Jampa Lhakhang, located in the heart of Bumthang Valley, is one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Bhutan. It is believed to have been built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo as part of a network of 108 temples constructed in a single day to subdue a demoness spreading across the Himalayas. Alongside the famed Kichu Lhakhang in Paro and Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, Jampa Lhakhang holds immense religious significance.
The temple is dedicated to Jampa (Maitreya), the Buddha of the Future, and has been renovated by many important historical figures, including Guru Rinpoche, Sindhu Raja, and Bhutan’s first king. Inside the main chapel are three sacred stone steps believed to represent the three stages of time:
Past – A step that has already sunk into the ground.
Present – The current age of Buddha Shakyamuni.
Future – A step that remains elevated, signifying the age yet to come.
It is believed that when the last step sinks, it will mark the end of the present era and the beginning of the new.
The Jampa Lhakhang Drup is one of Bhutan’s oldest and most cherished religious festivals. It is celebrated on the 15th day of the 9th month of the Bhutanese lunar calendar (usually in October or November). The festival is both a religious and community event, bringing together people from surrounding valleys in a joyous celebration.
Key highlights of the festival include:
Sacred mask dances (Cham) performed by monks and laymen to invoke blessings, purify negative karma, and ward off evil spirits.
Fire Blessing Ceremony (Mewang) where people run beneath flaming arches to cleanse their sins and receive protection.
The Naked Dance (Tercham) – one of the most unique and sacred rituals performed by local men at midnight, believed to bring fertility and drive away evil.
While the deeper religious meanings are central to the festival, it also serves as a vibrant expression of Bhutanese culture, community gathering, and thanksgiving for peace and good harvests.
🕯️ Jampa Lhakhang and its annual Drup festival are powerful testaments to Bhutan’s spiritual legacy, timeless rituals, and living culture.
Day 01: Arrive Paro and Sightseeing
Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by your guide and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, visit Ta Dzong, the national museum of Bhutan originally built in 1649. Next, explore Rinpung Dzong, a fortress built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, which now serves as the administrative and monastic center of Paro. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely stroll through Paro town where you can shop for handicrafts and enjoy photography. Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel in Paro.
Day 02: Paro – Hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery
After breakfast, embark on a hike to Taktsang Monastery, famously known as the Tiger’s Nest. This sacred site clings dramatically to a cliff 900 meters above the Paro Valley. The hike takes about four hours round trip and offers breathtaking views. Upon return, enjoy a traditional Bhutanese lunch and spend the afternoon at leisure. Overnight stay in Paro.
Day 03: Paro – Bumthang Sightseeing (By Flight – 25 Minutes)
After an early breakfast, transfer to Paro airport for a short domestic flight to Bumthang, a spiritual heartland of Bhutan. Upon arrival, begin sightseeing with a visit to Jambay Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, and Kurje Lhakhang, where Guru Rinpoche is said to have meditated. Explore the charming valley, rich in culture and mythology. Overnight stay in Bumthang.
Day 04: Bumthang – Ura Valley (Witness the Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival 2025)
Drive to Ura Valley, one of the highest and most picturesque valleys in Bumthang. Spend the day witnessing the vibrant Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival, known for its sacred mask dances and rituals including the fire blessing ceremony. This festival draws both locals and visitors for its deep spiritual significance. After the festivities, return to Bumthang for the night.
Day 05: Excursion to Ogyen Choling Palace & Jambay Lhakhang Festival
Today, enjoy a scenic drive to Tang Valley to visit Ogyen Choling Palace, a historical manor now turned into a museum that preserves Bhutanese heritage and rural life. Return to Jambay Lhakhang in the afternoon to witness more cultural performances and rituals as part of the ongoing festival. Overnight stay in Bumthang.
Day 06: Bumthang – Trongsa – Gangtey (185 km, 5 hours drive)
After breakfast, drive to Trongsa and visit Trongsa Dzong, a magnificent fortress that played a pivotal role in Bhutan’s history. Continue your journey to Gangtey, a serene glacial valley famous for the Gangtey Monastery and as a winter home for black-necked cranes. The valley offers sweeping views and is ideal for nature lovers. Overnight stay in Gangtey.
Day 07: Gangtey – Punakha Sightseeing (75 km, 2 hours drive)
This morning, drive to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan. Visit the architectural wonder Punakha Dzong, strategically located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Later, take a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the Temple of Fertility, dedicated to the Divine Madman, Drukpa Kunley. Overnight stay in Punakha.
Day 08: Punakha – Thimphu Sightseeing (76 km, 3 hours drive)
Drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city, blending tradition with modernity. Visit the Buddha Dordenma statue, Memorial Chorten, and the impressive Tashichho Dzong. Stop by the National Textile Museum or the School of Traditional Arts to learn more about Bhutanese culture. In the evening, enjoy some free time in the city. Overnight stay in Thimphu.
Day 09: Thimphu Sightseeing – Paro (54 km, 1 hour drive)
In the morning, you can explore local markets or visit more cultural sites in Thimphu. After lunch, drive back to Paro. You may opt to enjoy a traditional hot stone bath in the evening as a relaxing way to end your journey. Overnight stay in Paro.
Day 10: Paro – Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your departure. This marks the end of your memorable journey through Bhutan during the Jambay Lhakhang Festival 2025.
(Note: This itinerary is a sample itinerary intended to give you a general idea of trip to Bhutan. We can tailor an itinerary to suit your requirements and interests.