Bumthang Jamba Lhakhang Drup

We will visit the revered Memorial Chorten, the National Library, and the School of Traditional Arts. In the afternoon you can take in more of the sights and culture of the capital, with the option of a trip to Simtokha Dzong (one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan, dating from 629 AD).

In the morning drive to the old capital, Punakha, via Dochu La pass at 3050 meters, where we will stop for a hot drink and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Eastern Himalaya ranges. In the afternoon visit the imposing Punakha Dzong, and Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility) built in the 15th century by the ‘Divine Madman’ (Lama Drukpa Kuenley).

Sightseeing in Bumthang, the spiritual heartland of Bhutan, with its many legendary monasteries, temples, and palaces. Start with Bhutan’s largest Dzong (Jakar), with its picturesque location overlooking the Chokhor valley. Then your guide will take you on a fascinating tour of a variety of sacred sites including Jampa Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, and LameyGompa, followed by a visit to Membar Tsho ‘the Flaming Lake’, one of Bhutan’s most important pilgrimage sites. You can also visit Bumthang’s famous Swiss cheese factory and dairy farm.

This morning you will visit Jambay Lhakhang Festival also known as Bumthang Drup. King Songtsen Gompo of Tibet is known for establishing 108 monasteries in one day in different provinces of Tibet and Bhutan in the 7th Century. The present Jambay Lhakhang is one of those 108 monasteries, located in the heart of Bumthang’s Chokhor Valley. It was in early times, when the world was in the hands of the barbarians fighting for power, that the Great Lord Jo-Jampa descended into this world from heaven and turned the people into a religious and peace-loving lot. At that time the valley of Chokhor was infested with disease and misery under the domain of evil spirits. The King of the valley, Sindhu Raja had no other choice for his people, but to invite Guru Padmasambhava (known as Guru Rinpoche) to the valley in the 8th century to subdue these evil spirits. This was achieved by the Great Guru performing the very dances that are performed today in the Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival. Tantric Buddhism then flourished in the valley which later spread throughout the kingdom. In the 14th century Terton, Dorji Lingpa introduced the religious teachings of the Great Guru through this very festival. Tulku Choeten Geompo, a descendent of Sindhu Raja, at that point ruled that the people of the valley must teach these dances and maintain this performance every year on the 15th day of the ninth month of the Bhutanese lunar calendar for the rest of time.