Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival 2027: Bhutan’s Oldest Fire Blessing Ceremony
The Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival is one of the most sacred and spectacular festivals in Bhutan, held each year at the 7th-century Jambay Lhakhang temple in Bumthang, the spiritual heartland of the kingdom. In 2027, the festival is expected to take place from 14 to 17 November, corresponding to the 15th to 18th days of the ninth Bhutanese lunar month.
Ling Travel Bhutan, a licensed Bhutanese travel agency and DMC based in Thimphu, invites you to experience this extraordinary celebration on an exclusive 10-day private tour of western and central Bhutan, led by expert local guides who know the festival, its rituals, and every valley on the route firsthand.
The Sacred Ceremonies
Two ancient ceremonies set the Jambay Lhakhang Drup apart from every other festival in Bhutan. Both are believed to cleanse the community, expel negative forces, and bring blessings to all who witness them.
Mewang – The Fire Blessing
As night falls, a great bonfire is lit in the temple courtyard. Locals and visitors alike walk through the flames to receive purification and protection for the year ahead. It is one of the most breathtaking rituals in the Bhutanese festival calendar.
Ter Cham – The Naked Dance
Sixteen masked male dancers, adorned only in colourful ornaments, perform this sacred dance to the sound of cymbals, trumpets, and drums. Revealed by Guru Rinpoche himself, the Ter Cham subdues demons, blesses the land, and protects the community.
The Masked Dances
Over four days, the temple courtyard comes alive with masked cham dances from morning until evening. Each dance carries deep symbolic meaning rooted in Tantric Buddhist teaching:
- Singje Yab Yum Cham – the dance of the Lord of Death and his consort
- Shazam Cham – the Dance of the Four Stags
- Drametse Nga Cham – Bhutan’s famous drum dance from Drametse Monastery
- Dola Pangtoy Shazam – the comic clown dance that brings laughter between the solemn rites
- Raksha Mangcham – the Judgement of the Dead, a vivid depiction of life after death
Why This Festival Matters
Jambay Lhakhang is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, built in 659 AD by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. According to legend, it is one of 108 temples constructed across the Himalayas in a single day to pin down a giant demoness. Guru Rinpoche himself consecrated the temple in the 8th century.
The Drup honours both of these founding acts and is one of the oldest living religious ceremonies in Bhutan. To attend is to witness a tradition essentially unchanged for over a thousand years, in the company of the local community who keep it alive.
Beyond the Festival: The 10-Day Itinerary
Our festival tour weaves the Drup into a perfectly paced journey through western and central Bhutan:
- Paro
Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang), one of Bhutan’s most iconic sights - Thimphu
The capital and its cultural landmarks - Punakha
The majestic Punakha Dzong and Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten - Phobjikha
The glacial valley of the black-necked cranes and Gangtey Monastery - Bumthang
The spiritual heartland and home of the festival
The tour is graded easy, with short, accessible walks and no demanding trekking, making it ideal for travellers of all ages who want a deep cultural experience of Bhutan without strenuous hikes.
Why Travel with Ling Travel Bhutan
Licensed Local Expertise
Licensed Bhutanese travel agency and DMC with deep local roots.
Private & Customised
Fully personalised itineraries tailored to your interests and pace.
End-to-End Support
Visa, SDF, flights, hotels, and expert guiding, all arranged for you.
Responsible Tourism
Travel that gives back to local communities across Bhutan.
Festival Knowledge
Guides with firsthand knowledge of the Drup and its rituals.
Authentic Hospitality
The warmth and care of genuine Bhutanese hosts.
Book Your Festival Journey
Festival dates are limited and accommodations in Bumthang fill quickly. Reserve your place on the Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival 2027 tour today.
Your journey to Bhutan begins with a spectacular flight into Paro International Airport. Enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the Himalayan mountain ranges, including some of the world’s highest peaks.
Upon arrival, our friendly representative from Ling Travel Bhutan will welcome you at the airport exit after you complete immigration and customs formalities.
Depending on your arrival time, enjoy sightseeing in Paro. Visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum of Bhutan, which houses an interesting collection of historical artefacts, religious treasures, traditional handicrafts and Bhutanese artwork.
Continue to Rinpung Dzong, an impressive fortress-monastery overlooking the Paro Valley. It is an important centre of religious and administrative activities and is famous for its traditional Bhutanese architecture.
After sightseeing, drive approximately 1.5 hours to Thimphu, following the beautiful Pa Chhu River.
In the evening, your guide will introduce you to Bhutanese customs, traditions and cultural etiquette.
Overnight: Thimphu.
After breakfast, explore Thimphu, Bhutan’s charming capital city, where traditional culture and modern development exist in harmony.
Visit the following attractions:
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National Memorial Chorten: A prominent Buddhist monument built in memory of the Third King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.
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Buddha Dordenma: One of the world’s largest Buddha statues, overlooking the Thimphu Valley.
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Zilukha Nunnery: A peaceful Buddhist nunnery offering insight into monastic life.
