Jambay Lhakhang Drup (Fire Dance)
12 days · from US$3900 per person — all-inclusive: guide, transport, accommodation, meals, visa and SDF.
Famous for the "Mewang" (Fire Blessing) and "Tercham" (Dance of Treasure), where dancers perform naked at midnight to purify sins. Held in the ancient Jambay Lhakhang.
Highlights: Fire Blessing · Midnight Dance · Bumthang Valley · Cultural Immersion
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival
Arrive in Paro. Transfer to hotel. Evening orientation about Jambay Lhakhang Drup - one of Bhutan's most unique festivals featuring the midnight naked dance and fire blessing ceremony. Overnight: Paro
Day 2: Paro to Thimphu to Punakha
Drive through Thimphu to Punakha (5 hours total). Visit Dochula Pass and enjoy Himalayan views. Afternoon in Punakha. Visit the magnificent dzong at the confluence of two rivers. Overnight: Punakha
Day 3: Punakha to Bumthang
Long scenic drive to Bumthang (7-8 hours) through spectacular landscapes. Cross Pele La pass and Black Mountains. Arrive in Bumthang valley, spiritual heartland of Bhutan. Overnight: Bumthang
Day 4: Bumthang Exploration
Full day exploring Bumthang's sacred sites. Visit Jakar Dzong, Kurjey Lhakhang, and local villages. Acclimatize before the festival begins. Overnight: Bumthang
Day 5: Jambay Lhakhang Drup - Day 1
Morning visit to Jambay Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest temples (7th century). The festival is held in this sacred compound. Afternoon: Festival begins with mask dances performed by monks. The Tercham (naked dance) and Mewang (fire dance) make this festival unique. Evening: The famous Mewang (fire blessing). A large fire arch is constructed in the temple courtyard. Devotees run through the flames believing it purifies sins and brings blessings. Your guide helps you participate if you wish - the fire is hot but the passage is quick! Late night (around midnight): The Tercham, a sacred naked dan
Day 6: Jambay Lhakhang Drup - Day 2
Morning: More mask dances and religious ceremonies at the temple. Afternoon: Explore Bumthang valley. Visit Tamshing Lhakhang and local craft shops. Evening: Return to festival for closing ceremonies. Overnight: Bumthang
Day 7: Mebar Tsho & Tang Valley
Visit Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake) in Tang valley, where treasure revealer Pema Lingpa discovered sacred texts. Explore Tang valley monasteries and villages. Optional: Red Panda Brewery visit. Overnight: Bumthang
Day 8: Ura Valley Excursion
Day trip to remote Ura valley, Bumthang's highest valley at 3,100m. Visit Ura Lhakhang and explore the unique village architecture. Experience rural Bumthang culture. Overnight: Bumthang
Day 9: Bumthang to Paro
Fly to Paro (or long drive if flight unavailable). Afternoon at leisure in Paro. Explore the town and local markets. Overnight: Paro
Day 10: Paro Valley Exploration
Visit Paro Dzong, National Museum, and Kyichu Lhakhang. Explore the historic town. Early rest to prepare for tomorrow's challenging hike. Overnight: Paro
Day 11: Tiger's Nest Hike
Today is the highlight of your journey - the iconic hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest). Start early for the challenging but incredibly rewarding trek. The monastery clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the Paro valley. The hike takes 4-5 hours round trip. Explore the monastery complex and meditation caves where Guru Rinpoche brought Buddhism to Bhutan. Evening celebration dinner with traditional cultural show. Overnight: Paro
Day 12: Departure
Morning at leisure. Transfer to airport. You leave having witnessed one of Bhutan's most unique and sacred festivals - the fire blessing and midnight naked dance are experiences few travelers encounter. Tashi Delek!