Ura Yakchoe: Mushroom & Dance
11 days · from US$3570 per person — all-inclusive: guide, transport, accommodation, meals, visa and SDF.
A festival in the charming village of Ura in Bumthang. Famous for the display of a sacred relic and the community atmosphere. Often coincides with mushroom season.
Highlights: Ura Valley · Village Stay · Matsutake Mushrooms · Sacred Relic
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival
Arrive in Paro. Transfer to hotel. Evening briefing about Ura Yakchoe - an intimate village festival in remote Bumthang valley. Overnight: Paro
Day 2: Paro to Thimphu
Drive to Thimphu (1 hour). City sightseeing - Buddha Dordenma, Memorial Chorten, Tashichho Dzong. Explore the capital city and its unique blend of tradition and modernity. Overnight: Thimphu
Day 3: Thimphu to Bumthang
Long scenic drive to Bumthang (7-8 hours) or fly (45 minutes). Cross Dochula Pass and Pele La pass through spectacular mountain scenery. Arrive in Bumthang valley by evening. Overnight: Bumthang
Day 4: Bumthang Exploration
Visit Bumthang's main attractions: Jakar Dzong, Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake). Acclimatize to altitude before tomorrow's drive to higher Ura valley. Overnight: Bumthang
Day 5: Ura Yakchoe Festival
Morning drive to Ura valley (1.5 hours), the highest valley in Bumthang at 3,100m. The remote village has preserved ancient traditions. Ura Yakchoe is an intimate community festival. Unlike large dzong festivals, this takes place in the village with strong participation from locals. The highlight: Display of a sacred relic (Yakchoe) - a statue of Guru Rinpoche that "speaks" and grants wishes. The relic is revealed and villagers receive blessings. Traditional mask dances performed by villagers (not monks), folk songs, and local dances. The community atmosphere is warm and welcoming. Ara (local
Day 6: Tang Valley
Day trip to Tang valley. Visit meditation caves and remote villages. Experience rural life away from tourist paths. Overnight: Bumthang
Day 7: Bumthang Free Day
Rest day or optional activities. Visit Red Panda Brewery, local craft shops, or simply relax. Overnight: Bumthang
Day 8: Bumthang to Paro
Fly to Paro (or long drive if necessary). Afternoon at leisure in Paro. Explore the town and local markets. Overnight: Paro
Day 9: 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 10: 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 11: Departure
Morning at leisure. Transfer to airport. You leave having experienced an intimate village festival in one of Bhutan's most remote valleys - a rare glimpse into authentic rural culture. Tashi Delek!