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Motithang Takin Preserve: Discover Bhutan’s national animal, the takin.
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Tashichho Dzong: A magnificent fortress housing important government offices and the central monastic body.
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Kaja Throm and Craft Bazaar: Explore local food culture, traditional crafts and Bhutanese souvenirs.
Return to your hotel after a full day of sightseeing.
Overnight: Thimphu.
After breakfast, depart for Trongsa via the scenic Dochula Pass (3,100 metres).
At Dochula, enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain range and visit the beautiful 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens, built in honour of Bhutan’s peace, stability and unity.
Enjoy refreshments at the pass café before continuing your journey through picturesque mountain landscapes.
Stop at Chendebji Chorten, a large Nepalese-style stupa built in the 18th century.
Upon reaching Trongsa, visit the magnificent Trongsa Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most historically significant fortresses. It played an important role in the history of Bhutan’s monarchy.
Continue to Ta Dzong Museum, which showcases Bhutan’s royal heritage and the history of the Wangchuck dynasty.
Overnight: Trongsa.
After breakfast, drive towards Bumthang, often regarded as the spiritual heartland of Bhutan.
The journey takes you through beautiful mountain scenery, traditional villages and peaceful valleys.
En route, stop at Zungney Yathra Weaving Village, where local artisans produce traditional Bhutanese woollen textiles known as Yathra.
Upon arrival in Bumthang, visit Jakar Dzong, also known as the Fortress of the White Bird. This historic fortress overlooks the Chamkhar Valley and is an important landmark of the region.
Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and traditional architecture of Bumthang.
Overnight: Bumthang.
Today, experience one of Bhutan’s most fascinating religious celebrations, the Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival.
Held at the historic Jambay Lhakhang temple in Bumthang, this annual festival brings together local communities and visitors to celebrate Bhutan’s rich Buddhist traditions.
Enjoy the colourful Cham masked dances performed by monks and local dancers in traditional costumes.
The festival programme may include:
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Traditional sacred masked dances.
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The famous Mewang, or fire ceremony.
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Religious blessings and prayers.
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The sacred unveiling of the Thongdrel, according to the festival schedule.
The nighttime Mewang ceremony is particularly memorable, as people gather to witness this traditional religious ritual.
This is a wonderful opportunity to experience Bhutan’s living spiritual heritage and local community traditions.
Overnight: Bumthang.
After breakfast, attend the morning festival programme at Jambay Lhakhang and enjoy more traditional performances.
In the afternoon, explore some of Bumthang’s most sacred religious sites.
Visit:
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Kurjey Lhakhang: One of Bhutan’s most sacred temples, associated with Guru Rinpoche, who meditated here in the 8th century.
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Tamshing Lhakhang: An important monastery founded by the great Bhutanese spiritual master Pema Lingpa in 1501.
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Jambay Lhakhang: An ancient temple traditionally associated with the establishment of Buddhism in Bhutan.
Learn about the spiritual significance of these sacred places and their importance in Bhutanese Buddhist history.
Overnight: Bumthang.
After breakfast, drive towards the beautiful Phobjikha Valley, one of Bhutan’s most scenic glacial valleys.
The valley is particularly famous as the winter home of the endangered black-necked cranes, which migrate from the Tibetan Plateau during the colder months.
Upon arrival, visit the Black-Necked Crane Information Centre to learn about crane conservation and the valley’s unique ecosystem.
Enjoy a peaceful nature trail walk through the valley, passing traditional villages, open meadows and beautiful mountain scenery.
Experience the tranquillity of rural Bhutan and enjoy the natural beauty of this remarkable destination.
Overnight: Phobjikha.
After breakfast, visit Gangtey Monastery, an important centre of the Nyingma school of Buddhism overlooking the magnificent Phobjikha Valley.
Later, drive to Punakha through scenic mountain roads.
Upon arrival, explore Chimi Lhakhang, popularly known as the Temple of Fertility, associated with the Buddhist master Drukpa Kunley.
Continue to Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful and historically important fortresses, situated at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers.
End the afternoon with a walk across the impressive Punakha Suspension Bridge, one of the longest suspension bridges in Bhutan.
Overnight: Punakha.
After breakfast, depart for Paro, travelling through beautiful mountain landscapes and stopping at Dochula Pass for refreshments and photographs, weather permitting.
Upon arrival in Paro, visit:
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Ta Dzong (National Museum): Discover Bhutanese history, traditional art, religious objects and cultural collections.
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Rinpung Dzong: Explore one of the finest examples of Bhutanese fortress architecture.
Enjoy the charming atmosphere of Paro Valley and learn more about its rich cultural and religious heritage.
Overnight: Paro.
After breakfast, prepare for one of Bhutan’s most memorable experiences: the hike to the world-famous Taktsang Monastery, popularly known as Tiger’s Nest.
Perched dramatically on a cliff approximately 900 metres above the Paro Valley floor, Taktsang is one of Bhutan’s most sacred pilgrimage destinations.
