual Ura Yakchoe festival is celebrated. This vibrant event, rich in colors and visually splendid, displays swirling sacred mask dances at the temple courtyard, while ethnic Bhutanese individuals showcase their finest traditional attire. As the resonating sound of religious instruments fills the air, you can’t help but be captivated by the enchanting atmosphere. It’s a journey to a bygone time, a medieval realm brought to life.
Celebrate the magic and mysteries of the unique Ura Yakchoe Festival held at the quaint and secluded Ura village. Be blessed by nuns with their transformational ritual. Be a part of the Experience the rich and precious cultural diversity which is strongly engraved in every valley and its people. You can take hikes through the forest, try out a traditional hot stone bath with the game of Archery, eat lunch by the riverside, meet the local families & have farm dinner surrounded by hills and its latticed pattern. Meet a monk at the hilltop monasteries and all that the kingdom has to offer.
Duration: 9 Nights/ 10 Days
Location:Thimphu Paro Punakha Bumthang Phobjikha
Day 01: Enter The Kingdom Of Bhutan (Paro – Thimphu-55km/1.5hours)
April-17, 2024
Prepare to be captivated by the awe-inspiring sights of the towering Himalayan peaks. As your flight descends into the enchanting Paro valley (2,200 meters), it offers you a first glimpse of this magical country.
After completing the necessary visa formalities at Paro airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide, who will present you with a white scarf symbolizing auspiciousness. From there, we will embark on a scenic drive to the capital city, Thimphu.
- En route, make a stop at the invigorating Tachog Lhakhang, also known as the Iron Chain Bridge. This temple is nestled alongside the meandering Pa Chhu (Paro River) and offers a revitalizing ambiance filled with cool breezes and vibrant prayer flags.
- Our journey continues, and we pause at Wangsisina nunnery to engage in a traditional offering of 108 butter lamps. This act holds deep spiritual significance and also allows you to immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Bhutan.
- Upon arriving Thimphu, drive up to Kuenselphodrang to witness the magnificent Buddha Dordenma statue. Located on a hill, this spot provides a serene atmosphere and offers breathtaking views of the Thimphu cityscape. Marvel at the majestic statue and relish in the tranquil ambiance of the surroundings.
- Trans Bhutan Trail (Hike: 1 to1.5 Hours): Our adventure for the day takes us along the historic trail that once served as a bustling thoroughfare connecting Thimphu and Punakha. Descending from Buddha Dordenma, we follow the scenic route towards Tshelumaphey/Debsi, tracing the trans-Bhutan trail. This trail is not only favored by hikers but also used as a biking trail. Along the way, you will be treated to panoramic vistas of Babesa and South Thimphu. We will conclude our hike at Tshelumaphey/Debsi, having savored the natural beauty of the area.
Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu
Day 02: Explore Thimphu Valley
April-18, 2024
- Cheri Monastery: After a good breakfast, drive to the Northern end of Thimphu valley and hike an hour up to the Cheri monastery; a place of tranquility and overwhelming quietness. As you approach the 17th century Cheri monastery; the other monasteries dotted atop the surrounding mountains with the backdrop of the blue sky is a delightful view to capture. Usually you will be able to spot mountain goats freely mingling with the monks.
Duration of Drive: 30 minutes (17Km)
- Drive little further to Jigme Dorji National Park: We can organize a picnic lunch in nature by the river sides. Enjoy your meal that is nourishing to the body and soul in the tranquil surrounding of the park.
- On the way back to Thimphu visit the Buddhist College of astrology at Pangrizampa before visiting the temple of the 21 Tara Devi in a serene setting next to it.
- Evening free to stroll in Thimphu town
Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu
Day 03: Journey To Golden Punakha Valley (71 Kms/2-3 Hours)
April-19, 2024
After a good breakfast take a pleasant journey to Punakha valley. Witness the mountains unfold its magic as you drive from Thimphu to splendid Punakha.
On the way stop at Dochula Pass 3,100 meters above sea level to admire the Mountain pass marked 108 Chortens (Buddhist Shrines). Enjoy the mesmerizing panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks over a cup of hot coffee or tea at the cafeteria.
If skies are clear, the high Himalayan peaks towards the north east will be revealed in all their glory. On a clear day, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendegang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m), Jejegangphugang (7,158m), Kangphugang (7,170m), Zongaphugang (7,060m) a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana, and finally, Gangkar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m.
You may hoist consecrated prayer flags here and offer herbal incense sticks while wishing for good fortune and peaceful life; as well as well-being of all sentient being. Traditional wisdom holds that prayer flags and incense offering ought to be flown at mountain passes for auspiciousness and good luck.
