Festivals, Culture and Beauty: A Luxury Tour through Bhutan
Trip highlights
- Attend the Jambay Lhakhang Festival in Bumthang
- Have tea with nuns at the Wolokha Nunnery
- Explore Gangteng Valley, also known as the Phobjikhii Valley
- Enjoy time with courtiers of the Second King
- Experience the Coronation Day Festival in Thimphu
- Enjoy an exclusive hike to the famous Taktshang monastery
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Explore Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan
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Marvel at the architecture of Paro Dzong
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Watch the intricate dances of the Jambay festival
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Hike through the valley of Punakha
Bespoke trips with Jacada
We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Privately guided tours
- Private transfers
- Meticulously selected experiences
- Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge
- Days 1–2 Paro
- Days 2–4 Bumthang
- Days 4–5 Gangtey
- Days 5–6 Punakha
- Days 6–8 Thimphu
- Days 8–10 Paro
- Days 1–2 Paro
- Days 2–4 Bumthang
- Days 4–5 Gangtey
- Days 5–6 Punakha
- Days 6–8 Thimphu
- Days 8–10 Paro
Itinerary in detail
Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.
Overnight in Paro
Paro, one of the kingdom’s widest valleys, is covered in fertile rice fields and crisscrossed by a beautiful meandering river. Explore the town’s architectural charms of impressive monasteries, ancient ruins and the National Museum. The main street of the town was only built in 1985 but it’s lined with cheerfully painted wooden shop fronts and restaurants in a classic Bhutanese style.
Where you could stay
Paro
Overview
Situated in Balakha Village, the Amankora Paro contrasts rustic elements with contemporary design. Its pleasing features include natural rammed-earth walls, gently sloping roofs, wood-panelled interiors and spectacular views of blue pine forests, the 17th-century Drukyel Dzong and Mount Jhomolhari.
This impressive lodge features 24 suites, each with a combined lounge and bedroom and traditional wood-burning stove. Centred by a large flagstone courtyard, a lime-washed stone pavilion houses the living and dining room facilities with floor-to-ceiling windows, a library and an outdoor terrace overlooking a small stream.
A spa set on two levels features a yoga studio with glass walls and treatment rooms with outdoor baths.
→ Find out moreParo
Overview
Located on a 38-acre site sitting on a forested mount, Uma Paro was once the home of a Bhutanese nobleman and is a resort of exceptional style and elegance. The building, one of Bhutan’s only boutique hotels, features handcrafted stone, wood and tiles and white walls vividly painted by local artists.
29 suites including private villas can be found amongst glades planted with azaleas, and each suite features a traditional wood-burning stove. The circular dining room offers a unique atmosphere for dinners while a cosy bar and lounge afford complete relaxation.
Spa facilities incorporate a unique hot stone bath house, a large indoor pool with outdoor sun deck and steam rooms. There is also the use of a fitness centre and a boutique to complete your stay.
→ Find out moreParo
Overview
Fusing Bhutanese tradition with the best of modern-day technology, Zhiwa Ling is a forward-thinking hotel faithfully rooted in the past.
Guestrooms blend elaborate hand-carved wooden cornices with Swedish underfloor heating to create a comfortable tribute to Bhutan’s ornate architecture. Some feature sitting and dining rooms and all boast Paro valley views, best enjoyed from your sofa or balcony.
And the amenities don’t stop there. The spa is decked out with a sauna, steam room and traditional outdoor hot stone bath, while two restaurants serve a range of regional and international dishes. The spiritually inclined are particularly well catered for and can experience an authentic Buddhist ceremony at the in-house temple, made from 450 year old timbers from the famous Gangtey Monastery, and practise yoga at the Meditation House.
→ Find out more
Exploring Paro
Today you will enjoy a tour of the town of Paro. Explore the National Museum, which lends itself to spectacular bird’s eye views of the main Paro Valley and houses over 3,000 pieces of Bhutanese art.
A short drive from the museum takes you to the Rinpung Dzong, a large Buddhist monastery and fortress that’s regarded as one of Bhutan’s most impressive and well-known dzongs.