According to Bhutanese Buddhist tradition, Guru Rinpoche arrived at this location in the 8th century and meditated in a cave after travelling on the back of a flying tigress.
The hike takes approximately 4–6 hours round trip, depending on your pace and walking conditions.
Enjoy spectacular mountain scenery, peaceful forest trails and breathtaking views of the monastery.
For guests who prefer not to undertake the hike, alternative sightseeing can be arranged, including:
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Kyichu Lhakhang.
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Satsam Chorten.
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Paro town exploration.
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Namgay Artisanal Brewery, subject to visitor arrangements.
Return to your hotel after the day’s activities.
Overnight: Paro.
After breakfast, our representative will transfer you to Paro International Airport for your onward flight.
Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a short visit to Paro town for last-minute souvenir shopping.
As your Bhutan journey comes to an end, we hope you leave with beautiful memories of Bhutan’s landscapes, spiritual heritage, colourful festivals and warm hospitality.
Tashi Delek! We wish you a pleasant onward journey.
- Airport pick-up and drop-off by private vehicle.
- 3-star accommodation (4 & 5 stars may require an additional premium update).
- Bhutan visa fee – including all necessary processing
- Route Permit
- Three meals per day during your stay in Bhutan
- A licensed Bhutanese tour guide
- All land transportation by private vehicle
- Camping equipment and haulage for trekking tours
- Sightseeing as per itinerary
- Monuments entrance fees where applicable
- Drinking water
- All internal taxes and charges
- A sustainable development fee of $200. (This sustainable development fee goes towards free education, free healthcare, and poverty alleviation, along with the building of infrastructure.)
- Airfare & Travel Insurance
- Expenses of personal nature, Tips to guides and drivers
- Expenses occurred due to unavoidable events i.e. road wrecks, flight delays etc.
Travel Essentials
- Travel/Medical Insurance: Ensure a worry-free journey with Bhutan's dedicated travel and medical insurance plans offered by the Royal Insurance Corporation of Bhutan. Visit RICB for more information.
- Banking: Modern banking facilities are available in urban areas of Bhutan, with banks like Bank of Bhutan Limited, Druk PNB, and Bhutan National Bank. ATMs are common in Thimphu and Phuentsholing, but scarce in rural areas. Complete your banking in major cities.
- Money Matters: Bhutan's currency is the Ngultrum (Nu), which is equivalent in value to the Indian Rupee. Foreign travelers should bring traveler’s cheques or cash, especially USD. Credit cards like Visa and American Express are accepted in most areas.
- Communication: Bhutan's telecommunications are well-developed with internet cafes, mobile phone coverage, and international roaming available in most towns.
- Electricity: Bhutan operates on 230 volts and 50 Hertz. Ensure your devices are compatible with the three types of plugs commonly used.
- Time Zone: Bhutan's time is six hours ahead of GMT.
Health, Safety, and Customs
- Health and Inoculations: Recommended vaccinations include tetanus, typhoid, and hepatitis A. Avoid untreated water and ice cubes; instead, opt for bottled water, which is readily available.
- Safety Precautions: Bhutan is generally safe, but avoid walking alone or staying out late, especially after 9 PM. Secure your belongings, particularly in the capital, Thimphu.
- Customs Regulations: Personal belongings, 1 liter of alcohol, 200 cigarettes, and professional equipment are exempt from customs duty. Importing restricted items, such as wildlife products, antiques, and drugs, is prohibited.
Accommodation, Food, and Shopping
- Accommodation: Bhutan offers a range of accommodations, from quality 3-star to luxury 5-star hotels in places like Thimphu, Paro, and Punakha. Travelers can also opt for camping when venturing beyond urban areas.
- Food: Bhutanese cuisine is rich and spicy, featuring dishes like ema datshi. International cuisine such as Indian, Continental, and Chinese is available in most restaurants, with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
- Shopping: Bhutan offers unique handicrafts, including hand-woven textiles, wooden bowls (Dapas), silver statues, Thangkas, and local postage stamps. Note that the buying and selling of antiques is strictly prohibited.
Travel Kits and Clothing
- Clothing and Essentials: Bhutan's climate is diverse, so dress in layers and pack accordingly. Respectful clothing is required when visiting monasteries and religious sites, and hats should be removed in sacred areas.
- Travel Kits: Pack items like sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, antihistamine cream, anti-diarrhea pills, a flashlight, warm clothes, and a hat. The diverse climate means temperatures range from 20-25°C in summer to below 15°C in winter.
Experiences and Activities
- Photography: Capture Bhutan's stunning landscapes, rural life, and architecture. Indoor photography in sacred sites requires special permission.
- Guides and Interpreters: Bhutan offers certified guides fluent in various languages, ensuring you get the best experience when visiting sacred sites and cultural landmarks.
- Festivals and Holidays: Each district in Bhutan celebrates its unique annual tshechu. Check local schedules to plan your visit around these vibrant festivals.
- Weights and Measures: Bhutan uses metric measurements for weight, with advanced electronic scales commonly found in major cities.
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