Overview
The Jakar Tshechu Festival is an annual event held at the courtyard of Jakar Dzong in Bumthang, Bhutan. This three-day festival celebrates Bhutanese culture with sacred mask dances, folk songs, and dances. Tourists can witness the vibrant festivities and immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of Bhutan.
Festival Tour Highlights
– Scenic Mountain Flight: Experience a breathtaking mountain flight to Bumthang valley.
– Colorful Festival: Witness the vibrant Jakar Tshechu Festival with its sacred dances and traditional performances.
– Cultural Immersion: Meet local people, visit ancient temples, monasteries, and majestic dzongs (forts).
– Scenic Landscapes: Enjoy the stunning natural beauty of Bhutan’s landscapes.
– Village Exploration: Visit Bhutanese villages and farmhouses to experience rural life.
– Archery Matches: Witness traditional archery matches, a popular sport in Bhutan.
Jakar Tshechu Festival Itinerary –
Sketch:
Day 01: Arrive Paro and Sightseeing | Altitude: 2280 m
– Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel.
– Visit the National Museum of Bhutan (Ta Dzong) and Rinpung Dzong.
– Free time for shopping and exploration in Paro town.
– Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 02: Paro – Bumthang Sightseeing | Mountain Flight | Altitude: 2600 m
– Take a scenic mountain flight to Bumthang valley.
– Visit Jambay Lhakhang, Chakhar Lhakhang, Tamshing Lhakhang, and Kurjey Lhakhang.
– Leisure time in Bumthang.
– Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 03: Bumthang – Witness the Jakar Tshechu Festival
– Drive to Jakar Dzong and witness the Jakar Tshechu Festival.
– Visit Kenchosum Monastery in the evening.
– Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 04: Witness the Jakar Tshechu Festival – Ogen Choling Palace
– Continue to enjoy the Jakar Tshechu Festival in the morning.
– Visit Ogen Choling Palace.
– Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 05: Bumthang – Trongsa – Gangtey | Altitude: 3000 m | Drive: 5 hours
– Drive to Gangtey via Trongsa.
– Visit Trongsa Tower (Ta Dzong), Trongsa Dzong, and Gangtey Gompa Monastery.
– Explore Phobjikha Valley.
– Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 06: Gangtey – Punakha Sightseeing | Altitude: 1242 m | Drive: 2 hours
– Visit the Crane Information Center.
– Drive to Punakha, visiting Wangdue Phodrang Dzong and Chimi Lhakhang.
– Visit Punakha Dzong and hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Choling Monastery.
– Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 07: Punakha – Thimphu Sightseeing | Altitude: 2334 m | Drive: 2 hours\
– Walk across the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan.
– Visit Dochu La Pass and witness an archery match at Changlimithang Stadium.
– Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 08: Thimphu Sightseeing | Altitude: 2334 m
– Visit the National Memorial Chorten, Kuensel Phodrang, Changangkha Lhakhang, Takin Preserve Center, Sangaygang Viewpoint, and Dupthop Lhakhang.
– Lunch at Simply Bhutan museum restaurant.
– Explore Craft Bazaar and Tashichho Dzong.
– Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 09: Thimphu – Paro Sightseeing | Altitude: 2280 m | Drive: 1 hour
– Visit the National Postal Museum, Textile Museum, and the School of 13 Arts and Crafts.
– Drive to Paro, visiting Tamchog Monastery.
– Evening visit to a Bhutanese farmhouse.
– Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 10: Paro – Hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery | Hike: 4 hours
– Embark on a hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
– Visit Drugyel Dzong and Kichu Lhakhang.
– Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 11: Departure from Paro (End of Jakar Tshechu Festival 2024 Tour)
– Transfer to Paro International Airport for departure.
Jakar Tshechu Festival Tour Cost:
– Solo travel: US $ 3480.
– 2 people in a group: US $ 2740 per person.
– 3 – 10 people in a group: US $ 2640 per person.
Arrival & Departure Location: Paro International Airport, Bhutan.
Reporting Time: 3 hours before flight time.
Tour Cost Includes:
– The tour package includes all meals throughout the day, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and evening tea.
– Accommodation [twin / double sharing basis]. Single room supplement is extra.
– All transportation within the country including airport transfers.
– Sustainable development fee (SDF).
– Bhutan visa fee.
– English speaking local guide.
– Sightseeing.
– Bottled water during the tour.
Tour Cost Excludes:
– Drukair fares.
– Entrance fees for museums and monuments.
– Travel insurance premiums.
– Personal expenses such as laundry, soft drinks, incidentals, camera charges, tips, etc.