Two nights in Bumthang
Next up is Bhutan’s spiritual heartland, Bumthang. Spend your days in this rural and historic region exploring the vast number of ancient temples and sacred sites among the agricultural lands. Comprised of four mountain valleys, Bumthang means ‘beautiful land’. Here you’ll find four farming villages, an intricate and imposing dzong and two national parks that are home to the Bengal tiger, snow leopard and Himalayan black bear.
Where you could stay
Bumthang
Overview
With a name derived from the Sanskrit word for peace, you can rest assured that your stay at Amankora Bumthang will be full of serenity and comfort. Located within the district’s main town of Jakar, the elegant lodge holds a premier position adjacent to the first and second King of Bhutan’s palace, Wangdichholing.
The lodge has a classical Bhutanese design with a dzong-inspired entrance which opens out into a pleasing lounge featuring a traditional wood burning stove. The 16 suites have been separated out into four structures for maximum privacy and are accessed through an imposing stone hallway. Each room is appointed with wood-panelled interiors, wood burning stoves and a daybed overlooking the courtyard and the nearby palace and monastery, as well as all the usual high-end conveniences.
The attractive courtyard offers a delightful opportunity for dinning outside under the shade of fruit trees and spa facilities can be found near the main entrance hall. Not that you’ll want to spend all your time in your quarters – the lodge is perfectly situated for exploring Jakar and the surrounding Choekhor Valley with the former royal sports ground of Bhutan’s first two kings lying beside the entrance avenue.
→ Find out moreBumthang
Overview
Not only is this mountain resort one of the oldest family-run properties in Bumthang, it is also regarded as one of the best.
Simple and charming with warm, personal service, this is a comfortable base from which to explore the region.
Renovated, pine-clad rooms look out to views of the Wangdichholing Palace and the Drangme Chhu River, while wood-burning stoves, ultra-comfy beds and home-cooked meals provide a welcome retreat after a day’s exploring.
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Highlights of Bumthang
Ancient temples
A palace exploration
A festival experience
A festival experience
Jambay Lhakhang and Kurje Lhakhang
Today you will see two of the oldest temples in the kingdom: Jambay Lhakhang and Kurje Lhakhang. The Jambay Lhakhang temple was built in the 7th century AD by a Tibetan King named Songtsen Gampo. The main relic of the temple is the statue of the future Buddha, Jowo Jampa, from whose name the present name of the temple is derived.
You’ll then continue to Kurje Lhakhang temple, whose name means ‘the temple where body image has been engraved’. According to legend, the 8th century Buddhist Master Guru Rinpoche, often referred to as the Second Buddha, meditated here and left an imprint of his body on the rocks.
Wangdicholing
Enjoy a guided tour of the old palace of Wangdicholing. Built in 1857, the palace served as the main summer residence of the first and second kings of Bhutan and is now being turned into a museum. To the north of the palace, you’ll see five giant water-driven prayer wheels.
For those who are interested, we can arrange a very special tea or dinner with some of the courtiers of the Second King who ruled Bhutan from 1926-1952. You’ll be accompanied by a guide who can translate.
Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival
During your trip you’ll be able to experience two nights of the five-day-long Jambay festival. Bhutanese Buddhist festivals are known as ‘tsechus’ and celebrate Guru Rimpoche, the saint who brought Buddhism to Bhutan. Jambay lhakhang Drup is renowned as one of the most spectacular festivals in the country.
Watch as local villagers gather around the temple in a spirit of festivity, celebration and deep faith to witness unique masked dances and celebrations performed by monks and laymen in colorful costumes. Masked dancers enact the vanquishing of evil spirits in lively performances which are considered important for the well-being of society.
Overnight in Gangtey
Gangtey, or Gangteng Valley (also known as the Phobjikhii Valley), is a glacial basin populated with an alluring mix of forests. Visit the impressive 17th century Gangteng Goempa – Bhutan’s largest Nyingmapa monastery – and its surrounding quaint village. You’ll have our list of recommended tours, restaurants and attractions to make sure you make the most of your time here.
Where you could stay
Gangtey
Overview
You’ll find this exclusive lodge set upon a forested knoll near the village of Gangtey in the picturesque Phobjikha Valley. It benefits from the privacy, seclusion and attention that comes from having just eight suites, as well as sweeping views of the broad valley and the 16th-century Gangtey Monastery.
Each suite features an open-plan living and bedroom area with a traditional bukhari – fire burning stove – positioned between the bedroom and the bathroom.
