The Jakar Tshechu Festival takes place at the majestic Jakar Dzong in Bhutan's Bumthang District, spanning three days of cultural splendor. This annual event features sacred mask dances performed by Buddhist monks, complemented by captivating folk songs and dances by local villagers. Tourists and locals alike attend in their finest attire, drawn by the festival's spiritual depth and cultural richness. Beyond its festivities, the festival fosters community unity through prayers and discussions, marking a joyful occasion to honor Guru Rimpoche, the Second Buddha, and celebrate Bhutan's vibrant cultural heritage.
Bhutan Festival
Jakar Festival - 10 Days
Tour Costing:
- 1 Pax: $3250 per person
- 2 Pax: $2860 per person
- 3 Pax and More: $2380 per person
Note: The above tour cost is inclusive of the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of US$100 per day (per adult, with concessionary rates for children). A non-refundable, one-time visa application fee of US$40 is also payable.
Entrance fees for monuments and festivals visits to be paid separately.
Included:
- Accommodation (usually 3-star hotels, can upgrade at additional cost)
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
- Transport within Bhutan including airport transfers.
- Sustainable development fee (SDF).
- Bhutan visa fee.
- English speaking guide.
- Sightseeing.
- Bottled water.
Not Included:
- International airfare to/from Bhutan.
- Entrance fees for museums and monuments.
- Insurance premiums.
- Payments for service provided on a personal basis.
- Cost for any services not mentioned in the “Cost Include head”.
- Cost incurred due to mishaps, strikes, political unrest etc.
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, tips, additional beverages, etc.)
Detailed Itinerary
Meet and greet at the airport and drive to the Hotel.
In the afternoon, visit Ta dzong, the national museum of Bhutan built in 1649. Then visit Rinpung dzong built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
In the evening, free to stroll in the town for shopping and photography.
Dinner and overnight in Hotel.
In the morning, we drive to Satsam Chorten and 2 hour hike till the Tiger’s Nest monastery (Paro Taktsang).
In the afternoon, visit Drugyal dzong built in 1647 by the great Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Then visit Kichu lhakhang built in 659 A.D by the Tibetan King Srongtsen Gampo.
Dinner and overnight in Hotel.
In the morning, drive to the airport for flight to Bumthang.
Meet & greet at the Badbalathang airport and drive to the Hotel.
Afternoon, visit to:
– Jambay lhakhang built in 659 AD by the Tibetan King Srongtsen Gampo.
– Chakhar lhakhang was the palace of Indian king Sindhu Raja. In the 14th century, Dorji Lingpa, a Buddhist saint, re-built it as a place of worship.
– Tamshing lhakhang which literally means “the temple of the good message”, established in 1501 by Pema Lingpa (1450-1521).
– Kurjey lhakhang built in the 8th century where the body print of the Guru Rinpoche can still be seen on the rock housed in this temple.
In the evening, free to stroll in the town.
Dinner and overnight in Hotel.
In the morning, drive to the Jakar dzong and witness the Jakar festival Bhutan 2025.
– The Jakar dzong which means “The castle of white Bird” was built in 1667 by the Tibetan Lama Nyagi Wangchuk.
Afternoon, witness the Jakar festival.
In the evening, we visit Kenchosum monastery built in the 6th century. Legend has it that the Lhakhang contained a large bell that when it was rung, the bell could be heard all the way in Lhasa, Tibet. It is now on display at the national museum in Paro.
Dinner and overnight in Hotel.
In the morning, witness the Jakar festival.
Afternoon, drive to the beautiful valley of Tang valley.
On the way, visit to Mebar Tsho or “the burning lake”.
While in Tang valley, visit to Ogen Choling palace museum.
In the evening, drive back to Bumthang.
Dinner and overnight in Hotel.
In the morning, drive to Gangtey. On the way, visit to:
– The tower of Trongsa or Ta dzong, an ancient watch tower which once guarded the Trongsa dzong.
– Trongsa dzong built in 1644 by Chhogyal Minjur Tempa.
While in Gangtey, visit to:
– Gangtey Gompa monastery founded in 1613 by Gyaltse Pema Thinley, the grandson of Pema Lingpa.
– Explore Phobjikha valley, the most beautiful glacial valley in the Himalayas and the roosting ground of the rare black- necked cranes in winter.
Dinner and overnight in Hotel.
In the morning, visit Crane information center.
Then drive to Punakha. On the way, take a view of Wangdiphodrang dzong built in 1638 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
Then visit Chimi lhakhang (temple of fertility) built in 1499 by Lama Drukpa Kuenley (The divine mad man).
Afternoon – visit Punakha dzong was built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
In the evening, hike to Khamsum Yulley monastery built by Her Majesty the Queen Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck.
Dinner and overnight in Hotel.
In the morning, drive to Thimphu
We stop at Dochu la pass (3140 meters) with 108 stupas at Dochu la pass. You can see the great views of the higher Himalayas bordering Tibet. You can see Table mountain, Mt. Masagang (7158 m), the highest mountain in Bhutan.
Afternoon – visit postal museum, textile museum and the painting school (The school of 13 arts and crafts).
In the evening, visit to Tashichho dzong, the royal secretariat and the residence of Je Khenpo.
Dinner and overnight in Hotel.
In the Morning, visit to:
– National memorial chorten built in honor of Late His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.
– Tallest statue of sitting Buddha (51.5 meters) at Kuensel Phodrang.
– Changangkha lhakhang.
– Takin preserve center.
– Sangay gang view point.
– Dupthop lhakhang, one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan.
Lunch at Simply Bhutan, where you can enjoy typical Bhutanese dishes, local wine, witness folk dances and many more.
Afternoon, visit craft bazaar where you can buy Bhutanese handicrafts and art works.
In the evening, drive to Paro. On the way, visit Tamchog lhakhang built in the year 1420 by Thang Tong Gyalpo. He built 108 bridges across Tibet and Bhutan, out of which 8 were built in Bhutan.
Dinner and overnight in Hotel.
A representative of our company and the tour guide will see you off at the exit gate. Wishing you a safe and pleasant journey. See you next time!