- Visit Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers. Punakha was Bhutan’s capital until 1955 and Punakha Dzong still serves as the winter residence of the central monk body. Bhutan’s first king, Ugyen Wangchuck, was crowned here in 1907.
- Later drive down to the valley and take a short walk across farmhouses and rice paddies to reach Chimi Lhakhang better known as the fertility temple. It is a popular pilgrim site for couples hoping to starta family.
Wind your way up to Wolakha- a little further from Wolakha takes you to Leki Wangmo Homestay, a traditional Bhutanese farm-house offering grand view of Punakha valley. Enjoy an organic farm-to-table meal prepared by the hostess Aum Leki. You can try your skills in cooking Bhutanese dishes or learn the art of making butter tea or just relax by taking in the view of the Punakha valley. It isan opportunity to discover the real Bhutanese farmer living in villages.
If time permits before exploring the quint Talo village. It is an opportunity to discover the real Bhutanese farmer living in villages for an authentic experience. You can even explore their fields and other villages nearby.
Overnight: Homestay in Punakha
Day 04: Punakha To Bumthang Via Trongsa Excursion(212Km/8hrs)
April-20, 2024
Journey through the dramatic landscapes of terraced farmland, deep river valleys, and precariously perched farmhouses viewed from the only east-west highway that has been ingeniously carved out of the mountain faces.
Drive approximately 4.5 hours to Trongsa, the gateway to central Bhutan at 2180 meters. Set amidst spectacular scenery, Trongsa Dzong, the ancestral home of Bhutan’s royal family, commands the eye from miles away. We can also visit Ta Dzong, the museum in the watchtower dedicated to the Wangchukdynasty, which tells the stories of the Dzong and the valley it has watched over for centuries and featurespersonal belongings of the Kings and Queens of Bhutan.
Following a brief stop at Chendebji Chorten, which according to belief was built to cover the remains of a demon spirit, you will carry on to what was the original home of the royal family.
Upon reaching Trongsa visit the massive Trongsa Dzong , before Continuing a further 2.5 hours to Bumthang. We can stop on the way at Zungney village in Chumey, one of
Bumthang’s four valleys. Here we can watch women weaving the traditional yathra, hand-woven wool strips with geometric patterns. From Zungney continue through some of Bhutan’s most beautiful landscapes to Bumthang, an area of high valleys at 2580 to 3100 meters.
Overnight: Hotel in Bumthang
Day 05: Discover Bumthang Valley
April – 21, 2024
Bumthang is the spiritual heartland of Bhutan with many legendary monasteries, temples, and palaces. Bumthang is the collective name for an area of 4 valleys – Choekor, Tang, Ura, and Chumey.
Your guide will take us on a fascinating walking and/or driving tour of a variety of sacred sites including Jambay Lhakhang of the 7th century- Tamzhing Lhakhang- the colorful Konchosum Lhakhang, followedby a visit to Mebar Tsho ‘the Flaming Lake’, one of Bhutan’s most important pilgrimage sites.
Return back to Bumthang. In the evening you can visit Bumthang Market, famous for organic honey and cheese.
Overnight at hotel in Bumthang
Day 06: Escape To Countryside Of Ura Valley And Celebrate Ura Yakchoed Festival
April – 22, 2024
Today we will take one and a half-hour drive to URA valley, covering a distance of about 48 km. On the way to the drive, one can catch a glimpse of the highest mountain peak in Bhutan, Mt. GangkarPuensum. The route is marked with a marvelous view of the valley, sheep pastures, and occasional forests. The valley itself is different from other regions in the sense that it is home to URA village which has clustered houses separated by cobblestone alleys, a sight uncommon in the country.
Ura Hike: We can also enjoy a short scenic hike to Ura Valley from Shelthang La Pass (3600 meters / 11800 feet), the path meanders slowly down through meadows with a clear view of the village the whole way. Ura has about 50 or so clusters of traditional homes with paved walkways, which gives somewhat a medieval atmosphere. The people are warm and will welcome you wholeheartedly passing through the farmhouse and scattered houses can provide opportunities to interact with people and to explore and learn of its charming village.
Stop at Ura Lhakhang to witness the Ura Yakchoed Festival which is full of color, celebration and rich cultural experience.
Overnight: Hotel in Bumthang
Day 07: Bumthang – Trongsa- Phobjikha
April – 23, 2024
Take a long yet beautiful journey through the dramatic landscapes of terraced farmland, deep river valleys,and precariously perched farmhouses viewed from the only east-west highway that has been ingeniously carved out of the mountain faces. The drive onward to Trongsa takes you over the picturesque Yotong La and through the Chumey Valley, home of Bhutan’s famous Yatra weaving.
Take a brief stop at Yotong La Pass that divides Bumthang from Trongsa and adorned with prayer flags.