Cosy chairs, sofas and family-style dining tables appoint the lounge which features floor-to-ceiling windows for breath taking views over the valley and surrounding mountains. Spa facilities with private treatment rooms can be found on the lodge’s ground floor.
→ Find out moreGangtey
Overview
The newly built hotel draws on both the unique Bhutanese style of rural architecture and the talents of a top interior designer to compliment the sweeping views of its valley setting.
The intimate, boutique hotel has just 12 exquisitely appointed rooms, each reflecting the kingdom’s rich cultural heritage. Guests will find a mellow fireplace and cosy fabrics in earthen tones warming their rooms, as well as ornate, traditional decorations which deepen the feeling of an authentic Bhutanese experience.
Wall to ceiling valley and mountain views adorn the comfortable lounge and dining area which features plush leather sofas – ideal for sinking into after a day of adventure. With both spectacular surroundings and a designer look, the Gantey Lodge is an inspired choice for a stay in the beautiful Gangte Valley.
→ Find out more
Overnight in Punakha
The little town of Punakha still enjoys a serene and regal ambience left over from its stately days. Found in a fertile valley at a relatively low 12,000 meters above sea level, travelers here enjoy activities such as mountain biking, trekking and river rafting.
Step into the area’s history with a visit to the town’s show-stopping Punakha Dzong, fully restored to its original splendor and considered one of the country’s most striking ancient fortresses. You’ll then spend your evening in the company of the nuns at the local Wolokha Nunnery.
Where you could stay
Punakha
Overview
Wrapped in lush rice fields and fruit orchards by Mo Chhu River, with views to the seventeenth century Punakha Dzong, is a former traditional Bhutanese farmhouse: the Amankora Punakha hotel.
Intimate and exclusive, this stand-out property provides just eight classically designed suites. Each boasts heaps of space and comfort, plus a traditional wood burning ‘bukhari’ stove for a peek into local life.
Dining, pampering and adventure are all well catered for, from the communal dining room, tea pavilion and alfresco courtyard to the two-story spa and meditation room, to exciting white-water-rafting tours.
→ Find out morePunakha
Overview
Nestled deep in the hush of Bhutan’s flourishing wilderness, this heavenly mountain retreat looks out over the rushing Mo Chu River as it winds through orchards and rice fields. Discreetly sleek with its calming, signature COMO style, Uma Punakha enjoys spectacular untouched valley and river views.
Gaze at these sublime panoramas from your hillside room or villa. While some feature private terraces, all boast enormous beds, wood-burning stoves and neutral colour schemes peppered with traditional hand-painted wall designs portraying local scenes.
The restaurant, Bukhari, then offers an array of delicious dishes made from fresh, local farming produce for an authentic taste of local life. Meanwhile the spa promises complete relaxation with holistic, Asian-inspired treatments, therapies and massages.
→ Find out morePunakha
Overview
Located deep in the heart of the verdant Punakha Valley, Dhensa Boutique Resort offers guests a unique combination of contemporary design coupled with architecture comes that’s straight from Bhutan’s ancient past.
Each of the 24 suites – set in six cottages – benefit from private balconies and bathrooms with tubs set against large French with stunning views. Interiors are specious and designed to encapsulate the beauty of simplicity. In the resort’s restaurant guests can choose from a selection of both Western classics and Asian favorites, created from seasonal, local and organic produce.
The spa is uniquely equipped with an outdoor wood-fired bath as well as a steam room and a sauna with a window overlooking the forestry. Treatments use hand-blended oils for the ultimate in revival.
→ Find out more
Two nights in Thimphu
Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city, is your next destination. Spend your time exploring the market and the monastery of Tashichho Dzong. A wander around Thimphu’s relaxed and friendly city gives a look at a more urban side of Bhutan. Visits to the Arts and Crafts School, the Textile Museum and the Traditional Medicine Hospital are recommended.
Where you could stay
Thimphu
Overview
Nestled in a pine forest in Thimphu Valley, this dzong-inspired retreat peacefully looks down to the city from the upper reaches of the Motithang area. Whitewashed stone buildings house slick suites, lounges and spa, while the Amankora service is of course exemplary, with a mood of effortless pampering prevailing throughout.
Sink into your king-sized bed and look out to views of the courtyard, stream or forest from your suite’s window banquette. Then head to the outdoor dining deck for further scenic views and delicious western and Thai cuisine. Plenty of activity is also available from fishing to archery, Bhutan’s national sport, to trekking and white water rafting.
Though the Amankora Thimphu enjoys a quiet location, its proximity to the city promises you are still close to the capital’s sights and shopping, with Paro airport just two hours away.
→ Find out moreThimphu
Overview
Blending Bhutanese Dzong architecture with the highest of modern international standards, Taj Tashi is a grand property in the heart of the Thimphu Valley. Ringed by the Himalayas, its enchanting surrounds are echoed in the hotel’s style with classical hand-drawn Buddhist murals decorating the walls, signature Asian treatments at the spa and many local, elegant touches throughout.
Rooms and suites look out to breath-taking views with some boasting private sit-outs that open out to green mountains rising high above the valley. All of course enjoy the finest amenities, though opt for a suite if you fancy the further luxuries of canopy beds, pillow menus, walk-in closets and stand-alone bathtubs.
The food here is also superb. Don’t miss a chance to savour the fiery flavours at Chig-ja-gye, the hotel’s Bhutanese restaurant, while three more eateries ensure those with a taste for European and Tibetan dishes are catered for too.
→ Find out more
Coronation Day Festival
Today you will attend the celebrations marking the coronation of His Majesty the King, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the 5th and current Druk Gyalpo. Held annually, Coronation Day is a public holiday in Bhutan and celebrations to mark it usually last for three days.
The festival begins with the offering of a spiritual lamp before the portrait of the King and the singing of the national anthem. Then follows dancing, games and cultural activities performed by monks and laymen in colorful costumes and masks.
Two nights in Paro
Returning to Paro, it’s on this visit that you’ll hike to the awe-inspiring eighth-century Taktsang, also known as Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched high on a sheer cliff face. Just outside the town, you will also see the dominating Paro Dzong – a prime example of Bhutanese architecture – and the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, which was one of the first Buddhist temples built in the country.
Where you could stay
Paro
Overview
Situated in Balakha Village, the Amankora Paro contrasts rustic elements with contemporary design. Its pleasing features include natural rammed-earth walls, gently sloping roofs, wood-panelled interiors and spectacular views of blue pine forests, the 17th-century Drukyel Dzong and Mount Jhomolhari.
This impressive lodge features 24 suites, each with a combined lounge and bedroom and traditional wood-burning stove. Centred by a large flagstone courtyard, a lime-washed stone pavilion houses the living and dining room facilities with floor-to-ceiling windows, a library and an outdoor terrace overlooking a small stream.
A spa set on two levels features a yoga studio with glass walls and treatment rooms with outdoor baths.
→ Find out moreParo
Overview
Located on a 38-acre site sitting on a forested mount, Uma Paro was once the home of a Bhutanese nobleman and is a resort of exceptional style and elegance. The building, one of Bhutan’s only boutique hotels, features handcrafted stone, wood and tiles and white walls vividly painted by local artists.
29 suites including private villas can be found amongst glades planted with azaleas, and each suite features a traditional wood-burning stove. The circular dining room offers a unique atmosphere for dinners while a cosy bar and lounge afford complete relaxation.
Spa facilities incorporate a unique hot stone bath house, a large indoor pool with outdoor sun deck and steam rooms. There is also the use of a fitness centre and a boutique to complete your stay.
→ Find out moreParo
Overview
Fusing Bhutanese tradition with the best of modern-day technology, Zhiwa Ling is a forward-thinking hotel faithfully rooted in the past.
Guestrooms blend elaborate hand-carved wooden cornices with Swedish underfloor heating to create a comfortable tribute to Bhutan’s ornate architecture. Some feature sitting and dining rooms and all boast Paro valley views, best enjoyed from your sofa or balcony.
And the amenities don’t stop there. The spa is decked out with a sauna, steam room and traditional outdoor hot stone bath, while two restaurants serve a range of regional and international dishes. The spiritually inclined are particularly well catered for and can experience an authentic Buddhist ceremony at the in-house temple, made from 450 year old timbers from the famous Gangtey Monastery, and practise yoga at the Meditation House.
→ Find out moreWhy book with Jacada
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.
Positive Impact
We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.