Upon arriving Gangtey visit the Gangtey monastery situated on a spur overlooking the magnificent Phobjikha valley, which serves as a winter roosting site for endangered black-necked cranes (migratory birds). Circumambulate Gangtey Monastery and admire and capture the unique structure of the monastery.
Overnight: Homestay in Gangtey
Day 08: Explore The Glacial Splendor Of Phobjikha Valley-Drive To Paro
April – 24, 2024
Gangtey nature Trail Hike: Take a walk to explore the most beautiful glacial valley of Phobjikha. The Gangtey Nature Trail which is considered as one of the most beautiful and shortest of the existing nature trails in Bhutan. The trail hike starts from the Mani (like Chorten) stone wall to the north of the Gangtey Gonpa and ends in Khewa Lhakhang. The hike takes about 1 hour 30 minutes through the pine forest and small bamboo plants. You can see the Phobjikha valley so beautifully from this hike. It is one of the best hike places for the Nature lovers. During the winter months, we can see the endangered species of birds – Black Neck Cranes.
Retrace your way back for a second chance to witness the Dochula pass.
Spend a relaxing evening strolling the typical Bhutanese street of Paro town or try your taste pallets to the different flavors of Bhutanese beer.
Overnight: Hotel in Paro
Day 09: Tiger’s Nest Hike
April – 25, 2024
The best of the last, the legendary Taktsang hike is the focus of today’s activities. Get your energy up at breakfast this morning for a hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Venture through the pristine surrounding of the monastery resting on a cliff.
Hike up to Tiger’s Nest – one of Bhutan’s most revered pilgrim sites; be rewarded to the overwhelming sight of the monastery perched on a cliff at 3,120 meters above the sea level and 900 meters above Paro valley. Tiger’s Nest or Taktsang acquires its name from the legend of its foundation, when in the 8th Century Guru Rinpoche, widely revered as the second Buddha, arrived from Tibet flying across the mountains on the back of a tigress and meditated here for three months. He blessed and preached tantric Buddhism in Bhutan.
After the hike we will stop at the ancient Kichu Lhakhang dating back to the 7th century and discover the myths related to the construction to this Lhakhang.
Relax your muscles with healing traditional hot stone bath and game of local archery.Duration: 6 to 8 hours Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Overnight: Hotel in Paro
Day 10: Departure
April 26th 2024
Our team will drop you & bid you farewell
HIGHLIGHTS
FESTIVAL DATE
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Explore the western regions of Thimphu, Paro, Punakha, and Phobjikha
Hike to the spectacular Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Take an invigorating walk to Tachog Lhakhang on the way to Thimphu
Stroll through the bustling little city of Thimphu
Enjoy the view of the Himalayan ranges at Dochula pass
Walk to the temple of fertility through the traditional village of Sopsokha
Enjoy the intricate pattern of Punakha Dzong
Have picnic lunch at Jigme Dorji National Park
Explore the Gangtey Nature Trail Hike
Unveil the treasures of Central Bhutan in Trongsa and Bumthang:
Capture the enchanting landscapes of Bumthang Valley, Bhutan’s spiritual heartland.
Immerse yourself in the pristine air, rejuvenating your lungs with every breath.
Explore ancient Lhakhangs and uncover their mystical legends.
Marvel at the majestic Trongsa Dzong, a symbol of Bhutanese grandeur.
Experience the beauty and spirituality of Bumthang Valley, often called the “Switzerland of the East,” and home to esteemed Buddhist teachers.
Cultural Experience
Hoisting of prayer flags high in the mountains – as per your birth an astrologer will consult the Divination Charts and accordingly your guide will purchase the appropriate prayer flags that most benefit and protect you
Explore the picturesque village of Talo and the famous phallus village
Immerse in traditional farmhouse life
Engage with friendly locals and learn about their culture
Discover the myth of the divine madman
Participate in a meaningful 108 Butter lamp offering
Indulge in a rejuvenating traditional hot stone bath
Try your hand at traditional archery games
PACKAGE COST FROM
$ 2380
PACKAGE INCLUSION
A Sustainable Tourism Royalty (SDF) to the Royal Government of Bhutan which goes towards the economic developmental works such as in the education, helath, road sectors, etc.,
Bhutan Visa
Accommodations in 3- star properties. (Can be upgraded to 4 & 5-star with additional Premium)
All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Certified English Speaking Bhutanese Guide.
All ground transportation
All internal taxes and charges including Entry Fees
Mineral Water while traveling
Complimentary from company:
Traditional Hot Stone Bath
PACKAGE EXCLUSION
Airfare (Can be arranged with us)
Travel Insurance
Any Expenses of Personal Nature